Picking the right exchange for the UK crypto market is important due to security, ease, and value for money. Because of the FCA regulations and crypto market progress, investors need platforms with strong security, low competitive rates, and many types of cryptocurrencies.
The top crypto exchanges in the UK really serve every type of investor. For example, there are the more beginner level, compliant, and efficient trading options with apps like Revolut and eToro. For the more advanced investors, there are professional grade options like Kraken and Coinbase.
Key Considerations When Choosing a UK Crypto Exchange
Regulations and Licensing – Please verify that the exchange is registered with the FCA and complies with UK AML/KYC regulations.
Risk Mitigation – Cash in transit should always be insured; look for accounts with multi-sig drawers and unconnected vaults.
Variety of Supported Cryptocurrencies – If you have a non-Bitcoin crypto focus, check for the maximum number of coins and the greatest number of actively trading pairs.
Merchants, Trading and Associated Fees – Make sure you understand maker/taker fees, spreads, crypto cross and peg fees, crypto withdrawal peg fees, and all the other crypto fees you have to pay when moving exchange crypto.
Mobile Application and Interface – If you are offered the exchange’s mobile application, it should simplify trading and be reliable.
User Support – And by that, I mean, be engaged in a conversation.
UK Compliance – Don’t be surprised if it does not; the exchange is UK licensed and compliant.
Market Activity – the greater the liquidity, the better the price and the lower the liquidity, the worse the price.
User Reviews – Know your exchange. Reputation and customer focus are your key indicators.
Other Functions – Some other trading functions, like power trading, crypto cards, and earning and other trading functions value crypto holding.
Key Point
| Exchange | Cryptocurrencies | Maker / Taker Trading Fees (Tier 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Kraken | 300 | 0.25% / 0.40% |
| Revolut | 225 | 0% / 0.09% (Revolut X) |
| Coinbase | 260 | 0.25% / 0.40% |
| eToro | 90 | Spread-based |
| Crypto.com | 400 | Spread-based (~0.10–0.20%) |
| Uphold | 250 | Spread-based (~0.20–0.50%) |
| Nexo | 100 | Spread-based |
| Bitstamp | 80 | 0.10% / 0.25% |
| Gemini | 70 | 0.35% / 0.65% |
| CoinJar | 65 | 0.10% on CoinJar Exchange or 1% on CoinJar app |
1. Kraken
Established in 2011, Kraken has built a reputation as a secure and compliant cryptocurrency exchange in the United States and across the globe. Kraken has one of the largest collections of cryptocurrencies, with over 300 digital currencies available for trading and investment.
Apps as well as web interfaces for trading are fully functional when trading is done anytime or anywhere. Customers have access to certified professionals for assistance at all levels of complexity.
A variety of safety measures have been implemented, including two-factor verification and temporary digital wallets. With competitive pricing, drooping fees of 0.25% and 0.40% for the maker and taker respectively, Kraken has become one of the primary destinations for functional and comprehensive digital wallets.
Kraken Features
- Founded in 2011 and regulated in the US & EU
- 300+ cryptocurrencies supported
- Advanced trading and margin trading tools (not for UK retail).
- Cold storage, 2FA, and other regular audit measures contribute to strong security.
- Mobile app for iOS & Android.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Low trading fees. 0.25% / 0.40% for Tier 1.
2. Revolut
Revolut is a regulated fintech platform which was established in 2015. Besides banking services, it also offers cryptocurrency trading. Through Revolut X, the platform offers 225 cryptocurrencies which is ideal for casual and active traders.
The Revolut mobile banking application is simple to use and allows the user to manage banking, spending, and cryptocurrencies in one place. Customer service is available within the application via chat and is quick to respond, and Revolut offers security measures like biometric logins, encryption, and cold storage for digital assets.
Revolut’s 0% maker and 0.09% taker fees for Revolut X also guarantee competitive trading. There’s also cold storage for digital assets. Revolut is suitable for beginners looking for a simple crypto interface as it offers seamless services. It also offers the Best Crypto Exchange Services in the UK.
Revolut Features
- Founded in 2015 and regulated by the FCA UK.
- 225+ cryptocurrencies available to users through Revolut X.
- Banking and crypto are fully integrated in mobile app.
- Beginner focused, and user-friendly.
- Security: biometric login, encryption, cold storage.
- In-app chat for customer support.
3. Coinbase
Coinbase is a digital currency service. US-based and founded in 2012, Coinbase is a trustworthy service that is publicly listed on the exchange. They offer more than 260 cryptocurrencies and work with beginners and institutional investors. Coinbase’s mobile app is easy to use and allows users to trade conveniently and learn about crypto portfolios.
Support is available in the Coinbase help center and live chat is available to premium users. They use two-factor authentication, cold storage, and offer insurance on digital assets, which is proof of high-end security.
The trading fees are 0.25% / 0.40%, which are competitive for standard trades. Most reliable digital currency service in the UK is Coinbase, whether for a simple trade or complex institutional trades. Best Crypto Exchange Services in the UK, Coinbase combines trust, accessibility, and security, ideal for new and experienced traders alike.
Coinbase Features
- Founded in 2012 and regulated in the US, FCA UK authorized.
- 260+ cryptocurrencies available.
- Mobile app for beginners with learning features.
- 2FA, cold storage, and insurance coverage provide strong security.
- Live chat and help center for customer support.
- 0.25% / 0.40% trading fees.
4. eToro
Since it was established in 2007, eToro has been a platform where beginner investors can trade in traditional and digital assets, and it has a strong social investing component for beginners.
Though it has a limited range of 90 cryptocurrencies, it is a good choice for beginners as it offers social and copy trading for users who prefer to automate their trading.
For users who trade on the go, it has a fully functional mobile trading and portfolio management app on both iOS and Android. eToro has a ticketing system and live chat for customer support, and it to has strong security features like two-factor authentication and regular security audits.
For casual users, the system is easy to understand as the fees are set as a spread. For social trading and beginner cryptocurrencies, eToro best suited for beginners.
eToro Features
- Founded in 2007 and regulated by the UK FCA, CySEC.
- 90 distinct cryptocurrencies offered
- Features for social & copy trading
- Charts and portfolio tracking available on the mobile app
- 2FA and compliance with regulations that ensure safety
- Support available through tickets and live chat
5. Crypto.com
Crypto.com is a globally regulated exchange and is founded in 2016, is headquartered in Singapore, and offers over 400 cryptocurrencies for trade. It has a wide range of cryptocurrency services, including staking, lending, and exchange for a Visa debit card.
The Crypto.com app for mobile trading, account management, and crypto rewards is very popular. For your account security, it has cold storage, multi-factor authentication, and optional insurance.
For users who trade actively, spread fees of approximately 0.10% to 0.2% are very competitive. For investors looking for a complete crypto service ecosystem, Crypto.com is best suited for them as it offers competitive trading services and account management.
Crypto.com Features
- 2016, Singapore and global compliance
- Over 400 cryptocurrencies
- Mobile application with trading, staking, lending, and crypto cards
- Security features include cold storage, multi-factor authentication, and insurance
- 24/7 chat and email support
- Spread-based fees around 0.10 – 0.20%
6. Uphold
Uphold was established in 2013 and is now authorized and compliant in 51 jurisdictions. It is a regulated digital money platform providing access to 250+ cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and fiat currencies.
Their mobile app facilitates trading and cross-asset transfers using Android and iOS devices. Their customer service is reachable by chat and email.
To protect customer accounts, they provide two-factor authentication and encrypted transactions, and custodial insurance covers losses in a user account.
Their trading cost is spread based (~0.20-0.50%). For Users in the UK, Uphold is the Best Crypto Exchange Services and is ideal for customers who want to trade crypto alongside several other asset classes.
Uphold Features
- 2013, US and UK regulation
- Over 250 cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies and metals
- Mobile app for cross-asset trading on iOS and Android
- Security features include 2FA, encryption, and audits
- Supports via chat and email
- Spread-based fees between 0.20 – 0.50%
7. Nexo
Nexo was established in 2018 and is a regulated platform for crypto lending, borrowing, and earning interest. It offers 100 cryptocurrencies for trade and provides a mobile app to trade, lend, and manage rewards.
Their customer service is reachable by live chat and email, and offers custodial insurance, two-factor authentication, and cold storage to ensure account losses are mitigated. Nexo’s spread based trading is designed to accommodate both advanced traders and beginners.
For Users in the UK, Nexo is the Best Crypto Exchange Services and is ideal for customers who want to integrate trade and crypto backed financial services.
Nexo Features
- 2018, EU and global regulation
- 100 cryptocurrencies
- Offers crypto lending, borrowing and interest earning
- Mobile app for trading and rewards
- Security features include insurance, 2FA and cold storage
- Supports via chat and email
8. Bitstamp
Having been established in 2011, Bitstamp is one of the first regulated crypto exchanges within Europe. It is located in Luxembourg. bitstamp offers 80 various cryptocurrencies along with high liquidity, sophisticated tools for trading, and real-time market access and portfolio tracking through their mobile application.
Assistance can be obtained via live chat, email, and a phone call. Moreover, cold storage, two-factor identification, and frequent security check-ups enhance the protection of client valuables.
The trading cost in bitstamp is also very competitive for high traders since it has a 0.10% and 0.25% maker/taker fee. Best Crypto Exchange Services in the UK, Bitstamp is a perfect option for individuals with the desire of secure and reliable trading.
Bitstamp Features
- Established: 2011 | Regulated: EU (Luxembourg)
- 80 cryptocurrencies
- Advanced trading tools and reliable liquidity.
- Mobile app for iOS & Android.
- Security: cold storage, 2FA, and regular audits.
- Support via chat, email, and phone.
- Fees: 0.10% / 0.25%
9. Gemini
Being one of the first regulated crypto exchanges in the United States as well, Gemini was established in 2014 by the Winklevoss twins and offers with 70 different cryptocurrencies.
Moreover, it also provides a secure mobile application for trading and portfolio managing along with digital price alerts and a trading suspension for under 18, clientele.
Client support can be reached through live chat and email, and the security entails cold storage, 2FA, and digital asset insurance.
With 0.35% / 0.65% maker and taker fees applied, it is standard for regulated platforms. In the UK, Gemini is one of the Best Crypto Exchange Services and it is designed for users focusing on trading flexibility while, still maintaining security and regulatory compliance.—
Gemini Features
- Established: 2014 | Regulated: US | FCA UK authorized
- 70 cryptocurrencies
- Mobile app for trading, alerts, and portfolio management.
- Security: 2FA, cold storage, and insurance.
- Customer support via chat and email.
- Fees: 0.35% / 0.65%
10. CoinJar
CoinJar is an Australian exchange that has been operating since 2013. CoinJar has a regulated Australian financial license providing an extensive range of financial services.
CoinJar has a mobile app (for both Android and iOS) that allows users to trade and pay via CoinJar’s card. Customer support can be reached via chat or email. CoinJar invested in safety by providing 2FA and encrypted wallets.
CoinJar has a 0.10% trading fee on CoinJar exchange and app trading is 1%. CoinJar is a great option for those who are looking for easy and safe crypto trading services in the UK.
CoinJar Features
- Established: 2013 | Regulated: Australia
- 65 cryptocurrencies
- Mobile app for trading, portfolio management, and card payments.
- Security: 2FA, encrypted storage.
- Customer support via chat and email.
- Fees: 0.10% on CoinJar Exchange, 1% on app
UK Crypto Regulatory Environment
The UK continues to be a competitive global crypto hub while implementing some of the most comprehensive regulations in the world. Regulation of the crypto sector in the UK falls to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and HM Treasury.
The FCA has the enforcement power to apply anti-money laundering (AML) rules along with the enforcement of Financial Promotions regulations under the 2017 Money Laundering Regulations, and recently the FCA has financial promotion rules under the Travel Rule (2018).
The key regulations for the crypto sector in the UK include:
- A retail ban has been issued for crypto derivatives and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) since the start of 2021, and the FCA in June has hinted possible easing.
- All cryptoasset businesses serving UK residents must be registered with the FCA.
- Enforcement of the Travel Rule: large crypto transfers must include full identification of the sender and recipient.
- Platforms offering crypto must perform “appropriateness” and investor categorization.
- Financial Promotions must be restricted with access to marketed products for clients controlled by FCA.
The aim of these regulations is to increase the standards of service providers while maintaining the protection of retail investors from high-risk products.
Limitations in Crypto Exchanges in the UK
The United Kingdom has a well-defined approach to the risks posed by crypto trading. Since January 2021, the UK has restricted retail investors from crypto trading in derivatives, ETNs, futures contracts, options, and leveraged tokens.
To also comply with UK AML/CFT regulations, some exchanges will delist high-risk privacy coins such as Monero. Consequently, the range of available tokens will differ from one exchange to another.
The Financial Conduct Authority also includes fraud and AML regulations as well as the financial promotions and Travel Rules, which means that platforms have to keep to high standards in compliance and crypto trading for retail investors.
Since 2023, most margin and derivatives crypto trading access have been restricted, and most of the major exchanges in the world such as Binance, OKX, and Bybit have minimized access in the UK or have restricted crypto trading altogether.
Conclusion
To determine the top crypto exchange in the UK one must consider your trading goals, the level of experience you have, and the need for regulatory compliance. For security and a varied selection of cryptocurrencies, one can look at Kraken and Coinbase, while Revolut and eToro are beginners’ points, designed for a straightforward, user-friendly experience.
Crypto.com, Uphold, and Nexo have staking and crypto lending in addition to their crypto exchange services.
For traders in Europe, Bitstamp and Gemini are focuses on reliable regulation and secured services, while CoinJar provides offset trading. All in all, the best UK crypto exchange combines regulatory compliance, security in trading, fees, and the cryptoassets available for a commendable trading experience.
FAQ
Exchanges like Kraken, Coinbase, and Gemini are highly regulated, with robust security measures including cold storage, two-factor authentication, and insurance coverage, making them among the safest choices for UK users.
Bitstamp and Kraken offer competitive trading fees (0.10%–0.25% maker/taker), while Revolut X provides 0% maker and 0.09% taker fees, ideal for cost-conscious traders.
No. Due to FCA regulations, retail access to derivatives, margin trading, and certain high-risk tokens is restricted. Some global exchanges like Binance, OKX, and Bybit have limited UK access.
Revolut, eToro, and Coinbase are beginner-friendly with intuitive mobile apps, easy onboarding, and simplified trading interfaces.
Yes. All exchanges serving UK residents must register with the FCA and comply with AML, KYC, and Travel Rule regulations to ensure safe and legal trading.
Crypto.com (400+ coins) and Kraken (300+ coins) provide the broadest selection, suitable for diversified crypto portfolios.