Top 5 Airdrop Farming Projects on Solana (Part 2)
Farming Airdrops on Binance Alpha: Low Risk, High Reward
How to participate in Hyperlane presale on Binance Wallet
What is Hyperlane: The Best Guide to Cross-Chain Connectivity
Is Binance Safe? Binance Exchange Security Measures Tested
What is XRP (Ripple)? The Complete Beginner’s Guide
What is Restaking in Crypto? The Beginner’s Guide
What Is Initia? A Comprehensive Guide to INIT Token
Binance Wallet Hosts Lorenzo Protocol (BANK) on PancakeSwap
Is MetaMask Safe and Legit? Security Measures Analysis
6 Best Crypto Exchanges in Singapore For 2025
Phemex Review 2025: Is it a Safe & Legit Crypto Exchange?
Binance vs Binance US: What are the Key Differences?
What Is GameFi and How Does It Work?
What is Ondo Finance? Future of RWAs and DeFi
What is Gem Wallet: Best Multi-Chain Solution for DeFi Users
What are Utility NFTs? Best NFT Utility Examples
Rabby vs MetaMask: Which is a Better Crypto Wallet?
What Is DeSci? The Ultimate Guide to Decentralized Science
What Are Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)? The Ultimate Collector’s Guide
What is an NFT Drop? Your Simple Guide to Participation
What Is Trust Wallet? A 2025 Comprehensive Guide
What is DeFi (Decentralized finance) and How Does it Work?
What is DeFi NFT? The Ultimate Guide
Is May the beginning of a new growth cycle for Bitcoin?
Top 5 projects Could be Listed on Binance
Mantra (OM) Price Prediction: Last Chance for Profit Gainers?
How Market Makers Become Executioners: A Lesson from the Mantra Collapse
Hyperliquid Deep Dive: Understand HYPE and HLP Model
XRP Deep Dive: A Masssive Player in Today’s Crypto Market
Study: 88% of Businesses Reported Higher Revenue after Accepting Crypto Payment
Survey: Nearly 80% of FTX Creditors Will Reinvest in Crypto with Their Repayment
XDC Deep Dive
Survey: 1 in 7 Americans Has Bought TRUMP Memecoin
Robonomics (XRT) Deep Dive
2025 Crypto Ownership Report: 70% of American Adults Own Cryptocurrency
By Fatima Rodriguez
Key Takeaways
The best crypto exchanges in the UK are OKX, MEXC, Gate.io, Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com, eToro, and CoinJar due to FCA regulation, high security, and competitive fees.
In the UK, cryptocurrency gains over £3,000 are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) at rates of 10% for basic taxpayers and 20% for higher earners, as per HMRC guidelines.
UK crypto traders can choose from centralized exchanges (CEX), decentralized exchanges (DEX), and peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms, each offering different levels of control and privacy.
If you’re wondering how to buy cryptocurrency in the UK, finding the right platform is crucial. The best crypto exchange in the UK not only offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies but also provides a user-friendly experience and competitive fees.
Also, it’s important to consider factors like FCA regulation and GBP transaction support to ensure a safe trading environment. In this guide, we will review the 8 best crypto trading platforms in the UK to help you make informed choices.
We have reviewed multiple cryptocurrency trading platforms in the UK based on factors like fees, security, ease of use, FCA compliance, and features. Here is the list of our best crypto exchanges in the UK:
OKX is the best crypto exchange in the UK. It allows you to access many services, from basic spot trading to more advanced options like futures, margin trading, and decentralized finance (DeFi) products. It supports over 350 different cryptocurrencies and 500+ trading pairs. The traders can also use advanced tools like trading bots, staking, and borrowing/lending services.
OKX is available through both mobile apps and desktop versions. This makes it convenient for traders, whether you prefer trading on the go or at your desk. OKX also offers low trading fees, starting at 0.08% maker and 0.1% taker. However, UK traders must follow the new rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These rules include a 24-hour “cooling-off” period for new users and a focus on managing trading risks.
It has also added a Web3 marketplace, where you can take part in DeFi, buy NFTs, or use decentralized apps (dApps). The staking feature offers returns as high as 20% on certain tokens, which might be appealing if you’re investing for the long term in the crypto market.
OKX Referral Code
Claim Your Share of the 60,000 USDT Prize Pool!
Deposit & Trade This Month
Code Valid: April 2025
MEXC is a popular cryptocurrency exchange that has been around since 2018, attracting millions of traders worldwide, including those from the UK. One of its main advantages is that it allows UK users to trade without completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process, which is ideal if you prefer privacy. With this option, you can withdraw up to 10 BTC per day, which provides flexibility for most traders.
MEXC stands out with its low fees, making it one of the cheapest exchanges for UK traders. It offers 0% maker fees and occasionally runs promotions where you can trade futures contracts without paying fees. This makes MEXC a very cost-effective option, especially for frequent or high-volume traders.
The platform supports over 2,800 cryptocurrencies, from big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum to lesser-known altcoins. It also offers a range of trading options, including spot trading, futures, and copy trading.
MEXC Referral Code
Claim 1,000 USDT Future Bonus
Code Valid: April 2025
Gate.io is another UK crypto trading platform that offers a wide range of crypto features. With access to over 2,700 cryptocurrencies, it’s ideal if you’re looking to explore different assets. Whether you’re into spot trading, margin trading, or futures, Gate.io has something for you. You can even use up to 100x leverage for futures trading.
For those who prefer automated trading, Gate.io has several trading bots. These bots, like the Grid Trading and Futures Trading bots, can help you set trading strategies and let the system do the work, which is handy if you don’t want to monitor the market constantly.
When it comes to fees, Gate.io is competitive. The base fee for spot trading starts at 0.1%, but if you hold their native GT token or trade in large volumes, you can get discounts. Security-wise, Gate.io implements two-factor authentication (2FA), stores most of its funds in cold wallets, and performs regular security checks to protect your assets.
For more information, check out our detailed Gate.io review.
Promotion
Get $6666 Welcome Rewards NOW
Deposit & Start Trading Today on Gate.io
Code Valid: April 2025
Coinbase is one of the top exchanges in the UK, especially for beginners due to its FCA license and straightforward design. If you’re new to crypto, signing up is easy. All you need is to verify your ID, add a payment method like a bank account or debit card, and you’re ready to start buying crypto. Coinbase’s app and desktop exchange make it simple to manage your portfolio, and you can even receive real-time notifications on price changes.
For more experienced users, Coinbase has an “Advanced Trade” option that gives you access to detailed tools and real-time order books. You can also store your assets securely in Coinbase Wallet, a non-custodial crypto wallet, or earn rewards by staking certain cryptocurrencies directly through the platform.
Coinbase is available across multiple countries, including the UK, and supports GBP transactions, making it convenient for UK-based traders. However, one drawback is the higher fees – bank transfers cost about 1.49%, and debit card transactions are even higher at 3.99%. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re making smaller transactions.
User Score
9.8
Coinbase Promotion
Get Bonus Up to $600
Kraken, founded in 2011, is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges globally and is well-regarded in the UK. Kraken’s UK platform supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Polkadot (DOT), and more.
UK users can trade in GBP, which makes Kraken attractive for avoiding currency conversion fees. Kraken also offers margin trading with up to 5x leverage and supports futures trading on popular crypto pairs like BTC and ETH.
Kraken’s reputation is built on security, with over $100 million invested in cybersecurity. The platform uses advanced features like cold storage for most assets, two-factor authentication (2FA), and withdrawal whitelist management. UK users can also access Kraken’s Pro platform, which offers advanced charting tools, lower trading fees, and more detailed market data, ideal for professional traders.
User Score
9.8
Kraken Promotion
Get Sign Up Bonus
Crypto.com is a major Bitcoin exchange in the UK with over 100 million global users. Launched in 2016, it supports the buying, selling, and trading of over 350 cryptocurrencies. It supports spot and margin trading, giving UK traders access to advanced financial tools like limit orders and derivatives. The platform also supports DeFi tools, with features like the Crypto.com DeFi Wallet and DeFi Earn, which provide users with decentralized financial services.
UK traders can fund their accounts via bank transfers, debit/credit cards, or cryptocurrency deposits. The platform also offers a range of payment options, including Crypto.com Pay, enabling users to spend their crypto on everyday purchases. Additionally, its Visa card offers rewards of up to 5% cashback in CRO tokens for UK users who choose to convert and spend crypto.
Promotion
Sign up to get US$50 worth of CRO bonus
Deposit & Start Trading Today on Crypto.com
Code Valid: April 2025
eToro is a British Bitcoin platform for cryptocurrency trading, ideal for both beginners and seasoned investors. It stands out for its user-friendly design and unique features, such as social trading. This platform offers access to popular digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ altcoins.
It offers a CopyTrading system, which lets you automatically mimic the trades of more experienced investors. This is especially helpful if you’re new to crypto trading and want to benefit from expert strategies. Another feature, CopyPortfolios, is designed for users looking for diversified portfolios. These portfolios are made up of several cryptocurrencies or other financial instruments, which are managed as a group.
For UK users, eToro supports GBP deposits and withdrawals, making the process smoother. The platform also offers CFD trading (contracts for difference), allowing you to trade cryptocurrencies with leverage. It’s worth noting that eToro charges a withdrawal fee of $5 and an inactivity fee of $10 if your account has been inactive for a year.
For further information on this exchange, check out our full eToro review.
CoinJar is the best cryptocurrency app in the UK, offering services since 2013. It is known for its user-friendly platform. It provides access to over 60 different cryptocurrencies. The exchange is also fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.
You can use fiat currencies like GBP to make deposits via the Faster Payments system, with no fees for GBP deposits and withdrawals. Fees are set at a flat 1% for crypto conversions, which is quite high compared to many exchanges. If you’re looking for faster transactions, CoinJar offers instant crypto purchases using Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, but these methods come with a 2% fee.
In addition to regular crypto trading, CoinJar offers advanced trading tools through its CoinJar Exchange, where traders benefit from lower fees based on trading volume. High-volume traders can enjoy fees as low as 0.06% for takers and 0.02% for makers. Another unique offering is the CoinJar Card, a crypto debit card that allows you to spend your crypto assets in-store or online, with a 1% transaction fee for purchases.
Security is absolutely essential when it comes to choosing a crypto exchange. You want to make sure the platform you use has robust security measures to protect your money. The best exchanges use things like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage (which keeps your assets offline where they’re safer from hackers), and encryption to keep your information secure.
Some platforms even offer insurance on your funds, which can help protect you if there’s ever a security breach. Exchanges like OKX and Coinbase are known for storing a large portion of their funds in cold storage and have insurance to cover losses. Remember, cryptocurrency hacks have cost billions globally, so using an exchange with strong security measures can really help protect you.
In the UK, crypto exchanges have to be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures they follow rules like anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, which are designed to keep things safe and above board.
Some big exchanges, like OKX, Kraken, and Coinbase, are registered or in the process of getting registered with the FCA. It’s safer to use exchanges that follow these rules because it makes it easier to trust the platform with your money. On the flip side, using an exchange that doesn’t comply with UK regulations can be a big risk because you have less protection if something goes wrong.
The next thing to consider is which cryptocurrencies the UK exchange supports. If you’re just looking to trade major coins like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH), most exchanges will have you covered. However, if you’re interested in trading lesser-known coins (altcoins), you’ll want to choose a UK platform with a wider selection.
For example, OKX offers more than 350 different cryptocurrencies, while Kraken has around 200. CoinJar is more limited, focusing mainly on the bigger, more stable options. So, depending on what you want to invest in, it’s important to check whether the exchange supports those specific cryptocurrencies.
Typically, crypto exchanges charge trading fees for buying and selling, and sometimes additional withdrawal fees if you want to take your money or crypto off the platform. MEXC is one of the best zero-fee crypto exchanges.
OKX is also known for having low trading fees at around 0.08% per trade, which can go even lower if you trade more. Kraken’s fees start at 0.4% for takers and 0.25% for makers, while Coinbase tends to charge around 0.6%. Some exchanges also charge a withdrawal fee for taking your money out.
Crypto exchanges offer different features depending on your experience level. If you’re new to crypto, you might prefer platforms that are easy to use and have educational resources. For example, Coinbase is often recommended as the best crypto app for beginners because of its simple interface and features like recurring buys, which allow you to invest a set amount regularly.
On the other hand, if you’re more experienced, you might want access to advanced tools. OKX and Kraken are good options for advanced traders as they offer features like margin trading, futures trading, and staking, where you can earn passive income on your cryptocurrency. Kraken even offers staking with returns of up to 21%, and OKX has its Launchpad, which lets you invest in new crypto projects.
One final thing to consider is how you can deposit and withdraw GBP (British pounds). Most UK-focused exchanges will allow you to deposit GBP directly through Faster Payments Service (FPS), which is usually free and quick.
For example, OKX, Kraken, and Coinbase all accept bank transfers through FPS, making it easy to move money in and out. Some exchanges also let you deposit using a debit or credit card, though this might come with higher fees. For example, Coinbase charges a 3.99% fee for GBP deposits via debit card. For larger sums, bank transfers are usually the cheaper option. Some exchanges even support PayPal for UK users.
A cryptocurrency exchange is an online marketplace where people can purchase, trade, and transfer digital currencies such as BTC, ETH, and others. These platforms serve as intermediates, connecting buyers and sellers while offering real-time market data and tools for trading.
Cryptocurrency exchanges can also provide wallets for holding digital assets, however, security differs by platform. Exchanges in the United Kingdom must register with the FCA in order to comply with anti-money laundering legislation.
There are three main types of crypto exchanges in the UK: centralized exchanges (CEX), decentralized exchanges (DEX), and peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms.
Since January 2020, all crypto-related businesses operating in the UK must register with the FCA, or they risk fines and potential shutdowns. You’ll need to pay Capital Gains Tax when you sell or dispose of cryptocurrencies at a profit. This includes selling for fiat currency, trading one crypto for another, or using crypto to buy goods or services.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT): The annual tax-free CGT allowance is £3,000 for the 2024/25 tax year, down from £6,000 in 2023/24. Any gains above this are taxed at 10% for basic-rate taxpayers and 20% for higher-rate taxpayers.
Income Tax: If you receive cryptocurrency as payment (for services, staking, mining, or through airdrops), it is treated as income. In these cases, you’ll be taxed at your standard income tax rate, which can be 20%, 40%, or 45%, depending on your overall income bracket.
Reporting Requirements: You are required to report any crypto-related profits or losses to HMRC. If your gains exceed the £3,000 CGT allowance, they must be included in your self-assessment tax return. Failure to report could lead to penalties ranging from 10% to 100% of the owed tax, based on the severity of the offense.
The FCA also classifies crypto assets into three types: exchange tokens (like Bitcoin), security tokens, and utility tokens. Each category has different legal and tax implications, so it’s essential to understand where your holdings fall.
To trade cryptocurrency in the UK, you need to follow a few essential steps:
For a more step-by-step guide, you can read our in-depth article “How to buy cryptocurrency in the UK”.
In a nutshell, when choosing the best crypto exchanges in the UK, consider factors like fees, user experience, security, and available assets. OKX, MEXC, and Kraken offer advanced tools and low fees for experienced traders, while Coinbase and CoinJar provide user-friendly options for beginners. Each platform caters to different needs, so evaluate what matters most to you before selecting an exchange.
Overall, the listed cryptocurrency sites in the UK here provide reliable services and a broad range of features for UK users looking to trade or invest in cryptocurrencies.
OKX is often considered the best crypto exchange in the UK for beginners. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to sign up, verify your identity, and start trading. It offers clear guidance and tutorials for new users, making it accessible for those new to cryptocurrencies.
MEXC is the cryptocurrency app with lowest fee in the UK. It offers 0% maker fees and runs promotions where users can trade futures without any fees, making it highly cost-effective for both casual and high-volume traders.
OKX also provides low fees, starting at 0.08%, which appeals to traders looking for affordable options. These exchanges, however, are not FCA-regulated, so users need to weigh cost savings against regulatory considerations.
Binance is currently not permitted to operate in the UK as a fully regulated exchange. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued warnings against Binance, stating that it does not meet the required legal standards to operate in the UK.
Although UK users can still access Binance through offshore platforms, it is important to be aware of the regulatory risks involved. For UK residents seeking a legal and regulated exchange, alternatives like Coinbase and Kraken are safer options.
eToro is the best broker for trading crypto in the UK. It offers access to over 100 cryptocurrencies and provides unique features like CopyTrading, where you can automatically copy the trades of successful investors.
eToro also supports fiat deposits in GBP and is FCA-regulated, ensuring a safe and compliant trading experience. It is ideal for both beginners and experienced traders due to its mix of social trading tools and educational resources.
The best way to buy crypto in the UK depends on your preferences. For ease of use, Coinbase allows quick purchases via debit cards or bank transfers, though fees can be higher. If you’re looking for low fees, OKX or MEXC are better suited, but they require more advanced knowledge of trading. For regular, smaller purchases, CoinJar offers convenient options like instant crypto buys using Apple Pay or Google Pay. Each method has trade-offs in terms of speed, cost, and complexity.
Kraken and Coinbase are the most secure crypto exchanges in the UK due to their strong security measures, including cold storage, two-factor authentication (2FA), and continuous security audits. Both platforms are regulated by the FCA, comply with the UK regulations and provide asset protection.
Coinbase is fully legal in the UK and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This makes it a trusted platform for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies. It also complies with UK financial laws, ensuring that users’ funds and personal information are protected.
Fatima Rodriguez
Fatima Rodriguez is a freelance writer that has been in financial journalism for over 5 years. With a keen interest in the evolving digital finance landscape, Fatima has a strong understanding of the crypto ecosystem and the crucial role that exchanges and wallets play in it. In her free time, Fatima enjoys meeting people, attending fintech webinars and conferences, and staying updated on the latest industry trends.
Disclaimer
NFTevening is an award-nominated media outlet that covers NFTs and the cryptocurrency industry. Opinions expressed on NFTevening are not investment advice. Before making any high-risk investments in cryptocurrency or digital assets, investors should conduct thorough research. Please be aware that any transfers and transactions are done at your own risk, and any losses incurred are entirely your responsibility. NFTevening does not endorse the purchase or sale of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets and is not an investment advisor. Additionally, please note that NFTevening participates in affiliate marketing.
Cryptocurrency
Analysis
Learn
Crypto Basics
Cryptocurrency
Exchanges
News
News
News
Guides
Data
Exchanges
Please be aware that our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclaimers & Ethics notice have been updated.
NFTevening is a renowned and award-nominated media platform dedicated to reporting on the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists adhere to a rigorous set of editorial standards, guided by principles designed to uphold integrity, ensure editorial independence, and maintain unbiased reporting across all its publications.
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent to your inbox weekly.
8 Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK for 2025 – NFT Evening
