6 Best Crypto Exchanges in UK (2024)
As an investor in the UK, you can now access a wide range of crypto exchanges. But selecting an exchange with a bad reputation could expose you to security risks, high trading fees, lack of liquidity, poor customer support or an inconvenient user interface.
I have spent over 80 hours meticulously researching 30+ Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK and narrowed down the top credible options. This article brings a professional, well-researched look into both free and paid exchanges. Read on for exclusive, unbiased insights and discover which platform aligns best with your trading goals. Read more…
Zengo is the best crypto exchange for day trading that audits its systems for asset security. It has a secure asset recovery module if you lose your wallet keys. Zengo uses cryptography to secure user accounts and wallets.
Best UK Crypto Exchange: Top Picks!
Exchange | Best Feature | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fees | Free Trial | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
👍 Zengo | Industry-leading security | $0 (Free) | $0 (Free) | Free account offering non-custodial crypto storage | Learn More |
Uphold | Multi-asset trading | $0 (Free) with a 2.49% debit, 3.99% credit card | $0 (Free) except for a network fee between crypto wallets | Available, with instant withdrawals | Learn More |
Binance | P2P trading | $0 (Free) | Varies by blockchain, like ETH or BTC | Instant, unlimited money-back guarantee with free account | Learn More |
PrimeXBT | Leverage trading | 0.05% fee on deposits | 0.0005 BTC | Free account with instant withdrawals | Learn More |
Paybis | Low fees and low payable commissions | $0 (Free) | $5 | Free account offering non-custodial crypto storage | Learn More |
We recommend selecting a crypto exchange that allows you to earn on your idle crypto holding with yield generating products like staking, lending, liquidity farming, dual investment etc.
1) Zengo
Best for industry-leading security
Zengo gave me peace of mind with its advanced MPC technology, where the crypto exchange and I share key security. I found it reassuring that I have one set of keys while Zengo keeps the other. In fact, this approach is a great way to avoid losses during breaches. I appreciate their clear fees for things like currency conversion and spreads, making the costs easy to understand.
It is one of the best crypto exchanges that uses FaceID and fingerprint sensors for biometric identification. Earn interest when you lend your crypto to other users.
Best Feature: Industry-leading security
Coins Supported: 120+ coins, including BTC, ETH, XRP, DAG, ADS etc.
Supported Payment Methods: Maestro, bank transfers, Apple Pay, and credit cards.
Price: Free
Features:
- DeFi & NFTs Integration: Connect your account to DeFi Dapps and NFTs on the Zengo crypto exchange app.
- Advanced Security: Offers comprehensive security with MPC wallet cryptography, 3FA authentication, and biometric encryption.
- Seed Phrase-Free Recovery: No seed phrase required, allowing me easy recoverability for my Zengo exchange wallet.
- Crypto Gaming & App Discovery: Use WalletConnect for crypto gaming and discovering other crypto trading applications.
- Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies: Provides access to over 120 cryptocurrencies, offering one of the best selections.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Access live chat support anytime on the Zengo exchange for prompt assistance.
- Mobile Compatibility: Fully supported on both iOS and Android, making it convenient for mobile trading.
- Payment Methods: Supports bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and Moonpay.
Pros
Cons
Trading Fees:
Zengo Essentials is available for free. Minimum purchase amounts usually begin at $50, while maximum limits vary by payment provider, allowing users in Europe to buy up to €10,000 daily and €20,000 monthly.
2) Uphold
Best for multi-asset trading
Uphold, in my experience, is an amazing platform that offers a broad selection of tokens and coins for trading. I particularly appreciate the option to access foreign exchange and metals, which makes it great for diverse assets. I could also perform direct swaps in the crypto market without needing fiat conversion, which helps me trade efficiently. KYC verification is essential here to unlock all advanced features, and it is a good idea to complete this process early.
Uphold is amongst the best crypto exchanges for security. This cryptocurrency exchange has layered defenses and encryption for wallet security. It also runs a bug bounty program to find the crypto trading platform’s flaws proactively. You can set up your two-factor authentication for added security to your account. Stake using Solana, Tezos, and Ethereum cryptos to earn interest. Remember, you might incur capital gains tax on your earnings. Withdraw your rewards to the Uphold Mastercard and spend on the crypto exchange. It provides higher cashback if you pay on Uphold rather than elsewhere
Best Feature: Multi-asset trading
Coins Supported: 250+ coins, including BTC, ETH, XRP, ADS etc.
Supported Payment Methods: Debit and credit cards.
Price: Free
Features:
- Extensive Altcoin Collection: One of the best UK exchanges with a wide selection of rare altcoins and trading tools.
- Staking Benefits: You avoid trading fees on staking while earning interest up to 25%, making it great for passive gains.
- US Stock Access: Access over 50 US stocks, allowing you to diversify investments beyond cryptocurrencies.
- Automated Trading and Transparent Holdings: Automate trading strategies to manage volatility, with instant publishing of transactions for full transparency.
- Cryptocurrency Options with Order Flexibility: Access over 200 cryptocurrencies and manage order quantities using the Exclusive Limit Orders feature for flexible trading.
- Mobile Accessibility: Supports both iOS and Android, providing a user-friendly mobile experience for trading on the go.
- Flexible Payment Options: Debit and credit card payments are supported, making transactions convenient and accessible for me.
Pros
Cons
Trading Fees:
Uphold is a financial platform offering free account opening and a minimum deposit and withdrawal of $10. Deposits are free, except for a 2.49% charge on debit cards and 3.99% on credit cards. Withdrawals are also free, barring network fees between crypto wallets. A free trial with instant withdrawals is available.
Free Wallet
3) Binance
Best for P2P trading
I tested Binance, and its competitive fee structure really stood out. With its low spot trading fees, I found it to be one of the top choices for Bitcoin and other crypto trades. The user-friendly interface made it easy for me to explore its many charting options. I could see that trading Binance’s token BNB and Bitcoin brings solid value, thanks to its specialized services for each.
Binance’s Simplex facilitates liquidity on the crypto trading platform with swift wire transfers and credit card top-ups. It is the best crypto exchange for peer-to-peer trading with record low fees. You can use Binance on Brave widgets for fast and secure browser crypto trading, making it easier to manage your crypto portfolio.
Features:
- Staking Rewards: Earn interest by staking your crypto funds, making it a great option to grow your holdings.
- Transaction Costs: Binance offers me one of the cheapest rates for Bitcoin trading pairs, aiming to reduce transaction costs.
- Portfolio and Cryptocurrency Variety: Binance offers a detailed portfolio section for easy monitoring of crypto assets and wallets, along with access to over 3,500 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the most diverse options for trading.
- NFT Marketplace: The NFT section includes fan tokens and mystery boxes, offering a unique, comprehensive marketplace.
- Enhanced Security and Data Protection: Binance offers a secure asset fund covering 10% of user deposits, customizable access controls to restrict specific addresses or devices, and advanced data encryption. This comprehensive security approach provides essential protection for your investments and account information.
- Mobile Support: Available on both iOS and Android, making it easy to manage crypto on the go.
- Payment Methods: Binance Pay enables businesses to receive crypto payments, while also supporting bank transfers and debit/credit cards, providing multiple convenient funding options.
Pros
Cons
Trading Fees:
Binance, a popular cryptocurrency exchange, offers a user-friendly experience with a $0 account opening fee and a minimum deposit requirement of just $1. Withdrawals start at $1, but domestic wire transfers have a $100 minimum. Deposits are free, while withdrawal fees vary based on the blockchain network, such as ETH or BTC. Binance also provides a free account option with an instant money-back guarantee and no time limit for a risk-free trial.
4) PrimeXBT
Best for leverage trading
PrimeXBT impressed me as an ideal platform for serious crypto traders. I particularly liked its high liquidity, which ensures fast withdrawals. Its easy KYC registration helps access all the advanced features efficiently. With the 100x leverage, PrimeXBT provides a superior choice for increasing profitability while keeping the trading process simple. I recommend it for anyone in the UK market.
You get detailed guides on crypto trading platforms with a customizable interface. It is one of the best crypto trading platforms that provides real-time analysis of market movements to help your trades. It also has charting, trading tools, and research resources. This UK crypto exchange has a four-tier payout system on the referral model as a commission plan. It is the best crypto exchange for third-party market analyses, such as TradingView, and you can sell Bitcoin and other cryptos with more detailed information.
Key Features:
- Efficient Market Trading: Buy crypto at actual market prices with swift order execution and low trading fees, ensuring transparent transactions and optimized returns.
- Earn Commission on Trades: Share your trades and earn up to 20% commission on all generated profits.
- Flexible Fixed Deposit: Fixed deposits allow me to earn about 14% interest, with flexible anytime withdrawal options.
- Trading Interface: Offers a multi-asset Trading View interface with advanced analytical tools, allowing trading across cryptocurrencies, forex, and other markets.
- Adjustable Leverage Trading: Allows up to 100x leverage on cryptocurrencies, helpful to expand trading positions.
- Crypto-to-Forex Trading with Diverse Listings: Deposit cryptocurrency to trade forex, accessing up to 24 major cryptocurrencies and bridging diverse financial markets.
- Mobile Support: Available on iOS and Android, providing trading flexibility on the go.
- Payment Methods: Supports gift cards, debit/credit cards, online wallets, and bank transfers for deposits.
Pros
Cons
Trading Fees:
PrimeXBT is a user-friendly trading platform with a $0 account opening fee, a minimum deposit requirement of just 0.001 BTC, and low withdrawal fees of 0.0005 BTC. It also offers a free trial account option for users to experience instant withdrawals without any initial cost.
5) Paybis
Best to access a wide range of fiat currencies
I found Paybis to be one of the reliable platforms for liquidity and currency options, covering major fiat currencies like the Euro, US dollar, and Pound Sterling. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Paybis makes sure you trade with strong security measures in place.
The registration process is swift with AML and KYC compliance. It saves you time, with verification taking about 15 minutes more than most crypto exchange platforms. It allows you to convert your fiat currency to crypto at no extra cost.
Paybis uses advanced encryption and two-factor authentication to store your crypto coins. It also pauses suspicious transactions on your account pending review. It is among the best cryptocurrency trading platforms with transparent trading fees defined for every payment method.
Features:
- Free First Transaction: Enjoy a fee-free first transaction and receive bonuses on your crypto purchases with Paybis.
- Account Verification and Global Access: Verify your account to access advanced features and enjoy global reach across 48 US states and over 180 countries.
- Trading Benefits: Provides access to over 200 cryptocurrencies with low fees and minimal commissions, making it one of the best options for budget-conscious traders. Additionally, quick security checks help protect your investments, ensuring a secure and optimized trading experience.
- Payout and Currency Support: Offers instant payouts with high liquidity and access to 47 fiat currencies for seamless, quick transactions.
- External Wallet Integration: I can link external wallet addresses, including those from other crypto trading platforms, for added flexibility.
- Resource Center: Offers a detailed user guide to help you navigate Paybis effectively, alongside a news section with regular updates from the CEO and top representatives.
- Mobile Compatibility: Supports mobile use on both Android and iOS, helpful to trade on the go.
- Payment Methods: Allows you to buy crypto using common methods, including debit/credit cards, Skrill, Neteller, and bank transfers.
Pros
Cons
Trading Fees:
Paybis is a user-friendly cryptocurrency exchange with a $0 account opening fee and a low minimum deposit and withdrawal requirement of $5. Deposits incur a 0.99% commission or a $2 fixed fee for bank transfers, while withdrawals are subject to a 2.49% commission. Additionally, they offer a free account with a 30-day refund policy for a risk-free trial.
6) EMCD
Best for a user-friendly interface
I checked EMCD’s spread-based fee structure for buying and selling, and it stood out to me. This platform keeps rates aligned with current market trends, which I find quite effective. I was able to transfer my wallet funds easily to other crypto exchanges. EMCD ranks as the largest Bitcoin pool in Eastern Europe, which, in my opinion, makes it a top choice globally.
It is the best crypto exchange for managing your crypto portfolio. The company has been operating and growing for 6 years. Besides mining services, EMCD provides users with a built-in ecosystem.
Features:
- User-friendly Interface: The platform offers a user-friendly interface for exploring diverse mining options with ease.
- Flexible Mining Choices: It allows me to choose from various digital assets, offering flexibility in my mining preferences.
- Cryptocurrency Support: EMCD supports popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, for seamless trading.
- Quick Issue Resolution: EMCD aims to resolve any issues within 15 minutes, ensuring efficient support.
- Device Compatibility: Compatible with all ASIC devices, making it one of the best options for miners.
- Mobile Accessibility: Available on both iOS and Android, allowing you to manage mining operations on the go.
- Payment Methods: Supports payments via bank transfer and local cards, providing convenient options for users.
Pros
Cons
Trading Fees:
EMCD is most mining pools, charges a fee starting from 1.5%. Pool fee can vary up to 4% depending on your partners conditions.
How to buy cryptocurrency in the UK?
Here are steps to buying cryptocurrency from a crypto exchange in the UK:
Step 1) Choose a crypto exchange
The first step is to choose an exchange. The best crypto exchanges on our shortlist are Binance, Zengo, Storm Gain, PrimeXBT, and Paybis. You can visit their official sites on your browser or download their applications.
Click on the prompt to create your account or log in if you already have one on the cryptocurrency exchange you select.
Step 2) Create your account on the crypto exchange
Sign up with your details, then verify your account to access advanced features. KYC security protects the integrity of transactions to limit fraud.
Verification requires your identification card, passport, or driver’s license.
Step 3) Link a payment method and buy a crypto asset
Check the crypto coin you want, confirm the cryptocurrency exchange rate, and approve the transaction. You can manage your portfolio from your exchange in the UK, which is an auto-generated wallet.
How Did We Choose Best UK Crypto Exchanges?
Guru99’s reviews on cryptocurrency stem from rigorous research and deep industry expertise. I have dedicated over 80 hours to thoroughly examining 30+ Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK, narrowing them down to the top credible options. This article presents a professional overview of both free and paid exchanges, offering unbiased insights to guide you in choosing the ideal platform for your trading needs. Check out below important factors. To select the best British crypto exchanges, we evaluated the key features essential for a reliable trading experience and reviewed critical aspects of various crypto apps in the UK.
- Regulation: Check whether your selected crypto exchange has a regulatory license. The crypto exchanges must adhere to rules such as having insurance for user crypto assets. Unregulated crypto trading platforms in the UK are susceptible to mismanagement and fraud.
- Listed Cryptocurrencies: You need a Bitcoin trading platform exchange, that trades with the best coins and altcoins in the market. The best crypto trading platform gives you value for your money. Confirm whether the cryptocurrency exchange reviews the credibility of cryptocurrencies before listing.
- Trading Fees: The best crypto exchanges are transparent about their trading fees, while others are vague. You should know the different types of trading fees, for example, spreads. It gives you a good perspective before committing to transactions. So, you need competitive trading fees for the best value.
- Type of Wallet: Cryptoexchanges can have custodial or non-custodial wallets. A non-custodial wallet is more secure than a custodial one because the cryptocurrency exchange does not hold your crypto. Cryptocurrency exchanges control custodial wallets, which puts you at more risk of fraud or a security breach.
- Security: The best crypto exchanges use security measures such as cold storage and two-factor authentication. They are essential to secure your account and assets. Other measures include email confirmations, third-party security audits, and offsite backups.
- Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: Select an exchange that fits your payment preference. Examples of payment options are PayPal, credit or debit card, and bank transfer. The best UK crypto exchanges are flexible in allowing you to withdraw and deposit funds.
- User Interface: An exemplary user interface makes browsing through the basic and advanced features convenient. The best bitcoin exchange offers a friendly interface to beginners and expert traders. For example, the bitcoin exchange should have clear call-to-actions to access trading tools.
- Customer Support: An exchange should provide you with 24/7 support. Round the clock support is for consulting, if you have issues with your account or need help to navigate the cryptocurrency exchange. The best bitcoin trading platform should have a support team that’s responsive and well-trained.
Can the British government track cryptocurrency?
The British government can track cryptocurrency through the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It is part of their data-sharing program to provide cryptocurrency exchanges with KYC information. Every regulated cryptocurrency exchange in the UK follows the HMRC rules. Examples of crypto trading platforms regulated in the UK are EMCD and Paybis.
Verdict
Selecting the best crypto exchange in the UK can be daunting given the various features and fees across platforms. I found Uphold, Zengo, and Binance to stand out in different ways, each catering to unique needs. Check my verdict
- Zengo stands out with its impressive MPC technology, providing a reliable and user-friendly crypto wallet that ensures high security through biometric ID.
- Uphold is a top-notch choice for multi-asset trading, offering layered security and a broad selection of tradable coins, making it ideal for those seeking a secure, versatile exchange.
- Binance remains a powerful option for cost-effective P2P trading, featuring low fees and a diverse range of cryptocurrencies, catering well to budget-conscious traders.