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The Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK for Trading in 2025

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We’ve gathered the best UK crypto exchanges in 2025. With the cryptocurrency economy booming and expected to grow by 15.6% to £12.1bn by 2026, the UK market is poised for significant expansion.

This guide will explore the strengths and weaknesses of leading crypto exchanges in the UK, helping you, the crypto investor, to decide where to trade (and grow) your digital assets.

The best crypto exchanges UK – A quick look

  1. eToro: The platform offers a user-friendly interface with innovative social features. It also offers copy trading and Smart Portfolios to its clients.
  2. Kraken: It stands out for balancing simplicity and advanced features. Despite some UK restrictions, it remains a preferred platform for secure and straightforward cryptocurrency trading, particularly for those dealing with GBP.
  3. Coinbase: For those prioritizing security and regulation, Coinbase is a leading platform and one of our favorites because its particularly well-suited for UK users who want a safe and straightforward trading experience.
  4. MEXC: For traders seeking versatility, MEXC stands out with its extensive spot and futures trading capabilities. It’s a solid choice for those needing reliable trade execution and a broad range of assets.
  5. Margex: The exchange offers leverage trading for multiple crypto pairs, which may appeal to those that seek to leverage their positions.
  6. KuCoin: For altcoin enthusiasts, KuCoin provides a broad variety and sophisticated trading tools. The platform is well-suited for experienced traders seeking in-depth market engagement.
  7. KCEX: For margin traders, KCEX offers high leverage and precise trading tools. Combined with low withdrawal fees, it’s a strong option for those seeking advanced strategies.
  8. Crypto.com: Its fee structure rewards high-volume traders, and its tax tool simplifies financial management

Reviewing the best UK crypto exchanges

This section reviews the leading UK crypto exchanges, focusing on their distinctive features, trading tools, and overall performance.

1. eToro: A reputable platform for trading digital currencies

eToro is offering access to multiple asset classes, including cryptocurrencies. The advanced copy trading and ‘Smart Portfolios’ options make it a standout platform in the UK market. Whether for a seasoned trader or just starting out, eToro offers a wealth of features to suit every investor’s needs. 

These portfolios are curated by eToro and financial experts and use machine learning to optimize asset composition.

Overview of eToro

eToro provides a secure and user-friendly platform for cryptocurrency trading. It offers diverse features, including the ability to copy successful traders’ portfolios, which is ideal for those looking to follow market trends without deep expertise.

While the crypto offering is still limited, the exchange is reputable in trading communities.

UK users registered after February 8, 2022, cannot receive staking rewards, and crypto positions in copy trading may not be activated due to recent regulatory restrictions.

The UK government decided to modify the regulations on crypto staking, exempting it from being regarded as a collective investment scheme (CIS), effective from 31 January 2025. It is unclear whether it will affect eToro’s position on allowing staking in the UK.

Despite these limitations, eToro continues to be a reliable option for investors searching for an exchange with a comprehensive range of features.

Pros

  • The crypto offering has been recently expanded
  • User-friendly
  • A globally recognized company

Cons

  • Higher fees compared to other exchanges
  • Crypto selection is still low

eToro coins, fees, payment methods & more

Cryptocurrencies 100
Payment methodsDebit card, Bank transfers
Trading feesVariable (0.1% – 1%)
Customer serviceLive Chat, Email
KYC required?Yes

‘Your capital is at risk.’

Disclaimer: eToro is a multi-asset platform that offers both investing in stocks and crypto-assets, as well as trading CFDs.

Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down.

eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.

2. Kraken: Best for advanced traders

Kraken prides itself on robust security, excellent reputation, and extensive services, making it a leading cryptocurrency exchange in the UK. 

Established in 2011, Kraken is one of the oldest exchanges and has earned the trust of over 10 million clients. It handles over $200 billion in quarterly trading volumes and has facilitated over $800 million in client rewards.

Overview of Kraken  

Kraken’s focus on professional traders makes it appealing to a sophisticated user base. The platform provides advanced features such as margin and futures trading alongside staking services, allowing users to earn passive income. 

Additionally, Kraken offers over-the-counter (OTC) trading to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.

While some restrictions exist, such as retail clients’ inability to trade derivatives and the inability to earn rewards, Kraken still allows UK residents to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies with ease. The platform’s support for GBP simplifies deposits and withdrawals for UK users.

With over 300 cryptocurrencies available, Kraken appeals to both beginners and seasoned traders with its user-friendly interface and advanced tools. Many traders prefer to keep smaller amounts on Kraken due to its strong security and ease of access, especially if they anticipate selling within a few months. 

Pros

  • Earn passive income through staking services for various cryptocurrencies.
  • OTC services for large-volume trades, catering to high-net-worth and institutional investors.
  • Launching its own L2 chain, INK

Cons

  • Fees may be higher if Kraken Pro is not used.
  • The interface is less user-friendly.

Cryptocurrencies 300+
Payment methodsBank Transfer, Debit/Credit card
Trading fees0% – 0.26%
Customer serviceLive chat, email, ticket system 

3. Coinbase: The top choice for institutional traders

Coinbase is one of the top crypto exchanges in the UK due to its user-friendly interface, strong reputation, and robust regulatory framework. 

Coinbase Prime comes with custody services. It is also integrated with offline storage and an advanced trading platform. Many large institutions use Coinbase Prime. Donald Trump’s crypto project, World Liberty, recently transferred over 11,000 ETH (valued at over $35M) to Coinbase Prime.

coinbase uk

Overview of Coinbase 

The platform excels in ease of use, offering a seamless experience across desktop and mobile devices. For those ready to take their trading to the next level, Coinbase Advanced provides more sophisticated tools and lower fees. Additionally, Coinbase’s integration with financial services, such as bank accounts and payment systems, enhances accessibility for UK users.

From a regulatory standpoint, Coinbase operates under FCA (the Financial Conduct Authority) oversight, ensuring adherence to UK regulations. As a licensed electronic money institution, Coinbase Payments Ltd. complies with the FCA’s stringent rules on financial transactions and customer protection. This makes Coinbase a secure and legal option for UK residents, especially given its tax reporting practices with HMRC.

Pros

  • Many instiutional traders choose Coinbase
  • Retail traders can also benefit from Coinbase’s features.
  • Has its own L2 cryptocurrency, BASE

Cons

  • Fees can be more transaprent.
  • Competitors list more tokens

Cryptocurrencies 270
Payment methodsDeposit Credit/Debit Card (Fiat Deposits: USD, EUR, GBP)
Trading fees0% – 0.6%
Customer serviceLive Chat, Email, Phone

4. MEXC: Best for versatile trading options

MEXC has made it onto the list of the best crypto exchanges in the UK due to its extensive features and offerings. 

The platform stands out for providing a broad range of cryptocurrencies, including emerging tokens, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios. MEXC’s low trading fees are also highly attractive for those seeking to minimize trading costs. 

Additionally, its high-performance trading engine ensures quick and efficient trade execution, making it ideal for active traders. 

Overview of MEXC 

This Seychelles-registered exchange also offers early access to new coins, allowing users to invest in upcoming projects before they hit mainstream exchanges.

However, MEXC is registered in Seychelles and operates in the UK without regulatory approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). While the platform’s security measures, including AA ratings and two-factor authentication, offer protection, the lack of FCA authorization raises concerns. 

UK users can no longer use debit cards for GBP purchases, though alternatives such as SEPA transfers remain available. Despite these limitations, MEXC’s competitive fee structure and robust trading features make it a worthy contender in the global crypto market.

Pros

  • MEXC has competitive fees.
  • offers a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies, including emerging coins
  • High-performance trading engine

Cons

  • Limited customer support.
  • Less user-friendly.
Cryptocurrencies 2800+
Payment methodsCrypto
Trading fees~ 0.2%
Customer serviceLive chat, Email

5. Margex: High-leverage trading 

Margex offers competitive terms for traders seeking high leverage and advanced trading features. 

The platform offers leverage of up to 100x on a range of cryptocurrency trading pairs. While leverage can be attractive, it requires great trading experience, as over-leveraging your trades may result in hefty losses.

Overview of Margex 

In addition to high leverage, Margex is known for its competitive fees, which can make a big difference for active traders who prioritize minimizing costs. The platform also offers innovative features, including copy trading, which allows users to mirror the trades of top traders automatically. 

Another key highlight of Margex is its focus on derivatives, specifically perpetual swaps. These allow continuous trading without expiration dates, making them appealing to traders who prefer long-term positions.

The platform also offers advanced tools such as stop-loss and take-profit orders, margin trading, and leverage adjustments, giving traders greater control over their trades.

Pros

  • Competitive fees.
  • Listing new cryptocurrencies at a fast pace.
  • Spent millions of dollars on upgrading its platform.

Cons

  • Platform may be complex to some.
  • Unregulated by the major regulatory bodies.
Cryptocurrencies 55+
Payment methodsBank transfer, ApplePay, Debit/Credit card
Trading fees(Margin Fees Vary)
Customer serviceLive Chat, Email

6. KuCoin: Best for Altcoin Variety & Trading Tools

KuCoin offers access to over 800 cryptocurrencies. The exchange recently introduced a new payment tool (KuCoin Pay), which allows users to use their balance on the exchange to pay businesses via QR codes or the KuCoin app.

Overview of KuCoin 

The platform’s Launchpad feature allows users to participate in promising token sales, offering early access to potentially high-growth opportunities. Additionally, advanced tools like margin trading, futures trading, and staking provide experienced traders with sophisticated strategies to maximize their returns.

The platform stands out with its tiered trading discounts, rewarding high-volume traders with lower fees, and its robust mobile app, which supports seamless trading on the go.

KuCoin also supports over 70 deposit methods and accepts deposits in more than 50 currencies, catering to users worldwide. However, beginners may find the interface daunting due to its complexity and lack of demo or copy trading features.

Pros

  • Users can access early-stage token sales for high-growth projects.
  • KuCoin serves regions underserved by other major exchanges.
  • Automate trading strategies for efficiency and reduced bias.

Cons

  • Unregualted in the UK, users may face restrictions on cetain features.
  • Limited customer support.
Cryptocurrencies 800+
Payment methodsP2P, Apple Pay, Bank Transfer
Trading fees0.1% (0.080% with KCS)
Customer serviceLive Chat, Email

7. KCEX: Low withdrawal fees

KCEX has secured a spot on this list for its innovative features, diverse offerings, and appeal to advanced traders. A key strength is its early listing of emerging cryptocurrencies, giving users the opportunity to invest in high-potential projects before they gain mainstream attention. 

The platform integrates with the DeFi ecosystem, providing access to tools like lending and borrowing while also offering staking and yield farming opportunities to generate passive income.

Overview of KCEX 

Established during the 2021 bull run and headquartered in Seychelles, KCEX boasts an impressive range of supported cryptocurrencies, spanning L1, L2, BRC-20, Base, AI, DeFi, and GameFi. The platform’s unique focus on Solana meme coins further distinguishes it. 

With advanced features like Automatic Deleveraging Systems (ADL), KCEX ensures precision and risk management for both novice and seasoned traders. Its integration with TradingView equips users with real-time data and cutting-edge charting tools.

However, KCEX’s unregulated status under the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) raises important considerations. UK users face limited investor protections, such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), and may encounter challenges in dispute resolution. 

Pros

  • Early access to new and upcoming projects.
  • Low trading fees.
  • Daily futures trading competitions.

Cons

  • Unregualted in the UK.
  • BTC trading volume makes up around 70% of the exchange’s volumes.

Cryptocurrencies 500+
Payment methodsDebit/Credit Card, Bank Transfer, P2P
Trading fees0.0%
Customer serviceLive Chat, Email
RegulationNo
KYC required?Yes

8. Crypto.com: Best for multi-service cryptocurrency solutions

One of the standout offerings of the exchange is the Crypto.com Visa Card, which lets users spend their cryptocurrency in real-world transactions, effectively bridging the gap between digital and traditional finance. 

This innovative feature is part of Crypto.com’s larger mission to make cryptocurrency more accessible to everyday users.

Overview of Crypto.com

The platform’s aggressive marketing and high-profile sponsorships, such as partnerships with Formula 1 and the Los Angeles Lakers, have significantly raised its visibility. This extensive brand exposure has led to a growing user base, attracting both seasoned traders and newcomers.

Crypto.com has its own native token, $CRO, that brings benefits to stakers on the exchange.

The platform supports over 350 cryptocurrencies and 580+ trading pairs, offering a wide range of trading and earning options. Although GBP fiat pairs are not available, Crypto.com offers features like staking, which allows users to earn rewards on their crypto holdings.

Regarding regulation, Crypto.com holds FCA approval as an authorized electronic money institution (EMI). This provides UK users with added peace of mind, as the platform is compliant with consumer protection standards.

Pros

  • Operates its own decentralized exchange.
  • Offers crypto credit cards, NFT marketplace, and its own wallet.
  • Listing new tokens with DeFi yield.

Cons

  • Higher trading fees may be seen on the app.
  • New users may be unaware that staking $CRO comes with beenfits on the exchange.

Cryptocurrencies 390
Payment methodsBank Transfer, Debit/Credit Card
Trading fees~ 0.16% to 0.02%
Customer serviceLive Chat, Email


Comparing the top UK crypto exchanges

ExchangeNo. of assetsFunding MethodsTrading FeesSupport Methods
eToro100Bank transfers, debit cards, e-walletsVariableLive chat, email, ticket system
Kraken300+Bank transfer, debit/credit card0% – 0.26%Bank transfers, debit card, e-wallets
Coinbase270+Bank transfer, debit/credit card, PayPal0% – 0.3%Live chat, email, phone
MEXC2800+Cryptocurrencies only~ 0.2%Live chat, email
Margex55+Bank transfer, ApplePay, Debit/Credit card, stablecoin transfersVariableLive chat, email
KuCoin880+Bank transfer, P2P trading, credit card (limited)0.1% (0.080% with KCS)Live chat, email
KCEX150+Crypto deposits onlyMaker Fee: 0% Taker Fee: 0.02%Live chat, email
Crypto.com390Bank transfer, debit/credit card, credit card (limited), fiat wallet~ 0.16% – 0.02%Live chat, email

What UK banks to consider when using crypto exchanges?

Barclays remains the most crypto-friendly traditional bank in the UK. Customers can deposit funds to FCA-approved crypto exchanges with standard daily limits.

Nationwide, HSBC and Natwest are also relatively crypto-friendly, permitting transfers to most exchanges with daily limits per account. 

Among challenger banks, Monzo stands out as very crypto-friendly, enabling customers to use various exchanges, though with some restrictions.

Methodology

Our assessment of the UK’s top cryptocurrency exchanges involved a rigorous evaluation process. We considered a range of factors to determine which platforms offer the best overall experience for UK investors.

Fee structure: We scrutinize the fee structure of each crypto-to-crypto exchange, considering trading fees, deposit and withdrawal charges, and any hidden costs. We aim to identify platforms with transparent and competitive fee schedules to maximize investor returns. 

Cryptocurrency selection: The breadth and depth of supported cryptocurrencies are essential factors. We evaluate exchanges based on their offerings of popular digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as a variety of altcoins to cater to diverse investment strategies.

User experience: A user-friendly platform is crucial for both novice and experienced traders. We assess the ease of navigation, clarity of information, and mobile app functionality to determine the overall user experience. 

Customer support: Reliable and responsive customer support is vital. We evaluate exchanges based on the availability of multiple support channels, response times, and the helpfulness of support staff.

FAQs

What crypto exchange is the best for UK residents?

Do all crypto exchanges support UK-based clients?

How much money do I need to open an account on an exchange?

Who is regulating UK crypto exchanges?

References

Our Editorial Standards

At ValueWalk, we’re committed to providing accurate, research-backed information. Our editors go above and beyond to ensure our content is trustworthy and transparent.

Sal Miah
Crypto & Fintech Writer

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