When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, it's important to prioritize both technical features and security. In this article, we focus on exchanges that are registered, regulated, and licensed in Europe, where clear crypto regulations provide an added layer of safety for users. We’ll guide you through our top 10 regulated exchanges—each with unique advantages and drawbacks, without ranking them, so you can make the best choice for your needs.
<figure class="block-table">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Type</th>
<th>Supported Digital Assets</th>
<th>Fees starting at</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Binance</td>
<td>Exchange</td>
<td>600+</td>
<td>0,1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coinbase</td>
<td>Broker</td>
<td>240</td>
<td>0,6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitget</td>
<td>Exchange</td>
<td>400+</td>
<td>0,1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kraken</td>
<td>Exchange</td>
<td>185+</td>
<td>0,16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BingX</td>
<td>Exchange</td>
<td>700+</td>
<td>0,1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitpanda</td>
<td>Broker</td>
<td>2700+</td>
<td>1,49%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitvavo</td>
<td>Exchange</td>
<td>300+</td>
<td>0,15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitstamp</td>
<td>Exchange</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>0,5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bison</td>
<td>Broker</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>1,25% spread</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21bitcoin</td>
<td>Broker</td>
<td>1 (BTC)</td>
<td>0,79%</td>
</tr>
</table>
</figure>
*Ranked by 24-hour spot trading volume, from highest to lowest. When selecting our top 10 exchanges, we prioritized strong regulation and security features, while also considering user reviews and CoinMarketCap's rankings. CoinMarketCap evaluates exchanges based on traffic, liquidity, trading volumes, and the credibility of the reported data.
What Is the Difference Between a Broker and an Exchange?
A broker simplifies crypto purchases by acting as an intermediary, executing orders at set prices, making it beginner-friendly with multiple payment methods. However, brokers usually charge higher fees and offer less price control.
Exchanges, in contrast, allow users to trade directly with each other, offering lower fees and more control through limit and market orders. They are better for experienced users but can be more complex for beginners, with prices fluctuating based on market activity.
Binance
Binance was founded in 2017 in China and is now headquartered in Malta. It is one of the largest crypto exchanges globally and a leader in crypto trading.
Product Offering and Functionality
Binance supports over 600 crypto and fiat trading pairs, plus features like staking, futures trading, and mining pools. Available in 100+ countries, it allows funding via SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, ApplePay, and GooglePay, with a peer-to-peer marketplace for direct crypto purchases. Users can also access leveraged tokens and a crypto debit card.
Security and Regulation
Binance is regulated in multiple European countries, including France, Italy, and Lithuania, and employs security measures like two-factor authentication, biometric logins, and AES-256 encryption. It also contributes 10% of fees to the SAFU fund, designed to protect user funds in case of a hack.
Fees
Fees start at 0.1% per trade, with discounts for using BNB. Bank transfers are free, credit card transactions carry a 1-3% fee. Full details here: Binance Fees.
User Experience
Account setup is quick, with a simple verification process. The mobile app offers a "Lite" mode for beginners, focusing on core functions like buying/selling and deposits/withdrawals. The Pro mode provides more advanced features, and switching between the two is easy.
Service
Support includes a help center, Binance Bot, and ticket submission, although responses may take a few days. Available in English, with a German website version.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Binance is a top choice for both beginners and advanced users, offering vast functionality and increased security through the SAFU fund, despite past security incidents.</p></div></div></div>
Coinbase
Coinbase is one of the largest and most well-known crypto exchanges in the world. Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, it is based in San Francisco.
Product Offering and Functionality
Coinbase offers over 240 cryptocurrencies for trading, along with 22 stablecoins that can be traded for free as a Maker. You can fund your account using SEPA, credit/debit cards, instant transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Unlike some other platforms, all assets on Coinbase can be withdrawn to your personal wallet—there are no "trade-only" assets.
Coinbase provides additional services like staking and Coinbase Earn, where users can learn about crypto and earn tokens through quizzes. Advanced Trading offers professional tools like free access to TradingView charts and a transparent cost breakdown.
Coinbase One is a subscription model for 25€/month that removes trading fees in the beginner mode, reduces fees in Advanced by 25%, and offers benefits like priority support and higher staking rewards.
Security and Regulation
Coinbase holds various licenses, including MSB or VASP licenses across numerous countries such as Canada, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US. It is also the first exchange in Germany to receive a license from BaFin.
With advanced risk management, encryption, and 2FA mandatory for all accounts, Coinbase is renowned for its high-security standards. 98% of customer assets are stored offline in cold wallets, and many large institutions, including BlackRock and Greyscale, trust Coinbase as their crypto custodian.
Fees
Coinbase’s fees vary depending on whether you use the regular or Advanced mode. In the Advanced mode, fees are up to 80% lower, starting at 0.6% without a spread. If you're a high-volume trader, fees can drop to 0%. In the basic mode, fees are 1.49% plus a 1% spread, which is higher than most competitors, so the Advanced mode is worth considering.
For 25€/month, Coinbase One removes all trading fees in the basic mode (except spread) and reduces Advanced fees by 25%.
User Experience
Coinbase prioritizes user-friendliness, offering a clean and intuitive interface. The seamless integration between beginner and Advanced modes and the Coinbase Wallet sets it apart. You can easily trade assets bought on Coinbase directly from your wallet, and the Advanced mode offers excellent transparency with all past trades clearly outlined.
Service
Coinbase offers several support options, starting with a comprehensive help center. If that’s not enough, users can reach support via email or live chat, with 24/7 agent availability. Telephone support is also available during standard business hours, and there is a 24/7 hotline for account security issues. Support had faced criticism in the past, but improvements have been made since then.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Coinbase provides a robust feature set, top-tier security, and an excellent user experience, making it a top choice for both beginners and experienced traders alike.</p></div></div></div>
Bitget
Bitget is an advanced trading platform with a wide range of features located in Singapore.
Product Offering and Functionality
Bitget supports payments via credit card, Simplex, and Google Pay. It offers over 400 coins and tokens, including popular ones like BTC, ETH, LTC, and XRP, as well as smaller, emerging coins through its own Launchpad.
Key features include Future Trading, Spot Trading, Margin Trading, Copy Trading (Strategy & Spot), Earn Programs, Launchpad for new token projects and Bitget's own token (BGB).
Security and Regulation
Bitget is a compliant exchange with registrations as a crypto service provider in Lithuania and Poland. User assets are stored in cold storage, and the platform maintains a 300$ million user protection fund.
Fees
Bitget charges 0.1% for both maker and taker fees in spot trading. Depositing cryptocurrencies is free, and users paying with the BGB token get a 20% fee discount. Full fee details are available here.
User Experience
Despite the numerous features, the platform maintains a user-friendly and organized interface.
Service
The platform offers an online chatbot with automated responses, and if further assistance is needed, users are connected to actual support staff.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">With a wide variety of functions, Bitget is better suited for more experienced traders.</p></div></div></div>
Kraken
Kraken, founded in 2011 by Jesse Powell, is one of the oldest and most established cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide.
Product Offering and Functionality
Kraken offers over 185 cryptocurrencies for spot trading. Beyond spot trading, users can engage in margin trading with leverage up to 5x, and up to 50x in the futures market.
SEPA deposits in EUR are free and take 1–5 business days. Additional options for EUR deposits include Etana Custody. Kraken also supports fiat deposits in USD, EUR, CAD, JPY, GBP, CHF, and AUD, and all listed cryptocurrencies can be deposited or withdrawn.
Payment methods include Visa and Mastercard, and Kraken offers comprehensive order types, including limit orders, stop limit orders, and conditional close.
Security and Regulation
Kraken holds regulatory licenses, including MSB in the US, FCA in the UK, and VASP in Italy.
The platform implements strong security measures, with 95% of assets stored in cold wallets globally, and 2FA for accounts. Additional security features include whitelist-only withdrawals and email confirmations for all withdrawals.
Kraken has not been the target of major hacks, although there have been reports of attacks on individual accounts.
Fees
Kraken is known for relatively low fees, especially for BTC withdrawals.
Instant Buy has the highest fees, but using Kraken Pro significantly reduces costs. Fees depend on the last 30 days' trading volume, starting at 0.16% Maker and 0.26% Taker for spot trading. Margin trading has opening fees ranging from 0.01% to 0.02%, with the same rates for rollover fees, charged every four hours. Futures trading fees also depend on the 30-day volume, starting at 0.02% Maker and 0.05% Taker. Full details can be found on Kraken's fee page.
User Experience
Kraken offers two interfaces: Standard for simple spot purchases, and Pro for advanced traders with integrated real-time charting tools. However, during high volatility, users have reported delays in logging in and placing orders.
Service
Kraken provides support via a chatbot, telephone, and email, along with a wealth of educational materials.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Kraken is a highly secure and reputable exchange with no major hacks and offers advanced features for experienced traders.</p></div></div></div>
BingX
BingX, founded in 2018, is a unique platform that combines social networking with trading, allowing users to follow and copy trades from others in the community.
Product Offering and Functionality
BingX offers a wide range of features including copy trading, cryptocurrency swaps, derivatives trading, and the use of trading bots. Users can trade futures, forex, indices, and commodities, along with engaging in NFT trading and DeFi options. Payment methods include credit cards, Apple Pay, and various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Security and Regulation
BingX EU UAB is a registered financial service company in Lithuania, part of the EU, and is regulated by the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FSIC) as a digital currency exchange. The platform supports Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for enhanced account security.
Fees
Fees vary depending on the coin or transaction, but are generally on the higher side. Current fee information is available on their website. VIP users benefit from lower fees and additional privileges.
User Experience
The platform is user-friendly, with fast registration that doesn’t require verification for initial access. Copying trading strategies is straightforward, and the platform’s design ensures ease of use, even for beginners.
Service
BingX provides a help section on their homepage for general inquiries and offers support via a contact form for more specific issues.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">BingX is a secure and regulated platform, ideal for users interested in copy trading. Its broad feature set and ease of use make it a solid option for traders at all levels.</p></div></div></div>
Bitpanda
Bitpanda is based in Austria, founded in 2014, and is one of Europe’s leading crypto brokers.
Product Offering and Functionality
Bitpanda offers over 2,700 assets for trading, including commodities, precious metals, and stock/ETF derivatives, all with dividend payouts. Over 200 cryptocurrencies are available as well. The platform serves as a Fiat On-/Off-Ramp, allowing deposits via SEPA, Giropay, and Skrill.
The native Bitpanda Ecosystem Token (BEST) provides various perks, enhancing all Bitpanda products. Holding BEST rewards users with additional staking bonuses and qualifies them for Spotlight Airdrops, weekly BEST rewards, and cashback on trades and expenses with the Bitpanda debit card.
Security and Regulation
Bitpanda is a licensed Virtual Asset Provider (VAP) in Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Sweden, the Czech Republic, the UK, and more. It operates with a MiFID II investment firm licence, an E-money licence under PSD II, and holds several crypto licences. The platform implements multi-signature wallets, two-factor authentication (2FA), regular security audits, and security controls that meet SOC2 compliance standards.
Fees
As a broker platform, Bitpanda’s crypto asset purchase fees are slightly higher than typical exchanges, with Bitcoin trading fees around 1.49%. Fees vary by asset class, with lower fees for stocks and metals. Users can trade crypto with lower fees via Bitpanda Pro.
User Experience
Bitpanda offers an intuitive, beginner-friendly interface. The onboarding process is smooth, and Bitcoin deposits are streamlined with QR codes to avoid errors. Fiat withdrawals to bank accounts are quick. One drawback is that some altcoins are trade-only and can’t be withdrawn after purchase.
Service
The help center is comprehensive, and support can be contacted via ticket if needed. Bitpanda Academy provides free eLearning resources for users.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Bitpanda offers great UX, features, and regulation, making it a safe choice, though fees could be lower.</p></div></div></div>
Bitvavo
Bitvavo is a Dutch crypto exchange, founded in 2018 and based in Amsterdam.
Product Offering and Functionality
Bitvavo offers over 300 digital assets for purchase and trading. It also supports staking for certain cryptocurrencies. The platform provides a wide range of popular payment methods, including bank transfers, Giropay, credit cards, SEPA transfers, and MyBank.
Security and Regulation
Bitvavo is registered with the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) as a provider of digital asset services and also registered in Austria, France, and Italy. Customer assets are held separately in a foundation account (Stichting Bitvavo Payments), ensuring they are independent from Bitvavo B.V.'s results. Security features include cold storage, insured custody providers, multisignature wallets, guaranteed accounts, and two-factor authentication (2FA).
Fees
Bitvavo offers relatively low fees, ranging from 0.15% to 0.25%. Fees decrease based on higher 30-day trading volumes.
User Experience
The user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Fees are transparent, and the platform provides a clear overview during trades. The setup for professional traders is also user-friendly, though the professional dashboard is only available in English.
Service
For support, users can first consult the chatbot. If further help is needed, you can contact customer support via email. There is no telephone support available.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Bitvavo is a solid choice for users seeking straightforward trading and staking with relatively low fees, without needing additional advanced features.</p></div></div></div>
Bitstamp
Bitstamp is a European crypto exchange and, founded in 2011, one of the oldest in the industry.
Product Offering and Functionality
Bitstamp is a user-friendly platform, but it offers a relatively limited range of cryptocurrencies—only 70 are available. The platform supports basic spot trading and a few staking/lending coins, with no derivatives or CFDs. Payment methods include credit card and bank transfers. Bitstamp offers both a desktop platform and a mobile app, along with OTC trades.
Security and Regulation
Bitstamp is regulated by multiple authorities, including the FCA in the UK, CSSF in Luxembourg, MFSA in Malta, FSMA in Belgium, and other regulators in Italy, Spain, Poland, and Sweden. Security measures include cold storage, multi-signature wallets, 2FA, regular security audits, and a bug bounty program.
Fees
The fee structure depends on your 30-day trading volume. For volumes below 10,000$, a 0.50% fee applies per trade. As trading volume increases, fees decrease. A full fee overview can be found on their website.
User Experience
The dashboard and trading tools are intuitive and user-friendly. Both the desktop and mobile apps run smoothly, offering a hassle-free experience.
Service
Bitstamp provides a FAQ section on its website and lists three phone numbers for support (US, EU, and global). Users can also contact customer support via email.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Bitstamp is a long-standing exchange with fast performance, ideal for users who only need basic trading features.</p></div></div></div>
Bison
Bison is the first German crypto trading app, fully made and regulated in Germany.
Product Offering and Functionality
Bison allows money transfers via bank transfer, SEPA, or instant SEPA. Currently, 27 cryptocurrencies (including BTC, ETH, LTC, and DOGE) are available—fewer than many competitors, which may limit options for some investors. However, it offers useful features like price alerts and tax reports.
Security and Regulation
Operated by Boerse Stuttgart Digital Broker GmbH, a subsidiary of Boerse Stuttgart, Bison is fully regulated in Germany. Crypto custody is managed by Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody GmbH, with assets securely stored in cold storage. Euros and crypto are held separately, with deposit protection in place. While users don’t control their keys, they can transfer assets to personal wallets if desired.
Fees
Bison charges no fees for transactions, deposits, withdrawals, or custody. The only cost is a 1.25% spread on buy and sell orders, which may vary depending on market conditions and transaction volume.
User Experience
The app is designed to be highly intuitive, making crypto purchases simple. A free demo mode is available for users to practice trading with virtual money.
Service
Support is available via email, contact form, and social media. The website offers an extensive FAQ section and the Bison Academy, with information provided in both German and English. However, there is no live chat.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Bison is an excellent beginner-friendly app, offering security and ease of use. While its selection of coins is limited, it's a solid choice for casual users looking for a safe, German-regulated platform.</p></div></div></div>
21bitcoin
21bitcoin is a European Bitcoin app run by FIOR Digital GmbH, headquartered in Salzburg, Austria.
Product Offering and Functionality
The app focuses solely on Bitcoin. Users can set up automatic Bitcoin savings plans, trade 24/7 via instant buy or graphical limit price orders, and use a virtual DE IBAN for transfers. The app also provides CSV exports for tax reporting.
Security and Regulation
21bitcoin is registered with the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) and has a partnership with Volksbank Raiffeisenbank Bayern Mitte eG. Users can store Bitcoin either through the Auto-Wallet-Transfer feature, sending coins to their own wallets, or custodially via BitGo Custody, licensed by BaFin. All Bitcoin is secured in cold storage with $250 million in insurance.
Fees
- Bitcoin savings plan: from 0.79%
- Instant buy: from 1.29%
- Instant sell: 1.49%
- Bank deposit: 0%
- Fiat withdrawal: €1
- Bitcoin withdrawal: 1,000 sats
User Experience
The registration process takes 3-5 minutes, without the need for a live video call. The minimalist design makes it easy to navigate, and users can fund their accounts instantly with SEPA transfers.
Service
21bitcoin provides 24/7 chat support directly in the app and on its website, with responses within 15 minutes during official hours. They also offer phone support by request, with standard support hours from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Perfect for Bitcoin-only users seeking a secure, intuitive, and regulated app.</p></div></div></div>
How to Choose the Best Exchange for You
Every user has a unique investment style and different priorities when evaluating crypto exchanges, so it's important to clarify your own goals.
Are you looking for a beginner-friendly platform for simple trades, or are you an experienced trader in need of more advanced features? How essential are factors like security, regulation, and customer support to you?
We've analyzed the top 10 crypto exchanges based on these criteria. Focus your research on what matters most to you, and thoroughly test the exchanges you're considering before committing to large transactions. It's also common to use multiple exchanges, so you don't have to settle for just one!
Do Crypto Exchanges Report to the Tax Office?
"Does Binance report to the tax office?" "Does Coinbase?"
These are common questions, and the answer depends on various factors. Yes, the German Federal Ministry of Finance works with crypto exchanges to prevent tax evasion, and with the upcoming EU DAC-8 directive, authorities will be able to track crypto ownership more easily. This reporting requirement will apply to "Crypto-Asset Service Providers" (CASPs) like Coinbase, Bitpanda, and Bitstamp in Europe, including Binance due to its French license. However, exchanges without an EU license won't be affected.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box protip"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4b151815fb0be48cec_Lightning.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">To stay compliant, using a tool like Blockpit ensures proper documentation and tax calculation for your transactions.</p></div></div></div>
Simplify Your Tax Reporting with Blockpit
Have you found the right exchange? Now, it’s time to organize your transaction history for future tax reporting. Blockpit has you covered. With our portfolio tracker and crypto tax tool, you can easily import all transactions from the exchanges mentioned in this article—automatically via API or CSV file, completely free!
Get detailed instructions on how to import your data from 21bitcoin, BingX, Binance, Bison, Bitget, Bitpanda, Bitstamp, Bitvavo, Coinbase, or Kraken by following the links provided.
<div fs-richtext-component="info-box" class="info-box"><div class="flex-info-card"><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/65098a145ece52db42b9c274/650c6f4cef4c34160eab4440_Info.svg" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt="" class="icon-info-box"><div fs-richtext-component="info-box-text" class="info-box-content"><p class="color-neutral-800">Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto.</p></div></div></div>