Best Cryptocurrency Exchange in the UK

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Finding the best cryptocurrency exchange in the U.K. depends largely on your needs and the type of digital assets you plan to trade. Just about every U.K. exchange supports the most popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC or XBT), although other lesser-known cryptocurrencies may not be supported.

Several great crypto exchanges are based in the U.K., so pick the 1 that best suits your needs. If you have no experience with cryptocurrencies (even if you have prior experience with forex, stocks or futures), you would be well-advised to learn how to trade cryptocurrency before you open an account with an exchange.

You can learn cryptocurrency trading involves opening a free demo account with an online broker like XTB. Regardless of your trading results in a demo account, remember that they could differ significantly when using a live funded account at a crypto exchange or online broker.

Your success as a trader typically depends on your trading skills, including how you deal with the inherent volatility of digital assets. Learn how you get get started with our review of the best cryptocurrency exchanges in the U.K.

Overview: Cryptocurrency Exchanges in the U.K.

If you plan to exchange one altcoin for another, opening an account at a cryptocurrency exchange might make sense. These exchanges allow you to purchase and sell coins for other digital currencies or for national currencies like GBP, USD or EUR.

Most of these exchanges require identification verification in order to open an account. If you want to make an occasional altcoin transaction, you can use a bitcoin ATM that requires you to have a crypto wallet or you can create 1. In addition to exchanges, peer-to-peer trading platforms can also be used to exchange altcoins.

These usually match buyers and sellers in a similar location and take a fee off the top of each transaction. Other exchanges consist of platforms that offer direct person-to-person trading between people in different countries. Peer-to-peer trading platforms generally do not place a fixed price on transactions, but instead allow each seller or buyer to set their own rate of exchange.

Another exchange option consists of cryptocurrency brokers you can physically visit to buy or sell cryptocurrencies at prices set by the broker, much like local cambios do with foreign currencies.

What Makes a Great Cryptocurrency Exchange?

Before placing your 1st order, do a little research on the different exchanges. The elements listed below can help you find the best.

Reputation

Reputation is 1 of the most important factors to consider when choosing an exchange. To research a cryptocurrency exchange’s reputation, visit trusted industry websites and read reviews.

You can also go to cryptocurrency forums such as Bitcointalk and find out what other traders have experienced. Has the exchange been hacked in the past? If so, what action or inaction has been taken on behalf of clients who may have been hacked?

Furthermore, an exchange that does not insure or segregate client funds could subject your money to theft. If you choose to leave your coins or other digital assets in an exchange, make sure that the exchange has a reliable “cold storage” facility to reduce the likelihood of hacking.

Fees and Payment Methods

To avoid unpleasant surprises after you’ve started to make transactions, be aware of all the fees the exchange charges. Fees can vary considerably depending on what exchange you use.

Does the exchange let you fund purchases with a credit or debit card? Can you PayPal them the money or would you have to pay for a bank wire transfer instead? Some exchanges do not accept national currencies and only accept other cryptocurrencies to fund an account. An exchange with limited payment options could make cryptocurrency purchases quite inconvenient.

ID Verification

Generally, exchanges that accept credit cards require identity verification and charge higher fees due to the higher risk of fraud or theft. They may also charge higher processing and transaction fees. In addition, purchases made through wire transfers can take considerably longer to process.  

Almost all U.K. exchanges require some form of ID verification in order to make deposits and withdrawals. Nevertheless, some exchanges do allow you to remain anonymous, so check with the exchange if anonymity matters to you.

Exchange ID verification can often take up to several days, but it helps weed out money launderers, fraudsters and other scammers.

Exchange Rates

Different exchanges can offer varying rates of exchange for cryptocurrencies quoted in national currencies, as well as wider or narrower bid offer spreads. Before you open an account, inquire about the prospective exchange’s dealing spreads.

Exchange rates have also been known to fluctuate widely in fast markets, with the actual volatility observed depending on the currency and cryptocurrency involved. Below, we’ve rounded up 4 of the most popular exchanges based in the U.K.

Best Crypto Exchange Platforms in the UK

• Best for Active and Global Traders: Interactive Brokers
• Best for Inexperienced Traders: CoinJar
• Best for Sign-Up Bonuses: Crypto.com

Take a look at the list below and get started buying, selling or trading cryptocurrency today.

Best for Active and Global Traders: Interactive Brokers

With no added spreads, markups or custody fees, Interactive Brokers makes it much easier to build a crypto portfolio. There are low commissions and a range of crypto assets that will help you build the crypto side of your portfolio with no trouble. Plus, you can buy into many other assets that allow for an expansive and full portfolio that can sustain you for many years to come.

Listmaker of Benzinga's FinTech Awards for Best Day Trading Software, Best Broker for Short Selling & Winner for Best Paper Trading Platform.

Best for Inexperienced Traders: CoinJar

CoinJar puts an intuitive trading platform in the palm of your hand. You can learn on the go, invest in crypto, pay lower fees and get used to the dashboard quite quickly. Perfect for beginners and advanced traders, you can begin building your crypto portfolio using CoinJar without feeling as though you need to relearn how the crypto space works.

Best for Sign-Up Bonuses: Crypto.com

Crypto.com is a full-featured cryptocurrency exchange that offers its users several services other than just the ability to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. The trading platform also lets you earn interest on your digital assets with interest rates as high as 10% on stablecoins like USDC. And, by staking Crypto.com's native token, CRO, on the platform, you can earn interest rates as high as 14%.

The trading platform also has a debit card that earns crypto-back on all purchases made with the card. Since the debit card works with VISA, you can use the card anywhere VISA is accepted. This is a great option for those looking to increase their cryptocurrency portfolio without needing to spend any extra money.

Read also: BEST BUSINESS CRYPTO ACCOUNTS

Trade Cryptocurrency Now

Finding a great cryptocurrency exchange in the U.K. is far easier than you might imagine. There are a number of exchanges available locally, as well as on the international and semi-international exchanges, so it’s only a matter of determining your needs and finding an exchange that best fits those needs.

Take into account exchange reputation, transaction fees, other costs, exchange rates, dealer spreads and customer service. Don’t forget to consider the time needed to open an account, as well as how long it takes for you to receive the cryptocurrencies you purchase. Get started with 1 of our top cryptocurrency platforms now.