10 Best Crypto Exchanges In The UK For August 2025

For UK traders, using a “licensed” crypto exchange means trading on a platform that’s registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the body overseeing crypto regulation in the UK. Trading on any licensed exchange comes with several benefits such as an increased sense of confidence, user protection, and transparency. The FCA’s licensing process requires crypto exchanges to meet strict demands covering financial resources, compliance policies, risk management and governance. 

The FCA requires crypto firms to register under the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), which focuses on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter terrorism financing (CTF) controls. To qualify for the FCA’s license, crypto exchanges must prove that they have robust anti-money laundering systems, fit management team, and clear governance. 

The FCA’s licensing framework also involves an in-depth review of business models, ownership and financial soundness. The process is often rigorous, with the FCA rejecting a high percentage of applications for failing to meet compliance standards. Plus, the FCA observes a strict enforcement protocol, banning unlicensed exchanges from operating in the UK. The regulator has also issued public warnings and taken legal action against non-compliant firms. 

Trading on a licensed crypto exchange in the UK offers clear advantages, starting with legal safeguards. As earlier stated, FCA-registered platforms adhere to strict laws designed to ensure user protection and respect for privacy. This enforcement reduces the possibility of sudan closures, scam or regulatory crackdowns. 

Regulated exchanges are also held to higher security standards, meaning using them comes with safety. The FCA mandates these platforms to undergo compliance checks, implement strong systems to keep funds safe. Trading with an FCA-registered exchange means you enjoy consumer protection should anything go wrong. FCA-compliant exchanges are subject to transparent compliant procedures and may be accountable to the UK’s Financial policies.

Top FCA Licensed and Pending Crypto Exchanges (2025)

Exchange name	FCA License	Key Features	Notable Strengths	UK Local Support
eToro Read More	Approved. FCA-regulated via eToro (UK) Lt	Social + copy trading, multi-asset, user-friendly interface	Strong beginner tools + FSCS coverag	UK office and regulated payments
Uphold Read More	Approved	Trade over 250 cryptocurrencies, low fees, strong security systems	Offers anything-anything trading for supported assets	Strong UK support
Coinbase Read More	Approved	User-friendly UX, high liquidity, fiat onramp	Largest FCA-registered platform in UK	Large UK presence, direct regulator dialogue
Kraken Read More	Approved	350+ cryptocurrencies, advanced trading tools	Robust regulatory compliance, FCA and e-money license	UK customer support and compliance
Revoult Read More	Approved	User-friendly UX, high liquidity, all-in-one app	Robust regulatory compliance, Massive user growth	In app support chat
Gemini Read More	Approved	institutional-grade, insured custodial service	FCA-registered since 2020, aligned with EU MiCA	Good UK fiat support
Bitstamp Read More	Approved	80+ tokens	Long-standing reliability, fiat on-ramps	UK operations and support
OKX Read More	Not fully authorized	Web3 wallet support, NFT aggregator across 11+ blockchains, zero-fee listings	Comprehensive Web3 ecosystem including NFTs, GameFi, and deep chain support	Limited UK support
Coinjar Read More	Approved	50+ crypto assets, recurring buys, fiat support	Strong fiat integration and full FCA regulation	Strong local support
Bitget Read More	Not approved	Supports over 500 tokens; staking, copy trading, AI-assisted trading	Deep token variety, innovative DeFi-linked wallet ecosystem	Limited

When selecting a crypto exchange in the UK, it’s not just about finding the lowest fee crypto exchange or the platform with the most coins. You need to consider factors like regulation, safety, features, and how well it serves your needs as a UK trader. Here are the key factors to guide your decision.

Regulation and FCA Licensing

Always check if the exchange is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Cryptoasset Business. This ensures compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules and gives you customer protection if things go wrong. A good example is Coinbase. The crypto trading platform secured its FCA VASP registration in 2025, making it one of the most compliant options for UK traders. 

Security Standards

Prioritize using crypto exchanges with strong security measures such as proof-of-reserves, cold storages, and insurance against hacks. For example, Gemini offers $200 million in insurance for assets in custody. It also has a spotless security track record, making it a good option for security-conscious UK traders. 

Asset Diversity 

Trading on an exchange with multiple assets allows you to explore new opportunities beyond the popular options like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Instead, such platforms enable you to diversify your portfolio between low cap, and mid cap altcoins, stablecoins, and even NFTs. A good example here is OKX, supporting over 300 crypto assets, as well as a built-in NFT marketplace.

Trading Features and Tools

Look for crypto exchanges that offer advanced features like staking, copy trading, futures, or automated strategies. These features can make a huge difference in growing your portfolio. For example, Kraken provides both staking, sport, futures and margin, with advanced charting tools, making it a smart option for beginners and advanced traders. 

Fees and Pricing

Trading on low fees crypto exchange means keeping the most of your trading profits with you. High fees can slowly eat into your profit, especially for active traders. So, check for both trading fees and hidden costs like conversion or withdrawal charges. Bitstamp, for example, offers competitive maker/taker fees, starting at just 0.1%, with transparent pricing and no hidden extras. 

Payment Methods and On/Off Ramps

 A good UK exchange should support fast GBP deposits and withdrawals through familiar payment channels. CoinJar is a good option for UK traders in terms of payment methods. It offers instant GBP deposits via Faster Payments and a crypto debit card for spending directly in the UK. 

User Experience

A good crypto exchange should be easy-to-use for both first-time buyers and established traders. Prioritize an exchange that’s easy to navigate. For example, Uphold has a clean interface for easy swaps between crypto, fiat, and precious metals in a few clicks. 

Other notable factors to consider when choosing a UK crypto exchange include liquidity and volume, reputation, and customer support. 

eToro is a globally recognized crypto exchange and one of the best options for crypto beginners in the UK. As it is supervised by the FCA, the platform has a smooth and easy-to-use interface, allowing traders to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs.

eToro stands out because it lets users copy the strategies of the top crypto traders. eToro also has all prominent crypto coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin users with low fees. Use the site’s educational tutorials and “paper trading” mode to practice. Punters can make deposits and withdrawals with GBP using either a bank transfer or a credit card, which is convenient in the UK. Even while expert traders consider it simple, the structure, rules, and particular qualities at eToro attract people starting out with crypto exchanges in the UK. Here are the individual overview tables for each of the 10 crypto exchanges in UK, limited to core details:

Uphold is a versatile bitcoin exchange which is FCA-regulated gives access to over 250 different cryptocurrencies. The exchange along with cryptocurrencies offers trading of other commodities such as, precious metals, stocks, and any kind of cash. It gives users an option to exchange digital assets for fiat at first and then trade cryptos directly, like converting from Bitcoin to gold or Tesla stock. The simplicity, security, and interface of the platform alongwith mobile app appeal to those in the UK. Uphold allows you to use your account with GBP and use the debit card to spend cryptocurrency just the same way you would with regular money. To guarantee user safety and trust, the platform keeps strict guidelines, uses two-factor authentication, and regularly audits the system.

Many users globally see Coinbase as a trusted and user-friendly place to buy and sell cryptocurrencies offering high trading volume. The exchange has a FCA registration offers high security to retail investor accounts. Platform offers simple interface and is easy to play on Roblox. It allows users to trade many currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and new altcoins, using user-friendly charts and easy trading tools. Withdrawing and depositing GBP within the UK is easy for players using Faster Payments. The platform has no security breaches so far. If you want more services and lower rates, you can use Coinbase Pro (now Advanced Trade).

Kraken is a popular bitcoin trading platform due to reasonable fees, great liquidity, and advanced trading tools. Crypto traders can buy or sell many cryptocurrencies, including those that are new and famous, spot trade, margin trade, or try out futures trades on Kraken. Its easy-to-use platform shows advanced charts, real-time news of orders, and thorough market assessment, which is why many serious traders like it. Kraken uses strong security measures, including cold storage and a security step called two-factor authentication. On the exchange, professional traders can also stake Ethereum, Polkadot, and Tezos coins to gain passive earnings. Although it may feel technical to new users, Kraken is a good choice for those wanting to trade quickly, cost-effectively, and use top trading tools in the UK.

Revolut specifically blends traditional finance and cryptocurrency in a single app. Through its app, Revolut, which is registered with the FCA, allows people in the UK to own cryptocurrencies. It does not feature a fully-fledged trading platform, but it is very convenient, especially for those who use Revolut regularly for other purposes. Users can exchange over 90 cryptocurrencies right away and convert them to GBP to use or save. It also provides users with alerts about prices, gives access to live charts, and allows you to make regular buy orders for dollar-cost averaging. However, holding your crypto is managed by a different company, so there is no way to withdraw it to your wallet without buying a paid plan. Nevertheless, in terms of easy, well-integrated, and mobile-focused cryptocurrency use, Revolut offers everything.

Gemini is the oldest crypto exchange and one of the best options for traders in UK. It has over 10 million active users globally. Gemini prioritizes security, which makes it ideal for both newbies and experienced users. It uses strategies such as 2FA, and provides support for hardware security keys. Although the exchange has suffered previous attacks, it has worked towards improving security and making users feel safe. 

Bitstamp is one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK with low fees and a user-friendly trading platform. Although it offers just around 80 cryptocurrencies, Bitstamps remains a good choice for UK users, especially beginners. Advanced traders might struggle with the lesser crypto support. However, Bitstamp offers advanced trading features, such as an easy-to-use instant buy platform, and several order types.

OKX is one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK. It is approved by the FCA to operate legally within the UK and caters to both new and established traders. OKX offers several trading products to over 20 million users globally. If you are searching for an exchange with low fees, staking, and mining opportunities, OKX is your best option. 

Coinjar is a good option for crypto traders in UK if you’re looking to deposit and withdraw GBP using multiple methods. It is FCA-approved and even registered on the website. The exchange has been operating for a couple of years and makes buying and selling crypto really simple. Coinjar offers a mobile app for easy trading. Additionally, it provides lots of payment methods. 

If Copy trading is your priority, Bitget is the best option. Bitget has a massive user base in the UK and is also particularly popular for users involved in futures trading. Bitget serves millions of customers globally. Its biggest appeal is its wide options of trading services such as spot and futures trading. Bitget also supports over 500 cryptocurrencies. This means you can find most of your trading needs on this platform.  

When selecting a crypto exchange in the UK, it’s not just about finding the lowest fee crypto exchange or the platform with the most coins. You need to consider factors like regulation, safety, features, and how well it serves your needs as a UK trader. Here are the key factors to guide your decision.

Regulation and FCA Licensing

Always check if the exchange is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Cryptoasset Business. This ensures compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules and gives you customer protection if things go wrong. A good example is Coinbase. The crypto trading platform secured its FCA VASP registration in 2025, making it one of the most compliant options for UK traders. 

Security Standards

Prioritize using crypto exchanges with strong security measures such as proof-of-reserves, cold storages, and insurance against hacks. For example, Gemini offers $200 million in insurance for assets in custody. It also has a spotless security track record, making it a good option for security-conscious UK traders. 

Asset Diversity 

Trading on an exchange with multiple assets allows you to explore new opportunities beyond the popular options like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Instead, such platforms enable you to diversify your portfolio between low cap, and mid cap altcoins, stablecoins, and even NFTs. A good example here is OKX, supporting over 300 crypto assets, as well as a built-in NFT marketplace.

Trading Features and Tools

Look for crypto exchanges that offer advanced features like staking, copy trading, futures, or automated strategies. These features can make a huge difference in growing your portfolio. For example, Kraken provides both staking, sport, futures and margin, with advanced charting tools, making it a smart option for beginners and advanced traders. 

Fees and Pricing

Trading on low fees crypto exchange means keeping the most of your trading profits with you. High fees can slowly eat into your profit, especially for active traders. So, check for both trading fees and hidden costs like conversion or withdrawal charges. Bitstamp, for example, offers competitive maker/taker fees, starting at just 0.1%, with transparent pricing and no hidden extras. 

Payment Methods and On/Off Ramps

 A good UK exchange should support fast GBP deposits and withdrawals through familiar payment channels. CoinJar is a good option for UK traders in terms of payment methods. It offers instant GBP deposits via Faster Payments and a crypto debit card for spending directly in the UK. 

User Experience

A good crypto exchange should be easy-to-use for both first-time buyers and established traders. Prioritize an exchange that’s easy to navigate. For example, Uphold has a clean interface for easy swaps between crypto, fiat, and precious metals in a few clicks. 

Other notable factors to consider when choosing a UK crypto exchange include liquidity and volume, reputation, and customer support. 

Types of Crypto Exchange Fees Explained

Fee structure plays a huge role when choosing a UK crypto exchange. Knowing the available fees on each platform helps you maximize your profit and make the most of your experience. Here are some of the main fees to note: 

Maker and Taker Fees

Maker and taker fees are the common trading fees you find on crypto exchanges. Maker fees are charged when you provide liquidity by placing limit orders that are not immediately filled. On the other hand, taker fees apply when you take liquidity from an exchange through market orders. Generally, taker fees are often higher than maker fees. However, both maker and taker fees reduce with higher trading volume. For example, on Coinbase advanced, maker fees start around 0.25% and can drop significantly, while taker fees start around 0.40% and can drop to 0.05% for high-volume traders, 

Deposit and Withdrawal Charges

Platforms that support deposits via Faster Payments (GBP) often charge no fee for such transactions. However, other options like debit cards could incur charges. Withdrawal fees vary on most exchanges and largely depend on the method. For example, Coinbase charges a flat fee of  £1 on fiat. So, it’s important to check each exchange’s deposit and withdrawal charges before trading on any. 

Funding, Conversion, and Inactivity Fees

Some trading platforms impose fees for inactivity or currency conversion spreads. Others may offer subscriptions to waive fees. For example, Coinbase One subscribers enjoy zero maker/taker fees for up to $10,000 in trading per month.

Understanding these fees would help you decide the best UK crypto exchange that suits your trading needs. 

Fee Comparison of Popular Exchanges

Here are some of the best low-fee crypto exchanges in the UK in 2025:

• Kraken: Kraken offers one of the lowest trading platforms for UK traders. Kraken Pro’s maker/taker fees start at 0.16% / 0.26%, dropping lower for high-volume accounts. Kraken has a strong regulatory presence in the UK, thanks to an FCA registration.  

Caveat: Standard Kraken interface may charge slightly higher fees; GBP withdrawals via FPS cost £1.95.

• OKX : Spot trading fees on OKX are among the lowest in the industry, starting at 0.08% / 0.10%. OKX also offers deep liquidity for altcoins, as well as tiered fee reductions. 

Caveat: Fiat deposits and withdrawals require third-party payment processors, which could incur extra costs. 

• Bitstamp: Offers one of the most transparent pricing with maker/taker fees from 0.10%. There are no hidden charges on Bitstamp for deposits via Faster Payments. 

Caveat: Debit card deposits incur a 5% fee.

There are lots of exchanges in the UK. However, selecting the best crypto exchange in the UK should depend on your trading needs. Newer traders would need platforms like eToro, OKX, and Coinjar, Meanwhile, advanced traders would need platforms like OKX, Gate.io, and Bitget. It all depends on your needs.

There is an abundance of crypto exchanges in the UK that comply with rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA is the watchdog of the UK financial market, ensuring companies comply with anti-money laundering (AML) policies and counter-terrorist financing (FCT) laws. It’s only safe to use exchanges that are registered with the FCA, reflecting their commitment to transparency, security and accountability. 

For example, eToro is FCA-regulated and is best suited for newbies to crypto trading. Other platforms like Kraken, Uphold, Gemini, Bitstamp, OKX, and Coinjar are also recognized by the FCA. Using legal crypto exchanges in the UK comes with a lot of benefits such as robust security measures, protecting them from hacking attempts and fraud. They also offer better customer support and dispute resolution services.

The safety  of a crypto exchange in the UK largely depends on its security system and regulatory status. The UK has a strict enforcement approach to crypto, mandating firms to secure its approval before serving UK residents. As of 2025, the FCA requires registered exchanges to uphold high operational standards, including the use of modern security systems as well as operate with transparency. Platforms that meet these demands tend to offer more security, better fund management processes, and clearer dispute resolution channels than unregulated exchanges. 

Although UK-related crypto exchanges have largely avoided full-blown collapses, incidents like phishing attacks on UK-based users of global exchanges, data breaches and FCA fines for poor AML controls have occurred. Some notable security breaches in the UK include EXMO (2020), which lost $4 million via a hack. Bitstamp also suffered a hack in 2015. These incidents prompted UK crypto exchanges and regulators to boost security and implement better measures to protect user funds as well as address conflict. Some platforms responded by improving encryption, tightening withdrawal rules, and increasing customer support for fraud prevention. 

As of 2025, the FCA requires crypto firms to implement strict security protocols, including multi-layered data protection, anti-money laundering, know-your-customer verification for all clients as well as strict policies on crypto promotions. The FCA mandates crypto exchanges to ensure that investors have the knowledge and experience to invest in crypto. Those promoting crypto must ensure ads are not misleading or containing false claims. UK exchanges must also undergo frequent audits and maintain segregated accounts. The FCA can revoke or suspend exchanges for non-compliance, showing how serious it takes security for UK residents. 

Beyond FCA enforcement, most top-tier crypto exchanges have implemented modern security measures to protect their platforms.  Some use cold storage for most of client funds, backed by insurance policies against theft. Other exchanges now provide proof-of-reserves to verify solvency. On the user side, security measures include two-factor authentication (2FA), withdrawal address whitelisting, and in some cases, biometric logins for mobile apps. All of these create a multi-layer defence system against unauthorized access. Examples of secure UK crypto exchanges include Coinbase, eToro, Kraken and Gemini. 

The regulatory status of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and unregulated apps remains in active development as of 2025. The FCA recognizes that true decentralized platforms, where there is no form of centralized control, falls outside the scope of traditional finance regulation. However, DeFi services with clear intermediaries or established controls like governance bodies,are likely to come under UK regulatory oversight. 

Unregulated apps largely operate outside the regulation of the FCA. This means little or no protection for UK users on such apps should things go bad. It is important to vet DeFi apps for their status and practices before using any platform.

Crypto profits for UK users are generally taxed as Capital Gains Tax (CGT) if you sell, trade or dispose of your assets. For the 2025/26 tax year, the UK has a standard CGT allowance for individuals at £3,000, after which profits are subject to a 10% or 20% tax, depending on the user’s income band. UK users who earn crypto through mining, staking rewards, airdrops, or as payment for services, are treated as income and taxed at their applicable income tax rate.

Here’s a tax-reporting scenarios:

• A person sells Bitcoin bought for £5,000 at £8,000: they report a £3,000 gain, which may fall under their CGT allowance.
• Receiving £500 worth of Ethereum for freelance work: the user declares it as income for that tax year.
• Converting 1 ETH to 0.05 BTC: this counts as a disposal and may trigger CGT if the value of ETH has risen since it was acquired.

HMRC requires users to keep full records of every transaction, including dates, GBP values and fees. Using a compliant exchange can simplify tax reporting since they provide downloadable transaction histories. 

The UK’s crypto is evolving, largely driven by a mix of retail activity and institutional interest. Here’s a breakdown of user behaviour trends in the UK as of 2025

Retail vs Institutional Adoption

As of 2025, retail users dominate the UK crypto scene with more than 7 million adults owning crypto. Retail users form the bulk of the volume on UK exchanges like eToro, and Coinbase. Meanwhile, institutional interest has seen a massive uptick, with 39% of institutional players exploring digital assets.

 Some institutional players currently allocate 1% of their portfolio to digital assets. Institutional users mostly access crypto through exchanges like Gemini and Kraken. These organizations favor platforms with full compliance, and custody. On the other hand, retail users prefer platforms with smooth onboarding, and services such as staking and NFTs. 

NFTs and GameFi Activity

NFTs and GameFi activities are developing sectors of the UK’s crypto market. NFTs largely get their engagements via entertainment and collectibles, while GameFi’s mainstream presence is largely limited. Adoption trends show that the younger demographic of users in urban areas are more interested in both sectors compared to older users. 

User Demographics and Regional Dynamics

The younger demographic in urban areas account for the bulk of crypto ownership in the UK as of 2025. Ownership is more active around users within ages 34-54 (43/5%), followed by users within 18-34 (18%). Interestingly, only 20% of users are within the 55+ range. Geographically, London has the most active user base. 

Notably, the UK has a striking gender gap in crypto adoption, with male owners accounting for 68% ownership and female following at  32%. Generally, the typical UK investor is a yonder to middle aged man with a higher income background. 

Choosing the best UK exchange depends on your goals, and trading needs. This article explored several options, with some like Coinbase and eToro more suited for beginners. Others like Gemini, and Kraken appeal more to experienced traders. Users who prioritize low-fees should consider exchanges like OKX, while traders interested in yield should use Uphold. 

No matter your choice, using an FCA-registered exchange should be non-negotiable. Such exchanges offer better security and legal coverage should things go wrong.