Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK – 2025

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When it comes to buying, selling, or trading cryptocurrencies, choosing the right exchange is crucial—especially for UK residents. With hundreds of platforms available globally, identifying the best crypto exchanges in the UK can feel overwhelming. But after rigorous testing and analysis of over 100 platforms, we’ve narrowed down the top options that stand out in security, fees, user experience, liquidity, and regulatory compliance.

Whether you're a beginner looking for an easy-to-use platform or an advanced trader seeking high leverage and low fees, this guide covers everything you need to know about the leading crypto exchanges serving UK customers in 2025.

Top 10 Crypto Exchanges in the UK – 2025 Rankings

  1. Bitget – Best Overall Exchange for UK Traders
  2. MEXC Global – Lowest Fees & High Leverage Trading
  3. OKX – Top Derivatives Platform with Low Costs
  4. Binance – Largest Global Exchange (Limited in UK)
  5. Huobi – High-Yield Trading & Solid Security
  6. Kraken – One of the Oldest & Most Secure Platforms
  7. Crypto.com – User-Friendly App Experience
  8. Coinbase – Beginner-Friendly but Expensive
  9. eToro – Ideal for Copy Trading & Practice
  10. CEX – Local UK-Based Exchange

Let’s dive into each platform to help you make an informed decision based on your trading goals and preferences.

1. Bitget – Best Overall Crypto Exchange in the UK

Bitget has rapidly grown since its launch in 2018 and now ranks among the world’s top five crypto exchanges by derivatives volume. It offers a powerful blend of security, low fees, and advanced trading tools—making it the best overall choice for UK traders.

Security Features

These features ensure your digital assets remain safe and verifiably backed at all times.

Trading Experience

Bitget supports over 500 cryptocurrencies and 740 trading pairs across spot and futures markets. Its trading interface is clean, fast, and optimized for both new and experienced traders.

👉 Discover how Bitget’s intuitive UI can boost your trading performance today.

The platform excels in execution speed and reliability, especially during volatile market conditions—ideal for day traders and scalpers.

Fiat On-Ramps

UK users can buy crypto directly using GBP via credit/debit cards or bank transfers. Supported fiat currencies include USD, EUR, CAD, and more. While KYC is required for fiat purchases, trading and withdrawals are possible without full verification, offering flexibility.

Copy Trading & Passive Income

Bitget’s copy trading feature allows beginners to mirror successful traders automatically—a great way to earn passive income. You can also stake assets or use earn products to grow your portfolio while minimizing active effort.

Customer Support

24/7 live chat support ensures quick resolution of issues. The team is responsive, multilingual, and knowledgeable—adding another layer of trust.

Why We Recommend Bitget:

2. MEXC Global – Lowest Fees & High Liquidity

MEXC Global ranks second due to its unbeatable fee structure and vast selection of tradable assets—over 1,600 coins listed, one of the highest in the industry.

Security Overview

Like Bitget, MEXC has never been hacked and provides full proof of reserves. However, it lacks a dedicated insurance fund, which slightly lowers its safety score compared to top competitors.

Trading Advantages

Its liquidity for major pairs like BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT rivals even Binance, ensuring smooth order execution with minimal slippage.

The UI is sleek and responsive—perfect for high-frequency traders who value speed and precision.

Fiat Access

MEXC supports GBP deposits via multiple payment methods after KYC verification. Although KYC is required for fiat onboarding, you can still trade and withdraw crypto without it.

👉 See how MEXC’s ultra-low fees can maximize your returns over time.

Customer Support

MEXC offers 24/7 multilingual live chat with fast response times—typically under five minutes—making support one of its strongest points.

Why Traders Love MEXC:

3. OKX – Leading Derivatives Platform

Launched in 2017 as OKEx, OKX has evolved into the #2 derivatives exchange globally, known for innovation, security, and performance.

Security & Trust

These measures place OKX among the most trustworthy platforms in crypto.

Trading Tools & Markets

OKX offers:

Fees:

Volume discounts apply based on monthly activity.

A free demo trading mode helps beginners practice risk-free.

Fiat & P2P Options

UK users can deposit GBP via card or bank transfer after completing KYC. P2P trading is also supported, giving users more control over pricing and payment methods.

Support System

OKX uses an automated chatbot for initial queries, with tickets usually answered within 10 hours. While not instant human support, the system is efficient for non-urgent issues.

4. Binance – The World’s Largest Exchange (Limited in UK)

Despite being the largest crypto exchange globally, Binance operates under restrictions in the UK due to regulatory scrutiny.

Security Record

Binance was hacked once in 2018 but reimbursed all affected users fully. It maintains:

Trading Limitations in the UK

UK users cannot access leveraged products beyond limited margin options. However:

Its desktop app delivers excellent performance despite a slightly slower web version.

Fiat & Support

Easy GBP deposits via bank transfer (flat £1 fee). Customer support is top-tier—24/7 live chat with knowledgeable agents.

Other Notable Platforms

Kraken – Trusted & Transparent

One of the oldest exchanges (founded 2011), Kraken offers strong security, proof of reserves, and Kraken Pro for advanced traders.

Crypto.com – Mobile-First Experience

Ideal for beginners; app-focused with low spot fees but slower support response times.

Coinbase – Beginner-Friendly but Costly

Simple interface but high fees (up to 3.99% on cards). Best for buy-and-hold investors.

eToro – Social & Copy Trading

Great for learning with a $100K demo account—but no crypto withdrawals allowed.

CEX – UK-Based Option

Fully regulated locally with basic features; suitable for small-scale or new traders.

How to Choose the Right Exchange in the UK

Consider these factors:

👉 Compare real-time trading costs and see which platform fits your strategy best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most popular crypto exchange in the UK?
Binance remains the most widely used exchange among UK traders despite limitations.

Which exchange has the lowest fees in the UK?
MEXC offers zero spot fees and some of the lowest futures costs—ideal for cost-sensitive traders.

Are crypto exchanges legal in the UK?
Yes, all major exchanges operate legally under FCA registration or reporting requirements.

Which platform is best for beginners?
Coinbase is widely recommended for newcomers due to its simplicity and educational resources.

Can I trade crypto with GBP directly?
Yes—Bitget, Binance, Kraken, and others support direct GBP deposits via card or bank transfer.

Is copy trading available in the UK?
Yes—Bitget and eToro offer robust copy trading systems where you can follow expert traders automatically.

Choosing the best crypto exchange in the UK depends on your experience level, trading style, and priorities—whether that’s low cost, high security, or ease of use. By evaluating each platform against your needs, you can confidently enter the world of digital assets with a trusted partner by your side.