With hundreds of cryptocurrency platforms available, choosing the best one can be challenging. Key considerations include your preference for a desktop or mobile account, whether you're primarily buying and selling or seeking advanced trading options, and the types of cryptocurrency you plan to trade.
This article will guide you through the selection process and highlight some of the most affordable and popular crypto platforms in the UK.
The best crypto platforms in the UK
We have identified the top crypto platforms in the UK, evaluating each based on typical transaction fees, the range of supported cryptocurrencies, the availability of an integrated wallet, and their individual main strengths.
| Platform | Fees | Number of cryptocurrencies | Wallet | Best for |
| Coinbase | 0%-0.50% | 250+ | Yes | Beginner investors |
| Gemini | 0%-0.35% | 80+ | Yes | Security |
| Kraken | 0%-0.26% | 650+ | Yes | Advanced investors |
| CEX.IO | 0%-0.25% | 300+ | Yes | Low fees |
| eToro | 0%-0.25% | 100+ | Yes | Diversification |
Coinbase
Coinbase- Two account types - Coinbase and Coinbase Pro
- Integrated digital wallet - Coinbase Wallet
- Debit Visa card - Coinbase Card
- Own US dollar-backed stablecoin - USD Coin
- More than 250 different cryptocurrencies
Gemini
- Two wallet types - Gemini Custody and Gemini Wallet
- Crypto payment system - Gemini Pay
- Own US dollar-backed stablecoin - Gemini Dollar
- "Cryptopedia" to teach crypto investing
- More than 80 different cryptocurrencies
Kraken
- Three verification levels - Starter, Intermediate, and Pro
- 24/7 customer service
- Live “Cryptowatch” price data
- Safer, offline cold storage for 95% of cryptoassets
- More than 650 different cryptocurrencies
CEX.IO
- Free Bitcoin wallet when you sign up
- Sophisticated charting software with TradingView
- Margin trade options
- Wide variety of payment methods - VISA, Mastercard, S.W.I.F.T., ACH, Faster Payments, Sepa, QIWI, and Skrill
- More than 300 different cryptocurrencies
eToro
- eToro has its own cryptocurrency wallet
- Alongside cryptocurrency, eToro offers a wide selection of stocks and ETF trading
- More than 100 different cryptocurrencies
How to pick the best crypto platform
When choosing a platform, focus on four key areas: security, fees, altcoin availability, and wallet options. Keeping your assets secure is paramount, while fees can significantly impact your profitability in such a volatile sector. The rarity of some altcoins could make finding a compatible platform challenging, and you will need to decide where to store your crucial keys.
Security
Ensuring the safety and security of your crypto investments is paramount. While most crypto platforms prioritise security, hackers have been known to breach these defences to access customer funds. It's crucial to thoroughly research and assess the security credentials of your chosen platform, and check out our explainer on how cryptocurrency is regulated in the UK to find the FCA-approved crypto platforms in the UK. However, it's important to note that even if a platform is FCA-authorised, direct cryptocurrency purchases remain an unregulated investment. This means customers are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Fees
Crypto platform fees differ significantly and are calculated using various methods. To further complicate matters, many platforms employ distinct fee models for different account types - such as maker/taker or flat fees. This means your charges could vary greatly depending on your subscription, even with the same platform. Given the competitive nature of the crypto industry, it's beneficial to compare platforms, as some offer better rates for the same transaction type.
Altcoins
Most platforms support investments in Bitcoin, but if you are interested in alternative cryptocurrencies like Cardano or Litecoin, you should ensure they are actually available before signing up, as they are not universally supported by all popular platforms. We include a list of supported altcoins in our reviews of Coinbase, Gemini and Kraken.
Wallets
Some platforms lack an integrated digital wallet, but even if one is available, you might find a hot wallet's security insufficient. If that is the case for you, you will need to decide between using a linked online wallet, like Coinbase Wallet or Gemini Wallet, or acquiring separate software or a device to store your keys before making a purchase. Read our article 'What is a cryptocurrency wallet?' for more on the different types and which would be most suitable for you, including 'hot' vs 'cold' wallets.
Best crypto platform for beginners
Coinbase has become the most prominent name in cryptocurrency trading, particularly for Bitcoin, thanks to its user-friendly interface and global reach. While it may not offer the lowest fees or the widest selection of cryptocurrencies, its accessibility makes it an excellent choice for new crypto investors. For those seeking ease of use combined with strong security, Gemini stands out with its clear, colourful design and emphasis on asset protection. Another option for beginners is Uphold, which provides a helpful 'Cryptionary' to demystify complex crypto terminology.
More detailed information on the accounts, fees, and security features of Coinbase, Uphold and Gemini can be found in our independent reviews.
Best crypto platform for low fees
For investors prioritising minimal transaction costs, CEX.IO, a London-based platform, stands out. It has some of the lowest fees on the market, with a maximum of 0.25% on taker transactions, and offers 24/7 customer support, a wide range of cryptocurrencies and serves over four million customers globally. Another cost-efficient choice is Kraken, which provides a variety of trading options and low transaction fees, making it suitable for advanced investors seeking complex trading at reasonable rates. Alternatively, BlockFi caters to those making frequent trades by offering zero transaction fees. However, it does charge for withdrawals, which could impact overall profits.
For more detailed information on trading options and fee schedules, refer to our independent reviews of CEX.IO, Kraken and BlockFi.
Best crypto platform for altcoins
Kraken stands out for its extensive selection of over 650 cryptocurrencies, surpassing many competitors. Coinbase also has a strong selection, but its taker fees, starting at 0.50%, are slightly higher than some other platforms, such as Gemini. This means the benefit of a wider coin variety is somewhat offset by increased transaction costs. For those interested in niche crypto trading pairs, CEX.IO and Kraken provide a broad array of altcoins, while eToro also offers more than 120 crypto assets.
More on crypto
To understand more about cryptocurrency, including how it works and what a crypto wallet is, consult our beginner's guide. You can also dig into how to mine cryptocurrency, learn about crypto wallets and find a step-by-step guide on buying Bitcoin.
It's crucial to be aware of the significant risks involved. Crypto-assets are highly volatile, offering minimal to no financial protection if investments go awry. Investing in cryptoassets is best suited for experienced investors who understand these risks and are prepared for the potential loss of their entire investment. For more details, read our article on how cryptocurrency is regulated in the UK.
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