With such a wide selection of cryptocurrency exchanges available in the UK, you don't necessarily need to go for the biggest name. Coinbase will usually be one of the first platforms you come across when you start you crypto journey. However, it is worth looking past the most obvious option and working out exactly what you need from your crypto exchange. The key factors to consider include security, cost, what advanced trading options are available, and what cryptoassets you intend to buy.
Top 5 Coinbase alternatives for UK crypto investors and traders
We’ve found five of the best Coinbase alternatives for UK crypto investors and traders. Our comparison took into account typical transaction fees, the number of supported cryptocurrencies and whether the option of an integrated wallet is available. We also explored the platforms in detail to highlight what key features each exchange is best for.
| Exchange | Fees | Number of cryptocurrencies | Wallet | Best for |
| 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 |
| Uphold | 0% (charges a spread of 0.85%-1.25%) | 250+ | Yes | Range of cryptoassets |
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 150 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
Uphold
- No transaction fees
- "Cryptionary" jargon-buster to help explain technical terminology
- More than 250 different cryptocurrencies
How to pick the best Coinbase alternative crypto exchange platform
Whether you are looking for a Coinbase alternative or not, there are a few critical features you need to assess before you settle on which crypto exchange platform you are going to use. These are security, fees, range and wallets. We have put security first for a reason – your cryptoassets will not benefit from the same regulatory safeguards that come with traditional investments. However, that doesn't mean you should always go with the platform that lists the most security features. Fees are important too because they could be the difference between losing and gaining money on your investment. Don't discount the range of coins either, as not every platform will offer what you need. Finally, keep in mind that whichever platform you pick, you’ll need to decide where you’re going to store your all-important keys.
Security
Most crypto exchanges do take security extremely seriously, but hackers are becoming increasingly adept at bypassing the security measures put between them and customer funds. Make sure to explore the measures different platforms put in place to protect your cryptoassets and research your preferred exchange’s security credentials and reputation. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a must, as is ensuring the platform you pick does not have a history of being regularly hacked.
You need to make sure that the money you put into your crypto investments is as safe and secure as possible, but it is important to understand that even if an exchange is authorised by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), cryptocurrency remains an unregulated investment and customers do not receive any protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Read our article on how cryptocurrency is regulated in the UK to learn more.
Fees
Crypto fees can be difficult to navigate because they vary so widely across different exchanges, and can be calculated on an entirely different basis from one platform to the next. Make sure to take into account that some platforms have different fee models - such as maker/taker fees or flat fees - for the different types of account they offer. This means you could incur completely different charges depending on the level of account you pick. Once you get to grips with how the different types of fees work, make sure to weigh up the costs of your planned transactions against the benefits of other, potentially more expensive, platforms..
Range of cryptoassets
The overwhelming majority of crypto platforms will support bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies, but some more niche options are not always supported by the major exchanges. If owning a particular cryptoasset is important to you, make sure to confirm that what you want is actually available before you sign up for an account. We include a list of supported altcoins in our reviews of Uphold, Gemini and Kraken.
Wallets
Most exchanges will offer an integrated digital wallet, but you may decide that a 'hot' wallet – one that is connected to the internet – is not secure enough for you. This is when you need to choose if you want to use a linked online wallet or if you want to purchase your own separate software or device to store your keys offline in a 'cold' wallet. Read our article 'What is a cryptocurrency wallet?' to learn more about the different types and decide would be most suitable for you.
Best Coinbase alternative for security
While most major crypto platforms – including the top 5 featured on this page – now offer strong security features, Gemini remains a market leader. It requires Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) as standard when you log in to your account or make cryptocurrency withdrawals, and lets users set up an "Approved Address" list that restricts withdrawals to the specified addresses.
Keep in mind that while Gemini has a good reputation for security, cryptoasset investing is mostly unregulated and investors are not protected if things go wrong. Users keen to maximise their protection would likely benefit from storing their keys on an offline wallet, rather than using the Gemini Wallet, which is connected to the internet and more vulnerable to being hacked. For more information on keeping your cryptocurrency keys as safe as possible, visit our article '5 best crypto wallets in the UK'.
Best Coinbase alternative for low fees
CEX.IO usually offers the lowest transaction fees on the market to edge out the competition when it comes to cost. This is on top of 24/7 customer support and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies. While it may not be a name many recognise, it also boasts over 4 million customers worldwide. CEX.IO fees come in below much of the industry, with a maximum 0.25% on taker transactions, making it a great option for investors looking to minimise costs.
As an alternative, another cost-efficient option could be Kraken, with its low transaction fees and wide range of trading options. It will be a good fit for advanced investors looking for more complex trading at a very reasonable rate. Alternatively, BlockFi has zero transaction fees, but it does charge for withdrawals, which can chip away at your profit when you choose to cash out. Head over to our independent CEX.IO, Kraken and BlockFi reviews for more on their trading options and fee schedules.
Best Coinbase alternative for altcoins
If you are keen to get involved in niche crypto trading pairs, Kraken has one of the widest selections of cryptoassets with more than 650 different cryptocurrencies on the platform. Both CEX.IO and Uphold also offer a wide range of more than 200 coins, while eToro hosts over 100 cryptoassets. Keep in mind that choosing the platform with the highest headline number is no guarantee that any particular coin will be available. Make sure to check that any niche assets you want are supported by the platform before you sign up.
Best Coinbase alternative for beginners
Gemini's clear, colourful design and emphasis on user security could be a good fit for newer investors looking for ease-of-use as well as a reputation for security. Although its fees are not the lowest on the market, and it doesn't have a particularly wide range of cryptocurrencies available, its user-friendly platform makes it a great option for beginners, particularly those interested in bitcoin. Alternatively, Uphold has a useful "Cryptionary" jargon-buster that new users can tap into to break down any confusing crypto terminology. You can read our independent Uphold and Gemini reviews for more.
How to learn more about crypto
The best place to start when it comes to learning about crypto is our beginner's guide. Your next step should be to read up on crypto wallets and how to mine cryptocurrency. After that, take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to buy bitcoin.
Once you have all of the basic information covered, make sure you are aware of the risks. Cryptoassets are highly volatile and there is little or no financial protection if things go wrong. Investing in cryptoassets is suited to sophisticated investors who understand the associated risks and are prepared to lose all the money they invest.
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