Do not invest unless you are prepared to lose all the money you invest. Cryptoassets are high-risk investments, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two minutes to learn more. Additionally, capital gains tax may apply to profits from cryptocurrency sales.

Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK

Updated On: Oct 4, 2024
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Best Crypto Exchange UK

Contents:

Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK

The best crypto exchanges in the UK are Coinbase, eToro, and CoinJar. These exchanges are registered with the FCA and facilitate the seamless buying and selling of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Scroll down for a detailed review of each exchange and to discover our top five crypto exchanges for buying, selling, and holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, USD Coin, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies in the UK.


Cryptoassets and crypto exchanges are not regulated in the UK, but the UK’s financial watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), requires crypto exchanges operating in the UK to complete a registration process. Below, we’ve noted the crypto exchanges currently registered with the FCA.

Please keep in mind that cryptoassets are highly volatile, and there is no government protection for your crypto holdings. You could lose all the money you put into them.

Here are the best crypto exchanges in the UK:


Coinbase - Beginner friendly; Crypto card; 240+ Cryptoassets

Coinbase logo
Minimum Deposit
£0
Trading Fees (Maker/Taker)
0.40% - 0.00% /
0.60% - 0.05%
Withdrawal Fees
No
FX Fees
No
FCA Registered
Yes

Coinbase is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows you to buy, sell and hold cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other DeFi products and keep track of them in one place. With Coinbase, you have over 240 cryptocurrencies to choose from, including popular coins and tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, Tether, Dogecoin and Polygon. You can also trade new or rare coins that may not be available on other crypto exchanges. New cryptocurrencies are added to the Coinbase exchange as frequently as every few days.

Coinbase also gives you access to a self-custody crypto wallet where you can store all your crypto and NFTs in one place. The Coinbase Wallet also supports hundreds of thousands of tokens and dApps, and users can use DeFi liquidity pools to supply or borrow crypto and swap assets on decentralised exchanges. Coinbase offers a crypto card powered by an FCA-licensed e-money institution. With the Coinbase card, you can spend crypto like cash anywhere Visa cards are accepted. If you are interested in learning about how specific cryptocurrencies work, you can take advantage of Coinbase’s earn feature, which rewards you with a tiny bit of crypto for completing online courses on cryptocurrencies. The Coinbase desktop and mobile apps are beautifully designed, easy to use, and offer a range of products that are suitable for beginners, advanced crypto traders, and businesses.

There are multiple fees involved when trading crypto on Coinbase. Fees are calculated at the time you place your order and may be determined by a combination of factors, including the selected payment method, the size of the order, and market conditions such as volatility and liquidity. For basic trading, fees will be listed in the trade preview screen before you submit your transaction and may differ for similar transactions. For advanced trading, Coinbase charges a Maker fee ranging from 0.40% to 0.00% and a Taker fee ranging from 0.60% to 0.05%, depending on the size of your order. The larger the order size, the smaller the fee on a percentage basis.

Please note: Do not invest unless you are prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two minutes to learn more. Cryptoassets are not regulated by the FCA and are not subject to protection under the FSCS or within the scope of jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Capital gains tax may apply to profits from cryptocurrency sales.

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eToro - Good for beginners and experts; 70+ Cryptocurrencies

eToro Logo
Minimum Deposit
US$100 (£80)
Trading Fees
1%
Withdrawal Fees
US$5 (£4)
FX Fees
Yes
FCA Registered
Yes

eToro is a multi-asset trading platform that enables you to trade or invest in cryptocurrencies, NFTs, stocks, ETFs, commodities, forex, and indices. With eToro, you can trade over 70 “real” cryptocurrencies, including popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Binance Coin (BNB) and Dogecoin.

Crypto trading on eToro is suitable for both beginners and advanced traders. Beginners can benefit from the educational materials, user-friendly desktop and mobile apps and copy trading tools (which allow you to copy the trades of top-performing crypto traders on the eToro platform). Advanced traders can take advantage of superior charting and analytics tools, social trading features, and real-time crypto market news and insights. You can also benefit from eToro’s risk management tools, such as Stop Loss, Take Profit and Trailing Stop Loss, to better manage your positions, protect your investments and secure your profits. Stop Loss and Take Profit are not guaranteed.

It is entirely free to open an account with eToro, and all registered users receive a US$100,000 demo account for free, which you can use to practise buying crypto and other assets before committing real money. eToro does not charge a deposit fee but charges a 1% trading fee on all crypto positions. Trading on eToro occurs in USD, so a conversion fee will apply if you deposit or withdraw in a currency other than USD. Withdrawals incur a fee of US$5 (£4), and the minimum withdrawal amount is US$30 (£24). For UK customers, eToro offers an eToro Money app that allows you to convert your GBP to USD free of charge, thereby reducing your foreign exchange costs. The app also functions as a crypto wallet for storing your crypto holdings and allows for easy transfer of your cryptocurrency from one exchange or wallet to another.

Please note: Do not invest unless you are prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two minutes to learn more. Cryptoassets are not regulated by the FCA and are not subject to protection under the FSCS or within the scope of jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Capital gains tax may apply to profits from cryptocurrency sales.

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CoinJar - Ready-made crypto portfolios; 50+ Cryptocurrencies

CoinJar logo
Minimum Deposit
£10
Trading Fees (Maker/Taker)
0.10% - 0.00% /
1%
Withdrawal Fees
No
FX Fees
No
FCA Registered
Yes

CoinJar is a cryptocurrency app and exchange based in the UK and Australia. With CoinJar, you can trade or invest in 50+ cryptocurrencies, including popular coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, USD Coin, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu Coin. The CoinJar app, which doubles as a crypto wallet, allows you to buy, sell, hold, spend and transfer cryptocurrencies securely on your desktop, iOS or Android device. The CoinJar card lets you make purchases with your crypto, online and in-store, anywhere Mastercard is accepted. It is free to activate the CoinJar card, and there are no monthly fees for using it. When paying with the card, your crypto is automatically converted to fiat currency using CoinJar’s best rates at the time of the transaction. You can choose to have a virtual or physical card or both. The CoinJar card is fully integrated with Google Pay, so Android users can spend crypto instantly and securely with any device.

CoinJar has a unique feature called a Crypto Bundle. A Crypto Bundle is a themed basket of cryptocurrencies, similar to a crypto index fund, crypto ETF or a ready-made stock portfolio. For example, you can buy a CoinJar Universe bundle, which is a portfolio of all the cryptocurrencies available on CoinJar. One investment into such a bundle means you have invested in every cryptocurrency available on CoinJar with just a click of a button. Crypto Bundles can either be proportional, where the weight of each cryptocurrency in a bundle is equal or cap-allocated, where the weights are allocated based on market cap performance.

CoinJar is suitable for both beginners and advanced traders. Beginners can take advantage of the easy-to-use app and ready-made crypto portfolios, while advanced and professional traders can take advantage of CoinJar’s institutional-grade crypto solutions, such as the CoinJar OTC, with razor-thin spreads and globally sourced liquidity. The minimum deposit to open an account with CoinJar is £10. Deposits are made in GBP, so FX fees do not apply. There is a trading fee of 1% on the CoinJar mobile app and website. The CoinJar Exchange (for market orders and aggressive limit orders) charges 0.00% for Taker orders and 0.10% - 0.04% for Maker orders (limit orders).

Please note: Do not invest unless you are prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two minutes to learn more. Cryptoassets are not regulated by the FCA and are not subject to protection under the FSCS or within the scope of jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Capital gains tax may apply to profits from cryptocurrency sales.

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Uphold - Crypto card; Cheap forex rates; 250+ Cryptoassets

Uphold Logo
Minimum Deposit
US$1 (£0.80)
Trading Fees
0.90% - 1.20%
Withdrawal Fee
US$3.99 (£3.22)
FX Fees
Yes
FCA Registered
Yes

Uphold is a beginner-friendly cryptocurrency exchange that allows you to buy and sell over 250 cryptocurrencies, including majors, altcoins and emerging tokens such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin, Polkadot, ApeCoin, PancakeSwap and Audius. Users can also buy and sell up to 3 national currencies, including GBP, EUR and USD and enjoy competitive forex rates. Uphold offers a free virtual crypto card that allows you to spend your crypto anywhere a Mastercard is accepted. With the Uphold crypto card, you receive up to 1% cashback on your card transactions paid to you in GBP. The card has no transaction fees when spending locally or internationally and can be easily linked to Apple Pay or Google Pay.

As an Uphold customer, you can earn staking rewards when you put your digital assets to work. Currently, customers can earn up to 13% APY. Please keep in mind that staking rates are variable and may change at Uphold’s discretion. Uphold offers crypto wallets for up to seven cryptocurrencies and crypto networks. Customers can store their crypto in the Uphold Bitcoin Wallet, Ethereum Wallet, XRP Wallet and many more. With Uphold, you can schedule regular transactions using AutoPilot, which allows you to set up recurring buy or sell orders and reduce the impact of price volatility. As an Uphold customer, you can also take advantage of the limit order feature, which allows you to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at a specified price. Customers can place up to 50 limit orders using one pool of capital.

There are multiple fees involved when trading crypto on Uphold. The most important fees to look out for are trading fees, FX fees, and market spreads. In the UK, US and Europe, Uphold charges a market spread ranging from 0.9% to 1.2% on BTC and ETH. Spreads can be significantly higher for low-liquidity cryptos and tokens such as XRP, ZIL, OXT, UPT, DOGE and others. You will be able to see the total cost of your trade before you place the trade. Uphold charges a withdrawal fee of $3.99 for bank transfers and $2.99 for crypto transfers. Visit Uphold to learn more.

Please note: Do not invest unless you are prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two minutes to learn more. Cryptoassets are not regulated by the FCA and are not subject to protection under the FSCS or within the scope of jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Capital gains tax may apply to profits from cryptocurrency sales.

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Kraken - Low cost; Staking rewards; 200+ Cryptocurrencies

Kraken logo
Minimum Deposit
US$10 (£8)
Trading Fees (Maker/Taker)
0.20% - 0.00% /
0.26% - 0.001%
Withdrawal Fees
Yes
FX Fees
Yes
FCA Registered
Yes

Kraken is a crypto exchange that allows you to trade and invest in over 200 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, XRP, USD Coin, and Litecoin. The platform is robust and will accommodate the needs of both beginners and experienced crypto traders. Beginners or newbie crypto traders can benefit from Kraken’s slick and easy-to-navigate mobile apps, wide range of educational materials, and 24/7 customer support. Advanced traders can take advantage of Kraken Pro, which provides access to spot, margin, futures trading, and staking in an all-in-one powerful interface that boasts low spreads and deep liquidity across markets. Advanced traders can also benefit from Kraken’s risk management tools, including Limit, Market, and Advanced (Stop Loss and Take Profit) Orders, to better manage positions, protect investments and secure profits.

Kraken allows you to earn staking rewards when you put your cryptocurrencies to work. Currently, customers can earn up to 24% in rewards annually by staking digital assets with Kraken. Please keep in mind that this rate is subject to change and compliance with Kraken’s terms and conditions. Additionally, to help customers feel more secure about trading on Kraken, the platform regularly publishes its proof of reserves audits, making it easy for customers to verify that the balances they hold are backed by real assets.

It is entirely free to open an account with Kraken. However, your first trade must be worth at least US$10 (£8). Kraken charges multiple fees depending on the assets you buy and how you choose to trade: If you trade via the mobile app using the basic features, a Maker fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.00% and a Taker fee ranging from 0.26% to 0.001% will apply, depending on the type and size of your order. The larger the order size, the smaller the fee on a percentage basis and vice versa. Other fees such as withdrawal, FX, and instant buy fees may apply.

Please note:
Do not invest unless you are prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two minutes to learn more. Cryptoassets are not regulated by the FCA and are not subject to protection under the FSCS or within the scope of jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Capital gains tax may apply to profits from cryptocurrency sales.

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Gemini - Beginner friendly; 100+ Cryptocurrencies

Gemini Logo
Minimum Deposit
£0
Trading Fees (Maker/Taker)
0.25% - 0.00% /
0.35% - 0.03%
Withdrawal Fees
No
FX Fees
No
FCA Registered
Yes

Gemini, founded by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, is an easy-to-use cryptocurrency exchange suitable for beginners and advanced crypto traders. Gemini makes it simple to research the crypto market, buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and 100+ digital currencies, and build a portfolio of cryptocurrencies and tokens. With Gemini, you can trade assets, manage your holdings, set recurring trades, dynamic price alerts and choose a default currency from GBP, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, HKD and SGD. You can also track your trades and monitor market movements via the Gemini web app or iOS and Android mobile apps.

The Gemini Wallet lets you store all your assets in an insured hot wallet or institutional-grade cold storage system and supports all cryptocurrencies and assets listed on the Gemini Exchange. UK customers can access the Gemini Exchange, which offers various beginner-friendly crypto trading tools. For customers looking for a more advanced trading experience, Gemini’s ActiveTrader is a high-performance crypto trading platform that delivers a professional-level experience, advanced charting, and multiple order types. Gemini has a unique feature called Gemini Clearing, which allows two parties to settle a trade off the order book. Gemini then acts as a confirming third party in the pre-arranged transaction, which helps ensure timely settlement while mitigating counterparty risk.

There are multiple fees involved when trading crypto on Gemini, including transaction fees, convenience fees, and Maker-Taker fees, depending on whether you access the Gemini Exchange via the mobile app, web app or ActiveTrader interface. Gemini charges between £0.75 - 1.49% for mobile and web app trades and Maker-Taker fees for orders placed via ActiveTrader. Gemini does not charge a withdrawal fee but charges a convenience fee in addition to the transaction fee for instant orders placed via its mobile app.

Please note: Do not invest unless you are prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two minutes to learn more. Cryptoassets are not regulated by the FCA and are not subject to protection under the FSCS or within the scope of jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Capital gains tax may apply to profits from cryptocurrency sales.

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How to Choose Cryptocurrencies

The following are factors to consider when choosing cryptocurrencies:

  1. Market Cap and Liquidity: The first thing to consider is the market capitalisation of the cryptocurrency. Market capitalisation (or market cap) is a metric used to measure the size and popularity of a cryptocurrency based on its current price and volume. The higher the market cap, the more popular the cryptocurrency is.

    To get the market cap at any given time, multiply the current price of any cryptocurrency by the total number of that cryptocurrency in circulation. Similarly, liquidity is important as it allows you to buy and sell the cryptocurrency easily.

  2. Technology and Innovation: Technology is the foundation of any cryptocurrency. It is important to understand the underlying technology and its potential applications. Look for cryptocurrencies that are innovative and have the potential to solve real-world problems.

    Most cryptocurrencies have a website where the developers go into detail about the technology and innovation, for example, Bitcoin.org and Ethereum.org.

  3. Team and Community: The team behind a cryptocurrency is crucial to its success. Look for teams with experienced developers, advisors, and a strong community of supporters. A strong community helps to create a network effect that can drive adoption and increase the value of the cryptocurrency.

  4. Use Case and Adoption: A cryptocurrency is only valuable if it has a real-world use case. Look for cryptocurrencies that have a clear use case and are being adopted by businesses and individuals. A cryptocurrency that is being used in the real world has a better chance of succeeding than one that is purely speculative.

  5. Security and Transparency: Cryptocurrencies are vulnerable to hacking and fraud. Look for cryptocurrencies that have a robust security system in place. Similarly, transparency is vital as it allows investors to verify the authenticity of the cryptocurrency and its transactions.

  6. Regulatory Landscape: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is constantly evolving. Look for cryptocurrencies that comply with local regulations and have a clear legal framework. This will help mitigate regulatory risks and ensure the long-term viability of the cryptocurrency. In the UK, you should look for cryptocurrencies that are compliant with FCA laws and regulations.

  7. Risk and Reward: Investing in cryptocurrencies is risky. It is important to understand the risks involved and to invest only what you can afford to lose. Look for cryptocurrencies that have a good risk-reward ratio. This means that the potential rewards outweigh the risks.

Crypto ETFs and Index Funds

One way to gain exposure to the crypto market without the complexities of buying and holding individual cryptocurrencies is through crypto ETFs, index funds, and ready-made portfolios.

1. Crypto ETFs and Index Funds

Crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds are investment vehicles that provide exposure to a basket of cryptocurrencies or a single cryptocurrency. They are designed to track the performance of a specific index, benchmark or cryptocurrency, and they allow investors to gain exposure to the crypto market without having to purchase and manage multiple coins.

One example of a crypto ETF is the Purpose Bitcoin ETF, which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. This ETF exposes investors to the price of Bitcoin by investing directly in the cryptocurrency. The Bitcoin ETF is designed to track the performance of the price of Bitcoin and offers a convenient way for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without buying it directly.

An example of a crypto index fund is the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, which is a popular option in the US. The trust invests solely and passively in Bitcoin. It aims to provide investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to gain exposure to Bitcoin in the form of a security while avoiding the challenges of buying, storing, and safekeeping it directly.

Please note: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has placed a ban on the sale of crypto-derivatives and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) to retail customers, so crypto index funds and ETFs, such as the Bitcoin ETF, are not available to UK customers.

2. Ready-Made Crypto Portfolios

Ready-made crypto portfolios are pre-constructed portfolios of cryptocurrencies designed to provide UK investors with a diversified exposure to the crypto market.

One example is eToro’s CryptoPortfolio, a basket of several cryptocurrencies weighted according to each cryptocurrency’s total market capitalisation. As of October 2024, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB made up 46%, 12%, and 11% of the holdings in this portfolio, respectively. The portfolio is rebalanced once a year.

Another example of a ready-made crypto portfolio in the UK is the CoinJar Universe Bundle, a portfolio of all the cryptocurrencies available on CoinJar. One investment into such a bundle gives you exposure to every cryptocurrency available on CoinJar.

UK Investors looking for exposure to the crypto market without the complexities of buying and holding individual cryptocurrencies might want to consider ready-made crypto portfolios since crypto ETFs and index funds are unavailable in the UK.

Please remember that crypto assets are volatile and unregulated, and you can lose all the money you put into them. This information does not constitute financial advice.

Crypto Exchange vs Crypto Wallet

The differences between a crypto exchange and a crypto wallet can be confusing for those new to cryptocurrencies.

Below, we explain the differences between these two essential tools and why it is important to understand them, especially in the context of crypto hacks.

1. Crypto Exchange

Crypto exchanges are online platforms where you can buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. They are also called crypto brokers, crypto on-ramps, or crypto trading platforms (or apps). Two of the most popular crypto exchanges in the UK are eToro and CoinJar.

These exchanges act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, matching them up and executing trades. They typically charge fees for their services, which can vary depending on the exchange and the transaction type.

2. Crypto Wallet

A crypto wallet is a tool that allows users to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies. It is designed to hold the private keys needed to access a user’s cryptocurrency on the blockchain.

There are different types of crypto wallets available in the market today, and they can broadly be classified into two categories: hot wallets and cold wallets.

  • Hot Wallet: A hot wallet is a digital wallet that is connected to the internet, allowing users to access their cryptocurrencies quickly and easily. It is ideal for people who need to make frequent transactions and want easy access to their crypto holdings.

    Examples of popular hot wallets include Exodus and MyEtherWallet.

  • Cold Wallet: A cold wallet is a hardware wallet that is not connected to the internet. Cold wallets provide a more secure way to store digital assets because they are not vulnerable to hacking attacks. They are best suited for the long-term storage of cryptocurrencies.

    Cold wallets can be further classified into two types: paper wallets and hardware wallets. Paper wallets are simply printouts of private keys, whereas hardware wallets are physical devices that store the private keys offline. Some popular cold wallets include Ledger Nano S, Trezor, and KeepKey.

While both crypto exchanges and wallets play critical roles in the world of cryptocurrencies, they are fundamentally different. Exchanges are designed for trading, while wallets are designed for storage. Exchanges offer liquidity and convenience, while wallets provide security and control.

When it comes to crypto hacks, exchanges are more vulnerable than wallets. In fact, there have been several high-profile hacks of crypto exchanges in recent years, including the infamous Mt. Gox hack in 2014, which resulted in the loss of over 700,000 Bitcoin.

More recently, in 2019, Binance suffered a hack that resulted in the loss of over US$40 million (£33.2 million) worth of Bitcoin.

Additionally, defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX claimed to have been hacked in 2022, resulting in a loss of around US$415 million (£338 million) worth of crypto.

Crypto wallets are generally considered to be more secure than exchanges. While there have been instances of wallet hacks, these are typically the result of user error or phishing attacks rather than vulnerabilities in the wallet software itself.

By using a hardware wallet, which stores a user’s private keys offline, users can significantly reduce their risk of a hack.

Crypto Trading Fees

Here is a breakdown of the most common crypto trading fees:

  1. Maker-Taker Fees: Maker-taker fees are a common fee structure used by cryptocurrency exchanges or brokers. When you place an order to buy or sell crypto, you can either take liquidity from the order book (a taker) or add liquidity to the order book (a maker). Takers pay a fee for taking liquidity from the order book, while makers receive a fee for adding liquidity to the order book.

    This fee structure is designed to incentivise liquidity providers to add more liquidity to the exchange. Not all crypto exchanges featured on Koody charge maker-taker fees, but those that do are highlighted above.

  2. Trading Fees: Trading fees are charged by crypto exchanges when you buy or sell cryptocurrency. These fees can vary depending on the exchange or broker and the volume of the trade. They are usually a percentage of the trade amount, but some exchanges charge a flat fee. Trading fees can also vary depending on whether you are a maker or a taker.

  3. Foreign Exchange (FX)/Currency Conversion Fee: FX or currency conversion fees are charged when you buy or sell crypto using a currency different from the base currency of the crypto exchange.

    For example, if the base currency of the exchange is USD and you buy BTC with GBP, you may be charged a currency conversion fee. This fee is usually a percentage of the transaction amount and is used to cover the cost of converting the currency.

  4. Withdrawal Fees: Withdrawal fees are charged when you withdraw crypto or cash from an exchange to an external wallet or bank account. These fees can vary depending on the cryptocurrency and the exchange. Not all exchanges charge a withdrawal fee, but those that do typically charge a flat fee or a percentage of the withdrawal amount.

    It is essential to be aware of withdrawal fees before making a withdrawal or creating an account with a crypto exchange or broker so you can factor them into your decision-making.

  5. Market Spread: Market spread is the difference between the bid price (the highest price a buyer is willing to pay) and the ask price (the lowest price a seller is willing to accept) of a cryptocurrency. This difference represents the spread, and it is where the crypto broker makes its profit. The market spread can vary depending on the liquidity of the market and the volatility of the cryptocurrency.

  6. Gas Fees: Gas fees are fees you pay miners on the blockchain network to process a transaction. When you send a transaction on the blockchain, computational resources are required to process it. Gas fees are used to incentivise miners to process your transaction faster.

    The higher the gas fee you pay, the faster your transaction will be processed. You will only ever encounter gas fees when you transact directly in cryptocurrencies, for example, when buying a domain name on the Ethereum Name Service.

Tax on Cryptocurrencies in the UK

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has provided guidance to help people determine whether they need to pay tax on their cryptoassets. In a nutshell, here are the key aspects you need to know about taxes when you receive or sell cryptocurrencies:

1. Tax When You Receive Cryptoassets

The tax rules depend on the specific transaction circumstances. Generally, you may need to pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions if you receive cryptoassets as income.

You don’t pay tax when you purchase cryptocurrencies. If you acquire them through mining and aren’t trading, you might need to complete a Self Assessment tax return, depending on the value of the assets or other untaxed income.

If your employer pays you in readily convertible cryptoassets (easily exchanged for cash), they must handle Income Tax and National Insurance through PAYE. If the assets aren’t readily convertible, you should ask your employer about your Income Tax and, if necessary, complete a Self Assessment tax return.

Keep records of all cryptoassets you receive, including the type, date, amount, total holdings, value in pounds, bank statements, and disposal date. If in doubt, consult a professional tax adviser for guidance.

2. Tax When You Sell Cryptoassets

Tax rules for selling cryptoassets also depend on the specific transaction circumstances. Generally, you pay Capital Gains Tax when your gains from selling certain assets exceed the tax-free allowance.

This tax year, the Capital Gains tax-free allowance is £3,000 (£1,500 for trusts). This means you do not need to pay tax on the first £3,000 profit you make from selling cryptoassets unless you’ve already used up your allowance elsewhere, for example, on the profit from the sale of stocks and shares.

You may need to pay Capital Gains Tax when you sell cryptoassets, exchange them for a different type, use them to pay for goods or services or give them away (unless it’s a gift to your spouse or civil partner).

Donating cryptoassets to charity may require you to pay Capital Gains Tax. You don’t need to pay Capital Gains Tax on the value of cryptoassets you’ve already paid Income Tax on but will need to pay it on any gains made afterwards.

Keep accurate records of each transaction, including the disposal date, the number of cryptoassets disposed of, remaining assets, value in pounds, bank statements, wallet addresses, and pooled costs before and after disposal.

If you’re unsure about paying Capital Gains Tax on your cryptoasset sales, consult a professional tax adviser. HMRC’s guidance can help you understand your obligations, but in complex cases, professional advice may be necessary.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which crypto exchange can I use in the UK?

In the UK, it is best to use a crypto exchange or Bitcoin trading platform that is registered with the UK’s financial watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

While the FCA and the Financial Ombudsman Service do not provide any kind of compensation for crypto losses, hacks or scams, it might still be worth using a crypto exchange that is registered with the FCA, as registered financial institutions tend to offer more reliable products than those that play entirely by their own rules.

Here are the best crypto exchanges and Bitcoin trading platforms in the UK:

  1. Coinbase - Beginner friendly; Crypto card; 240+ Cryptoassets
  2. eToro - Good for beginners and experts; 70+ Cryptocurrencies
  3. CoinJar - Ready-made crypto portfolios; 50+ Cryptocurrencies
  4. Uphold - Crypto card; Cheap forex rates; 250+ Cryptoassets
  5. Kraken - Low cost; Staking rewards; 200+ Cryptocurrencies

2. Is crypto real money?

Whether cryptocurrencies are considered “real money” depends on how one defines money. Cryptocurrencies can be used as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value, which are key functions of money. However, they are not legal tender in most countries, and their value is highly volatile.

Additionally, unlike fiat currencies that are backed by a central government, cryptocurrencies have no intrinsic value and rely on market demand and adoption. This can make their value subject to speculation and manipulation.

Some businesses and individuals do accept cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services, and there are even some countries where cryptocurrencies are recognised as a form of payment for taxes or fees. However, the lack of widespread adoption and regulatory clarity means that cryptocurrencies are not yet widely accepted as a mainstream form of money.

3. Are cryptocurrencies regulated in the UK?

Cryptocurrencies are not regulated in the UK. However, some crypto exchanges, such as eToro, CoinJar, and Uphold, are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The FCA’s position on cryptocurrency is that “Cryptoassets are considered very high-risk, speculative investments. If you invest in cryptoassets, you should be prepared to lose all your money. You are unlikely to have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if something goes wrong.” To learn more about the FCA’s position on cryptocurrencies, read its guidance.

4. Are cryptocurrencies safe?

Cryptocurrencies are based on secure cryptographic protocols that make them difficult to counterfeit or manipulate, but they are not immune to hacking, theft, or fraud.

The decentralised and unregulated nature of many cryptocurrencies also means that there is no central authority, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), to provide protections or recourse in the event of a problem.

To keep your cryptocurrencies safe, it is essential to take several precautions, including using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), using reputable exchanges or wallets, and avoiding sharing your private keys with anyone.

It is also wise to regularly update your software and stay up-to-date with the latest security practices and news in the cryptocurrency world. In general, being diligent and cautious with your cryptocurrency investments can help reduce the risk of loss or theft.

5. What are the benefits of cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies offer several potential benefits that traditional fiat currencies and payment systems may not. Here are five examples:

  1. Decentralisation: Cryptocurrencies are decentralised, meaning they are not controlled by a central authority such as a government or bank. This can make them more resistant to censorship, manipulation, and corruption.

  2. Security: Cryptocurrencies use strong cryptographic protocols to secure transactions and prevent counterfeiting or fraud. The transparency and immutability of the blockchain also provide an additional layer of security and accountability.

  3. Efficiency: Cryptocurrencies can facilitate fast, low-cost transactions across borders without the need for intermediaries. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals and businesses who need to transfer funds quickly or frequently.

  4. Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies can help provide access to financial services for individuals who are unbanked or underbanked. For example, stablecoins like Tether and USDC offer a stable value that can be used as a store of value or medium of exchange in regions with unstable or inflationary currencies.
  5. Innovation: Cryptocurrencies have sparked a wave of innovation and experimentation in the financial sector, leading to new applications and technologies that could benefit society as a whole. For example, smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain enable decentralised applications and programmable money that can automate complex financial processes.

6. What is the cheapest cryptocurrency exchange in the UK?

The cheapest FCA-registered cryptocurrency exchange in the UK is Kraken.

With Maker fees ranging from 0.20% to 0.00% and Taker fees ranging from 0.26% to 0.001%, depending on the size of your portfolio and trading method, Kraken is the cheapest FCA-registered cryptocurrency exchange in the UK.

Cryptocurrency is legal in the UK, and there are no restrictions on individuals buying, selling, or holding cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and other altcoins. However, some businesses dealing with cryptocurrencies are required to register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

Additionally, HMRC requires individuals and businesses to pay taxes on their cryptocurrency gains or profits using different payment methods depending on the nature of the activity.

8. How do I get cryptocurrency?

To get cryptocurrency, you can either mine, earn or buy it from someone who owns the type of cryptocurrency you want. Buying or selling crypto is called a trade and can be carried out via crypto exchanges.

The most common way to acquire cryptocurrency today is by buying it online from a crypto exchange (or crypto on-ramp), such as eToro or Coinbase. To buy crypto, you can use the cash in your bank account or exchange your existing crypto for another.

Cryptocurrency mining involves solving complex mathematical equations with the goal of earning some cryptocurrencies. These equations validate blocks of transactions, and each block is added to the blockchain. The first computer to solve the complex equation or algorithm gets rewarded with new cryptocurrencies.

9. What is the best app for buying cryptocurrency in the UK?

Here are the best apps and crypto on-ramps for buying cryptocurrencies in the UK:

  1. Coinbase - Beginner friendly; Crypto card; 240+ Cryptoassets
  2. eToro - Good for beginners and experts; 70+ Cryptocurrencies
  3. CoinJar - Ready-made crypto portfolios; 50+ Cryptocurrencies
  4. Uphold - Crypto card; Cheap forex rates; 250+ Cryptoassets
  5. Kraken - Low cost; Staking rewards; 200+ Cryptocurrencies



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  3. How to Invest in Cryptocurrency
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  5. How to Buy XRP
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  8. Best Investment Platforms
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  10. Best Budgeting Apps

Credits

  1. Coinbase
  2. CoinMarketCap
  3. Financial Conduct Authority
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