Bitpanda — Best for Wide Asset Selection & Low-Fee Investing

4.3
4.1
3.7
Trustpilot Score: 3.9 · Checked February 2026

Using Bitpanda's wallet comes at no extra cost. Fiat and crypto deposits/withdrawals are fee-free, and users can begin investing with just £1. The platform applies a transparent trading spread, and blockchain network fees only apply when sending crypto externally. For a full comparison, see our breakdown of crypto platforms with the lowest fees.

Bitpanda Join The Crypto Movement promotion on cryptocurrency homepage
Bitpanda cryptocurrency homepage — Join The Crypto Movement

Pros

  • Trade and store more than 600 cryptocurrencies, plus crypto index products
  • Certified to ISO 27001 standards
  • No fees for deposits or withdrawals
  • Beginner-friendly design with straightforward navigation

Cons

  • Operates with a hot wallet setup — best for active use, not full cold storage
  • Assets are held in Bitpanda's custody, not entirely non-custodial
  • Limited DeFi/Web3 features compared to fully self-custody wallets

What are the Fees?

Using Bitpanda's wallet comes at no extra cost. Fiat and crypto deposits/withdrawals are fee-free, and users can begin investing with just £1. The platform applies a transparent trading spread, and blockchain network fees only apply when sending crypto externally. For a full comparison, see our breakdown of crypto platforms with the lowest fees.

What Cryptocurrencies are Available?

Bitpanda gives access to over 600 digital currencies, from market leaders like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) to a wide selection of altcoins. It also features crypto indices, letting users invest in diversified coin bundles that mirror different areas of the crypto market.

How Safe is the Broker?

The platform integrates enterprise-level safeguards: ISO 27001 certification, a mix of cold and hot wallet storage, advanced encryption, and two-factor authentication. Regular third-party audits reinforce the strength of its security systems.

Who Is It Best For?

UK investors seeking wide crypto coverage at minimal cost. Its simple layout works for first-time buyers as well as experienced investors aiming to diversify their holdings.

Visit Bitpanda Read Full Review

Don't invest unless you're 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.

eToro — Social Trading, Easy to Use, Rated Highest

4.5
3.8
3.8
Trustpilot Score: 4.2 · Checked February 2026

eToro charges a 1% trading fee on crypto transactions, plus a 0.5% GBP deposit fee. There's also a $5 withdrawal fee and a $10 inactivity fee if the account is idle for 12 months. No hidden fees are applied beyond these.

etoro home page featuring two mobile phones
eToro home page — social trading platform

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Social trading features (CopyTrader™)
  • FCA regulated
  • Wide asset range (crypto, stocks, ETFs)

Cons

  • 1% trading fee
  • Limited advanced trading tools
  • Small currency conversion fee for GBP deposits

What are the Fees?

eToro charges a 1% trading fee on crypto transactions, plus a 0.5% GBP deposit fee. There's also a $5 withdrawal fee and a $10 inactivity fee if the account is idle for 12 months. No hidden fees are applied beyond these.

What Cryptocurrencies are Available?

eToro offers access to over 120 cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. While not as extensive as some other exchanges, it covers all the major assets most UK investors are likely to trade.

How Safe is the Exchange?

eToro is considered highly secure. It uses cold storage for the majority of crypto assets and two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect user accounts. It's also regulated by the FCA, adding an extra layer of trust for UK investors.

Who Is It Best For?

eToro is best for beginners and casual investors who want an easy way to buy crypto and learn from others. Its social trading feature allows users to copy experienced investors, making it perfect for those new to the crypto market.

Coinbase — Beginner-Friendly, Secure, Trusted Brand

4.3
4
4.4
Trustpilot Score: 4 · Checked February 2026

Coinbase charges around 1% per trade, plus a spread fee of 0.5%. Debit card deposits incur a 3.99% fee. Advanced traders using Coinbase Advanced enjoy lower maker-taker fees starting at 0.5% and decreasing with higher volumes.

Coinbase UK homepage showing GBP account funding option and mobile balance display, June 2025
Coinbase UK homepage — GBP account funding

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Strong security measures
  • FCA-registered
  • Supports over 390 cryptocurrencies

Cons

  • Higher fees compared to competitors
  • Limited advanced trading features unless using Coinbase Advanced
  • Slower customer support response times

What are the Fees?

Coinbase charges around 1% per trade, plus a spread fee of 0.5%. Debit card deposits incur a 3.99% fee. Advanced traders using Coinbase Advanced enjoy lower maker-taker fees starting at 0.5% and decreasing with higher volumes.

What Cryptocurrencies are Available?

Coinbase offers over 390 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and many altcoins. It's one of the widest selections available among FCA-registered platforms, catering to both casual buyers and those exploring newer tokens.

How Safe is the Exchange?

Coinbase is highly secure, storing 98% of customer assets in cold storage. It enforces two-factor authentication and has a strong reputation for protecting user funds. Its compliance with UK regulations adds an extra layer of investor protection.

Who Is It Best For?

Coinbase is best for beginners who prioritise ease of use and security. Its simple platform design and clear buying process make it perfect for those new to cryptocurrency who want a safe place to start without technical complexity. Looking for other options? Check out our list of alternatives to Coinbase.

IG — Trusted, Low-Fee, FCA-Registered, Multi-Asset

4.4
4.2
4.5
Trustpilot Score: 3.9 · Checked February 2026

IG charges a flat 1.49% spread per trade with no additional costs. Deposits via debit card or bank transfer are free, and withdrawals to your UK bank account carry no charges. With a £1 minimum purchase, the fee structure is transparent — you see the exact cost before confirming each trade.

IG Screenshot 2 23012026
IG crypto trading platform — January 2026

Pros

  • Buy crypto from £1 using existing IG account cash — no separate funding needed
  • Access 55+ coins including DeFi tokens, Layer 1s, and meme coins
  • Cold storage custody with fund segregation from IG's corporate assets

Cons

  • Cannot withdraw to hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor
  • Zero staking rewards — missing passive income opportunities
  • Mandatory 24-hour wait before your first crypto trade

What are the Fees?

IG charges a flat 1.49% spread per trade with no additional costs. Deposits via debit card or bank transfer are free, and withdrawals to your UK bank account carry no charges. With a £1 minimum purchase, the fee structure is transparent — you see the exact cost before confirming each trade.

What Cryptocurrencies are Available?

IG supports 55+ cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, alongside DeFi tokens such as Chainlink and Aave, Layer 1 projects like Cardano and Polkadot, and meme coins including Dogecoin and Pepe. Stablecoins USDT and USDC are also available.

How Safe is the Exchange?

IG uses institutional-grade custody with cold storage keeping most assets offline in secure vaults. Security measures include two-factor authentication (2FA), end-to-end encryption, and fund segregation from IG's corporate money. FCA registration under Money Laundering Regulations ensures AML compliance, though crypto balances aren't covered by the £85,000 FSCS protection scheme. For long-term holders, transferring assets to one of the best crypto wallets for UK investors adds an extra layer of protection.

Who Is It Best For?

IG is best for UK investors who want straightforward crypto access with competitive fees and the convenience of managing multiple asset classes in one account. It's ideal for buy-and-hold investors already using IG for shares or forex, as well as beginners who value simplicity over advanced features like staking or self-custody.

Introduction

As I write this, Binance has still paused accepting new UK customers due to changes in UK financial regulations. This decision came into effect on 16 October 2023, after the FCA-required approval for Binance's financial promotions was withdrawn.

While existing users can continue accessing their accounts, many are now considering alternatives.

In this article, I'll share the best Binance alternatives, whatever your reason for wanting an alternative to Binance, there are a considerable number of Crypto Exchanges available. If you're new to the space, our guide on how to buy cryptocurrency in the UK is a great starting point.

Over the years, I've tested a range of the best crypto exchanges in the UK, and there are still some great options for UK users that I will detail here.

Cryptocurrency Investment Analysis

We've created in-depth guides analysing whether specific cryptocurrencies make good investments. Each guide examines market fundamentals, risks, and potential returns.

Which Alternative Platform is Best for You?

Choosing the right Binance alternative depends on your goals. If you want the widest crypto selection with zero deposit fees, Bitpanda is the standout choice. For social trading and a beginner-friendly experience, eToro is a strong option. Coinbase suits those who value simplicity and regulatory compliance, while Uphold works well for multi-asset trading across crypto, metals, and fiat.

Reflect on what matters most to you — whether it's coin variety, fees, features, or security — to find the platform that best suits your trading style. If fees are your main concern, check our breakdown of crypto platforms with the lowest fees. Or if you'd rather trade on the go, we've tested the best crypto apps in the UK.

New to crypto entirely? Our step-by-step guide on how to buy cryptocurrency in the UK walks you through everything from choosing a platform to making your first trade.

FAQs

Which is the cheapest Binance alternative?

Bitpanda is the standout choice for cost-conscious investors — it charges zero fees on deposits and withdrawals, with a transparent trading spread starting at ~1.49%. Unlike many competitors, there are no hidden charges, and you can start investing from just €1. For a full fee breakdown across all UK platforms, see our guide to Coinbase alternatives in the UK which also compares costs.

Are Binance alternatives safe to use in the UK?

Yes. Bitpanda holds over 15 regulatory licences across Europe and is certified to ISO 27001 security standards, making it one of the most heavily regulated crypto exchanges available to UK investors. Other trusted options include eToro (FCA-regulated) and Coinbase (FCA-registered). Whichever platform you choose, always enable two-factor authentication and consider transferring larger holdings to a crypto wallet for added security.

Can I find Binance alternatives with more cryptocurrencies?

Bitpanda supports over 600 cryptocurrencies — more than any other platform on this list — plus crypto index products that give you diversified exposure without picking individual coins. That makes it the strongest option whether you're after major tokens or niche altcoins and smaller tokens. If you're specifically hunting for smaller emerging projects, our guide on the best low cap crypto gems is worth a read.

References