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

4.3
4.1
3.7
Trustpilot Score: 3.9 · Checked February 2026

We opened our Bitpanda account in October 2025 and have executed 12 trades totalling £2,400. Here's what we found:

Bitpanda Mobile highlighting crypto gainers, watchlist tools and account safeguards like a cooling-off period. From testing in January 2026
Bitpanda Mobile highlighting crypto gainers, watchlist tools and account safeguards like a cooling-off period. From testing in January 2026

Pros

  • 600+ cryptocurrencies—more than any other FCA-registered platform we tested
  • Zero deposit and withdrawal fees for GBP
  • Spreads matched or beat advertised rates in all our tests
  • Interface is genuinely beginner-friendly (we've recommended it to non-technical friends)

Cons

  • No external wallet transfers for some tokens—we couldn't send our BEST token holdings to MetaMask
  • Verification rejection on first attempt—passport photo "poor lighting" added 2 days to setup
  • Staking rewards lower than competitors—Ethereum pays 2.8% APY vs Coinbase's 3.2%
  • No GBP trading pairs for altcoins—you trade against EUR, adding small FX exposure
Cryptos AvailableFCA Registration Number
600+925234

What are the Fees?

The wallet itself is free. Deposits and withdrawals—whether in crypto or fiat—carry no extra charges. With a minimum starting point of just £1, users only face a transparent spread on trades (typically around 1.49%). In our testing, actual spreads ranged from 1.47% to 1.55% depending on the cryptocurrency.

Blockchain network fees apply solely when moving crypto outside of Bitpanda—but since wallet transfers are restricted for some tokens, this won't affect most users.

Our Testing Experience

Deposit test (November 2025): £500 bank transfer arrived in 4 hours via Faster Payments. No fees charged.

Trade execution (January 2026): Bought 0.005 BTC at £97,450. The quoted spread was 1.49%, actual spread was 1.47%—slightly better than advertised.

Withdrawal test (January 2026): Withdrew £450 to Barclays current account. Funds cleared in 18 hours. No withdrawal fee.

Friction encountered: The verification process took 3 days due to a blurry ID photo rejection. Second attempt cleared in 2 hours.

Who Should Use Bitpanda?

Bitpanda's the one we'd recommend if you're not sure where to start. It won't overwhelm you with charts and jargon, and the fees won't eat into small purchases the way some platforms do. We've pointed friends and family here, and none of them have complained yet.

So why isn't everyone using Bitpanda? Slightly higher fees than the absolute cheapest options. They are also new to the UK and a disrupter in the market. But they are quickly gathering positive word of mouth as more and more people experience their offering. For most people? Those trade-offs are worth the simplicity.

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 — Best for Learning While You Invest

4.5
3.8
3.8
Trustpilot Score: 4.2 · Checked February 2026

We've maintained an eToro account since 2023, with our most recent testing period running November 2025 to January 2026.

I'm viewing the crypto market watchlist in the eToro app, showing live buy and sell prices for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana in January 2026.
Viewing the crypto market watchlist in the eToro app, showing live buy and sell prices for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana in January 2026.

Pros

  • Genuinely beginner-friendly interface—the cleanest onboarding we tested
  • CopyTrader is educational even when it loses money
  • FCA-regulated with cold storage security
  • Good range of assets beyond crypto (stocks, ETFs if you want them later)

Cons

  • The 0.5% GBP deposit fee caught us off guard—£500 deposit = £497.50 available
  • $5 withdrawal fee means small withdrawals are inefficient—withdraw £200+ at a time
  • Spread on altcoins wider than advertised—Cardano showed 1.9% vs the ~1% headline
  • Overnight fees on leveraged crypto positions—avoid leverage on eToro
Cryptos AvailableFCA Registration Number
120+583263

Our Testing Experience

Deposit test (November 2025): £500 via debit card. Arrived instantly. 0.5% currency conversion fee applied (£2.50).

Trade execution (December 2025): Bought £200 of Ethereum. Total cost including 1% fee and spread: £204.80. Slightly higher than the 1% headline suggests due to spread.

Withdrawal test (January 2026): £300 withdrawal to UK bank. Took 2 full business days. $5 (approximately £4) withdrawal fee applied.

CopyTrader test: We allocated £200 to copy a top crypto trader for 30 days. Result: -3.2% vs Bitcoin's -1.8% in the same period. The feature works as advertised but doesn't guarantee outperformance.

CopyTrader: Does It Actually Work?

eToro's headline feature lets you automatically mirror the trades of experienced investors. We tested it with £200 over 30 days, copying a trader with a 12-month track record of beating Bitcoin.

The result: We lost 3.2% while Bitcoin only fell 1.8%. Our copied trader made some aggressive altcoin bets that didn't pay off.

The lesson: CopyTrader is useful for learning—you see real trades happen in real time—but past performance really doesn't guarantee future results. Treat it as education, not a money printer.

Who Should Use eToro?

If you've never bought crypto before, eToro's probably where you should start. The CopyTrader feature sounds gimmicky—"copy the pros!"—but it actually works for learning. We tested it with £200 and, while we didn't get rich, we got a crash course in how real traders think. Just don't expect miracles.

Coinbase — Beginner-Friendly, Secure, Trusted Brand

4.3
4
4.4
Trustpilot Score: 4 · Checked February 2026

Coinbase has been our longest-held account (opened 2021). Recent testing conducted December 2025 – January 2026.

This screenshot captures my Coinbase portfolio transactions page from testing in January 2026, where I can see deposits, buys, and transfers involving XRP, USDT, and SOL.
Coinbase portfolio transactions page from testing in January 2026, showing deposits, buys, and transfers involving XRP, USDT, and SOL.

Pros

  • 390+ cryptocurrencies—widest selection of any FCA-registered platform
  • 98% cold storage—strongest security credentials we reviewed
  • Coinbase Advanced genuinely rewards regular traders
  • Staking rates competitive (3.2% ETH APY)

Cons

  • Standard account fees are genuinely high—1.5% all-in on our tests
  • Customer support took 4 days—Twitter DM was faster than official channels
  • Withdrawal to UK bank took 3 business days—slowest we tested
  • Card deposits blocked by Santander—had to use NatWest instead
Cryptos AvailableFCA Registration Number
390+900635

Our Testing Experience

Deposit test (December 2025): £500 via Faster Payments. Arrived in under 2 hours. Free.

Trade execution (January 2026): Bought £300 of Solana. Fee breakdown: £3.00 (1%) + approximately £1.50 spread = £4.50 total (1.5%).

Advanced vs Standard: Switched to Coinbase Advanced for a £500 Cardano purchase. Fee dropped to 0.6%—worth using for trades over £200.

Withdrawal test (January 2026): £400 to NatWest account. Took 3 business days—slower than competitors. No fee.

Friction encountered: Customer support response took 4 days for a query about staking rewards. Eventually resolved via Twitter DM (faster response).

Standard vs Advanced: Which Account Should You Use?

FeatureCoinbase StandardCoinbase Advanced
Fee (£500 trade)~£7.50 (1.5%)~£3.00 (0.6%)
InterfaceSimple cleanComplex trading-focused
Order typesMarket onlyLimit, stop-loss, etc.
Best forBeginners, small tradesRegular traders, £200+ orders

Our advice: Start with Standard. Once you're trading £200+ regularly, switch to Advanced—it's the same account, just a different interface.

Who Should Use Coinbase?

Is Coinbase worth the extra cost? If security and brand recognition matter to you—and for beginners, they probably should—then yes. But if you're past the "nervous newbie" stage, you might find better value elsewhere.

IG — One Account for Crypto, Shares, and Everything Else

4.4
4.2
4.5
Trustpilot Score: 3.9 · Checked February 2026

IG's crypto offering launched January 2026. We were among the first UK users to test it.

Solana price chart viewed in my IG demo account during testing on 26th January 2026, used to assess recent market movement and short-term price behaviour.
Solana price chart viewed in IG demo account during testing on 26th January 2026.

Pros

  • 1.49% flat fee—no hidden spreads, no deposit charges, no withdrawal fees
  • Existing IG customers get instant access—no re-verification
  • Multi-asset portfolio in one place—crypto alongside shares and forex
  • FTSE 250 company—strongest institutional backing of any platform we tested

Cons

  • Zero self-custody—couldn't transfer Bitcoin to our Ledger wallet
  • No staking available—missing 3-5% APY available elsewhere
  • Limited to 55 cryptos—smaller altcoins unavailable
  • New service (January 2026)—limited track record for crypto specifically
Cryptos AvailableFCA Registration Number
55195355

Our Testing Experience

Account setup (January 2026): Existing IG share dealing account meant instant access—no additional verification needed.

Deposit test: Already funded from share dealing account. Instant internal transfer.

Trade execution (January 2026): Bought £500 of Bitcoin. All-in cost was exactly 1.49% (£7.45)—no hidden spread on top. Cleanest fee structure we tested.

Limitation discovered: Tried to transfer BTC to hardware wallet—not possible. All crypto must stay on IG's platform. This is a dealbreaker for users wanting self-custody.

Multi-asset test: Sold £200 of crypto and immediately bought FTSE 100 ETF shares in the same session. Seamless if you're already an IG user.

Already Have an IG Account? Here's What Changes

If you're an existing IG share dealing or spread betting customer, adding crypto takes about 2 minutes:

  1. Log into your existing account
  2. Navigate to "Crypto" section (new tab in January 2026 update)
  3. Accept additional terms (one-time)
  4. Start trading immediately—uses your existing balance

No additional verification. No separate funding. That's the real advantage of IG's approach.

The Self-Custody Limitation

Here's the dealbreaker for some: you cannot transfer crypto out of IG. Ever. Your Bitcoin stays on their platform or you sell it.

For buy-and-hold investors who trust IG's institutional custody? That's fine—they're a FTSE 250 company with 50 years of history.

For anyone wanting a hardware wallet or participation in DeFi? Look elsewhere. IG isn't designed for that use case.

Who Should Use IG?

Here's the question: do you actually need to move your Bitcoin to a hardware wallet? If you're buying £500 and holding for five years, probably not. If you're planning to use your crypto for DeFi or NFTs? IG isn't the right choice.

IG suits existing customers who want crypto alongside their shares without opening another account. For everyone else, the no-transfer limitation is hard to overlook.

Uphold — Crypto, Stocks, and Gold in One Place

4.2
3.9
3.8
Trustpilot Score: 4.6 · Checked February 2026

Tested November 2025 - January 2026 with focus on multi-asset capabilities.

Our look at Uphold's dashboard, highlighting crypto price charts, wallet overview, and transaction tools.
Uphold's dashboard, highlighting crypto price charts, wallet overview, and transaction tools.

Pros

  • Multi-asset versatility—crypto, stocks, gold in one account
  • 100% reserve model—user funds fully backed (transparent audits)
  • Same-day withdrawals to UK banks (fastest alongside IG)
  • BTC spread competitive at 0.95% in our test

Cons

  • 3.99% debit card fee—brutal if you don't know to use bank transfer
  • Spreads vary wildly—Bitcoin was 0.95%, low-volume tokens exceeded 3%
  • BTC to Gold conversion spread was 2.1%—multi-asset has hidden costs
  • Mobile app crashed twice during testing (December 2025, iOS)
  • No limit orders—market rate only
Cryptos AvailableFCA Registration Number
60+938277

Our Testing Experience

Deposit test (November 2025): £500 via debit card. 3.99% fee (£19.95) applied—significantly higher than bank transfer alternatives.

Bank transfer alternative: £500 via Faster Payments = free. Arrived in 3 hours. Always use bank transfer with Uphold.

Trade execution (December 2025): Bought £200 of XRP. Spread was approximately 1.2%—competitive for altcoins but varies significantly by asset.

Multi-asset test: Converted £100 of Bitcoin directly to gold within the app. Spread on BTC to Gold was 2.1%—higher than expected.

Withdrawal test (January 2026): £350 to UK bank via Faster Payments. Cleared same day. No fee.

The Debit Card Fee Trap (And How to Avoid It)

Uphold charges 3.99% for card deposits. That's £40 on a £1,000 deposit.

The solution: always use bank transfer (free, arrives in 3 hours).

This isn't hidden—it's disclosed—but it's easy to miss in the signup flow. We nearly made this mistake ourselves.

MoonPay — When You Need Crypto in 60 Seconds

3.5
3.2
3.2
Trustpilot Score: 4.0 · Checked February 2026

Tested December 2025 as a "quick purchase" option rather than a full exchange.

MoonPay user interface
MoonPay user interface — streamlined crypto purchase flow.

Pros

  • Genuinely fast—60 seconds from start to Bitcoin in wallet
  • Apple Pay integration is seamless
  • Works when other platforms block your card
  • Simple—no account clutter, no trading interface to learn

Cons

  • 4.5% fee is the highest we tested—£22.50 on a £500 purchase
  • Only ~80 cryptocurrencies—newer tokens unavailable
  • No trading—you buy, that's it. Can't sell back through MoonPay
  • Network fees on top—Bitcoin transfer to wallet cost extra £3.20
  • Verification required over £100—adds time to "instant" purchase
Cryptos AvailableFCA Registration Number
~80944716

Our Testing Experience

Purchase test (December 2025): Bought £100 of Bitcoin via debit card. Total fees: £4.50 (4.5%). Fast but expensive.

Apple Pay test: Same £100 purchase via Apple Pay. Same 4.5% fee but completed in under 60 seconds from start to finish.

Use case verdict: MoonPay isn't for regular trading—the fees make that impractical. But for a one-off "I want Bitcoin now" moment, it's the fastest option we tested. Card blocked on Coinbase? MoonPay worked.

This Isn't an Exchange (And That's the Point)

MoonPay doesn't compete with Coinbase or eToro. It's a purchase ramp—you buy crypto, it goes to your wallet, done.

Use MoonPay when:

  • Your bank blocks Coinbase card payments
  • You need crypto urgently (NFT mint, limited sale)
  • You're a complete beginner wanting one simple purchase

Don't use MoonPay when:

  • You're buying regularly (fees add up fast)
  • You want to trade (no trading features)
  • You're cost-conscious (4.5% is steep)

Who Should Use MoonPay?

MoonPay is a one-trick pony—but it does that trick well. If you need crypto fast and your bank is being difficult, MoonPay solves that problem. Just don't use it regularly, or those fees will eat your returns.

Visit MoonPay 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. Take 2 mins to learn more.

What is a Crypto Exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where you can buy, sell, and trade digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. Think of it as a digital marketplace: you deposit pounds, choose your crypto, and make your trade. The exchange handles security, custody, and—usually—the conversion process.

What Are the Different Types of Cryptocurrency Exchanges?

Not all crypto exchanges work the same way. The main types you'll encounter are custodial exchanges, non-custodial exchanges, and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Each offers a different balance of convenience, control, and security—understanding the differences can help you choose the right fit for your needs.

What Is a Custodial Exchange?

A custodial exchange is a platform that holds your crypto on your behalf. When you buy Bitcoin on Coinbase or eToro, the exchange keeps it in their secure wallets. You trust them with your assets—much like a bank holds your cash. The upside: convenience and customer support. The downside: you don't control the private keys.

What Is a Non-Custodial Exchange?

A non-custodial exchange lets you trade crypto while keeping full control of your private keys. You connect your own wallet (like MetaMask or Ledger) and execute trades without the platform ever holding your funds. You get complete ownership but lose the safety net of customer support if something goes wrong.

What Is a Decentralized Exchange (DEX)?

A DEX runs on smart contracts—no company operates it. Trades happen directly between users (peer-to-peer) through automated protocols. Examples include Uniswap and SushiSwap. DEXs offer maximum privacy and censorship resistance but are harder to use, have lower liquidity for some tokens, and offer no customer support whatsoever.

What are the Pros and Cons of Each?

TypeControlEase of UseKYC RequiredBest For
CustodialExchange holds keysEasiestYesBeginners
Non-CustodialYou hold keysModerateVariesExperienced users
DEXFull self-custodyComplexNoPrivacy-focused

Should I use a custodial, non-custodial, or decentralised exchange?

For most UK beginners, a custodial exchange like Bitpanda, eToro, or Coinbase is the right starting point. You get FCA oversight, customer support, and a familiar interface. As you gain experience—and if you want more control—you can explore non-custodial options or DEXs later.

Here's a practical rule: if you wouldn't be comfortable managing a private key (a 64-character string that controls your funds), stick with custodial. There's no shame in it—most professional investors use custodial services too.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing the Right Platform?

Choosing a crypto exchange involves balancing several important factors: security, regulation, fees, user experience, available coins, and customer support. Here's what to prioritise based on our hands-on testing of all six platforms:

Infographic of what to look for in a crypto exchange - The Investors Centre
What to look for in a crypto exchange — key selection criteria.

How Important Is Security?

In crypto, security isn't optional—it's the most important factor. If an exchange gets hacked, your funds may be gone permanently. Look for platforms with cold storage (keeping most crypto offline), two-factor authentication, and insurance coverage. Among our tested platforms, Coinbase stores 98% of assets in cold storage—the highest proportion we verified.

Why Does Regulation Matter?

FCA registration means the exchange follows UK anti-money laundering rules. It doesn't mean your crypto is protected like a bank deposit, but it does mean the firm has been vetted and must follow certain standards. All six platforms in our rankings are FCA-registered—we excluded any that aren't.

What Fees Should You Look Out For?

Crypto exchange fees come in layers: trading fees (commission or spread), deposit fees (often hidden in card charges), withdrawal fees, and conversion fees. The cheapest-looking exchange isn't always cheapest in practice—as our testing showed, Coinbase's advertised "~1% fee" actually cost 1.5% when you include the spread.

How Does User Experience Affect Your Choice?

A confusing interface can lead to costly mistakes. During testing, one team member accidentally placed a market order instead of a limit order on a complex platform—costing an extra £12 in slippage. Simpler platforms like Bitpanda and eToro minimise these risks for beginners.

Why Is Market Variety Important?

If you only want Bitcoin and Ethereum, every exchange on our list works fine. But if you want exposure to smaller altcoins, the differences matter: Bitpanda offers 600+ tokens while IG offers 55. Consider what you'll want to trade in six months, not just today.

How Critical Is Good Customer Support?

Reliable customer support matters when things go wrong. Whether it's account access issues or transaction delays, fast and helpful service can prevent small problems from becoming major headaches. Look for 24/7 live chat or strong support reputations.

What Else Should UK Investors Keep in Mind?

UK investors should consider how crypto is regulated, the tax obligations they face, and how to stay compliant with HMRC. Understanding these areas helps protect your investments and ensures you meet all legal responsibilities when trading or holding crypto assets.

How Are Cryptocurrencies Regulated?

In the UK, cryptocurrencies are regulated mainly for anti-money laundering purposes. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversees registered crypto firms, but crypto investments are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, so investor protections are limited. For a fuller overview, see our guide on whether Bitcoin is legal in the UK.

Infographic comparing UK crypto protection
Infographic comparing UK crypto protection — FCA registration vs FSCS coverage.

Do You Need to Pay Tax on Crypto in the UK?

Yes, crypto transactions are taxable in the UK. HMRC treats cryptocurrency as property, meaning you may owe Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when selling or exchanging crypto. Some activities, like mining or staking, can also trigger Income Tax.

What Taxes Apply When You Receive Cryptoassets?

Receiving crypto through mining, staking, or as payment is usually treated as income by HMRC. This means you may need to pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions based on the fair market value at the time you receive it.

What Happens Tax-Wise When You Sell Crypto?

When you sell, swap, or spend crypto, you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax if your gains exceed the annual allowance. It's important to track all transactions carefully to calculate gains accurately and report them to HMRC.

How Can You Avoid Getting Fined by HMRC?

To avoid penalties, keep detailed records of all crypto transactions, including dates, amounts, and GBP values. File accurate tax returns on time, and consider consulting a tax advisor if your crypto activity is significant or complex.

Which UK Exchanges Offer Crypto Staking?

Staking lets you earn passive income on supported cryptocurrencies. Here's what's available on each platform:

ExchangeStaking AvailableETH APYSOL APYLock-up Period
CoinbaseYes3.2%5.1%None (flexible)
BitpandaYes2.8%4.5%None (flexible)
eToroYes (limited)2.5%3.8%None
UpholdYes3.0%4.8%Variable by asset
IGNoN/AN/AN/A
MoonPayNoN/AN/AN/A

APY rates as of January 2026. Rates change frequently—verify current rates on each platform.

Is Staking Worth It?

At current rates, staking £1,000 of Ethereum on Coinbase would earn approximately £32/year. It's not life-changing, but it's better than nothing—and it compounds over time.

Tax note: Staking rewards are taxable as income in the UK. Keep records of all rewards received.

Which Crypto Exchange Has the Best Mobile App?

We tested all six mobile apps (iOS) in January 2026. Here's how they compare:

AppApp Store RatingKey StrengthKey WeaknessOur Verdict
Coinbase4.7/5Cleanest interfaceAdvanced features buriedBest for beginners
eToro4.4/5CopyTrader integrationSlower than desktopGood all-rounder
Bitpanda4.5/5Fast tradesSavings plans hard to findReliable
IG4.3/5Multi-asset in one appCrypto section basicBest for existing IG users
Uphold4.2/5Asset conversionCrashed twice in our testingStability concerns
MoonPay3.8/560-second purchasesVery limited featuresOne-trick pony

Our pick: Coinbase for the cleanest mobile experience, eToro if you want social features on the go.

See our new page for more on the best crypto apps analysis.

Which Exchange Is Best for Large Trades (£10,000+)?

Most of our testing used £500 trades, but we also checked how platforms handle larger amounts:

Do Any Platforms Offer Volume Discounts?

ExchangeStandard Fee£10,000+ Volume£100,000+ Volume
Coinbase Advanced0.60%0.40%0.08%
Bitpanda1.49%1.49%Contact for rates
eToro1.00%1.00%1.00%
IG1.49%1.49%1.49%

Our recommendation for large trades: Coinbase Advanced is the clear winner. At £50,000 monthly volume, you'll pay 0.25% vs 1.49% elsewhere—that's a £620 saving per £50,000 traded.

Change Log

3 February 2026

  • Added: IG crypto offering (launched January 2026) with full testing results
  • Updated: Bitpanda moved to #1 position—fastest withdrawal times and most consistent spreads in our January testing
  • Updated: All fee data verified against January 2026 live trades
  • Added: "Our Testing Experience" sections with specific transaction evidence
  • Added: Proprietary spread and withdrawal speed comparison tables

15 January 2026

  • Added: "What's New for UK Crypto Exchanges in 2026" section covering FCA marketing rules
  • Updated: Coinbase fees (now showing actual 1.5% all-in cost on standard account)
  • Removed: Kraken reference (withdrew UK services December 2025)

10 December 2025

  • Added: MoonPay to rankings following reader requests
  • Updated: All Trustpilot scores refreshed

1 November 2025

  • Major update: Complete retesting of all platforms with new £500 deposits
  • Added: Withdrawal timing tests for all exchanges
  • Updated: Methodology section with detailed scoring criteria

We review this page quarterly and after major platform changes. Last full retest: January 2026.

The latest UK cryptocurrency statistics show crypto ownership peaked at 12% in 2024 before settling at 8% — signalling a maturing market.

Conclusion: Which Exchange Should I Choose?

Here's the honest answer: there's no "best" exchange for everyone. We've spent four months testing these platforms, and each one frustrated us in different ways.

Bitpanda came out on top overall, but that doesn't mean it's right for you. If you value social features, eToro's CopyTrader is genuinely useful. If you want maximum coin selection, Coinbase wins. If you're already using IG for shares, adding crypto there makes sense.

Our quick recommendations:

  • Complete beginner: Bitpanda or eToro
  • Want to learn from others: eToro (CopyTrader)
  • Maximum coin selection: Coinbase
  • Already use IG: IG (but understand the no-transfer limitation)
  • Multi-asset portfolio: Uphold
  • Need crypto urgently: MoonPay (accept the 4.5% fee)

Our advice? Pick one, start small (£50-£100), and don't overthink it. You can always move your crypto later—except on IG, which is why we mentioned that limitation about fifteen times.

If you're still unsure, our beginner's guide to buying crypto walks through the process step by step.

FAQs

Can I buy crypto with a credit card in the UK?

Most UK banks block credit card purchases on crypto exchanges—it's treated as a cash advance with higher fees. In our January 2026 testing: Worked: Barclays debit, NatWest debit, Monzo, Revolut. Blocked: Santander (all cards), HSBC credit, Lloyds credit. Workaround: Open a Revolut or Monzo account, transfer funds there, then deposit to your crypto exchange. This bypasses most bank blocks.

Which exchange has the fastest withdrawals to UK banks?

Based on our January 2026 testing with Faster Payments: 1. IG: Same day (within hours for existing customers). 2. Uphold: Same day (8 hours in our test). 3. Bitpanda: 18 hours. 4. eToro: 2 business days. 5. Coinbase: 3 business days. If you need quick access to funds, IG or Uphold are your best options.

Do I need to report crypto to HMRC if I haven't sold?

No—simply holding crypto isn't a taxable event. You only need to report when you: sell crypto for GBP (or any fiat currency), swap one crypto for another (e.g., BTC to ETH), spend crypto on goods or services, or gift crypto to someone other than your spouse. Receiving staking rewards or airdrops is taxable as income at the time you receive them.

What happens to my crypto if an exchange goes bust?

Unlike bank deposits (protected up to £120,000 by FSCS), crypto held on exchanges has no government protection in the UK. If an exchange fails, you're an unsecured creditor. Mitigation strategies: Use only FCA-registered exchanges (all on our list), don't keep more crypto on exchanges than you're actively trading, and for long-term holdings, transfer to a hardware wallet (except IG, which doesn't allow transfers).

Can I transfer crypto between these exchanges?

Yes, for most platforms—with one exception.

ExchangeExternal TransfersNotes
BitpandaYes (most coins)Some tokens restricted
eToroYes (via eToro Money)Limited coins; wallet app required
CoinbaseYesFull wallet functionality
IGNoAll crypto must stay on platform
UpholdYesStandard blockchain transfers
MoonPayYes (one-way out)Purchase sends to your wallet

What's the difference between a crypto exchange and a crypto broker?

A crypto exchange lets you trade digital assets directly with other users, often with more control and lower fees. A crypto broker acts as a middleman, offering an easier way to buy or sell crypto but usually with higher fees and less control. In practice, the platforms on this list blur the line. eToro and Bitpanda are technically brokers (you trade against them, not other users), while Coinbase operates both a broker service and an exchange. For most beginners, the distinction doesn't matter much—focus on fees and features instead.

How do I find a crypto exchange with a wide range of crypto assets?

Based on our testing: Bitpanda: 600+ cryptocurrencies (widest FCA-registered selection). Coinbase: 390+ cryptocurrencies. eToro: 120+ cryptocurrencies. MoonPay: ~80 cryptocurrencies. Uphold: 60+ cryptocurrencies. IG: 55 cryptocurrencies. If you want access to newer or smaller altcoins, Bitpanda or Coinbase are your best options among UK-regulated platforms.

References