Where to Buy Altcoins In The UK: 2025 Beginners Guide
Trading Altcoins lets you gain exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum without relying on traditional finance. Explore our ranked list of trusted, crypto exchanges—tested with real funds and available to UK users.
Quick Answer: Where Can You Buy Altcoins in the UK?
You can buy altcoins in the UK through regulated cryptocurrency exchanges like Bitpanda, Coinbase, Kraken, eToro, and Uphold. These platforms accept GBP deposits, offer a wide range of altcoins, and comply with FCA regulations, ensuring safe, legal, and beginner-friendly trading for UK residents.
Here are the Top 4 Best Best Crypto Exchanges for Altcoins in the UK:
- Bitpanda: FCA-registered, 600+ altcoins – the UK’s widest selection, zero deposit fees, and staking on 50+ assets.
- Coinbase: FCA-registered, beginner-friendly, 250+ altcoins, GBP support, and lower fees via Coinbase Advanced.
- Kraken: Secure, low fees, 200+ altcoins, with advanced features on Kraken Pro.
- eToro UK: Easy to use, FCA-compliant, 80+ altcoins, supports GBP, card, and PayPal.
- Uphold: Simple interface, 250+ altcoins, GBP support, and multi-asset access.
Coinbase – Beginner-Friendly, Secure, Trusted Brand, GBP Support
Pros & Cons
- User-friendly design
- FCA-compliant
- Beginner-focused
- Coinbase Advanced for Lower Fees and more features
- Supports GBP.
- Higher fees,
- Slower support at times.
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Available Altcoins
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What Are the Fees and Charges?
Coinbase offers around 250+ altcoins, including Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Polkadot (DOT). It frequently adds new tokens with higher market demand and strong fundamentals.
Coinbase charges 1.49% for standard buys, with higher fees for debit card payments (up to 3.99%). Advanced Trade offers lower rates starting at 0.6% maker / 0.4% taker. GBP withdrawals to UK bank accounts are typically free or low cost.
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.
Bitpanda – Best for Wide Asset Selection & Low-Fee Investing
Pros & Cons
- Unrivalled crypto selection with 600+ assets
- No fees on deposits or withdrawals
- Low £1 minimum to get started
- Enterprise-grade security (ISO 27001 certified)
- Earn staking rewards on 50+ tokens
- Crypto indices for one-click diversification
- Intuitive interface suited to newcomers
- Trading spreads (~1.49%) sit higher than some rivals
- Stocks, ETFs, and metals unavailable to UK users
- No margin or leveraged trading
- Support response times can lag during busy periods
- Savings plans not yet offered in the UK
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What are the Fees?
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What Cryptocurrencies are Available?
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How Safe is the Broker?
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Trading Spread | ~1.49% (ranges 0.99% – 2.49%) |
| Deposits | £0 (all methods) |
| Withdrawals | £0 (all methods) |
| Inactivity Fee | £0 |
| Account Fee | £0 |
Faster Payments, debit/credit cards, and PayPal are all supported without platform charges. Your card issuer may apply fees of around 1.5%.
The platform covers everything from majors like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana to hundreds of niche altcoins and newly launched projects. Crypto indices let you invest in themed baskets with a single trade. Staking is supported on assets including Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), and Solana (SOL), with annual rewards reaching up to 30%.
Bitpanda holds FCA registration in the UK and MiCA licensing across the EU. User funds are secured through cold wallet storage, two-factor authentication, and externally audited reserves. The platform carries ISO 27001 and ISO 27018 certifications, and as of January 2026 has reported no security breaches. Remember, crypto remains unregulated in the UK, so FSCS protection does not apply.
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.
Kraken – Low Fees, Advanced Trading, Strong Security
The content of this and linked communications referencing Kraken has been prepared by Payward Ltd
Pros & Cons
- Advanced trading features on Kraken Pro vs standard
- Strong security record
- Low fees
- Wide altcoin support.
- Interface may be complex for beginners
- Limited educational tools.
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Available Altcoins
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What Are the Fees and Charges?
Kraken supports over 200 altcoins, including ETH, SOL, DOT, AVAX, ATOM, MATIC, and many more. It’s ideal for users seeking both major and mid-cap altcoins with deep liquidity.
Kraken’s maker-taker fees start at 0.16% / 0.26% and reduce with higher volume. GBP deposits via FPS are free, while card deposits aren’t supported. Withdrawals to UK banks incur minimal fees depending on the method.
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.
eToro – Social Trading, Simple Interface, FCA Regulated
Pros & Cons
- FCA-regulated
- Beginner-friendly UI
- Social trading features
- GBP support.
- Limited altcoin list compared to others
- Higher spreads
- No access to token wallets for some assets.
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Available Altcoins
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What Are the Fees and Charges?
eToro supports about 80+ altcoins, including ETH, ADA, DOGE, MATIC, UNI, and SHIB. While more limited than Binance or Kraken, it covers most top 50 market cap assets.
eToro charges spreads from 1% to 2.9%, depending on the asset. There’s no direct trading fee, but withdrawal and inactivity fees apply. GBP deposits are free via bank transfer, while card or PayPal may incur small conversion charges.
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.
Uphold – Multi-Asset Access, User-Friendly, GBP Support
Pros & Cons
- Multi-asset trading (crypto, stocks, metals)
- Easy account setup
- FCA-registered
- Transparent reserve reporting
- Higher spreads
- Less transparent fee structure
- Limited trading features.
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Available Altcoins
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What Are the Fees and Charges?
Uphold lists over 250 cryptocurrencies, including many emerging altcoins and layer-1 tokens. It supports XRP, XLM, Hedera (HBAR), and smaller cap tokens not found on all major platforms.
Uphold uses spreads instead of trading fees, typically 0.9%–1.5% for major coins, higher for low-liquidity tokens. Deposits via bank transfer or card in GBP are supported, with low or no extra charges.
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.
Honourable Mentions
OKX, Moonpay, MEXC that didnt quite crack the top 5.
What Are Altcoins and Why Are They Popular in the UK?
What is an Altcoin?
An altcoin is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Examples include Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Dogecoin (DOGE). Altcoins often serve specific purposes like smart contracts, decentralized apps, or faster transactions, and offer investors diverse opportunities in the growing crypto ecosystem.
What Are the Pros of Altcoins?
Altcoins offer diversification, access to innovative blockchain projects, and potential for higher returns compared to Bitcoin. Many are cheaper per coin, attract speculative interest, and serve real-world use cases in DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 — making them appealing to both new and experienced UK investors.
What Are the Downsides of Altcoins?
Altcoins are typically more volatile, less regulated, and can be subject to low liquidity or project failure. Many lack clear utility or long-term adoption, increasing risk. Some altcoins may also be prone to scams, pump-and-dump schemes, or suffer from poor developer support and transparency.
What If I Want a Specific Coin?
If you’re looking for a specific altcoin, use tools like CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap to check which exchanges list it. These platforms let you search by token and view where it’s available, including Coinbase, Kraken, eToro UK, or Uphold, with real-time price and volume data.
Where Can You Legally Buy Altcoins in the UK?
Are Crypto Exchanges Legal in the UK?
Yes, crypto exchanges are legal in the UK if they are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA oversees anti-money laundering compliance, ensuring user protection. UK users should only trade on platforms with FCA approval or registration for legal and secure access.
Which Exchanges Are FCA-Registered?
As of 2025, FCA-registered exchanges include Bitpanda, eToro UK, Uphold, Kraken, and Coinbase. These platforms meet UK regulatory standards, offer identity verification, and support GBP deposits. Using FCA-registered exchanges ensures safer trading, legal compliance, and reduced risk of fraud for UK crypto buyers.
Altcoin Exchange Comparison Table (UK)
| Exchange | FCA Registered | Altcoins Available | GBP Deposit Support | Typical Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitpanda | Yes | 600+ | Bank, Card, PayPal | ~1.49% spread | Wide selection, low-cap altcoins |
| eToro UK | Yes | ~80 | Bank, Card, PayPal | 1–2.9% (spread) | Social trading, ease of use |
| Coinbase | Yes | ~250+ | Bank, Card, PayPal | 1.49–3.99% | Beginners, mobile trading |
| Coinbase Advanced | Yes | ~250+ | Bank, Card, PayPal | 0.4%–0.6% | Lower fees, better control |
| Kraken | Yes | 200+ | Bank transfer | ~0.9% (basic buy) | Simple UI, regulated exchange |
| Kraken Pro | Yes | 200+ | Bank transfer | 0.16–0.26% | Active traders, deep liquidity |
| Uphold | Yes | 250+ | Bank, Card | 0.9–1.5%+ (spread) | Multi-asset investing, accessibility |
What Are the Fees for Buying Altcoins in the UK?
Altcoin trading costs in the UK vary by platform and payment method. Below is a comprehensive comparison of Bitpanda, eToro UK, Coinbase, Coinbase Advanced, Kraken, Kraken Pro, and Uphold, helping you choose based on cost and trading style.
| Feature | Bitpanda | eToro UK | Coinbase (Simple) | Coinbase Advanced | Kraken (Basic) | Kraken Pro | Uphold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Fees | ~1.49% spread | 1%–2.9% spread only | ~1.49% standard buy | 0.6% maker / 0.4% taker | ~0.9% (Instant Buy) | 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker | 0.9%–1.5%+ spread only |
| Fee Transparency | Clear spread pricing | Spreads not always visible | High fees, simple UX | Advanced UI, transparent pricing | Higher basic interface fees | Advanced UI, clear order book | Spreads fluctuate; not transparent |
| GBP Bank Transfer (FPS) | Free deposit / free withdrawal | Free deposit / $5 withdrawal | Free deposit / free withdrawal | Same as Coinbase Simple | Free deposit / £1.95 withdrawal | Same | Free deposit / ~£1.99 withdrawal |
| Debit Card Deposit (GBP) | Free | 0–2% depending on card type | Up to 3.99% | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | Up to 1.5% |
| PayPal Support (UK) | Deposit & withdraw | Deposit & withdraw | Buy/sell/withdraw | Available via linked account | Not supported | Not supported | Not available |
| Minimum Trade Size | £1 | ~£8–£10 | ~£2 | ~£2 | ~£1 | ~£1 | ~£1 |
| Altcoin Availability | 600+ incl. low-cap gems | 80+ top market cap coins | 250+ major & trending coins | 250+ (same as standard) | 200+ altcoins | 200+ altcoins | 250+ incl. lesser-known coins |
| Wallet Support | Internal + Web3 wallet | Limited withdrawal options | Internal wallet & self-custody | Full transfer options | Internal + external transfers | Full support | Wallet & external transfer |
| Ideal For | Low-cap hunters, beginners | Social trading & ease of use | Beginners, ease-of-use | Cost-conscious intermediate users | Beginners, fast buys | Active traders, lower fees | Cross-asset investing |
Are There Conversion Fees?
Yes, most platforms apply small GBP-to-crypto conversion fees. Bitpanda includes this in their spread with no hidden charges. Coinbase and eToro also bundle conversion costs into their spreads or trading charges. Kraken offers direct GBP pairs with low conversion costs. Uphold supports GBP but charges spreads that can vary with volatility and liquidity.
How to Buy Altcoins in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Choose a Regulated Exchange – Select an FCA-registered platform like Bitpanda, eToro, Coinbase, or Kraken for legal protection and GBP support.
- Create and Verify Your Account – Sign up with your email and complete identity verification (KYC), typically using a passport or driver’s license.
- Deposit GBP – Fund your account via bank transfer, debit card, or PayPal (depending on the platform).
- Search for an Altcoin – Use the search bar to find your chosen altcoin like ETH, ADA, or SOL.
- Place Your Order – Choose a buy amount and execute a market or limit order depending on your preference.
- Secure Your Investment
Transfer altcoins to a personal crypto wallet (like Ledger or MetaMask) for long-term safety and control.
Is It Safe to Buy Altcoins in the UK?
Buying altcoins in the UK is safe when using FCA-registered platforms like Bitpanda, eToro UK, Kraken, and Uphold. These exchanges comply with UK anti-money laundering laws, offer 2FA, cold storage, and robust security frameworks to protect customer funds and personal data.
How to Protect Your Crypto
For added security, move your altcoins from exchange wallets to personal wallets like Ledger or MetaMask. Always enable two-factor authentication, avoid public Wi-Fi during trades, and never share your private keys. Stick to regulated platforms and monitor for phishing or fake login pages.
What Is KYC and Why Is It Required?
All legal exchanges in the UK require KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. This process verifies your identity with a passport, driving license, and proof of address. It’s mandatory under FCA regulations to prevent fraud, money laundering, and ensure safe trading environments.
Can You Buy Anonymously?
No — on regulated UK platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, Uphold, and eToro UK, anonymous altcoin purchases are not allowed. You must complete ID verification to access full account functionality. Anonymous buying is only possible via risky, unregulated sources not recommended for UK users.
Which Altcoins Are Most Popular in the UK Right Now?
Top 5 Trending Altcoins in 2025
- Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum is the most widely held altcoin in the UK. It powers smart contracts, DeFi platforms, and NFTs, making it both functional and investable.
- Solana (SOL): Solana is known for fast, low-cost transactions. It’s popular among UK users for gaming, DeFi, and high-performance decentralized apps.
- XRP: Favoured for cross-border payments, XRP has strong UK interest due to its speed, banking partnerships, and recent legal clarity.
- Cardano (ADA): Cardano’s research-based approach to blockchain attracts UK investors focused on sustainable, long-term growth in decentralized networks.
- Dogecoin (DOGE): DOGE remains popular in the UK due to its meme status, social media hype, and low cost — though it’s more speculative than functional.
Conclusion
Choosing the right altcoin platform in the UK depends on your experience, trading goals, and preferred features. Whether you’re after the widest coin selection, low fees, a simple user interface, or social trading features, FCA-registered platforms like Bitpanda, eToro UK, Coinbase, Kraken, and Uphold offer secure and legal ways to invest in altcoins with GBP.
Which Is the Best Altcoin Platform for Beginners?
Bitpanda is the best altcoin platform for beginners in the UK. It offers over 600 cryptocurrencies – the widest selection available – with zero deposit fees, a £1 minimum investment, and a clean, intuitive interface. FCA-registered with enterprise-grade security, it’s ideal for first-time crypto investors looking to explore beyond Bitcoin.
Top 5 Exchanges
1
Bitpanda
Investing in crypto carries a high level of risk.
2
Coinbase
Investing in crypto carries a high level of risk.
3
Kraken
Investing in crypto carries a high level of risk.
4
eToro
Investing in crypto carries a high level of risk.
5
Uphold
Investing in crypto carries a high level of risk.
FAQs
Which Is the Best Platform for Altcoins?
Bitpanda offers the best overall package for altcoin investors in the UK, with 600+ cryptocurrencies, zero deposit fees, and FCA registration. eToro suits those wanting social trading features, while Kraken Pro is ideal for experienced traders seeking lower fees. All platforms support GBP and provide secure, regulated access to altcoins.
Can I Buy Crypto With a Credit Card in the UK?
Yes, platforms like Coinbase, eToro UK, and Uphold support credit or debit card purchases in GBP. Be aware of potential fees, which can range from 1% to 3.99%, depending on the platform and card provider.
Can I Store Altcoins on These Platforms?
Yes, all four platforms—Coinbase, Kraken, eToro, and Uphold—offer internal wallets to store altcoins. For enhanced security, consider transferring to a personal crypto wallet such as Ledger, Trezor, or MetaMask.
Are Altcoins Legal to Buy in the UK?
Yes, altcoins are legal to buy, sell, and hold in the UK, provided you use FCA-registered exchanges. Platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, eToro UK, and Uphold comply with UK financial regulations for safe and legal altcoin trading.
References
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Cryptoasset Firms Register
https://register.fca.org.uk/s/firm?id=0010X00004GQGuwQAHCoinbase UK Help Centre
https://help.coinbase.com/enKraken UK – Fees & Trading Info
https://www.kraken.com/en-gb/feeseToro UK – Crypto FAQs & Legal Disclosures
https://www.etoro.com/en-gb/crypto/Uphold – Cryptocurrency List and Fee Schedule
https://uphold.com/en/assets/cryptoHMRC – Cryptoassets Manual (Tax Guidance)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tax-on-cryptoassets
