How to Buy Crypto on Uphold – In the UK 2025
Adam Woodhead
Co-Founder
Adam is a passionate investor who created The Investors Centre (TIC) to combine his professional skills with his love for investment. His goal is to offer a platform filled with valuable resources, practical advice, and effective strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the investment world.
“Investment is about more than just numbers; it’s about strategy, research, and the willingness to adapt. At TIC, we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed on your investment journey.”
Thomas Drury
Co-Founder
Thomas is an experienced financial trader in leverage instruments, crypto and general investing. He has over a decade experience in finance and holds Chartered Status in the financial industry, Thomas’s speciality is trading CFDs, Forex and Day Trading. His crypto portfolio is heavily weighted towards BTC and Eth, but enjoys trading low cap crypto’s with higher volatility. Thomas’s favourite trading strategy is break out Trading.
“Our commitment at The Investors Centre is unwavering. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to achieve financial success. Our vision is a future where anyone can invest confidently and wisely.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
Quick Answer: To buy Crypto on Uphold, you’ll need to…
You buy crypto on Uphold by signing up, verifying your identity, choosing a coin like Bitcoin, selecting a payment method (e.g. bank transfer or card), and confirming your purchase. The process is beginner-friendly, FCA-compliant in the UK, and typically takes under 10 minutes.
Uphold Overview
- Minimum Deposit: No fixed minimum (trade from as little as £1 / $1)
- Buy, sell, and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 250 assets including stocks and metals
- Regulated in the US and serving over 10 million users globally
- Intuitive app and desktop platform with integrated multi-asset wallets
- Great for investors looking to diversify across crypto, stocks, and precious metals easily
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 lets UK users buy, sell, and hold over 260 cryptocurrencies through a user-friendly app or browser dashboard. This step-by-step guide explains how to set up your account, fund it with GBP or crypto, and complete your first Uphold crypto purchase quickly and securely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Crypto on Uphold
Step 1: Log in or Sign Up to Your Uphold Account
To buy crypto, visit Uphold.com or download the app. Click “Sign Up” and enter your name, email, and password. UK users must verify their identity by submitting photo ID and a selfie. Once verified, log in using secure two-factor authentication to access your dashboard.
Step 2: Choose the Cryptocurrency You Want to Buy
Navigate to “Transact” and search or browse for your preferred crypto—like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP. Uphold supports 260+ assets. Select the coin, and the platform will display the live rate, asset chart, and purchase options. Choose the one you want to buy.
Step 3: Select Your Funding Method (GBP or Crypto)
Select your funding source: UK bank transfer (via Open Banking), debit card, or existing crypto balance. Uphold allows direct GBP-to-crypto purchases. Crypto deposits are also supported. Each method shows expected costs, and all options are FCA-compliant for UK users.
Step 4: Enter the Amount and Review the Order
Input the amount in GBP or crypto. Uphold auto-calculates the equivalent based on current pricing, including spread-based fees. You’ll see the full cost breakdown, asset details, and final conversion rate. Carefully review everything before proceeding. No advanced order types like limits are available.
Step 5: Confirm the Purchase and Monitor Holdings
Click “Preview Trade,” then confirm the transaction. Your crypto appears instantly in your Uphold portfolio. From the dashboard, you can monitor price changes, set recurring buys, convert to other assets, or withdraw. All crypto is stored in Uphold’s custodial wallet with 24/7 access.
Additional Tips for Using Uphold
Keep an Eye on Fees and Spreads
When buying crypto on Uphold, it’s important to understand spreads—the difference between the buying and selling price of an asset. These can fluctuate based on market conditions, so timing your trades can help you save money. I’ve found it useful to monitor crypto prices throughout the day and buy during periods of low volatility to minimize costs.
Another great feature is Uphold’s price alerts. You can set alerts for your favourite coins, and Uphold will notify you when they hit your desired price. This tool has saved me from obsessively checking prices—I simply wait for the alert and act when the timing is right.
Uphold Overview
What Is Uphold and How Does It Work?
Uphold is not just a Crypto Exchange, it is a multi-asset trading platform that supports crypto, precious metals, and fiat currencies. It lets users buy, sell, convert, and withdraw assets instantly. Uphold’s “anything-to-anything” system allows seamless conversions, such as GBP to Bitcoin or gold to Ethereum, all within one interface.
How User Friendly Is Uphold?
Uphold is designed for simplicity. Its interface is clean, fast, and mobile-optimized. Users can buy crypto in a few taps, view portfolio charts, and automate recurring purchases. Both new and experienced traders find it intuitive, with clearly labeled tabs and minimal distractions.
Is Uphold a Regulated Platform?
Yes. Uphold is registered with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for anti-money laundering compliance. It also meets global regulatory standards and maintains full transparency through real-time proof-of-reserves. All UK activity is governed by local financial regulations and consumer protection rules.
What Makes Uphold Different from Other Crypto Apps?
Uphold offers trading across 260+ cryptos, 30+ fiat currencies, and tokenized metals—all on one platform. It supports “anything-to-anything” swaps and scheduled buys. Unlike many platforms, Uphold displays real-time reserve backing and allows fast GBP deposits via Open Banking without added deposit fees.
Can UK Residents Use Uphold to Buy Crypto?
Yes. Uphold is fully available to UK residents. It accepts GBP, offers UK Open Banking deposits, and complies with local AML rules. Users in the UK can fund accounts in pounds, trade over 260 cryptos, and withdraw funds to UK bank accounts with no extra steps.
New Uphold Accounts
How Do You Create an Uphold Account?
Go to Uphold.com or download the app, then click “Sign Up.” Enter your name, email, and password. You’ll receive a confirmation email. Once verified, you can log in and complete identity verification. The process is streamlined and typically takes under five minutes to complete.
What Details Are Required to Sign Up?
To create an account, you’ll need your full legal name, a valid email address, a mobile number, and proof of identity. UK users must submit a government-issued ID (passport or driver’s licence) and a real-time selfie to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) rules.
Is Identity Verification Required to Buy Crypto?
Yes. Uphold requires all users to complete identity verification before buying, selling, or withdrawing crypto. This includes submitting ID documents and a selfie. It ensures compliance with FCA anti-money laundering laws and helps protect your account from unauthorised access or fraudulent use.
How Long Does Account Approval Take?
In most cases, account verification is completed within minutes. Users are prompted to upload ID and a selfie during sign-up. Once submitted, Uphold’s system processes the data quickly. Delays may occur during peak demand but typically resolve within 24 hours.
Deposit Methods
What Deposit Methods Does Uphold Support in the UK?
UK users can deposit funds via Open Banking (bank transfer), debit card, or crypto transfer. Bank transfers are free and processed quickly during business hours. Debit card payments are instant but include a small fee. Uphold also accepts supported crypto deposits from external wallets.
Are There Fees for GBP Deposits?
Uphold charges no fees for GBP deposits made via Open Banking. Debit card deposits incur a 2.49% fee. There are no deposit fees for crypto sent from another wallet. However, network fees may apply when transferring crypto from external platforms into Uphold.
Can I Deposit Using Crypto Instead of Fiat?
Yes. Uphold supports crypto deposits for all listed assets. Users can send Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens directly to their Uphold wallet address. Once confirmed on-chain, funds appear in your account and are immediately available to convert, hold, or withdraw.
Moving Your Crypto
Can I Send Crypto from Uphold to Another Wallet?
Yes. Uphold allows crypto withdrawals to external wallets for all supported assets. Navigate to your portfolio, select the asset, and click “Send.” Enter the destination wallet address, verify the transaction, and Uphold will process the withdrawal, typically within minutes after blockchain confirmation.
Does Uphold Charge Withdrawal Fees?
Uphold itself does not charge fixed withdrawal fees, but network fees apply and are passed through to the user. These vary based on the asset and blockchain congestion. There are no fees for withdrawing GBP via bank transfer back to a UK account.
Is Uphold Custodial or Non-Custodial?
Uphold is a custodial platform, meaning it holds crypto on behalf of users in secure crypto wallets. Private keys are managed by Uphold, not the user. While convenient for beginners, advanced users may prefer to withdraw crypto to a personal non-custodial wallet for full control.
What Are the Fees and Costs for Buying Crypto on Uphold?
Fees Table Comparison
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| GBP Deposit (Bank Transfer) | Free |
| GBP Deposit (Debit Card) | ~2.49% |
| Crypto Deposit | Free (network fee may apply) |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network fee only |
| GBP Withdrawal (UK Bank) | Free |
| Trading Fee | 0% commission (spread-based) |
| Spread on Major Cryptos | ~0.8%–1.2% (can vary) |
How Does Uphold’s Spread-Based Pricing Work?
Uphold doesn’t charge direct trading fees. Instead, it builds a spread into the price — the difference between buy and sell rates. For major assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, this spread typically ranges between 0.8% and 1.2%, though it may be higher during market volatility.
Are There Hidden Fees Beyond the Spread?
No. Uphold is transparent about its pricing. Aside from spreads and standard blockchain network fees on crypto withdrawals, there are no hidden platform charges. You’ll see the final cost before confirming any trade, deposit, or withdrawal. Uphold does not charge inactivity or custody fees.
How Do Uphold’s Fees Compare to Coinbase or Kraken?
Uphold’s spread-based pricing is higher than Krakens low spot fees but simpler. It’s often cheaper than Coinbase’s instant buy fees, especially for small purchases. Uphold also avoids separate trading and deposit fees, making it appealing for beginners prioritising convenience over lowest-cost execution.
Uphold Safety
Is It Safe to Buy Crypto on Uphold?
Yes. Uphold uses encryption, two-factor authentication, and a transparent reserve model to protect users. The platform holds 100% of customer assets in custody, visible through its real-time transparency dashboard. It complies with FCA anti-money laundering rules and follows strict operational security standards.
What Security Features Does Uphold Offer?
Uphold includes two-factor authentication (2FA), end-to-end encryption, and device recognition to protect accounts. All crypto assets are held in secure custodial wallets with full backing. The platform’s real-time reserve reporting helps ensure liquidity and builds user trust.
Has Uphold Ever Been Hacked?
As of 2025, Uphold has not reported any platform-wide hacks. Minor phishing and account takeover cases have occurred, typically due to poor password hygiene. Users are strongly encouraged to enable 2FA and use unique, secure credentials to reduce risk.
How Is Crypto Stored and Secured?
Crypto on Uphold is stored in cold wallets managed by third-party custodians. The platform uses institutional-grade infrastructure and encryption. Uphold does not provide users with private keys, as it is custodial. Daily internal audits help ensure all holdings match the real-time reserve data.
Final Thoughts
Uphold offers UK users a simple, regulated way to buy crypto with GBP. It stands out for ease of use, multi-asset support, and transparent pricing. While spreads are higher than on pro exchanges, it’s a strong option for beginners.
Read our full Uphold review here for a deeper breakdown of features, fees, and comparisons.
Buy, trade, and diversify effortlessly
- Invest from £1
- Auto-pilot recurring buys
- Trade crypto, stocks & metals
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.
FAQs
Is Uphold Good to Buy Crypto?
Yes. Uphold is simple, beginner-friendly, and offers access to 260+ assets. It supports fast GBP deposits, clear fees, and a trusted security model. While spreads are higher than some exchanges, it’s a reliable option for users prioritizing ease and transparency over low spot fees.
Is Uphold Available in the UK?
Yes. Uphold is fully available in the UK and supports GBP funding via Open Banking and debit cards. It’s registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for anti-money laundering compliance, making it a safe and legal choice for UK-based crypto investors.
How Much Does Uphold Charge to Buy Crypto?
Uphold does not charge commission. Instead, it includes a spread of about 0.8%–1.2% on major cryptos. GBP bank deposits and withdrawals are free, while card deposits incur a ~2.49% fee. Crypto withdrawals are subject to standard blockchain network fees only.
Is Uphold Better Than Coinbase?
Uphold is easier to use and has simpler fee structures for small trades. Coinbase offers more trading tools but charges higher fees for instant buys. For UK beginners seeking low-friction access to crypto with strong transparency, Uphold may be the more appealing choice.
References
https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/cryptoassets
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/uphold.com
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/cryptocurrency
