Finding the best Coinbase alternative UK in 2025 comes down to safety, fees, and ease of use.
This guide highlights FCA-registered platforms that offer stronger security, clearer pricing, and fast GBP deposits.
You’ll also see which options provide better tools and asset coverage to suit different UK trading goals.
Key takeaway: What’s the best Coinbase alternative in the UK?
The best Coinbase alternatives in the UK are eToro for beginners who want simple trading and fast GBP deposits, and Kraken for low fees and strong security. Bitpanda is a great option if you want the widest crypto selection.
What platform improvements do Coinbase alternatives usually offer?
Most Coinbase alternatives improve on costs, asset selection, and mobile usability.
Many offer cheaper trading, advanced charting, staking options, and better GBP deposits through Faster Payments.
Some also provide social trading, crypto indices, or Visa cards, helping users trade, diversify, or spend crypto more easily than on Coinbase.
Top Coinbase alternatives compared (vs Coinbase)
| Platform | Fees (UK) | Asset range | GBP support | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | 1% crypto fee (no hidden spreads) | ~120 cryptos + stocks/ETFs | Fast GBP deposits via bank transfer & debit card | Beginners and social trading |
| Kraken | Pro fees from 0.16%/0.26% | 490+ cryptos | GBP via Faster Payments, bank transfer, card, PayPal | Low-cost active trading and security |
| Bitpanda | From ~1.49% (spread) | 600+ cryptos (UK’s largest list) | Fee-free GBP deposits | Asset variety and long-term holders |
| Crypto.com | Maker/taker 0.075%–0.50% | 400+ cryptos + Visa cashback | Free GBP deposits via FPS | All-in-one features and rewards |
| Coinbase (Benchmark) | High spreads + 0.50%+ fees | ~200 cryptos | GBP deposits supported | Simple UI but more expensive |
Top 5 Coinbase alternatives (and what they’re best for)
- eToro – Best for beginners and simple crypto trading
- Kraken – Best for low fees and advanced trading tools
- Bitpanda – Best for the UK’s largest crypto selection
- Crypto.com – Best for an all-in-one crypto ecosystem
Reviews of alternatives to Coinbase in the UK
Below are the top Coinbase alternatives, each tested for fees, safety and ease of use.
1. eToro – Best for beginners
eToro: 10 key facts (at a glance)
| Category | Key info |
|---|---|
| Regulation | Fully FCA-regulated in the UK |
| Security | 2FA, SSL encryption, segregated funds, cold storage |
| Crypto Fees | 1% buy/sell fee + variable spreads |
| Other Fees | $5 withdrawal, 1.5–3% FX conversion, $10 inactivity |
| Tradable Assets | 6,000+ assets including 120+ cryptos |
| GBP Support | GBP wallet available; UK bank transfers supported |
| Top Feature | CopyTrader™ (social trading) |
| Ease of Use | Extremely beginner-friendly interface + strong mobile app |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Best For | Beginners, casual traders, multi-asset investing |
Is this exchange properly regulated and secure?
Yes. eToro is fully regulated by the FCA in the UK, making it one of the safest Coinbase alternatives for British users. Client funds are held in segregated tier-1 bank accounts, the platform uses SSL encryption, and accounts are protected with two-factor authentication. Crypto is not FSCS-protected, but overall eToro is secure and compliant.
How much does this exchange cost to use?
eToro charges 1% on crypto buys and sells, with spreads varying by asset. You’ll also pay currency conversion fees if depositing in GBP (unless using the GBP wallet), plus a $5 withdrawal fee and a $10 inactivity fee after 12 months. Stock investing is 0% commission, helping offset some crypto costs.
Does this exchange offer the coins and features I need?
Yes. eToro offers 120+ cryptocurrencies, CopyTrader™, Smart Portfolios, a full demo account, and multi-asset trading across stocks, ETFs, commodities, and forex. It doesn’t have the deepest crypto list, but it covers all major coins and provides more crypto investing tools than Coinbase.
How easy is it to deposit GBP and use the platform?
Very easy. UK users can deposit via bank transfer, debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Faster Payments. The interface is beginner-friendly and the mobile app is smooth. Sign-up takes around 10 minutes, and withdrawals usually arrive in 2–3 business days.
What is this exchange’s reputation and customer support like?
eToro has a strong global reputation with 35 million+ users and a long operating history since 2007. UK users rate it highly for simplicity, copy trading, and mobile usability. Support is decent but can be slow during busy periods, relying mainly on chat and ticket systems.
Who is this platform best for?
eToro is best for beginners, casual traders, and anyone wanting a simple, FCA-regulated alternative to Coinbase with strong social-trading tools. It’s ideal for users wanting stocks, ETFs, and crypto in one app. High-volume traders may prefer lower-fee exchanges.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| FCA-regulated | 1% crypto fee + spreads |
| Very beginner-friendly | $5 withdrawal |
| CopyTrader™ | Conversion fees for GBP trades |
| 0% stock commissions | Fewer cryptocurrencies than Binance |
| 6,000+ assets | Limited advanced charting |
| Fast GBP deposits | — |
| Excellent mobile app | — |
2. Bitpanda – Best for large crypto selection
Bitpanda: 10 key facts (at a glance)
| Category | Key info |
|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA-registered for cryptoasset activities (not fully regulated) |
| Security | Cold storage, ISO 27001 certification, MFA, external audits |
| Crypto Fees | ~1.49% spread included in price |
| Other Fees | No deposit fees, no withdrawal fees, no inactivity fees |
| Tradable Assets | 600+ cryptocurrencies + Crypto Indices |
| GBP Support | Faster Payments, bank transfer, cards, PayPal, Apple Pay |
| Top Feature | Crypto Indices + non-custodial DeFi Wallet |
| Ease of Use | Clean, modern interface with guided onboarding |
| Minimum Deposit | £10 (£1 minimum trade) |
| Best For | Beginners, long-term holders, crypto-only investors |
Is this exchange properly regulated and secure?
Yes. Bitpanda is FCA-registered to offer cryptoasset services in the UK and follows strict EU-level security standards including ISO 27001 certification, cold-storage custody, strong encryption, and multi-factor authentication. Crypto isn’t FSCS-protected, but the platform has a strong reputation for transparency, external audits, and robust internal security controls.
How much does this exchange cost to use?
Bitpanda offers zero deposit fees, zero withdrawal fees, and no inactivity fees. Crypto trades include a built-in spread of around 1.49%, while Bitcoin trades start at around 0.99%. Minimum trade size is £1, making the platform accessible and affordable for beginners and small-scale traders.
Does this exchange offer the coins and features I need?
Yes. Bitpanda provides the UK’s largest crypto selection with 600+ assets, staking for 50+ coins, and unique Crypto Indices for diversified investing. The platform also offers a DeFi Wallet, limit orders, alerts, and Spotlight discovery tools. UK users do not get stocks, ETFs, metals, or CFDs.
How easy is it to deposit GBP and use the platform?
Bitpanda supports Fast and fee-free GBP deposits using Faster Payments, debit/credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and bank transfer. Account creation and verification take around 15 minutes, followed by the UK-mandated 24-hour cooling-off period. The interface is clean, modern, and ideal for beginners.
What is this exchange’s reputation and customer support like?
Bitpanda has over 7 million users across Europe and is known for strong security, transparency, and reliability. UK users praise its simplicity, fast deposits, and huge crypto range. Customer support runs 24/7 through helpdesk and email tickets but lacks phone support or live chat.
Who is this platform best for?
Bitpanda is best for beginners, long-term holders, and UK users who want the widest crypto selection with zero-fee deposits and withdrawals. It’s ideal for passive investors using Crypto Indices or anyone wanting a secure, easy, crypto-only platform. It’s less suitable for advanced traders needing pro charting.
Read the complete Bitpanda review here.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 600+ cryptocurrencies (largest in the UK) | Crypto-only platform in the UK |
| No deposit or withdrawal fees | No demo account |
| £1 minimum investment | Higher spreads than pro exchanges |
| Crypto Indices for diversification | No advanced trading terminal |
| Beginner-friendly app and platform | — |
| ISO 27001 security + cold storage | — |
| Staking on 50+ assets | — |
| DeFi Wallet for full control | — |
3. Kraken – Best for security & pro trading tools
Kraken: 10 key facts (at a glance)
| Category | Key info |
|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA-registered (Payward Ltd) for cryptoasset activities |
| Security | Cold storage, ISO/IEC 27001, 2FA, Proof-of-Reserves |
| Crypto Fees | Standard: ~1%; Pro: 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker |
| Other Fees | Crypto withdrawal fees vary; fiat deposits often free |
| Tradable Assets | 490+ cryptocurrencies |
| GBP Support | Faster Payments, bank transfer, card, PayPal, Apple Pay |
| Top Feature | Kraken Pro (advanced trading, low fees) |
| Ease of Use | Standard app simple; Pro more technical |
| Minimum Deposit | From £1 |
| Best For | Security-focused users and active crypto traders |
Is this exchange properly regulated and secure?
Yes. Kraken is FCA-registered in the UK and known globally for its industry-leading security, transparent Proof-of-Reserves audits, and ISO/IEC 27001 certification. Over 95% of customer assets are held in offline cold storage, and accounts are protected with 2FA and optional withdrawal whitelisting. Crypto is not FSCS-protected.
How much does this exchange cost to use?
Kraken Standard charges around 1% plus spread for simple buy/sell orders, making it easy but costlier for frequent trades. Kraken Pro uses a maker-taker model with entry fees of 0.16% maker and 0.26% taker, decreasing with higher volume. Fiat deposits are usually free, and crypto withdrawal fees vary by asset.
Does this exchange offer the coins and features I need?
Yes. Kraken supports over 490 cryptocurrencies, including all major coins, stablecoins, DeFi tokens, and niche assets. UK users can access spot trading, staking on select assets, advanced charting, limit orders, and Kraken Pro. Futures and margin trading are not available to UK retail users due to FCA rules.
How easy is it to deposit GBP and use the platform?
Kraken offers fast and reliable GBP deposits through Faster Payments, bank transfer, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The standard interface is beginner-friendly, while Kraken Pro caters to traders needing deep liquidity and charting tools. Account verification is straightforward but may take longer during high-volume periods.
What is this exchange’s reputation and customer support like?
Kraken is widely respected for stability, compliance, and exceptional security standards. Users value its reliability during market volatility and its high-quality educational resources. Customer support includes 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support on weekdays. Response times are generally strong, though busy periods can cause delays.
Who is this platform best for?
Kraken is best for UK users who prioritise security, regulatory oversight, and low trading fees on Kraken Pro. It suits active traders, long-term investors, and users wanting a robust, stable platform. Beginners may prefer the standard interface, but those needing advanced tools will benefit from Kraken Pro’s lower fees and deeper features.
Read the complete Kraken review here.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| FCA-registered and highly secure | Instant Buy fees are higher |
| 490+ cryptocurrencies | Pro interface can be complex |
| Kraken Pro offers low fees | No futures or margin for UK retail users |
| Excellent liquidity and reliability | Crypto withdrawals incur network fees |
| Multiple GBP payment methods | — |
| Strong educational resources | — |
| 24/7 customer support | — |
4. Crypto.com – Best for all-in-one crypto features
Crypto.com: 10 key facts (at a glance)
| Category | Key info |
|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA-authorised EMI + FCA-registered for cryptoasset activities |
| Security | Zero-Trust architecture, cold storage, MFA, $360m insurance |
| Crypto Fees | Maker/Taker from 0.075%–0.50% (volume-based) |
| Other Fees | Free GBP deposits via FPS; 2.99% card fees; variable withdrawals |
| Tradable Assets | 400+ cryptocurrencies |
| GBP Support | Faster Payments, bank transfer, debit/credit card |
| Top Feature | Crypto Earn, Visa Card cashback, DeFi Wallet |
| Ease of Use | Simple mobile app; some features split across app + exchange |
| Minimum Deposit | From £1 (via app); £20 ACH equivalent |
| Best For | Users wanting an all-in-one crypto super-app |
Is this exchange properly regulated and secure?
Yes. Crypto.com is FCA-authorised as an Electronic Money Institution and FCA-registered for UK cryptoasset activities. It implements Zero-Trust security, biometric login, MFA, and cold-storage custody. Crypto.com holds $360m in insurance coverage and uses strict AML monitoring. Crypto is not FSCS-protected, but platform security standards are among the highest in the sector.
How much does this exchange cost to use?
Crypto.com uses a maker/taker model, starting at 0.25% / 0.50% for low-volume users, falling to 0.04% / 0.10% for high-volume traders. CRO staking unlocks further fee reductions. GBP deposits via Faster Payments are free, while card purchases incur 2.99%. Withdrawal fees vary by crypto asset.
Does this exchange offer the coins and features I need?
Yes. Crypto.com supports 400+ cryptocurrencies, Crypto Earn for passive rewards, the Crypto.com Visa Card (cashback up to 5%), a full DeFi Wallet, NFT marketplace, crypto baskets, staking, and price-tracking tools. It also offers optional derivatives, advanced trading tools, and institutional features in certain regions. UK access varies by feature.
How easy is it to deposit GBP and use the platform?
Crypto.com offers easy GBP funding via Faster Payments, bank transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, and debit/credit cards. The app is beginner-friendly and serves as an all-in-one hub for buying, spending, earning, and tracking crypto. Navigation can feel complex because the app and exchange operate separately, but deposits and withdrawals are fast and reliable.
What is this exchange’s reputation and customer support like?
Crypto.com is widely used, with 100m+ global users and strong mobile ratings. It offers 24/7 live chat and an extensive Help Centre. Support quality can vary, and responses sometimes rely heavily on templates. Trustpilot scores are mixed, but users consistently praise the app’s design, wide asset coverage, and Visa Card perks.
Who is this platform best for?
Crypto.com is best for users who want a full crypto ecosystem, trading, staking, spending, NFTs, Visa cashback, and a secure DeFi Wallet in one place. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate users wanting convenience and broad functionality. It’s less suited to fee-hunters or those who prefer simple, streamlined exchanges.
Read the complete Crypto.com review here.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 400+ cryptocurrencies | 2.99% card purchase fees |
| Zero-fee GBP deposits via FPS | App + exchange separation can confuse beginners |
| Crypto.com Visa Card with cashback | Limited educational resources |
| Crypto Earn (interest on tokens) | Customer support quality varies |
| Strong security + $360m insurance | — |
| All-in-one app for buying, spending, staking | — |
| Non-custodial DeFi Wallet | — |
| NFT marketplace and crypto baskets | — |
How well do the top Coinbase alternatives perform?
The leading Coinbase alternatives score highly for fees, asset coverage, and UK-friendly features. Crypto exchanges like eToro, Kraken, Bitpanda, and Crypto.com offer lower trading costs, broader crypto access, or stronger GBP support. Each platform ranks differently based on regulation, security standards, user experience, and long-term reliability.
Do these alternatives offer a wider range of cryptocurrencies?
Yes. Most Coinbase alternatives support significantly more assets. Bitpanda lists 600+, Kraken offers 490+, and Crypto.com supports around 400+, compared to Coinbase’s more selective list. This gives UK investors better access to altcoins, staking assets, and emerging projects that aren’t yet available on Coinbase.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Coinbase alternative in the UK comes down to fees, features, and the type of crypto experience you want.
eToro stands out for beginners thanks to its simple layout, FCA oversight, and easy GBP deposits.
Kraken is the top choice for security-focused traders who want transparent audits and low Pro-tier fees.
If asset variety matters most, Bitpanda offers the UK’s largest crypto selection with 600+ coins.
For an all-in-one ecosystem, Crypto.com combines cashback, staking, and a strong mobile crypto trading app.
Whatever your goals, low costs, broader coin access, or deeper tools, there’s a Coinbase alternative better suited to your needs.
FAQs
Is Coinbase or Kraken better in the UK?
Kraken is better for most UK users thanks to lower fees, more assets, and stronger security. Coinbase is easier but pricier.
Which is the cheapest Coinbase alternative?
Kraken Pro is usually the cheapest due to low maker/taker fees. Bitpanda and Crypto.com are also competitive.
Can I find Coinbase alternatives with more cryptocurrencies?
Yes. Bitpanda, Kraken, and Crypto.com all offer far more coins than Coinbase, including many smaller altcoins.
