Crypto · Crypto

    Best Crypto Exchanges for UK Traders 2026: Compared

    We compare the best crypto exchanges available to UK traders in 2026 including eToro, Bybit, Kraken, MEXC and OKX. FCA-regulated options, fees, and features reviewed.

    March 202611 min readCrypto exchanges that are still fully available, competitive on fees, and worth your time as a UK trader.SentoBot Editorial
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    Finding a crypto exchange that actually works well for UK traders is harder than it should be. Binance pulled out, Coinbase closed its UK affiliate programme, and FCA regulation keeps tightening. Here are five exchanges that are still fully available, competitive on fees, and worth your time.

    ⚠ UK Access Note: Binance no longer operates in the UK and Coinbase's UK affiliate programme is closed. The exchanges below are confirmed available to UK traders as of March 2026. Always verify current FCA registration status before depositing funds.

    Disclosure: Sento may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page. This doesn't influence our rankings — all reviews are based on genuine research and comparison.

    Quick Comparison

    ExchangeBest ForSpot FeesFCA RegisteredCoinsStaking
    eToroBeginners1%Yes80+Yes
    BybitActive traders0.1%No*600+Yes
    KrakenSecurity-first0.16%/0.26%Registered200+Yes
    MEXCAltcoins0% makerNo2,500+Yes
    OKXDeFi / Web30.08%/0.1%No350+Yes

    1. eToro — Best for Beginners & Social Trading

    eToro is the most beginner-friendly option on this list and one of the few crypto platforms that's fully FCA-regulated in the UK. Its social trading features let you see what experienced traders are buying and copy their portfolios automatically. The trade-off is higher fees: eToro charges 1% on crypto trades.

    Trading Fee
    1% spread
    Coins
    80+
    FCA Status
    Regulated
    GBP Deposits
    Free (bank)
    • + Fully FCA regulated — strongest UK consumer protection
    • + Copy trading lets you mirror experienced portfolios
    • + Clean, beginner-friendly interface
    • + Free GBP deposits via bank transfer
    • 1% trading fee is among the highest
    • Limited altcoin selection (80+)

    Sign up to eToro

    FCA-regulated, beginner-friendly with copy trading.

    2. Bybit — Best for Active & Derivatives Traders

    Bybit has rapidly become a go-to for serious traders, particularly those interested in derivatives. It offers up to 100x leverage on perpetual contracts and has some of the most competitive fees in the market at 0.1% for spot trading. The platform supports 600+ coins and tokens.

    Spot Fee
    0.1%
    Coins
    600+
    Leverage
    Up to 100x
    GBP Deposits
    Card / P2P
    • + Very low 0.1% spot trading fees
    • + 600+ coins with fast new listings
    • + Advanced derivatives and futures trading
    • + Copy trading and demo account available
    • Not FCA registered
    • Complex interface for beginners

    Sign up to Bybit

    Low 0.1% spot fees and 600+ coins for active traders.

    3. Kraken — Most Trusted & Secure

    Kraken has been operating since 2011 and has never been hacked — a rare claim in crypto. It's one of the most security-focused exchanges available and carries FCA registration for UK operations. The fee structure is competitive with a maker/taker model starting at 0.16%/0.26%.

    Maker / Taker
    0.16% / 0.26%
    Coins
    200+
    FCA Status
    Registered
    Operating Since
    2011
    • + Never been hacked — industry-leading security
    • + FCA registered with strong compliance
    • + Competitive maker/taker fee structure
    • + Kraken Pro for advanced traders
    • Smaller coin selection than competitors
    • GBP deposit options can be limited

    Sign up to Kraken

    Operating since 2011 — never been hacked, FCA registered.

    4. MEXC — Best for Altcoins & Low Fees

    MEXC is where you go for altcoins. With 2,500+ listed tokens, it regularly lists new projects faster than any other major exchange. The 0% maker fee is genuinely hard to beat — you'll only pay taker fees, making it one of the cheapest platforms for active trading.

    Maker Fee
    0%
    Coins
    2,500+
    FCA Status
    Not registered
    New Listings
    Fastest in market
    • + 0% maker fees — cheapest major exchange
    • + Largest altcoin selection (2,500+ tokens)
    • + Fastest new token listings in the industry
    • Not FCA registered
    • Less brand recognition in the UK

    Sign up to MEXC

    0% maker fees and 2,500+ altcoins — the cheapest major exchange.

    5. OKX — Best for DeFi & Web3 Integration

    OKX bridges the gap between traditional exchange trading and the decentralised finance world. Its built-in Web3 wallet lets you interact with DeFi protocols, trade NFTs, and access decentralised exchanges — all from the same platform. Spot fees are competitive at 0.08%/0.1%.

    Maker / Taker
    0.08% / 0.1%
    Coins
    350+
    Web3 Wallet
    Built-in
    DeFi Access
    Yes
    • + Integrated Web3 wallet and DeFi access
    • + Very competitive 0.08% maker fee
    • + NFT marketplace built in
    • + 350+ tokens available
    • Not FCA registered
    • DeFi features add complexity for beginners

    Sign up to OKX

    Built-in Web3 wallet, DeFi access and 0.08% maker fees.

    How to Choose the Right Exchange

    Prioritise FCA regulation? Choose eToro — it's the safest option with regulatory protection and copy trading.
    Prioritise low fees? Choose Bybit or OKX — significantly cheaper with advanced tools.
    Prioritise security? Choose Kraken — operating since 2011 with zero breaches.
    Prioritise altcoin access? Choose MEXC — 2,500+ tokens at 0% maker fees.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Binance still available in the UK?

    No. Binance withdrew from the UK market and is no longer accepting new UK customers for its full product range.

    Do I need to pay tax on crypto in the UK?

    Yes. HMRC treats crypto gains as capital gains tax. You'll need to report any profits from trading, and there's a tax-free allowance that applies.

    Which exchange is safest for UK traders?

    From a regulatory perspective, eToro (FCA regulated) and Kraken (FCA registered) offer the strongest consumer protections.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves substantial risk. FCA registration does not guarantee the safety of your investment. Sento may earn commissions from affiliate links. Capital at risk.

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    Sento earns a referral if you click through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Updated March 2026.