Although there are hundreds of cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, in the UK there are strict regulations about which platforms can legally operate here. There are only a few crypto exchanges that are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and I will discuss the top platforms in this article.
It may be tempting to use other crypto exchanges that are not registered with the FCA, but this is not safe as they are not allowed to accept UK customers.
To make things easy for you, I have done hours of research on cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK and come up with the best choices. My reviews are based on various factors including ease of use, features, fees and the level and quality of customer support.
I recommend trying out different exchanges to see which one works best for you. What may be the most suitable for one person may not necessarily be the best option for another.
| # | Platform | Best for | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CoinJarBest for beginners | Beginners | Bank-like UX, 0–0.1% fees | Visit |
| 2 | UpholdAll-in-one investing | All-in-one | Crypto, stocks & metals | Visit |
| 3 | eToroSocial & copy trading | Copy trading | Social trading + demo | Visit |
| 4 | BitstampBest for day trading | Day trading | Advanced charts + staking | Visit |
Best for beginnersCoinJarA simple, bank-like exchange with low fees — ideal for first-timers.
All-in-one investingUpholdTrade crypto, US stocks, forex and precious metals in one place.
Social & copy tradingeToro110+ cryptos plus stocks, with copy trading and a free demo account.
Best for day tradingBitstampA veteran, London-based exchange with advanced charts and staking.
1CoinJar
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.
Pros
- Simple, bank-like interface — great for beginners
- Low trading fees (0–0.1%)
- Established and trusted since 2013
- A variety of deposit methods
- iOS and Android apps
Cons
- Fewer advanced tools than pro platforms
- Focused on more popular coins
2Uphold
Pros
- Trade crypto, US stocks, forex and precious metals
- 125+ cryptocurrencies
- Transparent spread-based pricing
- Many deposit methods incl. Apple & Google Pay
- ‘Anything to Anything’ instant swaps
Cons
- Spread pricing can cost more than maker/taker fees
- Fewer professional charting tools
3eToro
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.
Pros
- 110+ cryptocurrencies plus stocks and ETFs
- Social and copy trading
- Free demo account with $100,000
- No deposit fees
- Established UK broker since 2007
Cons
- Crypto availability varies by region
- Withdrawal and inactivity fees apply
4Bitstamp
Pros
- One of the longest-running exchanges (since 2011)
- Advanced charts and technical tools
- Staking to earn interest on holdings
- London-headquartered, professional platform
- Well suited to active day traders
Cons
- Less beginner-friendly
- Fewer coins than the largest exchanges