Best Crypto Exchange in Belgium 2023

There’s been a sharp uptick in the number of crypto exchanges available for Belgian residents. While this might seem great on the surface, it also means there’s an increasing number of subpar exchanges cropping up. This has caused a surge of residents looking for the best crypto exchange in Belgium.

Throughout this article, we’ll be reviewing the best Bitcoin exchanges in Belgium, taking a look at the country’s crypto regulation, and providing a comprehensive step-by-step guide covering exactly how to use the best Belgian Bitcoin exchange.

Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.

The Top Bitcoin Exchanges in Belgium Reviewed

Finding the best Belgium crypto exchanges doesn’t have to be a difficult process. We’ve done the leg-work and reviewed the top contenders.

1. eToro – Overall Best Crypto Exchange in Belgium

With over 27 million users around the globe, eToro is a crypto powerhouse. It was founded in 2007 as a stock broker but has since grown to offer a variety of asset classes. It supports over 70 crypto-assets in addition to hundreds of stocks, forex pairs, and ETFs, so diversifying is easy.

eToro takes pride in its security. It’s regulated by BaFin, CySEC, and many other authoritative bodies. eToro uses SSL encryption to obscure client details, preventing attackers from being able to intercept any sensitive information. As expected from a top exchange, eToro uses cold storage to keep the vast majority of clients’ funds offline and secure.

When it comes to fees, eToro is one of the best Belgium crypto exchanges. It offers a transparent 1% trading fee on crypto purchases and deposits using PayPal are just 0.5%, far below any competitors. Because of this, buying Bitcoin using eToro is an incredibly cost-effective method.

There’s a ton of functionality built into eToro. CopyTrading allows you to effortlessly mimic the trades of more experienced users. CopyPortfolios act similarly to ETFs, however, you actually own the assets they contain. On top of all that, eToro also has an educational platform called the eToro Academy which is a phenomenal resource for learning about trading & investing.

Overall, there’s a reason for eToro’s popularity. It’s a great all-rounder that has something for everyone. Regardless of your investment strategy or goals, there will always be a feature designed to make your life easier, which is why eToro is the best Bitcoin exchange in Belgium.

Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.

2. Crypto.com – Best Crypto Exchange for Staking

After launching in 2016, Crypto.com has quickly grown to serve millions of users all across the globe. While it doesn’t have the same amount of asset classes as offered by eToro, it does come equipped with a few nice crypto-focused features like the ability to stake crypto and earn interest.

Security on Crypto.com is good but not great. While the company does keep 100% of client funds locked away in cold storage and has a team dedicated to screening transactions, it was the target of a hack in early 2022 that led to an enormous $35 million loss.

The fee structure on Crypto.com is based on the amount of CRO (Crypto.com’s native token) held. However, as the fee reduction thresholds are quite high, the vast majority of users will be charged a trading fee of 0.4%.

The Crypto.com exchange has a ton of helpful trading features that can make life a lot easier. A plethora of order types, solid charting tools, and a well-organised interface are all handy. However, the main draw to Crypto.com is its excellent staking rates. For crypto, it’s possible to earn up 14% P.A. and stablecoins yield up to 10%, both well above the industry average.

Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.

3. Bitstamp – Classic Cryptocurrency Exchange

Bitstamp has been around almost as long as Bitcoin itself. Since its 2011 launch, Bitstamp has managed to amass around 4 million active users. There aren’t too many unique features built into the platform but it’s clear Bitstamp has focused on refining its user experience.

Although trading fees on Bitstamp are quite low at just 0.5%, the platform is let down by its debit/credit card deposit fee which is currently well above standard at 5%.

Considering Bitstamp has been running for more than 10 years, it’s no surprise that it has solid security. Personal information is all encrypted to ensure no data leaks can take place and with 98% of assets held in cold storage, hackers have little reason to go after Bitstamp.

For on the go investors, Bitstmap’s mobile app is one the best on the market. It has a clean, intuitive interface and comes equipped with all the same features as the desktop site. 24/7 phone/email support is another area Bitstamp shines. Getting a prompt answer to a query can make all the difference when it comes to investing.

Bitstamp isn’t one of the biggest crypto exchanges, its refined feature-set means it’s still a solid choice. While some brokers like eToro do offer far more features, Bitstamp is great for anyone looking for a well-designed, no-frills Belgian crypto exchange.

Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.

4. Coinbase – Great Beginner Crypto Exchange

With over 98 million users across 100+ countries, Coinbase is one of the biggest crypto exchanges in the world. Since its 2013 launch, Coinbase rose to prominence as a result of its focus on making crypto investing easy for everyone.

It should be no surprise that one of the best cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry has got great security. In addition to utilising cold storage and obscuring client data, Coinbase also carefully vets each project it adds to ensure clients won’t be left out of pocket due to a scam.

Fees on Coinbase have gotten better in recent months. Previously Coinbase & Coinbase Pro had two different fee structures that made things extremely confusing. However, they’ve done away with that model and made fees the same on both platforms. However, it’s worth noting that using Coinbase to instant buy crypto will still result in a rather large 3.99% credit/debit card fee.

Although Coinbase is touted as a beginner broker, it’s recently added its Pro feature set to the regular Coinbase platform. Thanks to this change, Coinbase is a far more attractive option than it once was. While experienced investors would still likely be better served using a broker like eToro, if you’re new to crypto, Coinbase is one of the best Bitcoin exchanges in Belgium.

Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.

5. Binance – Crypto Exchange with Tons of Assets

Binance is one of the most widely used crypto exchanges. It has over 600 assets available to trade and is trusted by over 90 million users. With a diverse range of features, solid client protection, and an innovative team, Binance is a definite contender for the best crypto exchange in Belgium.

Although Binance understandably refuses to divulge too much about its security features, clients are well protected. Everyone using Binance can manage account devices, set up 2FA, and whitelist withdrawal addresses.

Binance offers some of the lowest trading fees on the market but deposit fees can add up. While Binance charges 1.8% debit/credit card fees, this figure is exclusive of any additional fees levied by your card provider.

Outside of its excellent trading features (TradingView integration, various order types, solid charting tools), Binance is an innovative platform that’s constantly evolving. The Binance NFT marketplace has become a hub for ETH & BNB-based NFTs and its frequent community rewards make it an engaging platform to invest with.

As there are a ton of features hidden away in submenus, Binance does take a bit of getting used to. However, users can Switch to Binance Lite to enjoy a simplified investing experience. All in all, thanks to its huge range of assets and features, Binance is one of the top crypto exchanges in Belgium.

Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.

6. Kraken – Highly Secure Crypto Exchange

Another of the best Belgium crypto exchanges, Kraken was founded in 2011 and serves over 9 million clients. It’s a good all-around Belgian crypto exchange with over 100 crypto-assets to choose from.

Fees on Kranen are reasonable but its plethora of security features is what really pushes the platform to new heights. With a bug bounty program and a team dedicated to attempting to hack Kraken, clients can rest assured that their funds remain safe. To communicate with clients, Kraken uses PGP signed & encrypted emails, helping to prevent phishing attacks.

Although it boasts 24/7 support and a good mobile app, like Bitstamp, Kraken doesn’t offer much in the way of unique features. However, its long, stellar track record and market-leading safety features make it one of the best Belgium crypto exchanges for the security conscious.

7. Bitpanda – Native European Crypto Exchange

On the hunt for the best crypto exchange in Belgium, it’s only fitting we discuss a Europe-based exchange. Since its 2014 launch, Bitpanda has grown to serve around 3.5 million investors. Despite being one of the smaller exchanges, Bitpanda is jam-packed with a ton of helpful features and investing tools.

Similarly, to eToro, Bitpanda offers a range of assets outside of the crypto-sphere. With stocks, commodities, & indices, Bitpanda is the best crypto exchange in Belgium for those looking for an eToro alternative. Additionally, Bitpanda

While Bitpanda might not be the best crypto exchange in Belgium for all types of investors, for those looking to diversify and manage all of their assets in one place, it’s a good option. The only real drawback to Bitpanda is its high trading fees. It’s not a bad exchange by any means but Bitpanda does get overshadowed by eToro, the best bitcoin exchange in Belgium.

8. Coinsmart – Educational Crypto Exchange

Canada-based Coinsmart is attempting to build a reputation as a leading educational exchange. On top of its educational efforts, Coinsmart is a transparent and customer-focused exchange that makes a real effort for its clients.

As a publicly-traded company, Coinsmart is subject to regular audits making it nigh-impossible for them to hide any unscrupulous activities from the general public. Despite only offering 16 cryptos for trade, the platform is equipped with some decent trading tools but mostly misses key features like advanced charting capabilities.

When it comes to speed, Coinsmart is perhaps the best crypto exchange in Belgium. The Coinsmart guarantee ensures client accounts will always be credited the same day Coinsmart receives the deposit, if not, your deposit fee will be refunded.

Although Coinsmart does lack the number of assets offered by some of the best Bitcoin exchanges in Belgium, it’s a capable exchange for when quick deposits are a must.

The Best Belgium Crypto Exchanges Compared

When reading reviews, it can be difficult to decipher which platform is the best crypto exchange in Belgium. However, using this handy table it’s easy to see how each platform stacks up against one another.

	Number of Cryptos	Trading Fee	Debit/Credit Card Fee	Minimum Deposit
eToro	70	1% plus spread	0.5%	$50
Crypto.com	250+	Up to 0.4%	2.99%	$1
Bitstamp	73	0.5%	5%	$20
Coinbase	150+	0.04% to 0.50% taker fee and a 0% to 0.50% maker free	0%	$50
Binance	600+	0.1%	1.8% + processor fees	Variable based on deposit type
Kraken	100+	1.5%	3.75% + $0.25	$1
Bitpanda	160+	1.5%	Depends on Payment Processor	$25
Coinsmart	16	0.2%	Up to 6%	$100

How to Choose the Best Belgium Cryptocurrency Exchange for You

When you’re trying to find the best Belgian crypto exchange, there are a few things that are important to look out for.

Regulation

When choosing the best crypto exchange in Belgium, it’s important to watch out for any brokers in a regulatory grey area. While you might not run into any trouble using an unregulated broker if something awry (insolvency, a hack, etc) there’s very little recourse.

Because of this, it’s wise to only trade using regulated brokers as you’ll be far more protected. Additionally, unregulated brokers could face pressure from government regulators to cease operations in a certain country, potentially leading to assets getting stuck on an exchange.

Tradable Cryptos

Before dubbing a certain platform the best crypto exchange in Belgium, it’s important to take a look at how many cryptos they offer. While it’s unlikely you’ll be investing in dozens of different cryptocurrencies, it’s always nice to have options.

Additionally, it can be a good idea to check and see if a platform supports any additional asset classes. A great example is eToro, outside of its 70+ crypto-assets, it also supports hundreds more stocks, ETS, and currency pairs.

Sign Up Offers

Everyone loves a good deal. When selecting a crypto exchange, it’s worth checking to see if any platforms have a sign-up bonus. While these bonuses are mostly only worth a couple of dollars, some can be far more lucrative. Either way, it never hurts to have a look.

Fees

For a platform to be considered the best crypto exchange in Belgium, it’s got to have some pretty competitive fees. Over the long-term, lower fees can result in hundreds if not thousands in savings.

It’s worth checking the trading fees (sometimes called maker/taker fees) as well as any fees associated with your preferred payment method.

Tools & Features

At the core of every exchange lies its features. While most good exchanges will offer some basic order types, charting tools, and educational material, the best crypto exchange in Belgium needs to go above and beyond when it comes to offering useful features.

When deciding which platform you prefer, it’s wise to think about what tools might be needed in the future and compare them to the offerings of each exchange.

Payment Methods

To buy crypto, you’ll need a way of paying for it. Therefore, you should always make sure an exchange has a few different payment options as it’s not uncommon for a particular payment method to go offline for some time due to upgrades or bugs.

Customer Service

Customer service is crucial to having a positive investing experience. When using a platform with slow customer service, getting the answer to an important question can be like pulling hens’ teeth. So to prevent any annoyance, it’s always good to read a few of the exchange’s customer service reviews.

How to Use a Belgian Crypto Exchange

Getting to grips with the best Bitcoin exchange in Belgium can be rather troublesome but with this easy-reference guide, it’s easy.

Step 1: Register with eToro

Head over to the eToro homepage and complete the registration process. A few basic details like name & email address are all that is required.

Step 2: Verify Account

Before it’s possible to buy crypto, the account needs to be verified. This is standard practice for any regulated broker and takes only a few minutes. The documents required are a photo ID (passport, driving licence) and proof of address (bank statement, utility bill).

Step 3: Deposit

After completing the verification process, it’s time to deposit. eToro supports a range of payment methods including credit/debit card, wire transfer, or e-wallet (PayPal, Skrill). Simply press, deposit, enter an amount and hit deposit once more. The funds will be credited to your account promptly but first-time deposits are known to take a little longer.

Step 4: Buy Crypto

Once the funds have been deposited, it’s possible to buy some crypto. All you have to do is type the name or ticker (e.g. BTC) of the asset you’d like to purchase into eToro’s search bar, select ‘Trade’, decide how much to invest, and push ‘Open Trade’. You can check the transaction went through from the portfolio.

Are Crypto Exchanges Legal in Belgium?

Before registering with the best crypto exchange in Belgium, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the local regulations.

Up until May 2022, cryptocurrency was unregulated in Belgium. However, a sharp increase in the number of Belgian investors led to the country providing some guidance. As of May 1, 2022, any platform operating in Belgium that wants to offer cryptocurrency exchange services must register with the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FMSA).

However, any platforms that were operating in Belgium prior to this change, have until July 1 to notify the FSMA of their activities and until September 1 to officially apply for registration. Failure to do either could result in an exchange being fined or forced to cease operation.

Belgian citizens that wish to invest in crypto-assets are completely free to do so, but the government of Belgium does not consider crypto legal tender.

Crypto Tax in Belgium

Unlike a few other countries, crypto tax in Belgium is pretty straightforward. Profit from cryptocurrency is treated as miscellaneous income and you will have to pay tax on any earnings.
For tax purposes, the Special Tax Inspectorate (STI) in Belgium generally treats income/gains resulting from the sale of cryptocurrency as “miscellaneous income” subject to tax.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we’ve covered some of the best platforms to buy crypto in Belgium, explored regulations, and discussed how to differentiate good exchanges from the brokers.

After reviewing the top crypto exchanges, eToro has come out on top. It’s regulated, offers a massive variety of assets, low fees, and a ton of helpful features to help new investors get started on the right track.

Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.

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