In order to buy and sell Bitcoin in the UK – you’ll need to have an account with a trusted and low-fee broker.
In this guide, we review the five best Bitcoin brokers in the UK for 2024. We also offer a simple step-by-step walkthrough of how to get started in under five minutes from start to finish.
Best Bitcoin Brokers in the UK for 2024
If you’re looking for a very quick overview of the five best Bitcoin brokers in the UK to buy Bitcoin right now – consider the platforms outlined below.
- OKX – Top Bitcoin Broker with P2P Trading Support
- Huobi – Best Crypto Broker UK for Long-Term Investors
- Crypto.com – Top UK Bitcoin Broker Mobile App
- Binance – Leading Bitcoin Trading Broker With Low Fees
- Coinbase – One of the Best UK Crypto Brokers for Beginners
We would suggest reading our full UK Bitcoin broker reviews before selecting a provider.
The Best Bitcoin Brokers UK Reviewed
Choosing six cryptocurrency exchanges UK for our list of the best Bitcoin brokers in the UK was no easy feat. After all, we considered everything from supported markets, and fees to minimum deposit requirements, and customer support.
In the reviews below, we cover all of these key metrics and more.
1. OKX – Top Bitcoin Broker with P2P Trading Support
OKX is one of the most popular Bitcoin brokers in the world with more than 20 million users across 200+ countries. This crypto exchange platform supports trading on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more than 340 other altcoins.
One of the notable features of OKX is its low trading fees. Traders usually pay only 0.10% per transaction for Bitcoin trades on OKX, and high-volume traders may get discounts. The platform supports credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets, but it doesn’t mention if there are any deposit fees for card payments. The minimum transaction amount is just $10.
OKX offers a variety of tools for active Bitcoin trading. The integrated charting platform offers advanced price charts and access to the Bitcoin order book on OKX. In addition, traders can use stop, limit, and conditional orders to manage their trading risk.
Another nice feature of OKX is that it supports P2P trading for Bitcoin with no fees. This enables traders to buy or sell Bitcoin using more than 900 payment methods while setting their own prices. OKX is one of the best P2P crypto exchanges in 2024.
Traders can also use OKX to earn up to 5% APY interest on Bitcoin. The platform offers crypto savings accounts that are simple to use and don’t require a large minimum investment.
For traders who want to go beyond trading BTC, OKX offers lists of hot cryptocurrencies and new tokens for traders to watch. Some of the best emerging cryptocurrencies available on OKX today include:
- Tamadoge (TAMA)
- Ethereum PoW (ETHW)
- City Coin (CITY)
- Sweatcoin (SWEAT)
- Amazy (AZY)
The OKX mobile app has a built-in crypto wallet, making it easy to safely store Bitcoin and altcoins.
Pros
Cons
Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.
2. Huobi – Best Crypto Broker UK for Long-Term Investors
If you’re a long-term investor that is looking to buy a wide selection of leading cryptocurrencies – Huobi could be one of the best brokers in the UK for this purpose. The platform makes up for this by offering one of the largest crypto suites in the market – with support for hundreds of tokens.
This means that you can explore digital currency projects of all shapes and sizes and thus – create a highly diverse portfolio. For instance, in terms of established and large-cap cryptocurrencies, you might consider the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, or Cardano. If you’re also interested in the best Defi coins, perhaps consider Polkadot, EOS, Decentraland, Chainlink, or AAVE. Huobi even supports stablecoins such as TrueUSD and Tether – so the platform has you covered on all fronts.
Another major benefit of Huobi for long-term investors is that you will have access to crypto interest accounts. All you need to do here is deposit your crypto into a suitable account and you will be paid interest. For example, you can earn 2.88% when depositing Bitcoin into a Huobi crypto savings account on a 90-day lock-up period. Another way that you can earn interest at Huobni is via crypto staking platforms.
This operates similarly to a savings account, albeit, your tokens will be locked on the respective blockchain network for a period of time. In return, you’ll be paid an attractive APY. When it comes to fees, Huobi is relatively competitive, albeit, the broker has a maker/taker pricing model in place. Put simply, unless you are providing the broker with liquidity or trading extremely large volumes, you will pay a commission of 0.40% per slide.
This means that by buying $1,000 worth of Bitcoin, you would pay a fee of just $4. And, if you were to sell your Bitcoin investment when it was worth $2,000 – your commission would amount to just $8. In terms of getting money into your Huobi account, the exchange supports UK bank transfers and debit//credit card payments. Finally, you might also like the Huobi mobile app – which doubles up as a trading platform and crypto wallet.
Pros
Cons
3. Crypto.com – Top UK Bitcoin Broker Mobile App
Next up on our list of the best Bitcoin brokers in the UK is Crypto.com. One of the primary reasons why we like this broker is that it offers a superb mobile app – meaning that you can easily buy and sell Bitcoin on the go. In fact, not only can you trade Bitcoin on the Crypto.com app – but over 250+ other cryptocurrencies. This includes everything from EOS, Decentraland, and Litecoin to Ethereum, Cardano, and AAVE.
The Crypto.com app is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, and it can be downloaded for free via the relevant store. Once installed, you can quickly open an account and then instantly deposit funds with a UK debit or credit card, after you’ve uploaded a copy of your ID. Alternatively, you can also transfer funds from your UK bank account. Although the transaction will go through Faster Payments, Crypto.com notes that the funds might take up to 7 business days to arrive.
Either way, the minimum deposit at Crypto.com is $20 and no transaction fees apply when opting for a bank transfer. In terms of trading commissions, Crypto.com operates a maker/taker model just like Huobi. Standard commissions are also charged at 0.40% per slide, albeit, this can be reduced if you trade larger amounts. Moreover, by staking Crypto.com’s native CRO token, will also result in more competitive commissions.
We should also note that Crypto.com offers plenty of other services in addition to just being able to buy and sell crypto. For instance, you’ll find a wide range of crypto savings accounts that allow you to earn interest on the tokens you deposit. Various APYs and lock-up terms are available. Moreover, Crypto.com also offers instant loans that come with a maximum LTV of 50%. You might also consider the crypto debit card offered by the provider, which is issued by Visa.
Moving onto user-friendliness, Crypto.com is potentially suited for both beginners and experienced pros alike. On the one hand, the Crypto.com platform is simple to use, so buying and selling digital tokens does not require prior experience. With that said, the platform also offers a full suite of advanced trading tools and customizable charts – so all skill sets are covered. Finally, Crypto.com also offers top-level customer service via live chat.
Pros
Cons
4. Binance – Leading Bitcoin Trading Broker With Low Fees
The final platform to consider in your search for the best Bitcoin brokers in the UK is Binance. Launched in 2017, this platform attracts the largest amount of trading volume and liquidity in the crypto industry. You will have access to more than 1,000 crypto markets here – which includes a huge selection of low-cap tokens. This might be of interest if you’re looking to invest in up-and-coming projects with an attractive upside.
When it comes to fees, this is where Binance really stands out. This is because the absolute maximum you will pay to trade crypto is just 0.10% per slide. Meaning – for every $1,000 traded, you will pay just $1. And, by owning BNB tokens or trading larger amounts, your fee will be reduced. With that said, if you wish to use Binance to buy crypto instantly with your UK debit or credit card, you’ll pay in the region of 2%.
The broker offers an advanced trading platform that comes packed with tools. For example, you can apply dozens of technical indicators to your charting areas – such as the MACD, Bollinger Bands, and the Exponential Moving Average. Drawing tools are fully customizable too – in terms of structure, colour, and more.
You’ll also be able to deploy advanced order types – which will give you enhanced flexibility in terms of entering and exiting the market. Although most traders will use Binance for short-term strategies, the broker is also suitable for buy-and-hold investors. This is because Binance offers some of the most competitive crypto savings accounts in the market. As an example, you can earn an APY of 5% on Bitcoin without having any restrictions on withdrawals.
Pros
Cons
5. Coinbase – One of the Best UK Crypto Brokers for Beginners
Next up we have Coinbase – which is one of the best Bitcoin in the UK for those of you that haven’t previously traded digital currencies. The Coinbase platform has been around since 2012 – which makes it a trusted broker to consider. Moreover, Coinbase is licensed in the US and listed on the NASDAQ exchange as a public stock.
In terms of supported markets, Coinbase gives you access to over 50 digital currencies. This mainly focuses on large-cap projects like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but a range of ERC-20 tokens and Defi coins are also available. Regardless of which crypto asset you decide to buy, you will need to pay a standard commission of 1.49% per slide. Naturally, this is a lot more expensive than the other UK Bitcoin brokers that we have reviewed so far.
In fact, should you wish to buy crypto with your UK debit or credit card – you’ll pay an even higher fee of 3.99%. As such, while Coinbase remains a good option for user-friendliness and safety, this popular Bitcoin broker is expensive. Nevertheless, we do like the security tools offered by Coinbase, which ensure that your digital funds remain safe at all times. For instance, a reported 98% of all of the crypto assets held by Coinbase are stored offline in cold storage.
And, when you log into your account or attempt to make a withdrawal – additional security steps are required. This includes two-factor authentication at a minimum, and oftentimes, confirmation via email. The latter will be required when you access your Coinbase from a new device or IP address. In terms of account minimums, Coinbase requires a minimum crypto purchase of just $2, which again, is highly suitable for beginners.
Another top feature offered on the Coinbase website is that you can set up recurring buy orders. In a nutshell, this means that Coinbase will automatically purchase a cryptocurrency of your choosing at a specific timeframe and predefined amount. For instance, this could be as simple as buying $15 worth of Bitcoin every Friday. Just like the other UK Bitcoin brokers discussed so far, Coinbase offers an iOS/Android mobile app.
Pros
Cons
What Is a Bitcoin Broker?
If you’re new to the crypto scene, you might be wondering what a Bitcoin broker is and how the investment process works. Perhaps the most simple comparison to make is that Bitcoin brokers are relatively similar to traditional share dealing sites.
This is because Bitcoin brokers sit between you and the investment markets – meaning that in order to buy and sell crypto, you need to go through a third party.
For instance, the Bitcoin broker will initially require you to open an account.
After all, it’s simply a case of searching for the crypto you want to trade, entering the amount you wish to invest, and confirming a market order.
The Bitcoin broker will then give you the option of keeping your newly purchased tokens in its own custodial storage facility – or withdrawing them out to a private wallet.
Ultimately, Bitcoin brokers are in the business of making money – so they will charge you an assortment of fees for using its platform. This might include fees to deposit and withdraw funds, and placing buy and sell orders.
Crypto Brokers vs Exchanges
Crypto brokers and exchanges are terms that are often used interchangeably – so you can be forgiven for thinking that both refer to the same thing. However, there is actually a big difference between the two – which we explain in the sections below.
UK Crypto Brokers
As noted above, a crypto broker is much the same as a share dealing site, not least because the platform will allow you to buy digital currencies directly without needing to engage with market participants.
UK Crypto Exchanges
The investment process is somewhat different when using a crypto exchange. This is because, unlike brokers, you will be engaging directly with other market participants.
- For example, let’s suppose that you wish to buy $1,000 worth of Bitcoin.
- In using an exchange for this purpose, there would need to be a seller using the platform that not only wishes to sell $1,000 worth of Bitcoin, but at a price favorable to you.
- This can be problematic when using a crypto exchange that does not attract sufficient levels of liquidity.
On the flip side, we found that crypto exchanges will often offer more favorable commissions than brokers. And, you might also find that crypto exchanges offer a much larger suite of markets.
However, and most importantly, the vast majority of crypto exchanges are not regulated by the FCA – or any licensing body for that matter.
For instance, if a crypto exchange is unlicensed, it is not required to follow regulatory guidelines with respect to risk warnings, investor protection, or the prevention of market manipulation.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Broker for You
Although we have already reviewed the five best Bitcoin brokers in the UK – this doesn’t mean that our top picks are right for your requirements.
This is why we always suggest that our readers do their own research before joining a new trading platform. If you’re wondering how to select the best Bitcoin broker for your needs – consider reviewing the factors outlined in the sections below.
Regulation & Security
Although cryptocurrencies are unregulated in the UK as an investment product – this doesn’t mean that you should sign up with an unlicensed platform. On the contrary, we strongly suggest that you consider a Bitcoin broker that is regulated by the FCA.
In doing so, you can be sure that your funds are safe from financial crime.
Another risk of using a platform that isn’t regulated by the FCA is that there is no way of truly knowing whether or not your funds are safe.
For example, if you do a bit of research on unlicensed crypto exchanges – you’ll be shocked to learn that billions of dollars worth of hacks have occurred over the past decade.
Range of Assets
We often find that the best crypto brokers in the UK are platforms that give you lots of options when it comes to supported markets.
For example, you might be interested in buying Bitcoin today. But, at a later date, you might be keen on an alternative digital currency such as Decentraland.
Either way, it can be cumbersome to open and operate accounts with multiple crypto brokers and exchanges just to be able to diversify. And as such, it’s best to stick with crypto brokers that give you access to a wide variety of digital currencies.
An additional point to note is that you might also be looking to diversify into other asset classes completely.
Fees
When attempting the find the best Bitcoin brokers in the UK – we were surprised at how much variation there is when it comes to fees.
Moreover, we also found that a number of platforms make it somewhat difficult to view information surrounding core account charges.
To point you in the right direction, below we elaborate on the main fees to look for when choosing the best crypto broker for you.
Payments
The cost that you need to assess when researching Bitcoin brokers is with regards to payments. After all, in order to buy crypto, you need to first make a deposit.
Payment fees will not only vary depending on the broker – but the deposit method too.
For example:
- You can deposit funds for free at Crypto.com via a UK bank transfer. But, debit/credit card payments are charged at 2.99%
- Over at Coinbase, you’ll pay a whopping 3.99% on debit/credit card payments. But, UK bank transfers are free.
Don’t forget, if you opt for a UK bank transfer, it can take several days for the funds to arrive. Nevertheless, in addition to deposits, you also need to check what withdrawal fees apply.
Trading Commissions
In most cases, Bitcoin brokers charge a commission on buy and sell orders. This is usually expressed as a percentage rate that is multiplied against the size of your trading order.
Trading Tools
Now that we have covered fees, we can move on to trading tools. These are tools that can aid you when making crypto investment decisions.
Some of the tools offered by the best Bitcoin brokers in the UK are explained below:
Charts and Technical Analysis
Cryptocurrencies are volatile – so expect wild pricing swings. Therefore, if you’re looking to engage in a short-term trading strategy, then it’s a good idea to choose a Bitcoin broker that offers real-time pricing charts.
Moreover, if you’ve got some experience in technical analysis, it goes without saying that you should look for a platform that offers pricing indicators and drawing tools.
Educational Materials
Unless you’ve got some prior experience of trading digital currencies, it’s a great idea to brush up on your knowledge. With this in mind, it’s wise to choose a Bitcoin broker that not only offers trading services – but educational materials.
This could include everything from long-form guides on how to trade Bitcoin to webinars and videos.
Order Types
Another tool to look for in your search for the best Bitcoin broker in the UK is that of customized order types. This will give you the opportunity to enter and exit trades in a risk-averse way.
For example, the likes of OKX, Binance, and Huobi all allow you to deploy a stop-loss order when you buy crypto. This will instruct the broker to automatically close your position in the event it declines in value by a specified amount – e.g. 10%.
Additionally, the aforementioned brokers also allow you to deploy take-profit orders too. This enables you to instruct the broker to exit your trade when it reaches a profit target – e.g. 30%.
Usability
We mentioned in our reviews of the best Bitcoin brokers that while some platforms are suited for newbies, others will appeal to experienced pros.
In order to determine whether a Bitcoin broker is suitable for your skillset, a good starting point is to have a look around its trading platform.
Ultimately, if you open an account with a Bitcoin broker that offers an overly complex trading suite, this could result in you making a costly mistake.
Mobile App
All of the top Bitcoin brokers that we have mentioned on this page offer a top-rated mobile that is compatible with both iOS and Android phones.
- This means that you can access your crypto portfolio no matter where you are located.
- This could come in handy in the event that you hear about a new upward trend and you wish to buy a specific crypto asset.
- Or, if you want to close an open position without delay, it’s just a case of logging into the app.
Either way, if your chosen Bitcoin broker doesn’t offer a suitable mobile app that connects to your main account – it’s best to consider another provider.
Customer Service
The best cryptocurrency brokers in the UK will offer a top-notch level of customer service. This will usually be offered via a live chat facility – such as that offered by OKX and Crypto.com.
Check to see what days and hours the support team works, alongside the specific communication channels offered. If email is the only option, this means that you might need to wait several days before you hear back from the broker.
Conclusion
By reading this guide, you should now have a firm overview of how to choose the best Bitcoin broker in the UK for your skillset, budget, and trading goals.
All in all, our top pick is OKX – which is a centralized crypto exchange that offers an excellent selection of tokens, competitive fees and has more than 200 million global customers.