We may earn a commission if you sign up through some of the links on this page. It does not change our ratings, our rankings or the fees we report. How we review: our sources, MiCA checks and corrections policy.
As of 7 October 2026, the best crypto exchanges in Europe by our published scoring method are Gate, with the lowest entry-level spot fee in our comparison (0.1%), Bybit EU, which pairs a 0.25% spot fee with SEPA transfers and its own crypto card, and eToro for beginners and copy trading. All three are in ESMA’s MiCA register. BingX, Bitget and Binance are not, so we do not rank them.
This guide ranks the cryptocurrency exchanges that EU residents can legally use. Each one gets a score out of 10 worked out from facts the exchange or ESMA publishes: the spot trading fee, the EU countries its licence covers, euro bank transfers, the MiCA services it is authorised for, and custody facts. The weights and formulas are on our scoring method page. We do not score things we would have to test ourselves, such as app quality or support speed.
To check whether an exchange holds a MiCA authorisation in the EU, see our EU MiCA licence tracker, built from ESMA’s register.
Key Takeaways
- Since the MiCA transitional period ended on 1 July 2026, only crypto-asset service providers listed in ESMA’s interim MiCA register may serve EU residents; our three picks (Bybit EU, Gate and eToro) are all in it.
- BingX and Bitget are not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 September 2026 (checked 7 October 2026), so we removed both from our top picks on 3 October 2026.
- Entry-level spot fees differ by up to 10 times: 0.1% on Gate’s EU site, 0.25% on Bybit EU and 1% per trade on eToro, as of 7 October 2026.
- Bybit EU switched every VIP 0 spot pair to a single 0.25% rate on 5 October 2026, 11:00 UTC. That moved it from first to second place in our ranking, behind Gate.
- Bybit’s MiCA entity, Bybit EU GmbH, is passported into 29 EEA states; Malta is the one EEA market it does not cover.
What the score is made of:
- MiCA authorisation in ESMA’s register (pass or fail: no listing, no ranking)
- Entry-level spot trading fee (40%)
- EU reach: EEA countries covered by the MiCA licence (20%)
- Euro bank transfers by SEPA (15%)
- Custody and proof of reserves (15%)
- MiCA services authorised (10%)
- Key Takeaways
- What Are the 3 Best Crypto Exchanges in Europe?
- 1. Why Does Gate Score Highest?
- 2. Why Is Bybit EU Ranked Second?
- 3. Is eToro the Best Crypto Platform for Beginners?
- Why Are BingX and Bitget No Longer in Our Top Picks?
- Which Crypto Exchange Reviews Should You Read Next?
- Is Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Trading Popular in Europe?
- How Do We Review Crypto Exchanges?
- Which Exchanges Are Best for Staking?
- Which Trading Platforms Should You Compare?
- How Do the Leading Exchanges Compare Head to Head?
- How Do You Invest in Crypto on a Cryptocurrency Exchange?
- Are Crypto Exchanges Regulated in Europe?
- How Do You Choose a Safe Bitcoin Exchange?
- Who Is It For, and Who Should Avoid It?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the 3 Best Crypto Exchanges in Europe?
Our three top picks for EU residents in October 2026 are Gate, Bybit EU and eToro, in the order of their scores. Each one is listed in ESMA’s interim MiCA register, which is the legal test for serving EU customers since 1 July 2026.
Here’s the ranking, re-checked against the MiCA register and each exchange’s fee page on 7 October 2026:
- Gate: Best for low-cost spot trading
- Bybit EU: Best for trading and spending from one account
- eToroAd: Best for beginners and copy trading
Rankings are not paid. The order follows our published scoring method; commissions, which we disclose at the top of this page, do not change a score or a position.
Best for low-cost spot trading: Gate, with a 0.1% maker and taker fee at VIP 0 on its EU site, the lowest entry-level fee of our picks (Gate EU fee page).
Best for trading and spending from one account: Bybit EU, which charges a single 0.25% spot fee at VIP 0 (Bybit EU fee structure) and issues the Bybit EU Card, which spends straight from your Bybit EU balance with 1% cashback.
Best for beginners and copy trading: eToro, where copying another investor costs nothing extra and the minimum is $200 per copied trader (eToro CopyTrader).
| Exchange | Score | Best for | Entry-level spot trading fee | MiCA status (entity, regulator, authorisation date) | EU availability | Custody | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gate | 8.7/10 by our published method | Low-cost spot trading | VIP 0: 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker (EU site) | Authorised: Gate Technology Limited, MFSA (Malta), 29 Sep 2025 | Malta plus 29 passported EEA states | Custodial (custody is one of its 6 MiCA services); publishes proof of reserves | 7 October 2026 |
| 2. Bybit EU | 8.5/10 by our published method | Trading and spending from one account | VIP 0: 0.25% (single rate since 5 Oct 2026) | Authorised: Bybit EU GmbH, FMA (Austria), 28 May 2025 | 29 EEA states (Malta excluded) | Custodial (custody is one of its 5 MiCA services); Bybit group publishes proof of reserves | 7 October 2026 |
| 3. eToro | 5.0/10 by our published method | Beginners, copy trading | 1% to buy and 1% to sell crypto | Authorised: eToro (Europe) Ltd, CySEC (Cyprus), 16 Jan 2025 | 30 EEA states | Custodial (custody is one of its 7 MiCA services); no proof of reserves published | 7 October 2026 |
| BingX | Not ranked: not in ESMA’s MiCA register | Not recommended for EU residents | Zero-fee spot promotions on selected pairs | Not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 Sep 2026 (checked 7 Oct 2026) | Does not accept customers from the Netherlands, among others | Custodial | 7 October 2026 |
| Bitget | Not ranked: not in ESMA’s MiCA register | Not recommended for EU residents | 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker | Not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 Sep 2026 (checked 7 Oct 2026) | Its terms list Austria, France and Germany among prohibited countries | Custodial | 7 October 2026 |
| Binance | Not ranked: not in ESMA’s MiCA register | Not recommended for EU residents | Not compared | Not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 Sep 2026 (checked 7 Oct 2026) | Stopped crypto services in France, Italy, Poland and Spain from 1 July 2026 | Custodial | 7 October 2026 |
What changed: 7 Oct 2026: scores added; Gate moved to first place and Bybit EU to second after Bybit EU raised its VIP 0 spot fee to a single 0.25% rate on 5 Oct 2026. 3 Oct 2026: BingX and Bitget removed from the ranking because they are not in ESMA’s MiCA register.
eToroAd: 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Crypto investments are risky and may not suit retail investors; you could lose your entire investment. Understand the risks here.
Gate, checked on 7 October 2026 against the ESMA interim MiCA register (file last updated 30 September 2026): authorised as Gate Technology Limited by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) on 29 September 2025, LEI 984500D6A0F945BB5A15, 6 of the 10 MiCA services, passported into 29 further EEA states. EU residents are served through gate.com/en-eu.
Bybit EU, checked on 7 October 2026: authorised as Bybit EU GmbH by Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA) on 28 May 2025, LEI 5299005V5GBSN2A4C303, 5 MiCA services, passported into 29 EEA states (Malta excluded).
eToro, checked on 7 October 2026: authorised as eToro (Europe) Ltd by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) on 16 January 2025, LEI 213800GIFQMSV7HROS23, 7 MiCA services, passported into 30 EEA states.
Binance, which we used to describe as a heavyweight with a huge coin selection and low fees, is also not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 September 2026 (checked 7 October 2026), so it is not ranked either.
To find out more about these top-notch exchanges and to decide which one is the perfect fit for you, continue on this journey with us. Below we break down each platform using its official fee and help pages and the regulator’s register.
1. Why Does Gate Score Highest?
Gate scores highest because it charges 0.1% maker and 0.1% taker at VIP 0 on its EU site, the lowest entry-level spot fee of our picks, and its MiCA licence covers all 30 EEA states. EU residents are served by Gate Technology Limited, authorised under MiCA by Malta’s MFSA on 29 September 2025.
Gate.io is a somewhat lesser-known platform in Europe, but certainly one worth considering. This exchange enables users to buy, sell, and trade a staggering variety of cryptocurrencies. It’s excellent for both newbies just starting their crypto journey and experienced traders seeking a secure platform with advanced trading tools.
Despite its myriad of features, Gate.io manages to maintain a simple user interface, making it super easy to navigate the world of cryptocurrencies. Moreover, its competitive fee structure makes it an attractive option for users who are mindful of trading costs.
The platform is designed to be convenient and accessible to a wide range of users, with a simple interface that makes it easy to buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies. The platform’s low fees also make it an attractive option for users looking to minimize trading costs.
Pros
- 1400+ cryptocurrencies available
- MiCA-authorised in the EU (Gate Technology Limited, MFSA)
- Advanced trading features
- Competitive fee structure: 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker at VIP 0
Cons
- Gate’s EU pages describe euro deposits by SEPA but not SEPA withdrawals
2. Why Is Bybit EU Ranked Second?
Bybit EU ranks second because its spot fee is now 0.25% on every VIP 0 pair (since 5 October 2026), more than twice Gate’s 0.1%. It holds a MiCA authorisation from Austria’s FMA (28 May 2025), accepts euro deposits and withdrawals by SEPA, and issues the Bybit EU Card.
Margin on cryptocurrencies up to 100x (global platform only)
On Bybit ‘s global platform you can trade cryptocurrencies with up to 100x leverage. This means that you can trade a $10,000 position by investing $100. Experienced traders can make high profits from trading with leverage, as this increases the potential profits of the trade. Consequently, the risk also increases proportionally. EU residents are served by Bybit EU GmbH, whose MiCA authorisation covers custody, crypto-for-cash and crypto-for-crypto exchange, placing and transfers; perpetual futures are not offered to EEA retail clients.
Users can take long or short positions on the available digital currencies (betting on rising or falling bitcoin prices respectively). Bybit offers a number of advanced trading options.
Technology and tools
Bybit claims to be able to process 100,000 transactions per second, much faster than its competitors. It does everything it can to avoid server downtime, a problem many other exchanges often face when market changes cause many people to start trading at the same time.
Chart analysis tools are popular with traders because they have many additional functions and capabilities. It is also possible to download data in different formats.
Pros
- MiCA-authorised in the EU (Bybit EU GmbH, FMA)
- Euro deposits and withdrawals by SEPA
- Bybit EU Card spends from the same account (1% cashback)
- Advanced tools backed by great technology
- A risk-free testing environment for learning and experimenting
- Educational Resources
Cons
- Spot fee of 0.25% at VIP 0 is higher than Gate’s 0.1%
- Crypto derivatives are extremely risky
- Up to 100x margin is on the global platform only, not for EEA retail clients
- Not available in Malta
3. Is eToro the Best Crypto Platform for Beginners?
eToro is our pick for beginners and copy trading: it is authorised under MiCA as eToro (Europe) Ltd by CySEC (16 January 2025), charges 1% to buy and 1% to sell crypto, and lets you copy other investors at no extra charge from $200 per copied trader.
eToro is a multi-asset platform rather than a pure crypto exchange, so the fee is higher than on Bybit EU or Gate: a round trip costs about 2% (eToro fees page). In exchange you get a simple app, a free $100,000 virtual portfolio for practice, and CopyTrader. Copying itself is free, but each copied crypto position pays the standard 1% at open and 1% at close; the lower eToro Club tier rates apply to manual crypto trades only. Withdrawals from a EUR account are free, while withdrawals from a USD account cost $5. Read how copying works in our crypto copy trading guide.
Ready to try eToro? Open an eToro account »Ad
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Crypto investments are risky and may not suit retail investors; you could lose your entire investment. Understand the risks here. Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. This communication is for information and education only and is not investment advice. Past performance is not an indication of future results.
Why Are BingX and Bitget No Longer in Our Top Picks?
BingX and Bitget are not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 September 2026 (checked 7 October 2026), so on 3 October 2026 we removed both from our top picks and took down their sign-up buttons. The facts below stay for readers who already use them.
Since the MiCA transitional period ended on 1 July 2026, a provider that is not in the register may not serve EU residents. BingX said on 16 June 2026 that its EU entity had applied to Austria’s FMA for MiCA authorisation but had not been granted it (BingX statement). Bitget’s terms of use, last updated 15 September 2026, list Austria, France and Germany among its prohibited countries (Bitget terms).
BingX
Not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 Sep 2026 (checked 7 Oct 2026).
BingX is a crypto exchange based in Singapore, founded in 2018. After partnering with Chelsea FC, it became one of the better-known crypto exchanges worldwide. It combines spot and derivatives trading with social trading features that let users mirror the trades of experienced investors, and it supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies. BingX runs zero-fee spot promotions on selected pairs. Its disclaimer says it does not accept customers from jurisdictions including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Advantages
- Social trading
- Large selection of cryptocurrencies
- Low fees
Disadvantages
- Not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 Sep 2026 (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Limited educational resources
Read our BingX review for fees, features and platform performance.
Bitget
Not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 Sep 2026 (checked 7 Oct 2026).
Bitget is a Singapore-based derivatives and spot exchange known for copy trading, where skilled traders share their strategies and earn a share of their copiers’ profits. It offers a broad range of cryptocurrencies and tokens for spot and futures trading. Its standard spot fee is 0.1% maker and 0.1% taker, with discounts for BGB holders and VIP tiers (Bitget fee article).
Pros
- Wide range of products
- Derivatives trading
- Copy trading
Cons
- Not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 Sep 2026 (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Limited fiat support
Read our Bitget review and experience for the full details.
Which Crypto Exchange Reviews Should You Read Next?
Discover the top selection of exchanges reviews, designed to guide you towards the perfect choice for your unique trading needs.
Is Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Trading Popular in Europe?
Yes. Europe is one of the largest regional markets for crypto trading, and since 1 July 2026 it is also the first major market where every crypto-asset service provider needs a MiCA authorisation.
As European countries have some of the world’s wealthiest and technology-rich democracies, it’s not unusual that so many countries want to invest in Bitcoin.
Among those most convinced about bitcoin are nations such as Germany, Poland, Italy, Netherlands and Spain. Bit Flyer has released an update to its cryptocurrency trust index which aims to gauge public confidence in the Bitcoin ecosystem in general.
These results suggest that cryptocurrency has been slowly but steadily gaining popularity within the mainstream consciousness.
How Do We Review Crypto Exchanges?
We compare published fee schedules, check every exchange against ESMA’s MiCA register and then score it with our published method; an exchange that is not in the register is not ranked at all.
We take our review process seriously, and we’re committed to providing you with accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive information. Here’s a glimpse into our meticulous methodology that ensures we deliver top-notch reviews and comparisons of the most popular crypto exchanges and trading platforms:
Research and selection: We start by compiling an extensive list of crypto exchanges and trading platforms, keeping an eye on the latest trends and players in the market. Our team carefully selects the most relevant and most popular crypto exchanges and options to make sure we’re covering the platforms that truly matter to you.
In-depth analysis: For each platform we read the official fee schedule, help centre and terms, and check the firm in the regulator’s register. We look at trading fees, supported cryptocurrencies, security measures, user interface, customer support, and more.
Comparisons and rankings: We don’t stop at individual evaluations. We take it a step further and compare the platforms against each other. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each option, we can create rankings and recommendations for specific use cases, such as beginners, low fees, or margin trading.
Continuous updates: The world of cryptocurrencies and trading platforms is constantly evolving. To ensure our reviews and comparisons remain accurate and up-to-date, we revisit our evaluations regularly, incorporating any new developments or changes that might impact our rankings.
Transparency and honesty: Above all, we value transparency and honesty in our reviews. Some links on this page are affiliate links, as explained at the top of the page; commissions do not change our rankings, and an exchange without a MiCA authorisation is not ranked whatever it pays.
Which Exchanges Are Best for Staking?
Unleash Your Earning Potential
Learn about each platform’s staking features, rewards, and supported cryptocurrencies by visiting our dedicated page on Top Staking Exchanges. Staking rewards are variable and not guaranteed, and your staked coins can lose value.
Which Trading Platforms Should You Compare?
Unlock the Ultimate Trading Experience
Maximize your trading potential by exploring our in-depth guide on the best trading platforms. Get all the details you need about each platform’s features, fees, and supported cryptocurrencies by visiting our comprehensive page on Top Crypto Trading Platforms.
Elevate your trading experience to new heights and make proper decisions in the ever-evolving crypto asset landscape. Once you have picked a platform, our crypto trading strategies guide explains how to use it.
How Do the Leading Exchanges Compare Head to Head?
Explore our head-to-head comparisons of the leading crypto exchanges
How Do You Invest in Crypto on a Cryptocurrency Exchange?
To invest in crypto on an exchange, pick a provider listed in ESMA’s MiCA register, open and verify an account, deposit euros, buy the coin you want, then move long-term holdings to your own wallet.
If you want to buy and sell bitcoin or invest in cryptocurrencies, all you have to do is follow these steps.
- Step 1:
Choose the right exchange for you. Make sure it is in ESMA’s MiCA register and has good liquidity, low spreads and the right pairs to trade. Sometimes it can take more than one exchange to make an investment. - Step 2:
Open an account. The process is quick and easy, but varies slightly from exchange to exchange. Then choose a secure password and remember that you are trading with your own money: this data should not be on an unsecured computer. - Step 3:
Confirm the account. Some operators require a copy of your ID card and your last mobile phone bill to confirm your identity. If you do not do this, you will not be able to use the full range of features or invest fiat money. - Step 4:
Make a deposit. In the next step, you can transfer the appropriate exchange currency to your bitcoin exchange wallet to start trading. Many exchanges support US dollars, but it is always advisable to have an appropriate currency to trade with BTC or ETH. - Step 5:
Invest in cryptocurrencies. In the final step, you invest in the cryptocurrencies of your choice. All you have to do is enter a transaction with the appropriate pair and wait for it to be executed. Then make sure you transfer the cryptocurrency to your external wallet address.
Are Crypto Exchanges Regulated in Europe?
Yes. Under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), every exchange serving EU residents needs an authorisation from a national regulator, and ESMA lists the authorised firms in its interim MiCA register; the transitional period ended on 1 July 2026.
When it comes to trading cryptocurrencies, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial for both your financial security and peace of mind. A regulated exchange operates under the watchful eye of financial authorities, ensuring that it adheres to strict guidelines and maintains high standards of operation. This often translates to better consumer protection for users, as these exchanges are required to implement robust security measures, adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) protocols, and maintain transparency in their dealings.
Not every exchange that EU residents can reach online is authorised. Since 1 July 2026, an exchange that is not in the MiCA register may not serve EU residents, so check the register (or our MiCA licence tracker) before you sign up.
For a firm authorised in your own country, you can also check the national regulator’s register. The table lists the main EU regulators and how many crypto-asset service providers each has authorised as home regulator, counted from ESMA’s CASPS.csv file (last updated 30 September 2026, counted on 7 October 2026). A firm authorised in one EU country can passport its licence to the others, so most exchanges you use in Germany or Poland are supervised elsewhere.
| Country | Regulator | CASPs it authorised (ESMA file) | Official register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) | 99 | BaFin company database |
| France | AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers) | 36 | AMF white lists (PSCA) |
| Netherlands | AFM (Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets) | 29 | AFM registers |
| Cyprus | CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) | 25 | CySEC regulated entities |
| Malta | MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority) | 23 | MFSA financial services register |
| Spain | CNMV (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores) | 15 | CNMV crypto-asset service providers |
| Ireland | CBI (Central Bank of Ireland) | 12 | Central Bank of Ireland registers |
| Czech Republic | CNB (Czech National Bank) | 12 | CNB list of regulated entities |
| Austria | FMA (Financial Market Authority) | 11 | FMA company database |
| Italy | CONSOB (with the Bank of Italy) | 9 | CONSOB MiCAR CASP page |
| Bulgaria | KFN / FSC (Financial Supervision Commission) | 5 | FSC register of licensed CASPs |
| Poland | KNF (Polish Financial Supervision Authority) | 0 | KNF entity search |
Poland has no MiCA-authorised crypto-asset service providers of its own in ESMA’s file; the law naming the KNF as Poland’s MiCA authority was not in force when we checked, so Polish residents rely on firms passported from other EU countries. Italy’s CONSOB page points to ESMA’s single register rather than keeping its own list.
That being said, your security and secure transactions ultimately lies in your own hands. Regardless of whether you choose a regulated or unregulated bitcoin exchange based here, it’s essential to take personal responsibility for safeguarding your digital assets. This means using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), and storing your cryptocurrencies in a secure hardware wallet when not actively trading on other exchanges. By following these best practices, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the world of crypto exchanges and enjoy a more secure trading experience.
How Do You Choose a Safe Bitcoin Exchange?
A safe Bitcoin exchange is one that is in ESMA’s MiCA register, protects accounts with two-factor authentication and cold storage, publishes its fees, and has a long, clean security record.
When choosing an exchange, it is important to consider several key aspects to ensure the platform meets your needs and expectations. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Security: The most critical aspect of any exchange is its security measures. Check if the platform employs strong security protocols like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for assets, and encrypted communication.
- Reputation: Research the exchange’s reputation by reading reviews, user feedback, and news articles. An exchange with a solid reputation and positive user experiences is likely to be more trustworthy.
- Fees: Compare the fee structures of various exchanges, as they can differ significantly. These may include deposit fees, trading fees, and withdrawal fees. Low fees can lead to significant savings over time.
- Liquidity: High liquidity on an exchange ensures that you can trade cryptocurrencies easily without significant price slippage. Exchanges with higher trading volume typically have better liquidity.
- Supported cryptocurrencies: Make sure the exchange supports the cryptocurrencies you want to trade, as not all platforms support every coin. If you plan on trading multiple cryptocurrencies, it’s essential to find a platform that supports a wide range of tokens.
- User interface and experience: The ease of use and user interface of the platform are critical, especially for beginners. A platform with a clean, intuitive interface will make trading more accessible and enjoyable.
- Customer support: Responsive and helpful customer support can be invaluable in resolving issues and answering questions. Check reviews and forums to gauge the quality of customer support offered by the exchange.
- Regulatory compliance: Choose an exchange that complies with local regulations in your jurisdiction. In the EU, that means an exchange listed in ESMA’s MiCA register.
- Trading features: Advanced traders might need features like margin trading, futures, and options. Ensure the exchange you choose offers the trading tools and features you require.
- Fiat currency support: Some exchanges allow you to deposit, withdraw, and trade using fiat currencies (e.g., USD, EUR). If this is important to you, make sure the exchange supports the fiat currencies you want to use.
Remember to conduct thorough research and compare multiple exchanges before making a decision. Keep in mind that the best exchange for one person may not be the best for another, as individual needs and preferences may vary.
Some exchanges even issue crypto debit cards, to spend your crypto on the go.
Key terms used on this page:
- MiCA: the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1114), which requires crypto-asset service providers to be authorised.
- CASP: crypto-asset service provider, such as an exchange or custodian, listed in ESMA’s register once authorised.
- Maker / taker fee: the fee for an order that adds liquidity to the order book (maker) or fills an existing order (taker).
- Passporting: the right of a firm authorised in one EEA state to serve customers in other EEA states.
Who Is It For, and Who Should Avoid It?
Our picks suit EU residents who want a MiCA-authorised exchange for buying, holding and trading crypto. They are not a good fit in these cases:
- Gate is not for you if you need to withdraw euros to your bank by SEPA: its EU pages describe SEPA deposits, not SEPA withdrawals.
- Bybit EU is not for residents of Malta, the one EEA state it does not cover, and not for traders who want perpetual futures, which it does not offer to EEA retail clients.
- eToro is not for cost-sensitive frequent traders: buying and selling crypto costs about 2% per round trip, the highest of our picks.
- None of these exchanges suits anyone who cannot afford to lose the money invested; crypto prices can fall sharply.
- BingX and Bitget are not a good fit for EU residents who want a MiCA-authorised provider, because neither is in the register as of 30 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best crypto exchange in Europe?
As of 7 October 2026, Gate scores highest on our published method thanks to its 0.1% spot fee, followed by Bybit EU (0.25% spot fee, SEPA transfers and its own card) and eToro for beginners and copy trading. All three are listed in ESMA’s interim MiCA register, which every exchange serving EU residents needs since the transitional period ended on 1 July 2026.
Which crypto exchanges are MiCA-licensed?
ESMA’s interim MiCA register lists Bybit EU GmbH, Gate Technology Limited, eToro (Europe) Ltd, Coinbase, Kraken, OKX, Bitpanda, Crypto.com and several hundred other firms. Our MiCA licence tracker rebuilds this list from ESMA’s own file. Binance, Bitget and BingX were not in the register as of 30 September 2026.
Is BingX licensed in the EU?
No. BingX is not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 September 2026 (checked 7 October 2026). BingX said on 16 June 2026 that its EU entity had applied to Austria’s FMA for MiCA authorisation but had not received it. Its disclaimer also excludes customers from the Netherlands, so we removed it from our top picks.
Is Bitget available in the EU?
Bitget is not in ESMA’s MiCA register as of 30 September 2026 (checked 7 October 2026), so it does not hold a MiCA authorisation. Its terms of use, last updated 15 September 2026, list Austria, France and Germany among prohibited countries. We therefore removed Bitget from our top picks for EU residents.
What fees do crypto exchanges in Europe charge?
Spot trading fees for small accounts range from 0.1% per trade on Gate’s EU site to 1% to buy plus 1% to sell on eToro, as of 7 October 2026. Bybit EU has charged a single 0.25% rate at VIP 0 since 5 October 2026. Card deposits and withdrawals can cost extra.
Can I trade on a non-European crypto exchange if I am from Europe?
Only through an entity the exchange has authorised in the EU. Since 1 July 2026, a crypto exchange must be listed in ESMA’s MiCA register to serve EU residents, so global brands such as Bybit and Gate serve Europeans through their MiCA-authorised EU companies. Check the register before you open an account.
How safe are crypto exchanges?
Crypto exchanges hold your coins for you, so you depend on their security and solvency. A MiCA authorisation adds rules on custody, capital and complaints handling, but it does not protect you from price falls. Enable two-factor authentication and move long-term holdings to a hardware wallet you control.
How we researched this: On 7 October 2026 we checked every exchange on this page against ESMA’s interim MiCA register file (CASPS.csv, last updated 30 September 2026), read the fee, SEPA and proof-of-reserves pages on Gate’s EU, Bybit EU’s and eToro’s own websites, and computed each score with our published method. BingX’s and Bitget’s own statements and terms are linked above. This guide is educational and not financial advice.