The Ultimate Guide to the Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK

But here’s the good news: UK crypto users have plenty of choice. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the markets for years, there’s a platform that fits the way you want to trade.

This guide breaks down some of the most popular and effective crypto exchanges for UK users as of mid-2025. Instead of focusing only on regulation, we’ll zero in on features that really impact your day-to-day trading—like coin variety, fees, liquidity, and tools.

What to Prioritize When Choosing a Crypto Exchange in the UK

If you’ve spent any time comparing exchanges, you know the list of features can get overwhelming. But for most UK traders, it boils down to a few essentials:

• Coin Variety: You want access to more than just Bitcoin and Ethereum. Altcoins, meme coins, AI tokens—these aren’t niche anymore.
• Trading Fees: Low or zero maker/taker fees can make a big difference over time, especially for frequent traders.
• Liquidity: High liquidity means your trades get filled quickly and fairly, even when placing larger orders.
• Futures and Leverage: For advanced traders, futures markets with flexible margin settings are a must.
• Ease of Use: Whether on web or mobile, the platform should feel intuitive—not clunky.
• Security: From cold storage to Proof of Reserves, knowing your funds are protected is non-negotiable.

Now, let’s get into the top platforms making waves in the UK crypto scene this year.

MEXC: Where Altcoin Variety Meets Professional Trading Power

MEXC isn’t the most advertised name in the UK, but ask serious global traders, and it’s a platform that consistently gets mentioned. Over the past year, it has built serious momentum thanks to its range of offerings.

What Makes MEXC Stand Out:

• 3,000+ Cryptocurrencies: That’s not a typo. BTC, ETH, but also meme coins, AI projects, and lesser-known tokens all in one place. Popular trading pairs such as XRP/USDT are highly liquid, giving UK traders fast execution and competitive spreads..
• Futures Markets: Up to 500x leverage is available, with both USDT-M and Coin-M perpetual contracts.
• Deep Liquidity: $3.11 billion spot depth at 0.1% slippage level, $9.1 billion in futures liquidity—big orders move smoothly.
• Ultra-Low Fees:
  • Spot: 0% maker, 0.05% taker.
  • Futures: 0% maker, 0.01% taker.
• MX Token Benefits: Discounts, bonuses, and community rewards tied to MEXC’s native token. Zero-fee events often include major pairs like ETH/USDT, giving traders a cost-effective way to build positions in high-demand assets.

Security Notes: MEXC doesn’t cut corners here. Bi-monthly Proof of Reserves audits, 95% cold wallet storage, and a $526 million insurance fund for futures traders add layers of protection.

Extra Features: Copy trading, demo accounts, and community events make MEXC more than just a trading engine. It’s building an ecosystem.

Kraken: Old-School Reliability with Modern Tools

Kraken is one of the oldest crypto exchanges still operating, and it’s earned that longevity with a consistent focus on user trust and solid trading features.

Highlights:

• GBP deposits through Faster Payments.
• Staking options with competitive APYs.
• A balanced mix of beginner-friendly spot trading and advanced margin products.

Crypto.com: Trading Meets Lifestyle Perks

Crypto.com has carved out a niche as the platform that integrates trading with things like crypto-backed Visa cards and cashback programs.

Why It’s Popular:

• 400+ cryptocurrencies supported.
• GBP deposits through multiple methods including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Reward programs tied to its CRO token.

For those wanting both trading features and day-to-day crypto use, it’s a strong option.

Coinbase: Simplicity First

If you’re just getting started, it’s hard to ignore Coinbase. It offers a clean, simple interface and straightforward buy/sell functionality.

Good To Know:

• Supports GBP deposits via bank transfer and card.
• Offers educational rewards—learn about tokens while earning small amounts of them.
• Higher fees compared to MEXC or Kraken, especially for larger trades.

Gemini: Tight Security, Fewer Frills

Gemini appeals to more cautious traders who put a premium on regulatory clarity and insurance coverage.

Worth Noting:

• GBP support is fully integrated.
• Hot wallets are insured.
• Coin variety is more limited, focusing mainly on large caps.

CoinJar: Low Fees, Easy GBP Transactions

For UK users focused on minimizing trading fees while sticking with straightforward assets, CoinJar is a smart, low-key choice.

Strengths:

• GBP deposits via Faster Payments.
• Fees starting from 0% for makers.
• Simple layout with fewer distractions.

Why UK Traders Are Looking Beyond “UK-Only” Exchanges

Over the past two years, there’s been a noticeable shift: more UK crypto users are expanding their search beyond exchanges that focus solely on local regulations.

There are practical reasons behind this trend:

• Broader Coin Access: Platforms like MEXC list thousands of tokens that local-first exchanges often avoid due to compliance headaches.
• More Advanced Features: Higher leverage, flexible margin modes, hedging options, copy trading—these are much harder to find on strictly UK-centric platforms.
• Fee Savings: UK platforms sometimes charge higher spreads or service fees, especially on smaller altcoins or less common trading pairs.

That’s not to say compliance isn’t important. But many experienced traders balance local and international platforms: one for fiat ramps and one for advanced trading.

Building a Smarter Trading Setup

Most professionals don’t stick to just one exchange. A typical UK trader’s setup looks like this:

• A Local Platform for GBP Deposits and Withdrawals: Coinbase or Kraken work well for this role.
• A Global Platform for Trading Variety and Lower Fees: MEXC stands out here, offering everything from meme coins to deep futures markets.

By splitting your activity this way, you get the best of both worlds: reliable local currency access and full-featured trading power.

Choosing the right crypto exchange isn’t really about finding a single “best” platform. It’s about identifying what fits your habits, goals, and risk tolerance.

For some UK traders, security and simplicity are non-negotiable. In that case, Coinbase or Gemini makes sense. But for those looking for serious variety, liquidity depth, and futures leverage, platforms like MEXC offer things local exchanges simply can’t match.

Rather than forcing yourself into a one-size-fits-all platform, think about your needs as dynamic. Markets change. Your strategy might shift from simple spot buys today to leveraged futures positions tomorrow. Having access to more than one well-equipped platform ensures you’re ready for whatever the market throws your way.