Cryptocurrency exchanges
Below is an overview of cryptocurrency brokers and exchanges where you can buy, sell, store and trade cryptocurrency. Do you still need to become familiar with cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP) and litecoin (LTC)? Then at least read up on Bitcoin, the best-known and largest cryptocurrency.
Bitvavo
Bitvavo is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the Netherlands and offers more than 50 cryptocurrencies.
Anycoin Direct
Anycoin Direct is a European cryptocurrency broker active on the market since 2013 and is based in Veghel, the Netherlands.
Finst
Finst is the cheapest crypto exchange from European soil and was founded in January 2023 by ex-employees of investment platform DEGIRO. Finst focuses on security, transparency and low transaction costs.
Litebit
LiteBit offers more than 50 different cryptocurrencies. The company is active in Europe, focusing mainly on the European market.
Bitcoin Master
On the Bitcoin Meester trading platform, you can trade the largest range of cryptocurrencies (200+) in the Netherlands.
BLOX
The BLOX app is a handy solution for those who want to buy cryptocurrencies without too much hassle and hold them for the long term.
Binance
Binance is often seen as one of the most important exchanges. Today, Binance is much more than a trading platform.
Bitfinex
Bitfinex was the largest cryptocurrency exchange in 2016, accounting for 10% of all Bitcoin transactions worldwide.
PrimeXBT
PrimeXBT is a large and fast-growing exchange. They have been around since 2018 and allow clients to invest in different financial markets.
Where can I buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin?
You can go to a cryptocurrency broker or exchange to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. With both, buying cryptocurrency with fiat money, such as the US dollar and the euro, is possible.
Buying from a broker
A cryptocurrency broker builds a bridge between the traditional financial system and the world of cryptocurrencies. In other words, it is possible at a broker to buy cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or ethereum with the money as we know it. As a customer, for example, you pay in euros and receive cryptocurrencies. You receive your newly purchased cryptocurrencies in a cryptocurrency wallet managed by the party you are buying from, or you have them sent to a personal wallet you control.
At a broker, you can not only buy your cryptocurrencies but also sell your cryptocurrencies. Several brokers also offer the option to trade your purchased cryptocurrencies for another provided cryptocurrency. Are you planning to make your first purchase? Then start with a European broker. You can then read more about the European party and get help from a Multilingual-speaking support team. Make sure you read our reviews above too!
Buy from an exchange
The main business of a cryptocurrency exchange is to facilitate the trading of cryptocurrencies, the so-called trading. That means the focus is mainly on exchanging cryptocurrencies; so, for example, bitcoin (BTC) for ethereum (ETH) or bitcoin (BTC) for Cardano (ADA). Nevertheless, it is possible to buy cryptocurrency with fiat money at more and more exchanges. For example, the Dutch business, Bitvavo, offers the possibility to purchase cryptocurrency with iDEAL, and you can also go to Binance with euros. Still, there are differences. Bitvavo has less trading volume.
are there is a cost associated with buying cryptocurrency?
A broker or an exchange is a company and, therefore, must also generate income in order to continue to exist. For example, fees may be charged for the transactions that are facilitated for you by the broker or exchange. This can relate to a buy, sell, or trade transaction. The costs that are charged differ per party. Want to read more about the costs that a party uses? Then, earlier on this page, read more about a specific broker or exchange.
Am I required to verify with a broker or exchange?
Providers of cryptocurrencies, and therefore brokers and exchanges, are obliged by laws and regulations to verify the identity of customers before they are allowed to offer services. In the regular period, the verification process takes a few minutes. The verification is part of the efforts of a broker or exchange to ensure the safety of customers and client funds as much as possible.
How secure are brokers and exchanges?
Brokers and exchanges do everything they can to protect customers’ cryptocurrencies. Nevertheless, theft or loss is not excluded. For example, it has happened in the past that large amounts of cryptocurrency were stolen or lost. Fortunately, cryptocurrency providers are subject to strict laws and regulations (the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act) that must ensure that security is guaranteed. Always be aware that when you have your cryptocurrency managed by a third party, you depend on the security measures that that party applies. Alternatively, you can keep your cryptocurrency under your management by storing it in a personal wallet. This gives you more control over the security of your cryptocurrencies.
In brief
Where you can best buy, and trade cryptocurrencies depends entirely on your preferences. To provide guidance, below is a list of questions you could ask yourself when looking for a broker or exchange:
- What payment options are offered?
- What cryptocurrencies are offered?
- What does the broker or exchange do to ensure the safety of my funds?
- What fees will I be charged?
- In which language will I be contacted if I need help?
- What do other users of the broker or exchange say?
Remember that doing more research to make your purchases and trade as safely as possible is always good!
