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How to Buy Bitcoin in the UK

Explore the easiest, cheapest, and fastest ways of buying Bitcoin in the UK.
Dominikas Pupkevicius
Author: 
Dominikas Pupkevicius
Idil Woodall
Editor: 
Idil Woodall
49 mins
November 16th, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

Bitcoin (BTC) is the world's first cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by an unknown person or group of people under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It is a decentralised digital currency that operates on a peer-to-peer network, without the need for intermediaries such as banks.

Bitcoin has gained significant popularity over the years, with its market cap currently exceeding $1 trillion, making it the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation. Its limited supply of 21 million coins and the increasing adoption by institutions and individuals have contributed to its growing value and status as a store of value.

As with any cryptocurrency, the price of Bitcoin is determined by the international market, and it can be bought and sold on various cryptocurrency exchanges around the world. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best platform for your needs. This guide will provide you with an overview of the best Bitcoin exchanges and wallets, as well as alternative ways to invest and make money from Bitcoin in the UK.

Buy Bitcoin in Four Steps

Step 1 - Choose a cryptocurrency broker

To buy Bitcoin, or any cryptocurrency for that matter, you will need a cryptocurrency broker or exchange that allows traders to exchange fiat currencies (like pounds) with crypto assets. If you are just starting out, it makes sense to find a provider that is easy to use and has a straightforward pricing structure. eToro, for example, combines an easily navigable investment platform and transparent pricing with superb social trading capabilities with which you can expand your knowledge by following and interacting with more experienced traders.

Start buying Bitcoin with eToro now

Sort by
eToro8.7Visitetoro.com

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

Coinbase8.4Visitcoinbase.com
Crypto.com8.7Visitcrypto.com
Uphold8.4Visituphold.com
Kraken7.6Visitkraken.com
Bitpanda7.8Visitbitpanda.com
Bitstamp6.8Visitbitstamp.net
CoinJar6.5Visitcoinjar.com

Note that the majority of cryptocurrency exchanges require users to confirm their identities by submitting a government-issued ID, and potentially proof of address. This is to ensure adherence to the KYC (know your customer) and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. So any Bitcoin purchases made through cryptocurrency exchanges are not anonymous — it is, though, possible to do so using other means.

Step 2 - Select a payment method

Some exchanges and brokers require users to fund a certain amount of money to verify their account, some don't. In any case, you will need to select a suitable payment method to fund your purchases. Card payments are near-instantaneous, but they come with some additional processing fees. Credit card payments, in particular, pose a serious financial undertaking. Bank transfers are often the cheapest (typically they come with no additional charges) yet the slowest way of depositing money.

Step 3 - Place your order

After you fund your account, you can begin the process of purchasing Bitcoin. As it's the chief cryptocurrency, it's usually fairly easy to locate on cryptocurrency exchanges. If not, you can search by it with its ticker BTC.

At this stage, you should consider how much you'd like to invest. As of this writing, one Bitcoin costs £22,500 — so realistically, you would get a portion of Bitcoin. If you, say, invest £1,000, you'll own 4.4% of a whole Bitcoin. One thing to remember is that crypto assets, even those that are as established as Bitcoin, are extremely volatile. This means that there's a high chance you end up losing all of your initial investment. A good rule of thumb is never to invest more than you can afford to lose, or any funds that are dedicated to sustaining your day-to-day life, such as money for groceries, rent, or bills.

Step 4 - Store your Bitcoin

After you bought Bitcoin or any cryptocurrency, you have several options to store them. The software you can store your coins are called wallets, which can be hot (online) or cold (offline). Many cryptocurrency exchanges offer their own wallets, or alternatively, you can fish for one that's more suitable for you.

Different Ways of Buying Bitcoin in the UK

The best way to buy Bitcoin in the UK is via a cryptocurrency broker or crypto exchange. These cryptocurrency exchanges are regulated and make trading Bitcoin convenient thanks to the multiple swap pairs and straightforward trading software. Also, depending on the exchange, you can fund your account through bank transfers from a current or savings account, bank transfers, or a cryptocurrency wallet.

Top Platforms to Buy Bitcoin in the UK

Sort by
eToro8.7Visitetoro.com

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

Coinbase8.4Visitcoinbase.com
Crypto.com8.7Visitcrypto.com
Uphold8.4Visituphold.com
Kraken7.6Visitkraken.com
Bitpanda7.8Visitbitpanda.com
Bitstamp6.8Visitbitstamp.net
CoinJar6.5Visitcoinjar.com

The Easiest Way: Buy Bitcoin Using Cryptocurrency Brokers

If you’re a beginner who wants to learn how to invest in cryptocurrency in the UK, the best way to get started is with a cryptocurrency broker due to their ease of use. The options mentioned underneath are the overall best crypto brokers in the UK and contain tutorials to help you get started.

Top Three Cryptocurrency Brokers

Provider

Fee

🥇 eToro

1% fee for buying or selling crypto.

🥈 Binance

Starts from 0.1%; varies based on trading volume.

🥉 Coinbase

Starts from 0.6%; varies based on trading volume.

Buy Bitcoin in the UK using eToro. As we said before, eToro is ideal for those starting their crypto investing journey because this broker offers an academy, social trading capabilities, extensive news coverage, and excellent customer support. Moreover, you can test the software with a demo account before committing your capital to eToro.

Buy Bitcoin in the UK using Binance. Binance is an established platform with the largest trading volume for Bitcoin and several BTC trading pairs. The crypto exchange contains many useful features like instant buying with credit or debit card, P2P services, and Bitcoin leverage trading.

Buy Bitcoin in the UK using Coinbase. Coinbase makes crypto accessible to beginners by implementing simple trading interfaces and popular deposit methods like credit or debit cards. Moreover, you can complete various courses to earn free crypto, which you can trade for Bitcoin.

The Most Convenient Way: Buy Bitcoin Using Cryptocurrency Apps

If you are looking for the best crypto apps in the UK, you will find out some crypto apps that allow you to trade from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. They come with the same features you’d find on a desktop, like spot trading, depositing, and leveraging.

Top Three Cryptocurrency Apps

Provider

Fee

🥇 Coinbase

Starting from 0.6%; varies based on trading volume.

🥈 Crypto.com

Starting from 0.075%; varies based on trading volume.

🥉 Kraken

Starting from 0.26%; varies based on trading volume.

The Cheapest Way: Buy Bitcoin Using Exchanges

There's a difference between cryptocurrency brokers and exchanges: a broker is a firm that acts as an intermediary between the cryptocurrency markets. It facilitates the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies and set the prices. An exchange is an online platform for buyers and sellers to come together and exchange their coins based on market prices. Cryptocurrency exchanges charge a fee for providing the platform, but it's typically lower than what brokers set.

Top Three Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Provider

Fee

🥇 Bitpanda

Starting from 0%; varies based on trading volume.

🥈 Kraken

Starting from 0.16%; varies based on trading volume.

🥉 Bitstamp

Starting from 0%; varies based on trading volume.

A Breakdown of Fees When Buying Bitcoin in the UK

Here you can learn what fees you’ll pay on eToro and Binance. For simplicity, the table calculates buying £1,000 worth of Bitcoin and holding for 30 days.

Platform

eToro Broker

Binance Exchange

Deposit fees

£0

£0

Purchase fees

£10

£1

Holding fees

£0

£0

Selling Fees

£10

£1

Payout fees

£5

£15

Total fees

£25

£17

Do You Need to Pay Tax on Bitcoin?

Yes, you will have to pay a flat amount based on your capital gain income.

  • 10% if you earned less than £50,270 total income.

  • 20% if you earned more than £50,270

Moreover, UK residents have a capital gain tax allowance of £12,300 a year, so technically, you only need to pay taxes on your crypto after you surpass this number in profits. For the best information, visit the UK official government website regarding this matter. Read our UK cryptocurrency tax guide.

The Anonymous Way: Buy Bitcoin Using Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

You can buy crypto and also buy Bitcoin anonymously or without registration with a decentralized crypto exchange. There are many cryptocurrency exchange options and these platforms are not owned by a single entity and operate using smart contracts. The best DEXs for buying Bitcoin are:

Provider

Fee

🥇 THORSwap

Varies

🥈 Bisq

Varies

🥉 dYdX

Varies

  • Buying Bitcoin without registration or KYC — it is possible to buy Bitcoin without registering or submitting KYC information with exchanges like THORSwap or Bisq.

  • Buying Bitcoin without verification — You can start buying Bitcoin without waiting for your account to be verified. Binance, for example, doesn't require verification up to a certain trade value.

The Independent Way: Buy Bitcoin Using P2P Services

P2P services connect investors and allow trades without an intermediary like a crypto exchange. Sellers will list how much they are willing to sell each Bitcoin, and the choice is yours to accept the offer or decline.

Top Three P2P Services

Provider

Fee

🥇 Localbitcoins

Starts from 0.1%; varies based on trading volume.

🥈 Paxful

Starts from 0.1%; varies based on trading volume.

🥉 Bisq

0.88% of the purchase order.

The Fastest Way: Buy Bitcoin Using These Platforms

These exchanges have been selected for their fast signup speeds, ID verification, and deposit methods like bank transfer, credit or debit cards. Also, you can use the instant buy section to acquire Bitcoin quickly. Unfortunately, this will incur significantly higher fees than spot trading, but it’s the fastest way of buying Bitcoin.

Provider

Fee

🥇 Coinbase

Starting from 0.6%; varies based on trading volume.

🥈 eToro

1% fee for buying or selling crypto.

🥉 Kraken

Starting from 0.26%; varies based on trading volume.

Other Platforms to Buy Bitcoin in the UK

Here you can explore different Bitcoin exchanges so you can find out more about which crypto exchanges and platforms sell Bitcoin in the UK and the starting fee rates. Also, you can read our in-depth review if you’re interested in a particular platform.

Cryptocurrency Platform

Fee

Binance

Starting from 0.1%; varies based on trading volume.

Bitstamp

Starting from 0%; varies based on trading volume.

Bittrex

Starting from 0.35%; varies based on trading volume.

Coinbase

Starting from 0.6%; varies based on trading volume.

Poloniex

Starting from 0.155%; varies based on trading volume.

BitMart

Starting from 0.25%; varies based on trading volume.

Bitrue

Starting from 0.098%; varies based on trading volume.

BlockFi

Starting from 1% spread; varies based on trading volume.

CoinDCX

Starting from 0.2%; varies based on trading volume.

CoinSwitch

Starting from 0.5%; varies based on trading volume.

Crypto.com

Starting from 0.075%; varies based on trading volume.

Fidelity

£0 commissions

Gate.io

Starting from 0.2%; varies based on trading volume.

Hotbit

Starting from 0.2%; varies based on trading volume.

Kraken

Starting from 0.26%; varies based on trading volume.

KuCoin

Starting from 0.1%; varies based on trading volume.

Robinhood

£0 commissions; varies based on order flow fee and trade volume.

Uphold

Buy spread of 0.85%.

Venmo

The fee will vary based on the purchase or sale amount.

Voyager

£0 commissions

WazirX

0.2% commissions

Wealthsimple

£0 commissions.

Depositing Options for Buying Bitcoin

Here’s a rundown of the best ways to buy crypto and also buy Bitcoin in the UK using various payment methods.

  • The cheapest way: buy Bitcoin instantly with online banking. Bank transfers usually come with no additional processing fees or charges. But they are quite slow, it can take up to five days for your funds to appear on your balance.

  • The fastest way: buy Bitcoin in the UK using a debit or credit card. Card payments are the fastest way of buying Bitcoin, but they incur additional processing fees that vary from 1% to 3%. Credit card payments can be particularly expensive. The majority of banks and building societies consider cryptocurrency purchases as a cash advance. This means that the interest begins to apply from day one, unlike other payments which are granted a grace period.

  • The most convenient way: buy Bitcoin with PayPal in the UK. PayPal transfers are often near-instant provided that you already have the funds in your PayPal account. The majority of Bitcoin exchanges and brokers support integration and don't charge additional fees as in the case of card payments.

Best Wallet to Buy and Store Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a highly valuable asset you should store in a cryptocurrency wallet or a specific Bitcoin wallet for the best protection. Although most Bitcoin exchanges or crypto exchanges have become more secure in recent years, they are still a target for hackers. Therefore, it’s worth investing in a hardware crypto wallet like Ledger Nano X or Trezor Model T. However, Trust Wallet is a brilliant alternative if you do not want to invest in a physical Bitcoin wallet. Not your keys, not your crypto.

BTC Wallet Comparison

Provider

Wallet Type

🥇 Ledger Nano X

Hardware

🥈 Trezor Model T

Hardware

🥉 Trust Wallet

Software

Can You Buy Bitcoin in the UK Offline?

Yes, buying Bitcoin in an offline environment is possible with a paper crypto wallet. First, you’ll have to provide your public key to the business you are buying your Bitcoin from and confirm the bank transfers have been made. Once you have an internet connection, you can access your Bitcoin wallet using the private key and manage the coins.

A Brief History of Bitcoin: Major Milestones

This graph shows Bitcoin’s historical price movements:

What Impacts Bitcoin Price?

Here’s a quick rundown of what can influence Bitcoin’s value:

  • Regulations: Laws and regulations can make crypto more accessible or restricted to investors.

  • Adoption: Businesses accepting Bitcoin are great for adoption as more people utilize the cryptocurrency.

  • Demand: Bitcoin has a limited supply, creating scarcity, which increases demand. As investors are willing to pay more for each Bitcoin, its value goes up.

  • Bull runs: Market conditions impact Bitcoin heavily, and bull runs are where BTC reaches new all-time highs. During bull runs, more money flows into crypto from institutional investors, and the overall market grows.

  • Influencers: Viral content for Bitcoin is great as more people are exposed to the project and may potentially invest.

Other Ways to Make Money With Bitcoin UK

Now, we’ll dive into alternative ways to make money from Bitcoin.

  • Stake Bitcoin using DeFi or CeFi. Bitcoin uses a proof-of-work consensus mechanism, meaning you cannot stake to earn rewards.

  • Buy Bitcoin using ETPs (ETFs & ETNs). Securities traded on the stock exchange are called ETPs. You can find these times of investment products on ProShares.

  • Buy and sell NFTs using BTC. There is no marketplace where you can buy or sell NFTs with BTC. You’d need to convert your Bitcoin to a cryptocurrency accepted by the NFT platform.

  • Buy stocks and shares in companies owning Bitcoin. Coinbase has significant Bitcoin holdings and recently went public on the stock exchange. You can buy their stock on eToro.

  • Bitcoin mining in the UK. Bitcoin uses a PoW (proof-of-work) consensus mechanism to validate transactions on the blockchain and create new blocks. This is done using GPUs that solve difficult cryptographic puzzles in return for a reward. However, Bitcoin mining is not profitable now unless you are prepared to invest in many GPUs. More often than not, you are better off buying and holding Bitcoin than mining.

  • Use Bitcoin faucets in the UK. Faucets are small rewards a cryptocurrency exchange provides for completing various tasks. Coinbase is ideal for faucets as they have many courses where you can earn cryptocurrencies for free.

    Trading Cryptocurrency CFDs is now banned in the UK

    In a bid to curb the gigantic losses traders may experience, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned the use of any leveraged products, including CFDs, with cryptocurrencies as underlying assets. The regulatory body cited that the use of leverage is simply too dangerous with volatile assets such as cryptocurrencies. This means that any exchange or broker offering cryptocurrency CFDs is either unregulated or engaging in illegal activities.

What Cryptocurrencies Are Similar to Bitcoin?

Here are similar coins to Bitcoin. They are either also PoW cryptocurrencies or used as payment methods. Also, you can check out our reviews if you’re interested in learning more about the coin. For example, if you would like to buy Ethereum in the UK, we created a complete step-by-step guide showing how to do it.

Coin

Symbol

Litecoin

LTC

Ethereum

ETH

Bitcoin Cash

BCH

Dogecoin

DOGE

Monero

XMR

Should You Buy or Sell Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is worth buying as it’s the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has a significant following, and is accepted by many brands. Therefore, Bitcoin is much less risky to buy than most altcoins. Also, it has always performed well during bull runs, reaching new all-time highs every time. However, you should research Bitcoin in-depth and come to the conclusion yourself if it's worth your investment. We listed below some reasons why buying or selling Bitcoin.

Why should you buy Bitcoin?

Why should you sell Bitcoin?

Lower risk compared to other cryptocurrencies

Price is volatile

Adopted by most crypto-friendly brands.

Bitcoin's intended use was as a payment method. However, there are far better payment coins like Stellar Lumens and Monero.

Has always performed well during bull runs.

Bitcoin is not regulated.

Decentralised

Long transfer times

Strong community

Uses a PoW consensus mechanism, which is not as efficient as PoS.

Is It Still Worth Investing in Bitcoin in the UK?

Bitcoin is considered digital gold and is predicted to have a long-term future. The cryptocurrency has a huge following, investments from large institutions, and is accepted as a payment method by multiple global brands. In addition, the coin performs outstandingly during each bull run. Therefore, it is highly recommended to allocate some of your portfolio to BTC.

Note: Not Financial Advice (NFA).

FAQs

What is the best provider to buy Bitcoin in the UK?
What is the cheapest provider to buy Bitcoin in the UK?
Is it worth investing in Bitcoin right now?
Is there a limit to how much Bitcoin I can buy?
Can you buy Bitcoin on the blockchain?
What can you buy with bitcoin?

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Contributors

Dominikas Pupkevicius
Dominikas is a content and research writer with over 6 years of experience. He is passionate about blockchain technology and believes cryptocurrency is the future of humanity. Dominikas lives in the countryside with his 3 dogs and enjoys long walks.
Idil Woodall
Idil is a writer with interests ranging from arts and politics to history and finance. She spent several years in publishing before becoming a full-time writer, and learning the inner workings of an industry she loved ignited her interest in economics. As an English graduate, she cultivated valuable research and storytelling abilities that she now applies to make complex matters accessible and understandable to many. When she’s not writing, she can be found climbing or watching a movie.
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