Best exchanges, currency exchanges or platforms to invest in bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in 2025

Bitcoin Guide » Bitcoin Exchanges

Exchanges or bitcoin exchanges are applications to acquire cryptocurrencies. Since they became popular, the market has been filled with them, but not all of them are as secure as they should be. Below, we show you the most reliable and affordable platforms to buy bitcoin.

The exchanges we show below have been used by us, so we guarantee their functioning and security. If there is any exchange that is not included in the list, it does not mean that it is not reliable, but rather that we have not used it yet. However, if you want to avoid any bitcoin scam, we recommend using some of the ones we mention.

Before we start, we will give you some tips for making your purchase safely. In addition, we will show you a brief guide on how to use most cryptocurrency exchanges. If you have experience already and want to know directly which are the safest bitcoin exchanges, we recommend using the following index to go to the part of the article you prefer.

What is a Bitcoin Exchange

As we have mentioned, bitcoins are purchased through an exchange, which are platforms that allow the exchange of currencies among themselves or with FIAT money. Below we will detail the most popular and established exchanges where you can buy bitcoins. In addition, we will compare the different fees and features of the exchanges so that you can choose the one that suits you best.

Before using a bitcoin exchange

Before venturing to buy any cryptocurrency, you need to take into account the following:

• Make sure you are familiar with the characteristics and risks of bitcoin. We have prepared the following articles in case you don't know them yet:
  • What is bitcoin and how does it work
  • Bitcoin characteristics
  • Bitcoin risks
• You must have a bitcoin wallet to store your cryptocurrencies. Most exchanges have their own wallet. However, they can be vulnerable, as you leave your money in the hands of third parties. We have also prepared an article on how to store bitcoins.
• To acquire bitcoins, you must use an exchange. There are many possibilities in the market and many of them have very high fees. Below we will show you the safest and most widely used platforms to buy bitcoins with euros. It is very important to do it through verified and reputable exchanges. Doing it through platforms of dubious legality can make you lose a lot of money. Remember, if you find something very cheap in the world of cryptocurrencies, it is probably a scam.

How many bitcoins to buy

Before purchasing bitcoins, it is important to be well aware of the risks involved. The cryptocurrency market is currently very volatile and investing in bitcoins involves certain dangers.

Regulatory agencies, such as CNMV, insist that it is possible to lose 100% of the invested amount when buying cryptocurrencies. Therefore, it is very important to only invest money that you do not need and that you do not mind losing. And of course, do not leverage yourself: Never take out a loan to buy any cryptocurrency.

Also, do not trust recommendations or what you read on the internet from supposed "gurus". People who try to convince you of something likely have their own interests and try to manipulate the market to their advantage. Read as much as you can, educate yourself, and form your own opinion. If you are going to buy bitcoins, it should be your decision.

On the other hand, whenever you use a new platform to buy cryptocurrencies, we recommend testing it first with a small amount of money. This way, you will become familiar with its operation and fees.

If you have come to this point and are still determined to purchase cryptocurrencies, continue reading the article to learn how bitcoin exchanges work.

How to use a platform to buy bitcoin

Using a bitcoin exchange is as easy as following these simple steps:

1. Register on an exchange.
2. Verify your account.
3. Choose a payment method.
4. Buy bitcoins, ethereum or any other cryptocurrency.

Registering on an exchange

Currently, there are a good number of established platforms to buy bitcoins. However, there is still much more demand than supply, and although the Bitcoin network allows very cheap or even free transactions, platforms take advantage of this to offer their services with high fees.

We trust that when the market stabilizes, the world of cryptocurrencies will become more regulated. Supply and demand will force these fees to decrease. Unfortunately, nowadays it is necessary to pay close attention to the fees applied by each exchange.

Before registering, it is important to check if the exchange accepts the cryptocurrency you want to buy. Bitcoin is the most widely used virtual currency, so it is possible to acquire it on all exchanges.

One of the most popular ones is Coinbase, a US-based exchange headquartered in San Francisco, California that allows you to buy bitcoins with euros. Among its endorsements, it has the participation of the Spanish bank BBVA, which invested in the company in January 2015.

It is a platform with moderate fees but very easy to use. Additionally, if you register through a referral link and purchase the equivalent of $100 in bitcoins, you will receive the equivalent of $10 in bitcoin as a gift. You can take advantage of this offer by clicking on the following link.

Verify Your Account

Verifying an account on an exchange can be somewhat tedious.

It is normal for exchanges to require identification documents such as ID cards, passports, or driver's licenses. They do this to comply with legal provisions regarding the prevention of money laundering. However, you are sharing personal information with third parties, so it is very important to do it through reputable and trustworthy exchanges.

On the other hand, due to the current high demand, they usually take several days to approve your verification. That's why it is also relevant to register in advance with the exchange you have chosen. Once you have made up your mind to buy bitcoins, you will only have to make the transaction.

Some bitcoin platforms allow you to purchase small amounts of cryptocurrencies without the need for verification. The safest and most widely used platform is Coinmama. It has slightly higher fees than Coinbase, but you can buy up to $150 worth of cryptocurrencies per day without compromising your privacy.

Choose a payment method

Not all exchanges allow FIAT money (normal money, euros, dollars), but only work with cryptocurrencies. In order to use these exchanges, it is necessary to transfer them bitcoin, ethereum or another altcoin.

However, currently there have been many platforms that are much easier to use, where you can buy bitcoins with euros through SEPA transfer or credit card.

SEPA bank transfers have almost no commissions, but they take several days to complete. On the other hand, credit card transactions are instant, but they have higher commissions.

Some platforms accept other payment methods, such as SOFORT transfer. They usually have equal or higher commissions than card transactions.

Types of Bitcoin Exchanges

All exchanges are the same: digital currency exchange platforms. Initially, they were somewhat complex systems if you were not familiar with the world of finance. Therefore, in recent years, platforms have emerged where getting bitcoins has become very simple. In exchange, the fees on these systems are higher.

That is why we wanted to differentiate between two types of Bitcoin Exchange: Exchange Platforms and Exchanges proper.

This separation is not official. We propose it to help you understand what you are paying for when using a more user-friendly service. As mentioned, they are exactly the same. However, platforms are much easier to use and this usability translates into higher fees.

Platforms to buy bitcoins: Easier to use

Exchanges are very similar to brokers, except instead of stocks, you trade with cryptocurrencies. They show numerous supply and demand data and different ways of operating.

Platforms bitcoin emerged so that any user without financial knowledge could purchase digital currencies. In them, buying cryptocurrencies is as simple as pressing a button. However, these systems usually have higher fees.

ADVANTAGES of bitcoin Platforms

• Easy to use. In English, they would be called beginner friendly.
• Usually allow buying with FIAT money (Euros, dollars...).
• Allow various payment methods, such as SEPA transfers or credit or debit cards. Many of them allow alternative methods such as SOFORT, OKPay...
• Are secure companies. Some exchange platforms have become large companies. They are headquartered in Europe, Japan or the United States and not in tax havens, so they are more regulated.

DISADVANTAGES of bitcoin Platforms

• High fees. There are fees for depositing and withdrawing FIAT money, for buying/selling, and for exchanging cryptocurrencies (e.g. exchanging bitcoins for ether).
• Few available cryptocurrencies. Usually, only the most popular ones are available; although they are working on having a wider range.
• They are so easy to use that even people without financial education can do it.

Platforms Comparison

Below we show you a table that collects the most popular bitcoin platforms, where you will also find a comparison of their fees.

As it is an expanding market, fees tend to vary frequently. You can confirm them through the link in the source column.

Bitcoin Exchanges: Lower fees

Bitcoin exchanges are very similar to traditional stock brokers. As they are more complicated to use, they have lost market share to exchange platforms, which are much more accessible to everyone.

However, they have a great advantage: Lower fees.

ADVANTAGES of Bitcoin Exchanges

• Lower fees.
• They usually allow for the acquisition of a greater variety of cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, ether, monero, ripple, verge...)

DISADVANTAGES of Bitcoin Exchanges

• More complicated to use. They simply are not beginner friendly, but they can be learned with a little time.
• They usually do not accept many payment methods. Some only accept SEPA transfers. Others only work with cryptocurrencies.

The fees of traditional bitcoin exchanges are divided into two categories: maker and taker.

When a user buys bitcoins at the current price, they become a taker and the fees are somewhat higher.

On the other hand, if you want to buy at a different price than the current one, for example, a lower price, you can place an order that will be executed when it matches another selling order at the price you specified. In this case, you become a maker.

Drawing a parallel with traditional stock trading, it can be said that takers buy at market price, and makers place a limit order.

The other fees charged by exchanges are for deposit and withdrawal, although practically all cryptocurrency deposits are free of charge.

Bitcoin Exchanges Comparison

The current fees for the main exchanges are as follows:

As it is a growing market, fees tend to vary frequently. You can verify them through the link in the source column.

Exchange bitcoins locally

Finally, another alternative option to Bitcoin Exchanges is the exchange of bitcoins between people. LocalBitcoins is a website where you can buy bitcoins directly from other people, without intermediaries. Transactions are completely free and can be done with people from your country. However, you should take into account the following:

• You are buying from other people that you do not know and without any intermediaries. Be very careful that it is not a scam. LocalBitcoins provides information about confirmed exchanges and the opinion of other users. Make sure the person you are exchanging with has a very good rating and many exchanges.
• People who sell on LocalBitcoins usually want to get more money than when selling on an exchange. Therefore, prices are usually higher.

What is the best Bitcoin Exchange?

The decision of which one to use depends on you and your strategy.

Regarding fees, it is best to buy bitcoins directly on an exchange. If, on the other hand, you are looking for convenience and immediacy, the best option to acquire them will be what we call cryptocurrency platforms.

Whatever option you choose, the first time you use an exchange or platform, you should try with a small amount of money. This way you will make sure to know its functioning and fees well.

If you decide on a platform, the best option, both in terms of fees and security, might be Coinbase. Remember that if it's your first time using it, you can get $10 in bitcoin as a gift for purchases over $100 if you register through the following link.

On the other hand, the exchange with lower fees can be GDAX. An intermediate solution could be Bitstamp, due to its low fees and the possibility of using a credit card. However, for the credit card option, Coinbase continues to be the cheapest alternative.

On the other hand, if you are looking to invest in less well-known coins, it is best to transfer your cryptocurrencies to Binance, KuCoin, or HitBTC. These exchanges have the option to exchange with a large number of cryptocurrencies. Since they do not work with FIAT money, you will need to buy the cryptocurrencies beforehand in one of the previous options.

However, it is best to try different options and find the one that best suits you.

How to buy bitcoins, ethereum or any other cryptocurrency

Once you have chosen a bitcoin exchange, registered, verified your account, and chosen the payment method, deposit the money you want to buy in bitcoin into your account and... you're done! It's much easier than it seems at first.

In summary, to acquire bitcoins you need:

• Choose an exchange. It's important to consider (i) the fees, (ii) their reputation and security, as they handle your personal data.
• Verify your account. Do it in advance as this process may take several days.
• Choose a payment method. Remember: SEPA transfers have lower fees but are slower than card purchases, which are instantaneous.
• Buy bitcoins. Through an exchange or a bitcoin platform.