Belgium has caught the crypto wave, with a growing number of investors looking to dive into the digital currency market. This surge in interest has sparked a boom in trading platforms. To help you navigate this exciting landscape, this article breaks down the top 5 crypto exchanges for Belgian users.
How to Pick the Right Crypto Exchange
When selecting a crypto exchange in Belgium, consider these key factors:
- Security Measures: Verify the platform's security protocols, such as two-factor authentication and insurance for digital assets.
- Fee Structure: Examine the costs associated with trading, deposits, and withdrawals to avoid unexpected charges.
- Available Cryptocurrencies: Confirm the exchange lists the specific digital currencies you intend to buy and sell.
- Ease of Use: Choose a platform with an intuitive interface that matches your level of trading experience.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the exchange adheres to local Belgian and broader European financial regulations for your protection.
List of the Top 5 Crypto Exchanges in Belgium
1. Kraken
Kraken is a US-based exchange renowned for its high euro volume and liquidity. It provides a robust trading experience with services like spot trading, margin trading with up to 5x leverage, and staking. Supporting over 120 crypto assets and seven fiat currencies, it appeals to a wide range of investors.
Key Trading Details
- Trading Fees: The platform charges 1.5% for most crypto assets and 0.9% for stablecoins through its Instant Buy service.
- Taker Fee: Taker fees on Kraken Pro range from 0.10% to 0.26%, depending on your 30-day trading volume.
- Maker Fee: Maker fees on Kraken Pro can be as low as 0.00% and go up to 0.16%.
- Number of cryptocurrencies offered: The exchange supports trading for over 120 different digital currencies.
Reviews
User feedback on Kraken is generally positive, earning an overall score of 9.6 out of 10. While some users find the platform challenging for beginners and have experienced slow customer support, others praise its strong security, user-friendly mobile app, and reasonable fees. You can read more reviews here.
2. Bitvavo
Bitvavo, a leading European exchange from the Netherlands, serves over 1.5 million users. It provides access to more than 200 digital assets with some of the lowest trading fees available. For added security, its Account Guarantee program protects users against unauthorized access for up to €100,000.
Key Trading Details
- Trading Fees: Trading fees range from 0% to 0.25%, with attractive rates for high-volume traders and market makers.
- Taker Fee: Taker fees can be as high as 0.25%, with lower rates available for users with higher trading volumes.
- Maker Fee: Maker fees can be as low as 0%, providing an incentive for users who add liquidity to the exchange.
- Number of cryptocurrencies offered: The exchange provides access to over 200 digital assets, including major coins like BTC and ETH.
- Deposit Fees: Deposits are free of charge for both SEPA transfers and digital assets.
Reviews
Users generally praise Bitvavo for its low fees, extensive selection of assets, and solid staking options. On the other hand, some find the platform could be improved, and its availability is limited to Europe, which is a drawback for international users; you can read more reviews here.
3. Bitstamp
As one of the industry's oldest exchanges, Bitstamp stands out for its strong regulatory framework, including an EU Payment Institution License. It supports over 4 million users with access to 80 cryptocurrencies and provides a great entry point by offering no trading fees on the first $1,000.
Key Trading Details
- Trading Fees: The exchange offers no trading fees on the first $1,000 of trading volume over a 30-day period, with subsequent fees based on a maker-taker model detailed in its Fee Schedule.
- Taker Fee: Taker fees start at 0.4% for volumes under $10,000 and decrease as your trading volume increases.
- Maker Fee: Maker fees begin at 0.3% for trading volumes under $10,000, with lower rates available for higher-volume traders.
- Number of cryptocurrencies offered: The platform supports trading for up to 80 different digital currencies.
Reviews
User feedback for Bitstamp is mixed, resulting in an overall score of 7.3 out of 10. While many users appreciate the low trading fees and the ability to easily purchase crypto with fiat, others point out that the platform can be difficult for beginners and has a limited selection of available cryptocurrencies. You can read more reviews here.
4. Gemini
Gemini, founded by the Winklevoss twins, is a New York-based exchange with a strong focus on security and regulatory compliance. It offers over 80 cryptocurrencies and caters to both beginners and advanced users with products like ActiveTrader. The platform is regulated and provides insurance coverage against certain types of losses.
Key Trading Details
- Trading Fees: The exchange has multiple fee schedules depending on the product and usage level, detailed on its official fees page.
- Taker Fee: For ActiveTrader users, taker fees range from 0.20% down to 0.00% based on 30-day trading volume.
- Maker Fee: Maker fees for ActiveTrader users start at 0.40% and can decrease to 0.03% for high-volume traders.
- Number of cryptocurrencies offered: The exchange supports trading for over 80 different digital currencies.
Reviews
Gemini earns a solid 7.3 out of 10 from users. Many praise its strong security, helpful customer support, and intuitive design, while some have pointed out drawbacks like occasional platform downtime and a limited number of available cryptocurrencies. You can read more reviews here.
5. Bybit
Bybit is a major global player, serving over 60 million users as the world's second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume. It offers a vast array of products, including derivatives with up to 100x leverage, an NFT marketplace, and various earning tools, all while championing an open Web3 ecosystem.
Key Trading Details
- Trading Fees: The platform uses a tiered, maker-taker fee model, with spot trading fees for non-VIP users set at 0.10%.
- Taker Fee: Taker fees for spot trading begin at 0.10% and can drop to 0.02% for high-volume Pro users.
- Maker Fee: Maker fees for spot trading start at 0.10% for non-VIP users and can be reduced to 0% for higher-tier traders.
- Number of cryptocurrencies offered: The exchange lists over 100 crypto tokens and provides more than 300 spot trading pairs.
Reviews
Bybit earns an excellent 4.7 out of 5 rating from users, who often highlight its fast trade execution and user-friendly platform. While the feedback is largely positive, some traders mention that the pricing can be a hurdle for beginners and have pointed to occasional trading limitations. You can read more reviews here.
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