| Updated: August 7, 2024Looking for a reliable crypto broker or exchange accepting clients from Germany but cannot make up your mind? We have got you covered with a listing of the most trusted crypto trading platforms catering to German clients. All brokers and exchanges recommended on this page have been carefully vetted by our expert team to ensure they live up to the highest possible standards.
We have chosen them for their rock-bottom spreads, low commissions, and fee-free funding options, coupled with versatile selections of tradable crypto assets. More importantly, our top picks uphold high security and consumer protection standards, operating in full compliance with the EU and BaFin regulatory requirements. Ready? Stay with us as we zero in on the best crypto brokers and exchanges available to German traders.
Fusion Markets74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money
FP Markets73.85% of retail investor accounts lose money
Pepperstone75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money
IC Markets70.64% of retail investor accounts lose money
AvaTrade76% of retail investor accounts lose money
eToro51% of retail investor accounts lose money
Eightcap76.09% of retail investor accounts lose money
CMC Markets71% of retail investor accounts lose money
IG70% of retail client accounts lose money
Swissquote61% of retail investor accounts lose moneyGerman Crypto Brokers Ranked by Trustpilot Score
| Forex Broker | Trustpilot Reviews | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Fusion Markets | 1,662 | 4.9 ⭐ |
| 2. FP Markets | 6,706 | 4.8 ⭐ |
| 3. Pepperstone | 2,533 | 4.7 ⭐ |
| 4. IC Markets | 37,770 | 4.6 ⭐ |
| 5. AvaTrade | 8,718 | 4.5 ⭐ |
| 6. Eightcap | 2,460 | 4.2 ⭐ |
| 7. eToro | 24,180 | 4.2 ⭐ |
| 8. CMC Markets | 1993 | 4.1 ⭐ |
| 9. IG | 6,964 | 3.6 ⭐ |
| 10. Swissquote | 2445 | 3.5 ⭐ |
Top 10 Germany Crypto Brokers with Low Spreads
| Broker | BTCUSD | ETHUSD | SOLUSD | ADAUSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. IC Markets | 8.71 | 4.56 | 0.10 | 0.001 |
| 2. FP Markets | 1.27 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 0.0031 |
| 3. Fusion Markets | 10.63 | 2.59 | 0.143 | 0.0 |
| 4. AvaTrade | 0.10% | 0.15% | 1% | N/A |
| 5. Pepperstone | 13 | 3 | 2.3 | 4 |
| 6. Eightcap | 12.26 | 2.6 | 0.21 | 0.0051 |
| 7. eToro | 0.75% | 1% buy, 1% sell | 1% | 1% buy; 1% sell |
| 8. CMC Markets | 75 | 5.25 | 20 | 25 |
| 9. IG | 36 (min spread) | 1.2 (min spread) | 1.6 (min) | 1.4 (min) |
| 10. Swissquote | 80 | 5 | 0.5% - 1% | 0.5% - 1% |
Top 10 Crypto Brokers in Germany
- 1. eToro
Min. Deposit €10 Regulations FCA, CySEC, AMF, MFSA, ASIC, FSAS, FinCEN Tradable Coins 100+ Software eToro Investing, eToro CopyTrader, eToro mobile App Crypto Leverage 10:1 for professional traders Fees 1% fee for buying and selling crypto; 1% fee on crypto CFD trading Exchange/Wallet eToro Money Crypto Wallet Deposit Methods eToro Money, bank cards, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, bank transfers, iDEAL, Trustly Withdrawal Methods Bank cards, Skrill, Neteller, Paypal, Trustly Launched in 2007, eToro shines as one of the most prominent names on the online trading horizon, offering a robust selection of over 6,000 assets to over 30 million customers worldwide. Germans are also welcome at eToro as the renowned brokerage has obtained authorization from the FCA, CySEC, AMF, and Germany’s BaFin.
The multi-regulated broker pioneered crypto trading with Bitcoin back in 2013, gradually expanding its cryptocurrency offering in the following years. German customers now have access to over 100 altcoins and tokens, including popular cryptos like Ripple, Ether, and Litecoin. The broker facilitates CFD crypto trading but also doubles as an exchange where customers can buy, sell, and swap their purchased coins.
Clients from Germany can conveniently hold their altcoins in the custodial eToro Money wallet whose daily transaction limits reach 200,000 USD. Germans can top up their live trading accounts with several familiar deposit methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. The local payment solution Klarna is also supported at eToro, allowing Germans to deposit directly through their online banking accounts.
Key Pros
- Licensed by several tier-one EU regulators, including BaFin
- Caters to Germans with local payment methods like Klarna
- Has been offering Bitcoin trading since 2013
- Proprietary platform available in the German language
- Offers demo account with 100,000 in virtual funds to practice with
Key Cons
- No support for third-party platforms like MT4 and MT5
- Skrill and Neteller are unavailable to German clients
- Slightly higher fees for transferring cryptocurrency assets (2%)
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 2. AvaTrade
Minimum Deposit €100 Regulation ASIC, CySEC, IIROC, JFSA, CBI, DFSA, FSCA, ISA, BVI FSC Tradable Coins 16 (BTC, ETH, SOL, EOS, MIOTA, XRP, NEO, and more) Software MT4, MT5, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, AvaTradeGO, AvaSocial Crypto Leverage Retail: 2:1 for Australia and EU;Professional:20:1 Fees Spread: 0.15% – 2% over market; Overnight fees: vary based on cryptocurrency Exchange/Wallet Service No Deposit Methods Australia: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Wire Transfer;>Other countries: Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller Withdrawal Methods Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Wire Transfer; Other countries:>Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney AvaTrade emerged in 2006 and quickly cemented its position as a leading online broker with excellent trading conditions. The company has gained authorization in multiple first-tier jurisdictions, including Japan and Australia. Avatrade is also featured in BaFin’s register but serves German clients with licenses from the relevant supervisory authorities of Cyprus (CySEC) and Ireland (CBI).
AvaTrade is ideal for German crypto enthusiasts looking for low spreads, no commissions, and transparent trading conditions. The broker enables CFD trading with around 16 cryptocurrencies, including ETH, BTC, LTC, and DSH. Spreads for these leveraged crypto trades range from 0.15% to 2% over market, depending on which cryptocurrency cross you trade.
The maximum leverage for retail clients is quite low at 2:1 for cryptocurrencies but aligns with EU and BaFin regulations. Customers who qualify as professional traders can use higher leverage of up to 20:1 for crypto CFDs. German clients face a choice from two third-party platforms, MT4 and MT5 but proprietary alternatives like AvaOptions and AvaSocial are available as well. Traders from the country can fund their accounts with cards, bank transfers, and several e-wallets (Perfect Money, Skrill, Neteller).
Key Pros
- Licensed by prominent EU regulators (CySEC, CBI)
- Offers a decent selection of crypto crosses
- An established broker with 18 years of experience
- Low spreads for cryptocurrency trading
- Supports EUR as a base account currency
Key Cons
- A limited range of third-party platforms for Germans (MT4 and MT5 only)
- Charges a €50 administrative fee after 3 months of inactivity
- Chatbot window pops up every time you load a page on desktop
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Min. Deposit €50 Regulations ASIC, VFSC, SFSA Tradable Coins 13 Software MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, DupliTrade, Fusion+, MAM/PAM Crypto Leverage 10:1 Fees BTC/USD – 10.63 min spread; Bitcoin trading fee – 0.06%; no commission fees on crypto CFDs Exchange/Wallet No Deposit Methods Debit Cards, Credit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Fasapay, Jeton Wallet, Perfect Money, Online Naira, Doku, Crypto Withdrawal Methods Bank Wire, Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Skrill, Neteller Fusion Markets began operations in 2019 and almost immediately established itself as a leading discount broker that charges some of the lowest round-turn commissions in the industry. The Australia-based company provides a choice from over 250 financial instruments, including over a dozen cryptocurrencies traded against the US dollar. One huge advantage of trading with this broker is the absence of commissions on crypto CFDs. Traders must cover the spread only.
Deposits and withdrawals are largely free, with no requirements on minimum deposits. The broker claims to work with over 30 payment methods but many of them are unavailable in Germany. Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, BinancePay, and bank transfers are viable alternatives for German customers with live accounts.
As far as licensing goes, Fusion Markets falls under the regulatory gaze of ASIC, FSA, and VFSC. The broker has yet to obtain a license from a major EU regulator but upholds high security standards, nevertheless. Customers can access the cryptocurrency markets through popular platforms like MT5, MT4, TradingView, and cTrader.
Key Pros
- No threshold for minimum deposits
- Renowned globally as a trusted discount broker
- A varied range of payment methods
- No fees on deposits and withdrawals
- Has waived all commissions on cryptocurrency trades
Key Cons
- Does not support German as a language option
- Lacks licenses from first-tier EU regulators
- Could expand its cryptocurrency offering
Gleneagle Asset Management Limited (ABN 29 103 162 278) trading as Fusion Markets, is the issuer of the Fusion Markets Products described in this communication. Trading in Fusion Markets Products involves the potential for profit as well as the risk of loss which may vastly exceed the amount of your initial deposit and is not suitable for all investors. You should read all of these Financial Product Service Terms, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Financial Services Guide (available on our website) carefully, consider your own financial situation, needs and objectives for investing in these Fusion Markets Products and obtain independent financial advice.- 4. FP Markets
Min. Deposit €50 (€100 Bank Transfer) Regulations ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, SFSA, Registered with St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tradable Coins 10+ Software MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader Crypto Leverage 50:1 Fees BTCUSD – 21.08 pips average spread Exchange/Wallet No Deposit Methods Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfer, Neteller, Skrill, Asia Banks Unique Banking Solutions, SticPay, FasaPay, Virtual Pay, Rupee Payments UPI, Rapyd, Perfect Money, Pagsmile, LetKnow Pay, DragonPay, Rapid Transfer, Crypto Payments, MyBux, XPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bank Transfer, B2Binpay, Thunderxpay, Plusdebit (Online Banking, P2P, QR Code, MOMO QR Code), QEIS, Coinspaid, Broker to Broker Withdrawal Methods Visa, Mastercard, Domestic Bank Wire (AUD), International Bank Wire, Neteller, Skrill, Fasapay, Dragonpay, Asia Banks Unique Banking Solutions, Perfect Money, LetKnow Pay, Finrax, Sticpay, Rupee Payments UPI, Rapid Transfer, Virtual Pay, xPay, Pagsmile, Mybux, Bank Transfer, Crypto, Local Bank Transfer (QR Code), Online Banking, PaymentsAsia QRIS and E-wallets FP Markets provides low-cost trading services with over 10,000 financial instruments, including 12 of the largest-volume cryptocurrencies on the market. Popular options like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Stellar, and Ripple are all tradable with tight spreads and incur no additional commissions. The broker facilitates crypto trading through familiar platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
German clients of FP Markets will benefit from 24/5 customer support in their native language. Slippage and requotes are no issue with FP Markets as the broker is renowned for its low-latency order execution, filling customer orders in less than 40 milliseconds on average.
The broker holds a license issued by tier-one EU regulator CySEC and upholds the highest possible consumer protection standards. German retail customers can use maximum leverage of 2:1 and have access to negative balance protection that safeguards them against slipping into debt. Traders can fund their live accounts at no extra cost, but withdrawals with the e-wallets Neteller and Skrill incur additional charges of 1%.
Key Pros
- Provides institutional-grade pricing on Raw accounts
- Seamless crypto trading on mobile devices
- Lightning-fast order processing and low latency
- Provides support in over 12 languages, including German
- High consumer rating on Trustpilot
Key Cons
- Offers a more limited range of coins compared to some rival brokers
- Cryptocurrencies are tradable through CFDs only
- Fees for Neteller and Skrill withdrawals
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72.92% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 5. Pepperstone
Min. Deposit €0 Regulations CySEC, FCA, ASIC, DFSA, CMA, and SCB Tradable Coins 9 major coins, 18 minor coins, 3 indexes Software TradingView, MT5, MT4, cTrader Crypto Leverage 10:1 for professional traders Fees BTCUSD Standard min spread – 17 BTCUSD Standard average spread – 25
Exchange/Wallet n/a Deposit Methods Bank cards, bank transfers, PayPal Withdrawal Methods Bank cards, bank transfers, PayPal Pepperstone landed on the online trading scene in 2010 and quickly expanded its global footprint, presently reaching customers from over 160 countries worldwide. The industry-leading broker services German clients with authorization from the local regulatory agency BaFin, which further increases its appeal in the eyes of retail traders from the country.
German crypto enthusiasts can speculate on the rising and falling prices of over 20 minor and major cryptocurrency crosses by entering into contracts for difference with maximum leverage of 2:1. Traders seeking further market exposure can dip their toes into crypto index trading, facing a choice from the Crypto 30, Crypto 20, and Crypto 10 global indices.
Spreads vary dramatically at Pepperstone, but we noticed crosses involving ETH as the base currency generally have lower minimum spreads than to other majors. Pepperstone supports a somewhat limited range of deposit and withdrawal methods for German customers. The broker compensates for this minor shortcoming with fee-free transactions and no minimum deposit requirements. Pepperstone is also ideal for casual crypto traders as it has no inactivity fees.
Key Pros
- Fills orders without dealing desk intervention
- Charges no fees for account inactivity
- Authorized by BaFin
- Offers educational videos for cryptocurrency trading
- Crypto index trading is available
Key Cons
- Demo accounts are available for 30 days only
- A limited range of deposit and withdrawal options
- Slightly higher overnight funding fees than the competition
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 6. Eightcap
Min. Deposit €0 for bank transfers; €300 for PayPal and cards Regulations FCA, SCB, ASIC, CySEC Tradable Coins 100+ Software MT4, MT5, TradingView Crypto Leverage 10:1 for professional traders Fees BTCUSD Minimum spread on Standard account – 170 Exchange/Wallet n/a Deposit Methods Credit and debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, POLi, bank transfers, cryptocurrencies Withdrawal Methods Credit and debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, POLi, bank transfers, cryptocurrencies Eightcap takes the sixth spot on our list, boasting an impressive selection of over 100 cryptocurrency derivatives, including CFDs for popular crosses like SOL/USD, ADA/USD, and BTC/USD. The broker has secured operating permits from CySEC and the FCA, which enables it to legally accept customers from all EU and EEA countries, including Germany.
German traders face no shortage of options when it comes to trading software as Eightcap offers full support for familiar platforms like MT4, MT5, and TradingView. Additionally, customers can test their new crypto strategies without using any complex code via Capitalise.ai, a user-friendly platform designed for text-based trading automation and strategy analysis.
Crypto trades at Eightcap do not incur additional commissions, with spreads for major crypto crosses ranging from 5 to 200. Minimum CFD contracts start at 0.01 lots for BTC/USD and ETH/USD but the minimum size requirements are higher at 1 lot for ADA/USD and SOL/USD. Another benefit of using the services of this brokerage is that Eightcap facilitates crypto deposits and withdrawals. The latter are associated with additional transaction fees, however.
Key Pros
- Code-free strategy testing for cryptocurrencies via Capitalise.ai
- A catalog of over 100 crypto derivatives
- Trading ideas and market sentiments in the Crypto Crusher Dashboard
- Supports popular platforms like MT5, MT4, and TradingView
- Accepts crypto deposits and withdrawals
Key Cons
- Transaction fees for cryptocurrency withdrawals
- Withdrawals may take 2 business days to review
- Customer support is unavailable on weekends
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76.09% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 7. IG
Min. Deposit €50 – card payments No minimum for bank transfers
Regulations FCA, BaFin, DFSA, FSCA, MAS, ASIC Tradable Coins 11 major cryptocurrencies, two crypto crosses, and a crypto index Software MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer Crypto Leverage 10:1 for professional traders Fees BTC min spreads – 38 Exchange/Wallet n/a Deposit Methods Bank cards, bank transfers, PayPal Withdrawal Methods Bank cards, bank transfers IG is a long-standing global online trading provider with over fifty years of industry experience. It holds operating permits from multiple financial regulators, including a banking license issued by the German watchdog BaFin. The company trades publicly on the London Stock Exchange as a constituent of the Footsie 250 index, further consolidating its robust reputation.
German customers of the reputable brokerage have access to a versatile range of trading instruments for 14 popular cryptocurrencies, including BCH, ADA, ETH, SOL, LTC, BTC, and NEO. The broker provides an excellent choice of cryptocurrency derivatives, including CFDs, barrier options, and knock-out certificates. Customers additionally have access to a crypto index that gives them exposures to the ten largest digital coins on the market.
IG charges no commissions on crypto CFDs, adding only a nominal markup to market spreads. Trading knock-out certificates is also commission-free provided one opens a position whose nominal value exceeds €300. German customers can deposit and withdraw via familiar payment methods like cards, bank transfers, and the digital wallet PayPal. Those new to the crypto markets can build experience by opening free demo accounts credited with €30,000 in virtual funds.
Key Pros
- Holds a banking license from BaFin
- Offers barrier options and knock-out certificates for cryptocurrencies
- Speculating on the Crypto 10 global index is an option
- Provides a choice from over 17,000 financial markets
- Charges no commissions on crypto CFDs
Key Cons
- Higher minimums for PayPal and card deposits (€300)
- Trading conditions may vary significantly across different countries
- MT5 is unavailable to Germans
CFDs are complex instruments. 70% of retail client accounts lose money when trading CFDs, with this investment provider. You can lose your money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you understand how this product works and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing money. - 8. CMC Markets
Min. Deposit €0 for DPS and CFD accounts Regulations FCA, ASIC, BaFin Tradable Coins 14 Software Next Generation Platform MT4
Crypto Leverage 10:1 for professional traders Fees BTCUSD Minimum spread – 75 Exchange/Wallet n/a Deposit Methods Credit and debit cards, online banking, bank wires Withdrawal Methods Credit and debit cards, online banking, bank wires CMC Markets is a prominent player on the German online trading scene, offering an outstanding selection of 20 cryptocurrencies and 3 crypto indices tradable through CFDs. The broker operates with a BaFin license and has a physical presence in the country, with registered local offices in Frankfurt. Clients from Germany will benefit from dedicated customer support in their native language.
Apart from CFD accounts, the reputable broker offers DPS (Dynamic Portfolio Swap) accounts tailored specifically to the needs of German customers. This account type is more suitable for clients trading higher volumes. It works like an over-the-counter swap agreement between customers and the broker on the performance of their trading portfolios.
The DPS account bundles together all trades a client makes during the calendar year within a portfolio, summarizing their profits and losses. Customers then have their taxes automatically deducted as required by German tax laws. Casual traders handling smaller trading volumes can register standard CFD accounts. Both account types have no threshold on minimum deposits, allowing customers to start trading crypto with any amount they can spare.
Key Pros
- Holds an investment bank license from BaFin
- Offers Dynamic Portfolio Swap (DPS) accounts to German traders
- Has registered offices in Frankfurt
- Provides customer support in German
- Offers competitive spreads for crypto CFDs
Key Cons
- German-speaking support is available between 8 am and 8 pm only
- Limited educational resources for cryptocurrency trading
- Limited payment methods for German traders
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting and/or trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 9. IC Markets
Min. Deposit €200 Regulations CySEC, FSA, ASIC Tradable Coins 20+ Software MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView Crypto Leverage 200:1 (MT4/5), 5:1 (cTrader, TradingView) Fees BTC/USD – 2.210 pips min spread; No commission fees on crypto CFDs Exchange/Wallet No Deposit Methods Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Bpay, Broker to Broker, POLI, Thai Internet Banking, Rapidpay, Klarna, Vietnamese Internet Banking Withdrawal Methods Visa, Mastercard, Bank Wire, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill IC Markets is a popular CySEC-licensed online broker that delivers seamless order execution with minimal latency, deep liquidity, and a robust selection of over 2,200 tradable instruments. This impressive product lineup includes 18 or so major and emerging cryptocurrencies, including ETH, BTC, GLMR, DOT, ADA, and KSM.
Germans are also welcome at IC Markets where they can benefit from spreads as narrow as 0.01 for select crypto crosses like DOT/USD, EOS/USD, LNK/USD, and XRP/USD. High-volume crosses like ADA/USD come with even lower spreads, starting from zero. The broker ensures deep liquidity around the clock by sourcing prices from over 25 liquidity providers. German clients have access to proactive and highly responsive customer support available from 8 am to 12 am (midnight).
The brokerage provides a choice of three platforms, the two MetaTraders (MT4, MT5) and cTrader. Customers from Germany can conveniently deposit straight from their online banking accounts, using their local payment processor Klarna. Minimum account requirements are on the high end as new clients must transfer at least €200 to delve into cryptocurrency trading.
Key Pros
- Offers commission-free crypto trading with CFDs
- Supports local deposit methods like Klarna
- Offers CFDs for emerging altcoins like Kusama and Moonbeam
- Spreads as low as 0.01 for some crypto crosses
- No inactivity fees on dormant accounts
Key Cons
- Not directly overseen by BaFin
- Spreads may vary based on country
- Hardly any research and educational materials for crypto trading
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70.64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 10. Swissquote
Minimum Deposit €1,000 Regulation BaFin, FINMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, MFSA, MAS, CSSF (Luxembourg), SFC (Hong Kong) Tradable Coins 40+ (BTC, XTZ, DOT, XRP, COMP, UNI, LINK, and more) Software MT4, MT5, CFDX (proprietary) Crypto Leverage 2:1 Fees Spreads: 80 for BTC/USD, 5 for ETH/USD
Commissions for Elite Accounts: €/$1.5 round-turn for ETH/USD, €/$34 round-turn for BTC/USD
Exchange trading fees: 0.5% to 1% based on trading volumeExchange/Wallet Service Yes (custodial) Deposit Methods Bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard Withdrawal Methods Bank transfers Swissquote is a reputable brokerage operating as part of the eponymous banking group that trades publicly on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Regarded as the first Swiss bank to jump on the crypto bandwagon, Swissquote provides an outstanding selection of over 40 popular digital assets. From dominant cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH to less-known coins like XTZ and ALGO, Swissquote has options for all investors seeking to wet their toes into the volatile crypto market.
Digital assets are available for both trading and storage as Swissquote offers a highly secure custodial wallet where customers can hold their coins. Crypto owners will benefit from staking rewards of up to 20% when holding digital currencies like Tezos, Polkadot, Ether, and Solana. Transaction costs range from 0.5% to 1%, depending on the trading volume.
The brokerage enables customers to mitigate their risk by offering stop-limit orders but the feature is available for select cryptocurrencies only. Crypto ETFs, CFDs, and futures are also available for trading at Swissquote, with CFD spreads from zero pips for Elite accounts. Customers can fund their balance with standard payment solutions like bank transfers, debit and credit cards. Withdrawals are possible via bank transfers only.
Key Pros
- Holds a banking license
- Offers a custodial crypto wallet
- Offers spreads from 0.0 for BTC/USD and ETH/USD (Elite Accounts)
- Regarded as the first Swiss bank to launch crypto trading
- Offers staking rewards for holding cryptocurrencies
Key Cons
- High minimum deposit requirements
- A limited range of deposit and withdrawal methods
- Stop-limit orders are unavailable for some cryptocurrencies
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 61% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Germany Crypto Exchanges Trustpilot Score
| Forex Broker | Trustpilot Reviews | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bitpanda | 9912 | 3.8 ⭐ |
| 2. Coinbase | 9413 | 1.9 ⭐ |
| 3. Kraken | 2294 | 1.4 ⭐ |
Top 3 German Crypto Exchanges Fees
| Exchange | Maker/Taker Fees | Staking | Deposits Fees | Withdrawal Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bitpanda | 1.49% premium for buying / selling BTC (0.10% - 0.15% for Pro Accounts) | Up to 25% | Free | Free |
| 2. Coinbase | Taker fee between 0.05% and 0.60% depending on monthly traded volume; Maker fee between 0% and 0.40% depending on monthly traded volume |
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| 3. Kraken | Spots: from 0.25% / 0.40% to 0.00%/0.10% (depends on tier); Margin: 0.02% opening fee; Futures: from 0.0200% / 0.0500% to 0.0000%/0.0100% (depends on tier) | Up to 28% annually |
| CAD:
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Top 3 Crypto Exchanges in Germany
Coinbase
Coinbase was the first crypto exchange to obtain official authorization from BaFin and has been offering localized trading services to residents of the country since mid-2021. The exchange enables Germans to buy, sell, and swap over 230 digital assets, with the option of storing coins in a proprietary custodial wallet. Clients can instantly purchase cryptocurrencies with fiat-based payment methods like PayPal, Visa, and Sofort.
Generating passive income through staking rewards is also possible at Coinbase, where German customers can earn up to 10% on certain staking coins. Those looking to increase their market exposure can engage in spot and futures trading, with futures maker/taker fees ranging from 40 bps to 60 bps for customers at the lowest pricing tier.
Savvy traders can exercise greater control over open cryptocurrency positions by taking advantage of the advanced limit and stop-limit orders. The exchange provides two account options, Advanced and Simple Trade, allowing registered users to seamlessly switch between the two. Customer support is reachable through a toll-free telephone line, email, and live chat. Coinbase operates with full financial transparency and stores over 98% of customer coins in secure offline cold wallets.
| Coinbase Details | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | No minimum requirement |
| Regulation | BaFin, CFTC, FCA |
| Tradable Coins | 230 |
| Available Crypto Instruments | Spot trading, futures |
| Crypto Leverage | 1:10 |
| Maker/Taker Fees | 40 to 60 bps at the lowest pricing tier |
| Wallet Type | Yes, self-custody |
| Deposit Methods | Sofort, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, iDeal (the Netherlands), Crypto, Interac (Canada), BancomatPay (Italy) |
| Withdrawal Methods | Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfer, PayPal |
Key Pros
- One of the first crypto exchanges licensed by BaFin
- Germans can earn up to 10% in staking rewards
- Offers market, stop-limit, and limit orders for better risk management
- Over 550 crypto crosses available for trading on the spot
- Stores over 98% of customer crypto holdings in offline cold wallets
Key Cons
- Pricing information is hard to find on the website
- Low consumer rating on Trustpilot
- Low leverage on perpetual futures
Kraken
Kraken is one of the largest crypto exchanges catering to German traders, providing them with an impressive range of over 160 crypto perpetual futures and more than 200 tradable coins. The exchange has yet to obtain an operating permit from BaFin but strives to align its services with the MiFID regulatory framework embraced by the German regulator. German customers benefit from enhanced consumer protections, improved complaints procedures, and greater transparency on market information.
In May 2024, the exchange established a strategic partnership with the BaFin-licensed custodian DLT Finance. Said partnership enables Kraken to deliver tailored services and products that largely comply with local regulatory requirements. Cost-effectiveness is another benefit of using Kraken’s services. The exchange charges reasonable maker and taker fees of 0.24% / 0.40%, respectively.
Customers from other jurisdictions have access to NFTs but the exchange unveiled plans to remove non-fungible tokens from its German product lineup in August 2024. All things considered, Kraken is an excellent choice for all German crypto buffs looking for greater value, cost-efficiency, and improved consumer protections.
| Kraken Details | |
|---|---|
| Min. Deposit | CA$4 |
| Regulations | Registered with FinCEN, Wyoming Division, FINTRAC, FCA, OAM, BoS, CBI, filed for registration in some Canadian jurisdictions |
| Tradable Coins | 50+ |
| Crypto Trading | Futures, Spot Trading |
| Crypto Leverage | N/A |
| Fees | $0 – $10.000: Maker (0.25%)/ Taker (0.40%) |
| Wallet | Yes |
| Deposit Methods | ACH (Plaid), FedWire, CBIT (Customers Bank Instant Token), SWIFT (Customers Bank, SWIFT (Etana Custody), SEPA, PayPal, Domestic Wire Transfer (Credit Union Atlantic), In-person Cash or Debit (Canada Post), Interac e-Transfer, Wire Transfer (InterFIN), Bank Transfer / Osko, Real Time Gross Settlement, FPS/BACS (ClearJunction), CHAPS (ClearJunction), SIC (Bank Frick) |
| Withdrawal Methods | ACH, FedWire, CBIT, SWIFT, SEPA, BLING, FPS, CHAPS, BLING, EFT, Interac e-Transfer, Wire Transfer, SIC, Bank Transfer, Osko |
Key Pros
- Over 13 years of industry experience
- Partners with BaFin-licensed custodian DLT Finance
- Complies with MiFID on margin requirements for leveraged trades
- Provides a comprehensive range of over 160 crypto perpetual futures
- Intuitive user interface
Key Cons
- 13 language options, but German is unavailable
- NFTs are off-limits to German residents
- Standard accounts incur higher fees than Kraken Pro accounts
Bitpanda
Bitpanda (formerly Coinimal) launched in 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe. The Austria-based unicorn serves over 5 million clients across the Old Continent, with licenses and registration from prominent EU regulators like BaFin, AMF, OAM, and FSA. The multi-regulated company offers over 400 tradable coins to German customers, allowing them to invest as little as €1.
Trading crypto indices is also an option for customers of Bitpanda. The exchange additionally facilitates trading with stocks, commodities, and exchange-traded funds. Cryptocurrency traders can leverage their long positions at maximum rates of 1:2, in line with MiFID requirements. Buying and selling BTC comes with a 1.49% premium on standard Bitpanda accounts. Customers who register Pro accounts will benefit from considerably lower premiums, ranging from 0.10% to 0.15%.
Verified customers residing in the eurozone are eligible for Visa-branded Bitpanda cards, allowing them to spend their cryptocurrencies across millions of retail locations. The exchange runs an exclusive rewards program whose members enjoy various benefits when holding Bitpanda’s native token, BEST. Bitpanda caters to German customers with local payment solutions like Giropay, Eps, and Sofort, with minimum deposits starting from €10 only.
| Bitpanda Details | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €10 (€1 minimum investment) |
| Regulation | BaFin, FCA, FMA (Austria), AMF, CTIA (Czech Republic), OAM (Italy), FSAN (Norway), FSA (Sweden), BDE (Spain) |
| Tradable Coins | 400+ (BNB, SOL, ETH, BTC, XRP, TRX, ADA, and more) |
| Available Crypto Instruments | Spot trading, crypto indices, CFDs |
| Crypto Leverage | 1:2 for long positions, 1:1 for short positions |
| Maker/Taker Fees | 1.49% premium for buying and selling BTC |
| Wallet Type | Custodial |
| Deposit Methods | Eps, Giropay, Sofort, PayPal, Apple Pay, Neteller, Mastercard, Skrill, Visa, Bank Transfer |
| Withdrawal Methods | Skrill, Neteller, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard |
Key Pros
- Subject to BaFin’s regulatory oversight
- Automatic margin close-outs on leveraged crypto positions (50%)
- Supports deposits with local solutions like Giropay and Sofort
- A low threshold on minimum investments (€1)
- Partners with Deutsche Bank
Key Cons
- Does not offer cryptocurrency futures
- A limited range of crypto derivatives overall
- High premiums for BTC transactions in standard accounts
Legal Status of Cryptocurrency Trading in Germany
- Laws Governing Crypto Trading on a National LevelGermany was among the first countries in Europe to adopt a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. In early 2020, the local government amended the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz) to include provisions for the regulation of digital assets and cryptocurrency exchanges. The country’s legislature passed the Electronic Securities Act a year later to authorize the issuance of digital securities without requiring physical certificates.
- EU Crypto Legislation Applicable to Germany
As an EU member, Germany also embraces the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) approved by the European Parliament in June 2023. MiCA is an overarching legislation that applies to all entities providing digital asset services in the EU, including cryptocurrency exchanges, custodians, and issuers of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). It aims to increase transparency, enhance investor protection, and maintain the stability of Europe’s financial markets.
- Legal Status of Cryptocurrencies in GermanyOn a local level, cryptocurrencies are legal in the country but the government does not recognize them as legal tender, which renders them ineligible for the settlement of private or public debt. The German legislation classifies digital assets like BTC and ETH as financial instruments and regulates them the same way as commodities, securities, and other fiat investments.
- Crypto Trading Platforms Require BaFin or EU LicensesCryptocurrency brokers, exchanges, and custodians must procure licenses from BaFin to provide digital asset services to customers from the country. On a side note, some companies accept German customers through passporting with licenses obtained from other prominent EU regulators like CySEC. Conversely, operating licenses issued by BaFin are recognized as valid in other EU and EEA member states. These countries have all aligned their regulatory frameworks with the requirements outlined in MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive).
- AML and KYC Requirements in GermanyGerman banking law requires crypto custodians to store clients’ private cryptographic keys separately from their own keys and digital asset holdings. Digital asset providers must submit regular transaction reports to BaFin and perform identity checks on all onboarding customers to prevent illicit activities like identity thefts, money laundering, and terrorist financing. Suspicious transactions must be immediately reported to the local Financial Intelligence Unit.
- Consumer Protection PoliciesBrokers offering leveraged crypto derivatives must adopt several measures to mitigate risk and safeguard retail traders from financial losses, starting with restrictions on the maximum leverage retail clients can use. Like all EU financial regulators, BaFin requires brokers to segregate client assets in separate accounts at approved tier-1 financial institutions.
Brokers cannot incentivize retail clients to participate in cryptocurrency trading by aggressively advertising their products, especially if they involve using leverage. They must publish risk disclosures on their websites, warning customers about the financial risk involved in derivative trading. Retail clients trading crypto CFDs with leverage should have access to negative balance protection.
What Forms of Crypto Trading Are Legal in Germany
Cryptocurrency options, futures, and spot trading are all legal in Germany. Most brokers accepting customers from the country can legally offer contracts for difference (CFDs) as long as their products comply with BaFin and EU requirements. CFDs enable traders to speculate on rising and falling crypto prices without purchasing underlying digital assets.
- Leverage Restrictions for Crypto CFDs, Futures, and Options
CFD traders commonly have access to leverage, which allows them to borrow additional capital from their brokers and open larger positions with a small initial investment. Cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and prone to exhibiting dramatic price fluctuations. To protect retail investors, BaFin and other EU regulators impose maximum leverage restrictions of 1:2 for crypto CFDs. Clients eligible for professional trading accounts can access higher leverage of 1:10 or 1:20, depending on where they trade.Retail cryptocurrency traders also benefit from negative balance protection, a measure preventing them from running up debt and losing more than their available balance. Negative balance protection does not extend to professional crypto traders, however. CFD brokers must implement automatic margin close-outs when customers’ balance drops below 50% of the amount required to maintain their leveraged crypto positions.Brokers and exchanges providing derivatives like crypto futures and options must perform appropriateness assessments on retail clients before allowing them to use leverage. Customers must usually complete a questionnaire so that brokers and exchanges can determine their level of expertise and experience in dealing with derivative instruments.
- Restrictions on Stablecoin TradingThe overarching legislation MiCA came into effect in June 2024, imposing various restrictions on the provision of stablecoins across the EU, including Germany. Stablecoin issuers cannot process more than one million transactions per day and their combined value should not go over €200 million. Another MiCA provision requires stablecoins to be backed by liquid reserves with a ratio of 1:1.
Stablecoins that do not meet the new requirements must be delisted from crypto exchanges and other trading platforms. Major players in the German market like Binance and Kraken have already started to restrict the purchases of non-compliant stablecoins on their EU domains. The full set of restrictions will come into effect in late December 2024, possibly putting an end to stablecoin trading in Europe.
- Restrictions on Crypto Copy TradingCopy trading, a hugely popular service in Europe, is also under fire due to MiCA. The service enables retail customers to replicate the trades and strategies of experienced investors, a process that usually occurs automatically. Ahead of MiCA, Binance discontinued its copy trading products in the EU, prompting customers to close their copied positions before the end of June 2024.
Who Regulates Crypto Trading in Germany
Crypto trading in Germany falls under the regulatory scope of the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). Overseen by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the watchdog regulates over 4,200 banks, financial services providers, and insurance companies across Germany. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main and Bonn, BaFin is responsible for preserving the integrity of the local financial markets, protecting consumers, and ensuring market participants comply with local and EU regulations.
BaFin also issues licenses to approved cryptocurrency brokers and exchanges operating in the country. The watchdog maintains a register containing all financial companies authorized in the country. German traders can verify the regulatory status of their chosen broker or exchange by searching the BaFin database. It is worth mentioning the register also contains crypto trading platforms operating in Germany with licenses granted by other EU regulators. BaFin licenses are valid through the European Union and the European Economic Area.
Common Costs Associated with Crypto Trading in Germany
German traders should acquaint themselves with all additional fees they may anticipate when speculating or investing in the cryptocurrency markets. BaFin-licensed brokers usually waive their commissions on crypto CFDs and add small markups to market spreads to generate profits. Spreads reflect the difference between the bid and ask prices quoted by the brokers. The wider they are, the more costly it is to trade with a given broker.
Customers holding their crypto CFD trades overnight can anticipate rollover charges on their long positions. Overnight funding fees are subject to change over time and vary significantly, depending on which cryptocurrencies you trade. Brokers charge them to cover the costs associated with maintaining leveraged positions funded with borrowed capital overnight.
Some brokers deduct small amounts from the balances available in dormant accounts to cover their maintenance costs. Inactivity fees are typically charged monthly when traders fail to log into their trading accounts for extended periods ranging from 3 to 24 months. Depending on where they trade, German customers may also incur additional fees when withdrawing via wire transfers or bank cards.
Crypto exchanges commonly charge maker and taker fees, using a tier-based structure where the extra charges decrease proportionately to one’s weekly or monthly trading volume. Crypto orders filled immediately incur taker fees, while maker fees apply when orders are not processed right away. Taker fees are higher to compensate for the fact that orders filling immediately decrease market liquidity. Last but not least, German traders can anticipate network fees for blockchain transactions but these charges vary based on a blockchain’s congestion.
Are Profits from Crypto Trading Taxed in Germany
Cryptocurrency traders from Germany are liable for taxation under the German Income Tax Act. Residents who hold digital coins for less than one year and sell them for €600 or less are exempt from paying taxes. Income from crypto mining, staking, or forging is liable for income taxes provided it exceeds €256 per year.
Germany has adopted a progressive income tax system, with tax rates increasing proportionately to residents’ annual earnings. As you can see in the table below, tax rates reach up to 45% for earnings of €277,826 or more for single taxpayers. The exemptions mentioned above incentivize many German traders to hold onto their digital coins for extended periods.
| Income Tax Brackets and Tax Rates in Germany for 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Annual Income (Single Taxpayers) | Annual Income (Married Taxpayers) | Income Tax Rates |
| From €0 to €11,604 | From €0 to €23,208 | 0% |
| From €11,605 to €66,760 | From €23,209 to €133,520 | From 14% to 42% |
| From €66,761 to €277,825 | From €133,521 to €555,650 | 42% |
| €277,826 or more | €555,651 or more | 45% |
How to Pick Quality Crypto Brokers for Germany
When on the lookout for reliable German-friendly brokers, licensing and registration are the first thing you should check. We recommend German traders pick brokers and exchanges authorized by the local financial regulator BaFin, although EU-licensed trading platforms uphold high security standards in general. If unsure about the regulatory status of their chosen broker or exchange, Germans can easily look it up in the official BaFin database.
Trading costs are another important aspect that should govern your selection of German-friendly trading platforms. Check and compare the spreads, commissions, and maker/taker fees of multiple exchanges and brokers to identify the platforms with the lowest charges. The user interface is equally important and should be intuitive enough to accommodate traders at all experience levels.
Novice crypto traders should have access to adequate educational resources to advance their knowledge of the cryptocurrency markets. The range of tradable coins and instruments is also worth considering, especially for traders planning on portfolio diversification.
Large exchanges like Bitpanda, Binance, and Kraken typically offer hundreds of digital coins tradable on the spot or through derivative instruments like futures and options. Brokers, on the other hand, should offer a healthy selection of major and minor cryptocurrency crosses.
Germany Crypto Brokers Q&A
It depends on whether you classify as a retail or professional trader. BaFin and EU-licensed brokers offer retail traders low leverage of 1:2 to prevent them from suffering crippling losses. By comparison, professional traders enjoy higher leverage ratios of 1:10 or 1:20 as they have more experience and deeper knowledge of the cryptocurrency markets.
Yes, local and EU legislation requires brokers to offer negative balance protection to safeguard customers from incurring debt and suffering crippling financial losses. Keep in mind this tool is available only to retail traders. Professional traders do not qualify for negative balance protection as they should be knowledgeable enough to fend for themselves.
The best crypto brokers and exchanges cater to German customers with familiar solutions like Klarna, Sofort, Giropay, and Eps, processing deposits with them at no extra cost. We should warn you that these methods are often unavailable for withdrawals. You should consider an alternative way to cash out.
BaFin and EU-regulated crypto CFD brokers must contribute to investor compensation funds to ensure clients get their money back in the event of insolvency or financial problems. Each retail customer is entitled to a maximum compensation of up to €20,000. Professional traders are ineligible for investor compensation.
Yes, as per BaFin and EU regulatory requirements. All licensed brokers must store their customers’ funds and holdings in segregated accounts at approved tier-1 financial institutions like Deutsche Bank. The measure aims to prevent malpractices like businesses using client money to cover their operating expenses.