Best Crypto Exchanges in Germany

Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Germany

We conducted a detailed review of the 21 cryptocurrency exchanges available in Germany that adhere to the regulations set by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). Our evaluation considered fee transparency, the supported cryptocurrencies, features and services and the EUR deposit methods. Below is a comparison table featuring the top 5 platforms serving the German market.

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1. Bitpanda

Bitpanda is the best choice for crypto traders in Germany. Not only does it offer 250 digital currencies, but users can also invest in over 4000 stocks, metals, and ETFs. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to diversify and manage their portfolio from one single interface. The platform regularly undergoes external audits conducted by KPMG to prove that assets are backed 1:1.

Based in Berlin, it was the first exchange to be accredited by BaFin. It supports east Euro deposits from German banks through Sofort and Klarna. A distinctive feature of Bitpanda is its staking services that offer up to 26% APY. Beyond its crypto trading and staking services, it provides a crypto debit card, a launchpad feature called Bitpanda Spotlight and an OTC desk.

• Fees: Spot trading fee of 0.2% for crypto and other assets vary between 0.5% - 2.5%.
• Supported Assets: Over 4,000 cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, fiat currencies, and precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).‍
• EUR Deposit Options: Bank transfer, iDEAL, debit cards, credit cards, Sofort, Klarna and SEPA.

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2. Kraken

Kraken is the top exchange for institutions and serious traders, offering a wide variety of 280 cryptocurrencies with deep liquidity across both spot and futures markets. Its Kraken Pro platform is designed for those who need high-level tools, including margin trading, advanced charting and derivatives trading with up to 5x leverage.

It recently received approval to offer services to German investors as of July 2024, operating under DLT Finance. The platform records impressive quarterly trading volumes of over $207 billion and adheres strictly to BaFin regulations. Traders benefit from personal account management and OTC trading services. As a global exchange, the interface can be used in German.

• Fees: Maker fees are 0.01%, with taker fees at 0.02%.
• Supported Assets: Includes 280 spot trading pairs and over 100 options for margin trading. 
• Regulation & Licensing: Fully compliant with the BaFin.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, SWIFT, bank transfers and credit or debit cards.

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3. KuCoin

KuCoin is ideal for German users looking to earn passive income through high staking rewards. It supports several staking options, such as Savings and KCS Staking, with competitive returns  of 180% APY on hundreds of digital currencies. The exchange offers an extensive selection of over 700 coins for spot, futures, and margin trading with up to 100x leverage supported.

The exchange features innovative services like its trading bot for automated strategies and KuCoin Earn, which allows users to earn interest through staking, borrowing or lending services. Operating under the regulations of Seychelles, KuCoin has over 30 million users in 160 countries, it can be used in 20 languages, including German.

• Fees: 0.26% maker fee and a 0.56% taker fee. Spot trading also carries a standard fee of 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: Over 700 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: While headquartered in Seychelles, KuCoin adheres to the financial regulations necessary for operating within Germany.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and card payments.

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4. OKX

OKX is a top pick for those looking to dive into decentralized finance (DeFi). The platform offers easy access to DeFi apps and protocols, liquidity mining, and on-chain staking, all directly through a clean interface. On top of that, it supports a broad selection of 350 cryptocurrencies to trade across spot and derivatives markets with 50x leverage.

In addition to trading, OKX offers access to its own blockchain, OKT Chain, which is powered by its native token, OKB Coin. It also supports an in-built decentralized crypto wallet, OKX Wallet, allowing users to explore DApps without leaving the platform. Appealing features include robust API support, deep liquidity, NFT marketplace, DEX, and Web3 compatibility.

• Fees: 0.1% maker fee and a 0.2% taker fee. 
• Supported Assets: More than 350 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Headquartered in Seychelles, OKX aligns with German financial regulations.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers and credit or debit cards.

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5. Bitcoin.de

Bitcoin.de is Germany's oldest and most trusted crypto exchange, specializing in Bitcoin trading. With its unique partnership with Fidor Bank, Bitcoin.de is the only German exchange integrated with a fully regulated bank. This ensures advanced security and easy transactions directly in Euros. The platform primarily focuses on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash.

The peer-to-peer (P2P) model offers real-time trading, and the exchange's deep liquidity ensures that large trades can be completed quickly. Its main challenges include an older user interface and a relatively small selection of just 8 cryptocurrencies. These aspects might limit its appeal to users who prefer modern interfaces and a broader range of digital assets for trading.

• Fees: A flat trading fee of 0.5%, with no charges for deposits or withdrawals.
• Supported Assets: 8 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Complies with BaFin and MiFID regulations.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfer and SEPA.
  

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Is Crypto Regulated in Germany?

Yes, crypto is heavily regulated in Germany, and the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) oversees the industry. Unlike some countries that are still figuring out how to handle crypto, Germany treats digital currencies as financial instruments. Any business dealing with crypto, whether it's trading, custody, or management, needs to get a license from BaFin.

Blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) are becoming a regular part of the financial landscape in Germany, with everything from decentralized finance (DeFi) to tokenized assets gaining traction. Even though cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin aren’t considered legal tender, you can still use them as payment in certain places, just don’t expect everyone to accept them by law.

Germany is also part of the broader European effort to regulate crypto, thanks to the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), and has passed its own laws like the German Electronic Securities Act (eWpG). BaFin is serious about protecting consumers and keeping the financial system stable, ensuring companies follow AML laws and have solid cybersecurity measures to prevent hacks. 

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How is Crypto Taxed in Germany?

In Germany, cryptocurrencies are considered private assets, and their taxation falls under the general framework for capital gains. The Federal Central Tax Office (BTST) oversees the taxation of crypto-related activities. While digital currencies like Bitcoin are not treated as legal tender, they must be declared for tax purposes if certain conditions are met.

For individuals, if you hold crypto for over a year, any profits you make when selling them are tax-free. However, if you sell within a year of purchase and your profits exceed €600, those gains will be subject to capital gains tax. Additionally, if digital currencies are used to purchase goods or services, there may be Value-Added Tax (VAT) implications.

Crypto holders in Germany must declare the value of their assets in their annual tax returns. With over 16% of the population now owning cryptocurrency, it remains a key part of Germany’s evolving financial landscape

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How to Buy Bitcoin in Germany

For those new to cryptocurrency in Germany, buying Bitcoin is a simple process using trusted exchanges that support Euro (EUR) deposits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Create an Account: Select a reputable cryptocurrency exchange that accepts Euro (EUR) deposits. Sign up for an account and go through the verification process, which typically involves submitting a valid photo ID and proof of address.
2. Deposit Euros (EUR): After setting up your account, head to the deposit section, choose Euro as your currency, and enter the amount you want to deposit. Most exchanges offer options for bank transfers or credit/debit card payments.
3. Select Bitcoin: Navigate to the trading area and look for Bitcoin (BTC). You’ll see the current market rate for the EUR/BTC pair. Based on your trading strategy, choose the type of order you’d like to place (market or limit).
4. Execute the Trade: When you're ready, click 'buy' to purchase Bitcoin. Double-check the details, including the price and any associated fees, before confirming the transaction.

This straightforward process will allow you to start investing in Bitcoin securely within Germany’s regulated crypto landscape.

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Bottom Line

In conclusion, Germany has a secure setup for crypto trading, with BaFin making sure everything runs smoothly and by the book. Whether you're just starting out or a pro trader, exchanges like Bitpanda, Kraken, KuCoin, OKX, and Bitcoin.de offer a range of features to suit different needs, whether it’s staking rewards or advanced tools for institutions.