Best Crypto Exchanges in Switzerland

Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Switzerland

Our expert team has reviewed all of the cryptocurrency exchanges available in Switzerland to identify the top five options for local investors. This review considered several key factors, including compliance with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), Swiss Franc (CHF) deposit options, platform features, user interface, supported cryptocurrencies, and fee structures. Here is a comprehensive comparison of the 5 best platforms for Swiss traders.

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1. Kraken

Kraken is the top exchange in Switzerland, thanks to its high-security standards, comprehensive range of cryptocurrencies, and advanced trading tools. It supports over 250 tokens to trade across spot and futures markets with up to 5x leverage supported on 100 derivatives contracts. The platform's user-friendly interface and quick sign up process ensures a smooth trading experience.

There is also a dedicated interface for institutions called Kraken Pro, which offers competitive advantages such as tight spreads, high liquidity, a personalized account manager and generous deposit limits. Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat and email, providing assistance in multiple languages, including German and French, making it perfect for Swiss traders.

• Fees: Maker fees at 0.01% and taker fees at 0.02%.
• Supported Assets: Over 250 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Complies with tier-1 European financial regulators and available in Switzerland.‍
• CHF Deposit Methods: SIC transfers, SEPA transfer, SWIFT, bank transfers and credit or debit cards.

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2. eToro

eToro is a leading multi-asset trading platform in Switzerland, offering a vast selection of over 4,500 financial assets. Users can trade top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, along with stocks, commodities, and ETFs, all in one place. It is designed for a seamless user experience, featuring easy CHF deposits and simple sign-up process with fast verification. 

The platform also provides copy trading services, allowing users to automatically mimic the trades of successful investors and share strategies with other users. eToro serves over 30 million registered users across 160 countries and provides a multilingual interface that can be used in English, German, French and Italian, and has live customer support in all four languages.

• Fees: Variable spread fee structure of around 1% typically.
• Supported Assets: Over 4,500 assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered with the AMF, CySEC, OAM and other tier-1 regulators in Europe.‍
• CHF Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards and SEPA.

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3. Bitpanda

Bitpanda is a beginner-friendly exchange in Switzerland, known for its simplicity and ease of use. The platform supports a wide range of more than 3,000 digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other financial instruments like stocks, precious metals, indices, ETFs and more. It offers a seamless onboarding process, making it ideal for new investors. 

As a European exchange based in Vienna, it can be used in French, Italian and German. Users can easily deposit CHF through various methods, and the intuitive interface ensures a simple trading experience. Additionally, it provides a savings plan feature, lending and borrowing services, staking options, a crypto card, an OTC desk and more. 

• Fees: Trading fees are 0.2% and spreads are 1%
• Supported Assets: Over 3,000 cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, indices, and precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) and BaFin in Germany.‍
• CHF Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, debit cards and credit cards.

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4. Bybit

Bybit is one of the largest exchanges in the world, serving over 30 million users across 160 other countries. It is a top choice for derivatives traders in Switzerland, offering an advanced trading platform with a focus on futures and perpetual contracts that offers up to 100x leverage. The platform supports over 1,200 cryptocurrencies to trade on spot, futures and options markets. 

It is known for its high leverage options and sophisticated trading tools, catering to professional traders. The exchange also provides a secure and transparent investment environment, with robust security measures and regularly updated proof-of-reserves that shows all assets are backed on a 1:1 basis. Bybit’s interface can also be used in English, German, Italian and French.

• ‍Fees: Maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.055% for futures. Spot trading starts at 0.1%.‍
• Supported Assets: Offers an extensive portfolio of more than 1,000 digital currencies.‍
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the CySEC and available in Switzerland.‍
• CHF Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, SEPA, Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards, and debit cards.

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5. SwissBorg

SwissBorg is the most popular Swiss cryptocurrency exchange, offering a secure platform for trading 93 digital assets, including Bitcoin and SwissBorg's own CHSB token. The platform features a Smart Engine for optimized trading and a wealth management app that provides detailed analytics and investment strategies. It manages $894 million across over 745K verified accounts. 

Customer support is available in multiple languages, including German, Italian and French. There are staking services offering up to 12% APY and a Launchpad for emerging crypto projects, offering diverse investment opportunities. SwissBorg's thematic investments and the SwissBorg Earn program offer varied investment options, while the BORG token allows community participation in the ecosystem.

• Fees: Trading fee is 1.5%.
• Supported Assets: 93 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Adheres to French AMF and Estonia FIU regulations.‍
• CHF Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, SEPA, SWIFT, credit cards and debit cards.

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Is Crypto Regulated in Switzerland?

Yes, cryptocurrencies in Switzerland are regulated and treated as an asset class. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) oversees the sector, requiring exchanges and crypto-related businesses to obtain operational licenses. This framework ensures legal compliance and financial security within Switzerland's growing crypto industry.

Switzerland's progressive legislation, particularly the Swiss DLT Act implemented in August 2021, provides clear legal guidelines for blockchain technologies and crypto assets. This act safeguards investor interests and enhances legal certainty for digital assets.

As a result, Switzerland has become a leading hub for crypto innovation, with Zug's Crypto Valley attracting numerous blockchain businesses and major crypto projects. The country’s regulatory policies balance growth and innovation in the blockchain sector while maintaining robust legal and financial standards.

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How is Crypto Taxed in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, cryptocurrency taxation falls under the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA). Digital currencies are classified as property, and their year-end value is subject to wealth tax. For private individuals, capital gains from selling or trading cryptocurrencies are usually tax-exempt.

However, Switzerland's tax system is decentralized, meaning the specifics can vary significantly across different cantons. This means your cantonal jurisdiction can impact how your cryptocurrencies are taxed. To navigate these complexities, it's wise for individuals and businesses to consult with tax professionals for advice tailored to their specific situations.

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How to Buy Bitcoin in Switzerland

If you’re new to cryptocurrency investment, it’s essential to understand the process of buying tokens like Bitcoin through a digital asset exchange. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how the purchasing process on crypto investment platforms in Switzerland operate:

1. Open an Account: Begin by creating an account on your chosen exchange. Visit the exchange’s website and click on "Sign Up." Complete the identification process, which typically involves uploading a photo ID (such as a passport or driver's license) and possibly a selfie or proof of address.
2. Deposit Swiss Franc (CHF): Navigate to the deposit section of your account. Select CHF as your deposit currency and enter the amount you wish to transfer. Confirm the deposit and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.
3. Select Cryptocurrency: To buy Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, go to the trading section. Enter the cryptocurrency name or symbol in the search box, such as BTC for Bitcoin. Choose the CHF/BTC pair to see the current market rate. Review the trading options available, including market and limit orders.
4. Execute Trade: Click the 'buy' or 'trade' button to purchase your selected cryptocurrency. Enter the amount of Bitcoin (or another cryptocurrency) you want to buy, or specify the amount of CHF you want to spend. Check the order details, including the price, fees, and total cost. Confirm the trade by clicking the 'buy' or 'confirm' button.

This step-by-step guide provides Swiss users with a clear overview of how to start trading digital assets, from setting up an account to executing trades.

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Bottom Line

In conclusion, Switzerland is a prime location for cryptocurrency trading due to its strong regulatory framework. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) enforces strict compliance, ensuring legal and financial security. Leading exchanges like Kraken, eToro, Bitpanda, Bybit, and SwissBorg offer diverse features for all types of traders, from beginners to professionals.