Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Norway

Choosing a reliable exchange is important for Norwegian investors looking to trade digital assets. The ideal platform should support NOK transactions, maintain competitive fees, provide a simple user interface and comply with Norway’s tax and financial regulations. Below is a comparison table of the 5 best crypto exchanges in Norway.

1. Kraken

Kraken is the most secure crypto exchange available to Norwegians. The platform supports spot, margin, and futures trading, offering access to over 340 digital assets. It is known for its institutional-grade liquidity and OTC desk, which provide customized settlement solutions for large trades.

It enforces strict security measures, including regular proof-of-reserve audits, two-factor authentication (2FA), and encrypted cold storage for digital assets. The exchange also supports staking services, allowing Norwegian users to earn up to 16% APY on 30 cryptocurrencies. 

For advanced traders, Kraken Pro provides deep liquidity, low fees, and powerful charting tools. The platform also offers API integrations, advanced order types, and access to over 100 futures contracts with up to 5x leverage. Its user-friendly mobile app ensures seamless trading across all devices.

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16%, and taker fees are 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: Over 340 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the EU.
• Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, SEPA, IBAN, PayPal, credit/debit card, and SWIFT.

2. Coinbase

‍Coinbase is a highly regulated crypto exchange that is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ. This status ensures rigorous oversight, making it ideal for users prioritizing transparency. It supports over 250 cryptocurrencies for spot and futures trading with up to 50x leverage.

Security is at the core of Coinbase’s operations, with features like insurance protection, biometric authentication, cold storage for customer funds, external proof-of-reserve audits and 2FA. The exchange is compliant with all Norwegian and broader European financial regulations.

The platform offers various services, including staking rewards, allowing users to earn passive income on their holdings. The Coinbase Wallet provides a non-custodial option for those who want full control over their private keys. Additionally, the Coinbase Card enables users to spend crypto directly.

• Fees: Standard trades have a spread of over 1%. Coinbase Advanced starts at 0.2% taker and 0.1% maker fees.
• Supported Assets: 250+ cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Publicly traded and licensed across Europe, including Norway.
• Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, IBAN, SEPA, Apple Pay, credit and debit cards.

3. NBX (Norwegian Block Exchange)

Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX) is based in Oslo and is Norway’s leading homegrown cryptocurrency exchange. It supports direct NOK deposits and withdrawals and provides access to 30 trading pairs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, and USDC.

The exchange is registered with the Finanstilsynet and follows strict local and EU compliance measures. Additionally, NBX customers can earn Bitcoin cashback through the NBX Visa credit card, making it a unique option for crypto rewards on everyday purchases.

NBX caters to all types of investors, from beginners using the quick buy/sell feature to advanced traders utilizing in-depth charting tools and an intuitive trading interface. The exchange also supports OTC trading for large transactions and institutional-grade custody solutions.

• Fees: Trading fees start at 0.7% with 1% spreads.
• Supported Assets: 30+ cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by Finanstilsynet (Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway).
• Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, SEPA, credit/debit cards and Apple Pay.

4. Uphold

‍Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform that allows users to invest in cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and currencies. With a one-step trading system, the exchange makes it easy to swap between over 300 digital assets, 27 fiat currencies and 4 commodities, without needing multiple transactions. 

The platform takes transparency seriously, with live proof-of-reserve updates every 30 seconds, meaning funds are backed up 1:1. Uphold does not lend out customer assets, providing users full access to their assets at all times. It is also SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS certified.

Users can also access high-yield interest accounts, earning up to 4.9% APY on USD balances. There are also staking services offering up to 25% APY on 30 tokens. Additional features include automated recurring purchases for dollar-cost averaging and a Vault feature for extra security.

• Fees: 1% trading fee plus a 1% spread.
• Supported Assets: 300+ cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, 4 precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the Republic of Lithuania and the FCA, available in Norway.
• Deposit Methods: SEPA, bank transfer, credit/debit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay.

5. Gate.io

‍Gate.io is one of the largest altcoin exchanges in the world, offering over 3,600 digital assets, including stablecoins, memcoins, and DeFi projects. The platform provides spot trading, margin trading, perpetual contracts, copy trading, and liquidity mining, making it ideal for experienced traders. 

With a daily trading volume exceeding $23 billion, it ensures deep liquidity across all markets. The platform is known for its futures trading, allowing users to trade with up to 100x leverage. It also offers staking, where investors can earn rewards with Simple Earn and Liquidity Mining programs. 

Gate.io’s VIP tier system reduces trading fees based on volume, making it attractive for high-frequency traders. The platform also features Gate Pay, a crypto payment solution for seamless transactions. While it is not currently registered with Finanstilsynet, it remains a top choice.

• Fees: Maker and taker fees start at 0.2%, with discounts for VIP traders.
• Supported Assets: Over 3,600 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Not registered with Finanstilsynet but available in the country.
• Deposit Methods: Credit or debit cards.

Is Crypto Regulated in Norway?

Norway has established a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrency that aligns closely with European Union standards. The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Finanstilsynet) oversees crypto exchanges and service providers and ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and financial regulations. 

The country is also preparing to implement the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, a comprehensive EU framework that will introduce stricter compliance standards for crypto service providers. Norway’s Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing MiCA to assess whether additional measures are necessary to address financial stability risks.

Meanwhile, Norges Bank, Norway’s central bank, is evaluating the potential for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to enhance cross-border payments and financial security. In 2023, it participated in Project Icebreaker, a trial exploring international CBDC transactions.

How Is Crypto Taxed in Norway?

In Norway, cryptocurrencies are classified as taxable assets, meaning all income from digital assets, including trading, staking, and mining, must be reported to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). 

Cryptocurrency gains are subject to capital income tax at a flat rate of 22%, with no exemptions or special rules that apply to fiat currencies, shares, or bonds. Additionally, digital assets are factored into Norway’s net wealth tax, calculated based on the market value of holdings as of January 1st of the following tax year.

Every sale, exchange, or conversion of cryptocurrency is considered a taxable event, meaning that even swapping one digital asset for another triggers capital gains tax. Investors can deduct transaction costs, such as exchange fees and blockchain gas fees, from their taxable gains. 

Cryptocurrency Adoption in Norway

Norway’s cryptocurrency market is experiencing significant growth, with the sector projected to generate $199.7 million in revenue by the end of the year.

The number of users is expected to reach 2.85 million by mid-2025, translating to a 51.3% user penetration rate, highlighting the increasing mainstream adoption of digital assets.

Norwegian investors have access to both local and international crypto exchanges. Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX) is a homegrown platform catering to domestic traders, while global exchanges such as Binance, Kraken, and Coinbase continue to serve local users.

How to Buy Bitcoin in Norway

For individuals in Norway looking to purchase Bitcoin, choosing a regulated exchange that complies with Norwegian financial laws is essential. Follow this step-by-step guide to securely buy BTC:

1. Select Exchange: Find a cryptocurrency exchange registered with the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Finanstilsynet) that complies with MiCA regulations.
2. Complete Identity Verification (KYC): Users must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. This involves creating an account, submitting identification documents (such as a passport or BankID), and confirming your personal details.
3. Deposit Funds in NOK: After verification, navigate to the deposit section and select Norwegian Krone (NOK) as your preferred currency. Many exchanges support bank transfers via Vipps, SEPA, or international wire transfers.
4. Buy Bitcoin: Once your deposit is confirmed, head to the trading section and search for BTC/NOK or BTC/USDT pairs. Enter the amount of Bitcoin you wish to purchase and complete the transaction.

Transfer your Bitcoin to a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) or a trusted software wallet for long-term security. Holding assets in a private wallet adds an extra layer of protection against exchange hacks.

Final Thoughts

Norwegian investors should prioritize security, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency when choosing a crypto exchange. Kraken and Coinbase offer strong oversight, NBX provides local advantages, and Uphold and Gate.io serve traders seeking broader asset exposure.

With tightening regulations and stricter tax policies, using a compliant platform with NOK support ensures a smoother experience. For long-term security, self-custody through a hardware wallet remains the safest option.