Best Crypto Exchanges in the Netherlands

Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in the Netherlands

Our team has evaluated 23 crypto platforms in the Netherlands to identify the best choices for Dutch traders. This assessment considered factors such as regulatory compliance with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), user experience, fee structures, supported cryptocurrencies, Euro deposit methods and additional features. Below is a comparison table highlighting the top 5 exchanges in the Netherlands:

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1. Kraken

Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange that serves millions of users globally, including a significant user base in the Netherlands. Over 200 digital assets can be traded on spot and futures markets, with up to 5x leverage on select contracts. However, due to local laws, Dutch investors cannot deposit or trade BODEN, NOS, TNSR, TREMP, WEN, and ZEUS. The platform handles a staggering $200 billion in quarterly trading volume across both order books.

It is committed to transparency and regularly undergoes external audits to prove that users' funds are held on a 1:1 basis and are always accessible. One of its standout features is the staking service, which allows users to earn annual yields as high as 28% (APY) on 30 different digital currencies. Kraken Pro caters to advanced traders and institutional investors with competitive spreads, extensive liquidity, an OTC desk, and high deposit limits.

• Fees: Maker fees are 0.01%, taker fees are 0.02% for futures, and spot trading is 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: Over 200 spot markets and 100 futures contracts.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) (Registration No. R194010).
• EUR Deposit Options: SEPA transfer, debit card, credit card, and bank wire.

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2. eToro

eToro is a multi-asset trading platform providing access to over 4,500 financial assets to its diverse user base of 30 million worldwide. It was founded in 2007 and has become one of the largest exchanges in Europe with offices all over the continent. There are diverse features offered, including copy trading services, a demo account, an OTC desk, staking options and support for multiple sporting team tokens.

The platform is committed to stringent regulatory compliance, holds multiple licences in Europe, and is registered with the DNB. Its offerings include major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, prominent crypto stocks such as Coinbase and Microstrategy, and innovative ETFs, including the Blackrock Bitcoin ETF (IBIT). This allows Dutch investors to diversify and manage their portfolios in one place.

• Fees: eToro uses a variable spread fee model, generally around 1%.
• Supported Assets: More than 4,500 cryptocurrencies, commodities, ETFs and stocks.
• Regulation & Licensing: eToro (Europe) Ltd is listed in De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) public register as a crypto service provider.
• EUR Deposit Options: SEPA, iDEAL, bank transfers, Sofort, and debit or credit cards.

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3. Bybit

Bybit is a popular derivatives trading platform serving 30 million users across the Netherlands and 160 other nations. As a global exchange, it provides a Dutch interface and has live customer support in the language. It offers a wide range of over 1,100 digital assets to trade on spot, futures and options markets with leverage options up to 100x available, allowing users to take higher risk and potentially earn high rewards.

Additional features on the platform include over 200 staking options, lending and borrowing services, copy trading, a practice account, trading bots, a crypto card, TradeGPT and a rewards hub. Aside from crypto, it also gives users access to NFTs through its in-built marketplace that supports all popular projects like BAYC and Milady’s. It is also one of the only exchanges that regularly publishes its reserves to show all assets are backed on a 1:1 basis.

• Fees: Maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.055% for futures and 0.1% for spot trading.
• Supported Assets: 1,100 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Supervised by the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB).
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers, and Wise.

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4. Gate.io

Gate.io is a cryptocurrency exchange that supports the most diverse selection of tokens in the Netherlands, particularly favored by enthusiasts of altcoins and meme coins. It offers an impressive selection of over 1,700 assets and is celebrated for rapidly listing new coins, including being the first to offer PEPE, WIF, BODEN and HOBBES. Known for competitive trading fees starting at just 0.1% for spot trades, it caters to a diverse trading community.

Boasting a robust 24-hour trading volume that exceeds $5 billion and a global user base of more than 14 million, Gate.io provides a popular and trusted investment environment. The platform also attracts Dutch traders with innovative features like automated trading bots, a crypto debit card, staking services, and crypto loans, which allow users to lend and borrow digital currencies.

• Fees: 0.1% for maker orders and 0.2% for taker orders.
• Supported Assets: Over 1,700 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Operates offshore in the Seychelles, and while not directly licensed in the Netherlands, it remains accessible to Dutch traders.
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, debit and credit cards.

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5. Bitvavo

Bitvavo is based in Amsterdam and was established in 2018. Since its inception, it has grown to service over 1.5 million registered users and has amassed an impressive $10 billion in monthly trading volume. The platform offers an expansive selection of over 275 digital currencies, including major names like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Lido, Celestia, Aptos and Cardano.

It sets itself apart with a rigorous focus on security and compliance. It manages assets in excess of $250 million, demonstrating its substantial capacity. Registered with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), Bitvavo adheres to stringent industry compliance standards, enhancing user trust with an account guarantee that covers up to €100,000 against unauthorized access.

• Fees: Bitvavo offers competitive transaction fees, ranging from 0.03% to 0.25%.
• Supported Assets: 275+ digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Bitvavo is registered with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), meeting stringent AMLD5 and GDPR compliance requirements.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers and debit or credit cards.

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Is Crypto Regulated in the Netherlands?

Cryptocurrency regulation in the Netherlands is overseen by a combination of national bodies and EU-wide regulations. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) supervise activities related to digital assets. These agencies ensure exchanges comply with local financial laws to protect consumers and maintain financial stability. However, the regulatory landscape is still evolving, with ongoing adjustments to integrate digital currencies into the traditional financial system.

The present regulatory framework, including the Financial Supervision Act (FSA) and the Dutch AML Act, doesn't specifically cater to cryptocurrencies. However, this will change with the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), effective from the middle of 2024. MiCAR will introduce comprehensive regulations at the EU level, mandating specific standards for crypto service providers and aiming to protect consumers against digital asset risks.

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How is Crypto Taxed in the Netherlands?

The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration mandates that private individuals report capital gains from cryptocurrencies on their income tax returns. The valuation is based on the exchange rate as of January 1st of the relevant tax year. In cases where no specific exchange rate guidelines exist, individuals typically use rates from their most-used platform, including for cryptocurrencies stored in offline wallets.

For tax classification, incomes are categorized into three "Boxes." Cryptocurrencies usually fall under Box 3, which taxes income from assets. However, active trading or mining could shift taxation to Box 1, dealing with income from other activities. Box 1 taxes actual gains at higher rates, up to 49.5%, whereas Box 3 taxes a notional return at 31%. Corporations must include capital gains from digital assets in their profit and loss accounts for corporate tax, with varying tax rates depending on the income bracket.

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Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Netherlands offers a robust environment for cryptocurrency trading, backed by strict regulatory oversight from the AFM and DNB. The top exchanges, including Kraken, eToro, Bybit, Gate.io, and Bitvavo, provide diverse options catering to both beginners and advanced Dutch investors. As regulatory frameworks and tax policies continue to evolve, staying informed will be essential for anyone participating in the crypto market.