How to Buy Bitcoin & Crypto with DEGIRO

How to Buy Bitcoin & Crypto with DEGIRO

Summary: DEGIRO does not support direct crypto trading but lets investors gain exposure through crypto-linked ETFs and ETNs like the VanEck Bitcoin ETN. Trading fees are low, with a €2 commission, €1 handling fee, and a 0.25% FX conversion rate. 

Investors who want real Bitcoin or Ethereum ownership should use a regulated exchange such as Kraken, which supports fast EUR deposits and secure custody.

Can I Buy Bitcoin with DEGIRO?

No, DEGIRO does not support direct trading or custody of cryptocurrencies, so you cannot buy or hold assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum through its platform.

Instead, investors can access crypto exposure through exchange-traded products such as VanEck Bitcoin ETN (DE000A28M8D0), WisdomTree Physical Bitcoin (GB00BJYDH287) and 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (CH0454664001).

These ETNs trade like regular shares, offering price exposure without requiring a crypto wallet. For direct ownership, investors must use a regulated crypto exchange in Europe.

DEGIRO Crypto ETF & ETN Fees

DEGIRO offers competitive pricing for investors trading crypto-linked ETFs and ETNs. The platform uses a simple, transparent fee model with no hidden charges.

DEGIRO Crypto Product Costs:

  • Commission: €2 per trade.
  • Handling Fee: €1 per transaction.
  • FX Conversion Fee: 0.25% for trades in other currencies (Auto FX).
  • Spread Costs: Typically around 1%, depending on market conditions.
  • Exchange Connectivity Fee: €2.50 per year per foreign exchange used.

There are no custody, withdrawal, or inactivity fees, making DEGIRO a low-cost choice for indirect crypto exposure through exchange-traded products.

DEGIRO Crypto ETF & ETN Fees

Best Alternative to DEGIRO for Buying Crypto

The best alternative to DEGIRO for European investors seeking real crypto ownership and staking rewards is to use a regulated exchange.

Kraken is a MiCA-licensed exchange in Europe, trusted by over 20 million investors worldwide. It offers access to more than 460 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL), along with staking options for passive income.

How to get started on Kraken:

  1. Create an Account: Sign up on Kraken’s official website and complete identity verification.
  2. Deposit Funds: Add EUR or other supported currencies through SEPA bank transfer or card payment.
  3. Select Your Asset: Choose from hundreds of cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, and SOL.
  4. Buy Crypto: Enter the purchase amount, confirm the trade, and keep your assets secure in your Kraken wallet.
Best Alternative to DEGIRO for Buying Crypto

Best Alternative Exchanges for DEGIRO Users

If you use DEGIRO for crypto ETFs and ETNs but want direct market access or alternatives to Kraken, several regulated exchanges offer strong options for European investors.

  • Binance: One of the world’s largest exchanges, listing over 400 cryptocurrencies with trading fees around 0.1%. It offers deep liquidity, advanced charting tools, and institutional-grade security.
  • OKX: Supports 300+ digital assets with transparent fees from 0.08% to 0.1%. Known for its professional trading interface, strong compliance standards, and reliable mobile app.
  • Coinbase: A MiCA-registered exchange with over 250 supported assets. Coinbase charges roughly 1.49% per trade and is ideal for beginners who value simplicity, security, and easy euro deposits.
Best Alternative Exchanges for DEGIRO Users

Risks of Using DEGIRO for Crypto Exposure

Investing in crypto-linked ETFs and ETNs through DEGIRO carries distinct risks that differ from holding digital assets directly.

  • Issuer Dependency: These products rely on third-party issuers such as VanEck, WisdomTree, or 21Shares. If an issuer faces financial distress, investors could lose some or all of their investment, regardless of Bitcoin’s market price.
  • Tracking Differences: ETNs may not perfectly follow spot crypto prices. Factors like issuer fees, market spreads, or currency conversion can cause deviations in performance.
  • Limited Market Access: DEGIRO users cannot transfer or withdraw crypto, which means they miss out on on-chain opportunities such as staking, DeFi participation, or self-custody.
  • Volatility Risk: Crypto markets remain highly unstable, and even regulated exchange-traded products can experience sharp value swings in short periods.
  • Regulatory Shifts: European crypto regulation continues to evolve under MiCA. Future changes could affect how these products are listed or traded across EU exchanges.

About DEGIRO

DEGIRO is a Netherlands-based online broker with over 3 million European clients. It offers access to more than 50 global markets for trading stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, and futures at low cost. The platform is regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and Germany’s BaFin. 

DEGIRO is recognised for transparent fees, strong investor protection, and a broad selection of regulated products, including ETFs and notes tied to technology, commodities, and crypto sectors.

About DEGIRO

Final Thoughts

DEGIRO gives investors a regulated, low-cost path to crypto exposure through ETFs and ETNs but not direct ownership. 

For those seeking real Bitcoin or Ethereum access, regulated exchanges like Kraken and Binance provide a safer, more flexible way to buy, hold, and stake assets. 

Understanding the difference between indirect and direct exposure helps investors choose the approach that best fits their risk tolerance and investment goals.

Written by 

Antony Bianco

Head of Research

Antony Bianco, co-founder of Datawallet, is a DeFi expert and active member of the Ethereum community who assist in zero-knowledge proof research for layer 2's. With a Master’s in Computer Science, he has made significant contributions to the crypto ecosystem, working with various DAOs on-chain.