Can I Buy Tether (USDT) in Europe?

After the full rollout of the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation, Tether (USDT) does not meet stablecoin compliance requirements in the European Economic Area. 

Most regulated Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) such as Coinbase and Bitpanda have removed USDT trading pairs and now back USDC as the regulated choice. You can still hold & transfer USDT, but purchases through compliant European exchanges are no longer available.

Investors who want USDT need to use offshore platforms or Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) that sit outside MiCA’s stablecoin rules.

How to Buy USDT in Europe

With most MiCA-regulated exchanges prioritising USDC, European investors need offshore platforms that still list Tether. These platforms are not authorised under MiCA and carry higher regulatory and counterparty risks, which users should assess before funding an account. 

BingX is the most accessible option for now, providing direct EUR to USDT conversion and support for SEPA Instant, cards, and digital wallets such as Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Here is a step-by-step guide to buying USDT on BingX:

1. Create a BingX Account: Open the BingX website or app, register, and complete identity verification to enable fiat deposits.
2. Deposit EUR: In the Buy Crypto or Deposit section, add funds through SEPA or SEPA Instant for lower fees and quick settlement. Cards, Google Pay and Apple Pay are also available for faster purchases.
3. Select USDT: Choose EUR as the funding currency and Tether (USDT) as the asset you want to receive.
4. Confirm the Trade: Enter the amount, check the rate and fees, then approve the swap. The USDT appears in your wallet shortly after.

EUR to USDT Trading Fees

Understanding costs is key when converting Euros to USDT. Many Europeans choose BingX because its pricing stays transparent and generally cheaper than local platforms that now focus on USDC.

Deposits

• SEPA & SEPA Instant: No deposit fees, making bank transfers the most cost efficient funding method.
• Credit or debit cards: Third party processors or banks may charge up to 3%. Faster, but usually pricier than SEPA.

Withdrawals

• Bank transfer (EUR): EUR withdrawals carry a small fixed handling charge, allowing you to retain most of your balance when cashing out.
• Crypto withdrawals: USDT withdrawals include the standard blockchain fee, which varies by network (TRC 20 vs ERC 20). BingX does not add extra surcharges.

Trading

• EUR/USDT maker fees: Start around 0.1%, with lower tiers available through VIP programs or promotions.
• EUR/USDT taker fees: Also near 0.1%, often cheaper than the spreads hidden by many fee free brokers.

Compared with regional brokers or regulated apps that can exceed 1.5% per trade plus wide spreads, BingX remains a more cost effective route for Europeans buying USDT.

Best Alternative USDT Exchanges in Europe

BingX is the most direct route to buy USDT, but European users can still access Tether through other offshore platforms operating outside MiCA’s rules. Exchanges like Bitget and KuCoin continue to list USDT trading pairs and wallet support for EEA users.

The comparison below highlights EUR funding options, fees and core features to help you choose an alternative.

Regulatory Status of USDT in Europe 

Buying, holding, and transferring Tether (USDT) remains entirely legal for individual investors across the European Economic Area (EEA). The restrictions introduced by the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation target the issuers of stablecoins and the exchanges (VASPs) that list them, rather than prohibiting personal ownership.

However, USDT does not currently meet the strict criteria set by MiCA for "Electronic Money Tokens" (EMTs). To be compliant, stablecoin issuers must:

• Be authorized: They must be a licensed credit institution or Electronic Money Institution (EMI) within the EU.
• Guarantee redemption: Users must have a statutory claim to redeem the token at par value at any time.
• Ensure transparent reserves: Issuers must maintain segregated reserves protected from insolvency and subject to independent audits.

Tether has not applied for authorization under MiCA, viewing the requirements as incompatible with its current model. Investors in Europe who want USDT now use offshore exchanges or decentralized finance platforms to trade it.

Tax Treatment of Stablecoins in Europe

MiCA standardizes regulation for issuance and trading, but tax policy remains national. There is no unified EU crypto tax. The key change is DAC8: from 2026, crypto service providers must report user transactions to local tax authorities, ending the ability to keep holdings unreported.

Stablecoins such as USDT are generally treated as digital assets, not currency. This usually triggers Capital Gains Tax when disposing of the asset, including converting USDT to euros or, in some countries, swapping it for another crypto.

• Germany: Gains are tax-free if the asset is held longer than one year.
• France: A flat tax of 30% applies when converting gains to fiat; crypto to crypto trades are usually deferred.
• Italy: A 26% substitute tax applies to annual capital gains over 2,000 euros.

Investors must report conversions accurately, as the automated data sharing under DAC8 will likely expose discrepancies in historic reporting.

Final Thoughts

Europe remains a challenging market for buying USDT, but you still have workable options if you assess the risks and costs upfront. Offshore exchanges like BingX provide direct EUR routes, while MiCA regulated platforms lean toward USDC.

Before funding an account, confirm deposit methods, trading fees, and withdrawal costs so you know your real exposure.