Summary: France's top crypto exchanges earn their reputation through stringent licensing and monitoring by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). Adhering to rigorous regulations and being subject to in-depth evaluations by independent financial authorities, these platforms prioritize the utmost safety and security for investors in France.
Following a detailed analysis of the leading crypto investment platforms available to French investors, we've handpicked the top 5 exchanges, each offering comprehensive platforms, a wide range of trading options, secure and regulated environments, and attractive pricing structures.
- Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) registered broker with over 30 million users.
- Buy, sell and trade over 4,500 Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, ETFs and more.
- Fast and low-fee EUR deposits via Bank Transfer, SEPA, Credit Card and more.
Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
Best Crypto Exchanges in France
Our team undertook a detailed examination to find the leading cryptocurrency investment platforms catering to French users. This analysis only considers platforms that adhere to the financial regulatory standards set by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). We meticulously evaluated each one's interface for simplicity and depth, fee schedules, range of features and diversity of cryptocurrencies offered. After this comprehensive assessment, we determined the best five digital currency exchanges in France.
1. eToro
eToro is France's leading trading platform, holding a coveted Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) registration from the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). This distinction not only highlights its commitment to a secure trading environment but also cements its global reputation for a diverse offering of over 4,500 assets, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and ETFs, on an intuitively designed platform. With its unique CopyTrader system, it fosters a vibrant community, allowing its 30 million global users to connect, share insights, and emulate top-performing investors' strategies. The platform can also be used entirely in French and provides live customer support in the language.
- Minimum Deposit: 50 EUR for first-time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 4,500+ Cryptocurrency, Stocks and ETFs.
- Regulation: Registered with the AMF.
- Fees: Costs include 1% for buying or selling a cryptocurrency, conversion fees for EUR to USD, as all trades are made in US Dollars, and a $5 withdrawal fee to bank accounts. There are no monthly or maintenance charges on the exchange.
2. Bybit
Bybit specializes in cryptocurrency derivatives trading and gives users the advantage of trading with up to 25x leverage on futures contracts. What truly sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to user security and transparency. The platform ensures that funds are securely backed on a 1:1 basis, providing users with peace of mind that their assets are secure and accessible at anytime. Furthermore, it offers 24/7 French-speaking customer support, catering to the needs of the local clientele. With a vast product suite that includes over 1100 assets and various trading tools, combined with its emphasis on reliability, Bybit solidifies its position as the leading futures trading platform in the country.
- Minimum Deposit: 10 EUR for first-time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 1100+ Cryptocurrency.
- Regulation: Registered in France.
- Fees: Costs include a 0.1% fee for spot trading, 0.01% fee for maker orders, and 0.06% for taker orders on futures markets. Deposits and withdrawals in EUR are completely free of charge.
3. Bitpanda
Bitpanda is a distinguished multi-asset platform headquartered in Austria, catering to European investors, including those in France. Since its establishment in 2014, it has flourished as an accessible gateway for diverse investment avenues, ranging from cryptocurrencies to commodities, stocks, traditional currencies, indices, ETFs, and more. The platform's appeal lies in its intuitive interface, competitive fees, an extensive range of EUR payment options, and robust mobile app available for iOS and Android. With over 4 million satisfied users and an exemplary Trustpilot rating, Bitpanda has solidified its position as a reliable and trusted choice for investors in France.
- Minimum Deposit: 50 EUR for first-time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 250+ Cryptocurrency & 3,000+ Stocks, ETFs & Commodities.
- Regulation: Regulated by the AMF.
- Fees: Costs include a 1.5% fee for spot trading, deposits vary depending on the method, and weekly storage fees apply, varying from 0.0125% - 0.025%.
4. OKX
OKX, established in 2017 and headquartered in Hong Kong, has swiftly risen as a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, catering to a vast global audience spanning over 180 countries, including France. It stands out for its diverse trading offerings including Convert, Spot, Futures, Options, and Margin trading, with the added advantage of up to 100x leverage. With a formidable user base of over 20 million worldwide, the platform is particularly favoured by enthusiasts keen on derivatives trading and the dynamic world of DeFi. OKX impresses with its multilingual support, including French. The platform facilitates trading on an impressive array of over 350 cryptocurrencies and supports staking for over 200 tokens.
- Minimum Deposit: 100 EUR for first-time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 400+ Cryptocurrency.
- Regulation: Registered in France.
- Fees: Costs include a 0.3% fee for spot trading, 0.02% fee for maker orders, and 0.05% for taker orders on futures markets. Deposits and withdrawals in EUR vary depending on the payment method.
5. Bitstamp
Bitstamp stands tall with its legacy that dates back to 2011, making it one of the pioneering platforms in the crypto sphere. Based in Europe, it offers a vast array of assets, from cryptocurrencies to traditional investment instruments, all underpinned by a user-centric interface suitable for beginners and seasoned traders alike. What sets Bitstamp apart is its institutional-grade security measures, with 95% of assets securely stored offline and top-notch data encryption practices. For institutional investors seeking a reliable and seasoned platform, Bitstamp emerges as a top choice. The platform's expansion plans into the UK and USA further signify its ambition and commitment to serving a global client base.
- Minimum Deposit: 50 EUR for first-time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 250+ Cryptocurrency.
- Regulation: Registered in France.
- Fees: Costs include a 1.5% fee for trading. Deposits and withdrawals in EUR vary between 0.5% - 3% depending on the payment method.
Is Cryptocurrency Regulated in France?
Yes, cryptocurrency operations fall under the regulatory purview of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), the nation's chief financial market authority. Cryptocurrency exchanges in France must secure a license from the AMF, adhering to stringent regulations designed to protect investor interests. Its role includes overseeing the crypto market, aiming to balance the development of the sector while safeguarding French investors.
All platforms mentioned in our list are fully compliant and authorized to serve French clients. Beyond initial licensing, exchanges must satisfy various conditions, encompassing anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, transparent financial reporting, and more. To guarantee sustained adherence to these standards, the AMF periodically reviews and audits these platforms.
How to Buy Bitcoin in France
For those in France keen on delving into the cryptocurrency world, eToro is the prime selection. This platform supports EUR deposits through various methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and more, smoothly integrating with France's financial systems. eToro provides access to an extensive range of assets, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, and commodities.
Here's an easy guide to start trading Bitcoin in France:
- Register an Account: Create your account on eToro and go through the required identity verification steps.
- Deposit Euros: Head to the 'Deposit Funds' area and transfer funds to your account using your chosen method.
- Find Bitcoin: Use eToro's search tool to find Bitcoin and click on the 'Trade' button.
- Invest in Bitcoin: Enter the amount you desire to invest in Bitcoin and press 'Open Trade' to finalize your acquisition.
.webp)
French Tax Requirements
In France, the French Tax Authority (Direction Générale des Finances Publiques) establishes specific tax directives for cryptocurrencies, creating clear guidelines for both individuals and businesses. French residents possessing digital currencies are obliged to report their value for tax purposes, influencing their capital gains tax responsibilities. Unlike some nations, France deems capital gains from digital assets as subject to taxation.
For French businesses and those who are self-employed, cryptocurrencies are regarded as business assets. As a result, both income and capital gains taxes are relevant. Revenues generated from activities like mining, staking, or lending cryptocurrencies are classified as business income and are taxed according to the respective tax brackets. Moreover, Value Added Tax (VAT) may be applicable to certain cryptocurrency transactions, consistent with the general VAT rules in France.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, our analysis presents a curated list of the top five cryptocurrency exchanges in France, each adhering to the stringent standards set by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). These platforms, eToro, Bybit, Bitpanda, OKX, and Bitstamp, stand out not only for their compliance with regulatory requirements but also for their unique features, diverse asset offerings, and commitment to user security and convenience.
Co-Founder & former Investment Banker (Finance MBA) turned Full-Time analyst and Head of Research at Buy Bitcoin Bank. Left traditional finance to pursue my interest in digital assets and decentralized finance.
