Summary: Cryptocurrency exchanges in Greece are renowned for their compliance with the rigorous regulations established by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). These platforms ensure maximum security and dependability for Greek investors by adhering to strict regulatory frameworks and undergoing comprehensive assessments by independent financial organizations.
Based on our evaluation, we have determined the top 5 digital asset exchanges in Greece, distinguished by their simple interfaces, diverse investment options, fees, EUR deposit methods, and Greek customer support options.
- Regulated with tier-1 regulators across Europe and trusted by over 30 million users.
- Buy, sell and trade over 3,000 Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, ETFs, Commodities and Indices.
- Fast EUR deposits from Greek banks through 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 Greece
To determine the leading cryptocurrency trading platforms suitable for Greek investors, we've developed a ranking system that evaluates various aspects, including available services and features, fee structures, supported crypto assets, security measures, Euro deposit methods, and local customer service. We applied this method to a wide range of trading platforms in Europe, which has resulted in a detailed list of the top five digital asset exchanges in Greece.
1. eToro
eToro is the best overall exchange in Greece primarily due to its feature-rich platform that can be used in Greek. It offers a user-friendly interface, diverse asset trading options, and robust security measures. Particularly appealing to Greek investors is its seamless integration with the Euro, enabling easy and efficient transactions. Additionally, eToro's unique social trading features, where users can follow and replicate the strategies of experienced traders make it a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive trading experience. It also provides a demo account that allows users to make paper trades up to $100,000 with zero risk of real capital.
- Minimum Deposit: €50 for first time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 4,500+ Cryptocurrency, Stocks, ETFs & Commodities.
- Regulation: Regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
- 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. Binance
Binance is the best option for beginners, thanks to its intuitive design and extensive educational resources. It simplifies the crypto trading process, making it accessible even to those with little to no experience in the field. Its user interface is clean and straightforward while providing step-by-step guides and tutorials to assist new traders in navigating the complexities of trading. Moreover, Binance's lower fee structure compared to other platforms makes it an attractive option for those starting out, with multiple free deposit options and spot trading fees of 0.1%. Besides trading, it offers staking services, lending and borrowing, a crypto card and more.
- Minimum Deposit: €20 for first-time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 350+ Cryptocurrency.
- Regulation: Not registered in Greece.
- Fees: Costs include a 0.1% fee for spot markets and 0.02% for maker orders, and 0.06% fee for taker orders on futures markets. Deposit and withdrawal fees vary depending on the method.
3. Bybit
Bybit earns its rank as the best futures trading exchange in Greece due to its advanced trading features, multiple order types, and high liquidity. It caters to more experienced traders seeking sophisticated trading options, including perpetual contracts and futures with up to 25x leverage. Its robust platform architecture minimizes downtime, a key consideration for traders engaging in high-stakes derivatives markets. The exchange also provides a simplified investing feature for beginners, with thousands of tokens available to buy, sell, trade, stake, lend and borrow. Bybit regularly updates its reserves to prove all users assets are backed up 1:1.
- Minimum Deposit: €20 for first-time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 1020+ Cryptocurrency.
- Regulation: Registered in Greece.
- 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 Euros are completely free of charge.
4. Kraken
Kraken's strong commitment to asset transparency places it as the top choice in Greece for this category. The platform is known for its rigorous security standards and transparent auditing practices, providing traders with a high level of trust in their transactions. Kraken's detailed reporting and open communication regarding asset liquidity and internal controls make it a preferred choice for traders who prioritize transparency and security. It regularly undergoes third-party audits, providing transparent 1:1 proof of reserves, giving users peace of mind that their assets are secured.
- Minimum Deposit: €50 for first time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 200+ Cryptocurrency.
- Regulation: Regulated by the FCA.
- Fees: Costs include a 0.26% fee for spot trading, and the maker/taker rebate is 0.02%/0.05%.
5. KuCoin
KuCoin distinguishes itself as the best altcoin trading platform in Greece, offering a vast selection of cryptocurrencies beyond the mainstream options. Its strength lies in providing access to a wide range of less popular altcoins, catering to traders looking to diversify their portfolios with emerging tokens. Additionally, KuCoin’s advanced trading features, combined with competitive fees, make it an ideal platform for those looking to explore and invest in the broader spectrum of digital assets. Aside from trading, it supports staking, crypto loans, copy trading services, an NFT marketplace, multiple trading options and more.
- Minimum Deposit: €10 for first-time deposit.
- Supported Assets: 700+ Cryptocurrency.
- Regulation: Registered in Greece.
- Fees: Costs include a 0.1% fee for spot trading. Deposits and withdrawals vary depending on the payment method.
Is Cryptocurrency Regulated in Greece?
Cryptocurrency is a relatively novel and swiftly progressing finance sector, and its regulation in Greece is intricate and multi-faceted. The primary regulatory authority overseeing crypto in the country is the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). The HCMC has adopted a proactive stance towards regulating cryptocurrency, with the objective of fostering the industry's growth while safeguarding Greek investors. To achieve this, the HCMC has issued a variety of guidelines and regulations that are applicable to cryptocurrency exchanges, including those related to Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing, in alignment with the European Union's 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD).
How to Buy Bitcoin in Greece
For Greek residents eager to dive into the cryptocurrency realm, eToro stands as a highly recommended platform. This exchange facilitates easy EUR deposits via multiple channels, including bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Skrill, adapting well to the local banking environment. It opens the door to a variety of asset classes, encompassing digital currencies like Bitcoin and extending to other investment avenues such as stocks, ETFs, and commodities.
Here's a straightforward guide to begin:
- Create Account: Register on eToro and follow the steps to verify your account.
- Deposit Euros: Navigate to 'Deposit Funds' and add money to your account.
- Find Bitcoin: Utilize the search feature to find Bitcoin, then click on the 'Trade' button.
- Buy BTC: Specify the amount you wish to invest and click 'Open Trade' to finalize your purchase.
Greek Tax Requirements
In Greece, cryptocurrency taxation falls under the purview of the Greek Public Revenue Authority (AADE) and varies depending on whether it's held by an individual or a business. Private individuals who own cryptocurrencies as personal assets are subject to declaring their value for tax purposes, with the potential for wealth tax implications. Unlike in some countries, capital gains from such holdings may be taxable.
Business entities and self-employed individuals in Greece treat cryptocurrencies as business assets. Consequently, income and wealth taxes are applicable. Capital gains and earnings through activities like mining, staking, or lending are considered business income and are subject to taxation. Additionally, Value Added Tax (VAT) may be applicable to certain cryptocurrency transactions.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Greece's cryptocurrency landscape is marked by its adherence to stringent regulatory frameworks set by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, ensuring a secure and reliable environment for investors. The top five digital asset exchanges in Greece, eToro, Binance, Bybit, Kraken, and KuCoin, each stand out for their distinct offerings, catering to a diverse range of investor needs and preferences.
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.
