Summary
Cryptocurrency is legal in France, with robust regulations in place. Popular payment methods include bank transfers and credit cards. The euro (EUR) is widely supported on major exchanges. The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) oversees crypto regulations. France has implemented clear tax laws for cryptocurrency transactions. Here are our recommended best crypto exchanges in France:
Best Crypto Exchanges in France
This article examines the top crypto exchanges available to French users, focusing on platforms that offer seamless trading experiences with the euro (EUR). We’ll analyze key factors such as supported cryptocurrencies, fee structures, deposit methods, and compliance with local regulations.
For French users, bank transfers and credit card payments are the most common and efficient methods for funding accounts. These options provide a balance of convenience and security when trading cryptocurrencies.
1. Bitget
Users:
23m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus
$6,200
Cryptos:
840+
Leverage:
125x
Spot Fees:
0.1%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.06%
Pros
- Over 800 cryptos
- Fair trading fees
- Great for EUR SEPA transfers
- 24/7 customer support
- Very beginner friendly
Cons
- Not available in the US
- No TWAP order supported
- Mandatory KYC for new accounts
Overview
Bitget is a true powerhouse for crypto traders from over 100 supported countries. What makes Bitget special is its beginner-friendly trading platform, which has over 800 supported cryptocurrencies. With so many supported cryptocurrencies, if you are looking to trade altcoins, Bitget might be one of your best shots.
With fiat support for 6 currencies, including EUR and RUB, Bitget is a top choice, especially for European users looking to deposit and withdraw funds in their native currency with ease. The 0% fee for SEPA transactions makes Bitget stand out. Credit card payments are also supported.
Experienced crypto traders can trade futures contracts on Bitget with 125x leverage on selected assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
The spot trading fees start at 0.1% for makers and takers, which is very common in the industry. For futures traders seeking leverage for their day trading activities, Bitget charges very low fees of 0.02% maker and 0.06% taker.
2. MEXC
Users:
15m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus
$20,000
Cryptos:
2400+
Leverage:
300x
Spot Fees:
0.05%
Futures Fees:
0.01%/0.04%
Pros
- Lowest Trading Fees
- 2000+ supported crypto assets
- 300x leverage and deep liquidity
- 24/7 customer support
- Best for altcoin and leverage trading
Cons
- Not available in the US
- Newly launched coins pose high risk
- May request KYC in the future
Overview
MEXC is known as the crypto exchange with the lowest fees. What makes MEXC stand out is its 0% maker fee offer, meaning you can trade without any fees. However, the spot and futures taker fees start at 0.02%. No crypto exchange can compete with the MEXC fee structure.
If you are a day trader seeking high leverage, MEXC may be one of your best options. With 300x leverage over 400 futures contracts and by far the lowest fees, MEXC is truly a day trading heaven.
Even if you are not interested in leverage trading, MEXC has you covered with over 2000 supported cryptocurrencies on the spot market. While MEXC offers tons of new altcoins, we recommend being cautious as the legitimacy of newly listed projects may be questionable.
All in all, MEXC is arguably the best option for high-frequency traders seeking low fees to get the best value for money.
3. Binance
Users:
200m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus:
$100
Cryptos:
400+
Leverage:
125x
Spot Fees:
0.1%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.05%
Pros
- Most comprehensive crypto exchange
- Most advanced features and products
- 24/7 customer support
- 400+ cryptocurrencies
- Reputable with over 200 million users
- Best liquidity
Cons
- Not beginner friendly
- Restricted in many regions due to regulations
- EU traders must use BNFCR for futures trading
Overview
Reaching over 200 million registered users in 2024, Binance is by far the largest crypto exchange in the world. The platform is incredibly comprehensive, offering crypto traders all the tools they need to make a profit in the crypto market.
With over 400 cryptocurrencies to trade, leverage of up to 125x, directly integrated charts from TradingView with tons of technical analysis tools, and many more features, Binance has secured its spot as one of the best crypto exchanges.
Binance offers a wide variety of products, including spot, margin, futures, and options trading, staking, lending, P2P, automated bot trading, copy trading, and even an NFT marketplace. It is safe to say that crypto geeks will find everything they are looking for on Binance.
The trading fees on Binance are very affordable. Binance charges 0.1% trading fees on the spot market (makers and takers alike), which is the industry standard. Where Binance excels is the futures market with fees of only 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers.
4. Coinbase
Users:
100m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus:
$10
Cryptos:
250+
Leverage:
5x
Spot Fees:
0.4%/0.6%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.05%
Pros
- Most beginner-friendly exchange
- Fully regulated and licensed
- Great customer support
- Reputable with over 100 million users
- Comprehensive fiat deposit methods
- Great wallet for on-chain access
Cons
- Lacks advanced features
- Very high spot trading fees
- Poor liquidity
Coinbase Overview
Coinbase is one of the largest and most well-known cryptocurrency exchanges for buying cryptos.The platform currently has a user community of over 100 million users worldwide. What makes Coinbase special is its user-friendly interface. The platform is designed to be easy to use, making it accessible for beginners. Coinbase offers a clean and intuitive interface for buying, selling, and managing cryptocurrencies.
Crypto traders have access to over 250 cryptos for active trading. One downside of Coinbase is the fee structure. When you place an order at the market price that gets filled immediately, you are considered a taker and will pay a fee of 0.60%, which is very expensive.
Another thing about Coinbase is that it offers a wide range of crypto services. These include wallets, NFT, crypto staking, Coinbase cards, and many more to help improve the overall trading experience on the platform. One of our favorite features is the Coinbase wallet.
It is suitable for beginners but also offers advanced trading tools including real-time charts, technical indicators, and many more for advanced traders.
5. Uphold
Users:
3m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus:
None
Cryptos:
200+
Leverage:
Not Supported
Spot Fees:
1.4%
Futures Fees:
Not Supported
Pros
- Beginner-friendly exchange
- Fully regulated and licensed in the US
- Great customer support
- Comprehensive fiat deposit methods
- Passive income products
Cons
- Lacks advanced features
- Very high spot trading fees
- Poor liquidity
- No futures trading offered
Uphold Overview
Uphold is a versatile crypto trading platform that allows users to trade a wide range of assets, including cryptocurrencies, precious metals, fiat currencies, and U.S. equities. The platform provides access to over 250 digital currencies and allows users to trade in fiat currencies and precious metals.
What makes Uphold special is its Cross-Asset Trading feature. Users can trade directly between different asset classes (e.g., BTC to gold) without first converting to a fiat currency.
Trading fees vary depending on the type of asset that you are trading. However, Upholding fees are very high compared to industry standards.
Users have access to crypto staking, generating yields of up to 13% of your initial asset deposit.
Additionally, Uphold offers a trading interface appealing to beginners who want to buy and hold crypto assets. It doesn’t provide advanced trading tools and isn’t suitable for day trading, making it less ideal for experienced traders.
Is Crypto Legal and Regulated in France?
Cryptocurrency is legal in France, with the government taking a proactive approach to regulation. The primary regulatory body overseeing crypto activities is the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), which works in conjunction with the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR).
In 2019, France implemented the PACTE law (Plan d’Action pour la Croissance et la Transformation des Entreprises), which established a comprehensive framework for crypto assets. This legislation introduced two key regulatory statuses:
- Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs): Entities offering crypto-related services must register with the AMF.
- Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs): Issuers can apply for an optional visa from the AMF for their token sales.
France has also adopted the EU’s 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD5), requiring crypto exchanges and custodial wallet providers to implement strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. These measures aim to prevent illicit activities while fostering innovation in the crypto sector.
Is Crypto Taxable in France?
Yes, cryptocurrency is taxable in France. The French tax authorities have established clear guidelines for the taxation of crypto assets. As of 2024, the following tax rules apply:
- Capital Gains Tax: Profits from selling cryptocurrencies are subject to a flat tax rate of 30% (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions) for occasional traders.
- Professional Trading: For individuals engaged in frequent trading, profits may be taxed as business income at progressive rates up to 45%, plus social contributions.
- Mining Income: Cryptocurrency obtained through mining is taxed as non-commercial profits (BNC) or industrial and commercial profits (BIC), depending on the scale of the operation.
It’s important to note that France employs a “first in, first out” (FIFO) method for calculating gains or losses on cryptocurrency transactions. Taxpayers must report their crypto holdings and transactions on their annual tax returns.
Disclaimer:
Tax laws are subject to change, and individual circumstances may vary. It is strongly advised to consult with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for personalized guidance on cryptocurrency taxation in France.
How to Buy Crypto in France
Purchasing cryptocurrency in France has become increasingly accessible. We recommend using Bitget for its user-friendly interface, competitive fees, and compliance with French regulations. Whether you’re interested in buying Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other popular cryptocurrencies, follow these steps to get started:
- Select a Crypto Exchange: Choose a platform that allows euro (EUR) deposits and withdrawals, provides a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies, and adheres to French KYC and AML regulations.
- Sign Up and Verify Identity: Create an account on the selected exchange and complete the verification process by submitting the necessary documentation.
- Deposit Funds: Fund your account with euros using popular payment options in France, such as SEPA transfers, credit cards, or bank transfers.
- Select Cryptocurrency: Choose the digital asset you wish to buy. Popular choices include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and stablecoins like Tether (USDT) or USD Coin (USDC).
- Execute Trade: Place a market or limit order to acquire your selected cryptocurrency at the current market price or at a designated price.
- Store Funds Securely: After making a purchase, consider transferring your crypto assets to a personal wallet for increased security.
Keep in mind to consider trading fees and withdrawal charges when assessing your investment. Additionally, stay updated on market trends and be aware of the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments.
Best Crypto Wallets in France
Selecting a secure wallet is crucial for safeguarding your cryptocurrency holdings. French users have access to various wallet options, each catering to different needs and security preferences. Here are some top choices:
- Ledger: A French company known for its hardware wallets, Ledger offers top-tier security for long-term storage. The Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus are popular choices among French crypto enthusiasts.
- Trezor: Another reputable hardware wallet option, Trezor provides robust security features and supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
- MetaMask: A browser extension wallet ideal for interacting with decentralized applications (dApps) and managing Ethereum-based tokens.
- Trust Wallet: A mobile wallet supporting multiple blockchains, offering a user-friendly interface for managing various cryptocurrencies.
- Exodus: A desktop and mobile wallet known for its intuitive design and built-in exchange feature, supporting a diverse range of assets.
When choosing a wallet, consider factors such as security features, supported cryptocurrencies, ease of use, and compatibility with French exchanges. For substantial holdings, hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor offer enhanced security. Mobile or desktop wallets may be more convenient for frequent trading or smaller amounts.
Bottom Line
For French crypto enthusiasts seeking the best crypto exchanges in France, Bitget and MEXC stand out as top choices. Bitget offers a user-friendly platform with competitive fees and robust security measures, ideal for both newcomers and experienced traders. MEXC provides access to a vast selection of cryptocurrencies and advanced trading features, catering to more diverse trading needs. Both exchanges comply with French regulations, ensuring a secure and compliant trading environment for users in France.
