Summary
Cryptocurrency is legal in the Netherlands, regulated by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). Popular payment methods include iDEAL and SEPA transfers. The Euro (EUR) is widely supported. Key regulatory bodies include the DNB and the Netherlands Authority for Financial Markets (AFM). The country enforces strict KYC and AML policies for crypto exchanges. Our recommended best crypto exchanges in the Netherlands are:
Best Crypto Exchanges in the Netherlands
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the top crypto exchanges available to Dutch residents. We focus on platforms that offer support for the Euro (EUR) and popular local payment methods such as iDEAL and SEPA transfers. These factors are crucial for Dutch users seeking efficient and cost-effective ways to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.
1. Bybit
Users:
40m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus
$30,000
Cryptos:
600+
Leverage:
100x
Spot Fees:
0.1%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.055%
Pros
- Low fees
- 600+ supported crypto assets
- 100x leverage and deep liquidity
- Advanced order types and additional features
- Great 24/7 customer support
- Automated copy trading
Cons
- Regulatory uncertainty in Europe and USA
- May be confusing for beginners
- Cryptocurrency investments carry high risks
Overview
Bybit stands out as one of the most advanced crypto exchanges with deep liquidity and low fees. Bybit users can trade Spot, Futures, Options, NFTs, and even Inscriptions. Additionally, Bybit offers copy trading and bot trading to automate your income streams. Bybit copy trading is one of the best in the crypto industry.
Where Bybit excels is its derivatives platform with 320+ perpetual futures contracts and up to 100x leverage. With advanced order types such as TWAP or Iceberg orders, Bybit caters to experienced traders seeking the best options.
On the spot market, Bybit supports over 500 cryptos and up to 10x margin, making Bybit a versatile crypto exchange.
With low fees of 0.1% maker and 0.1% taker for spot trading and 0.02% maker and 0.055% taker for futures trading, Bybit has highly competitive fees. To top it all off, Bybit offers fee discounts based on your 30-day trading volume. The more you trade, the more you save.
2. Bitvavo
Users:
7m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus:
$10
Cryptos:
200+
Leverage:
Not Supported
Spot Fees:
0.15%/0.25%
Futures Fees:
Not Supported
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly exchange
- Fully regulated and licensed in EU
- Great customer support
- Best EUR € fiat deposit methods
- Passive income products
Cons
- Only available in Europe
- Relatively high spot trading fees
- Lacks advanced features
Bitvavo Overview
Bitvavo is a European crypto exchange allowing users to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and many others.
Users have access to over 190 cryptocurrencies for active trading. The exchange primarily focuses on spot trading, hence it does not support futures, NFTs, or derivative trading options.
Trading fees are as low as 0.15% for makers and 0.25% for takers on the spot market. You can also reduce your trading fees to as low as 0.03% for makers and 0.04% for takers based on your 30-day trading volume.
With access to up to 15% Annual Percentage Yield (API), Bitvavo offers a comprehensive way to earn more passive income on the platform through crypto staking.
Bitvavo is a versatile platform, catering to the needs of both beginners and experienced traders. The platform provides advanced trading tools including multiple order types to help advanced traders execute their trading strategies. However, futures trading is not supported.
3. MEXC
Users:
15m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus
$20,000
Cryptos:
2400+
Leverage:
200x
Spot Fees:
0.02%
Futures Fees:
0%/0.02%
Pros
- Lowest Trading Fees
- 2000+ supported crypto assets
- 200x 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 200x 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.
4. BloFin
Users:
2m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus:
$5,000
Cryptos:
400+
Leverage:
150x
Spot Fees:
0.1%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.06%
Pros
- Excellent for trading
- Very beginner friendly
- No KYC required
- 24/7 customer support
- Up to 150x leverage and deep liquidity
Cons
- Not good for passive income products
- Relatively new spot feature
Overview
Founded in 2019, Blofin is a no-KYC exchange where users can trade perpetual futures. With a recently added spot trading feature, as well as Copy trading for customers to enjoy, Blofin has earned a spot as a top contender in the crypto industry.
Blofin users can access 300+ trading pairs with leverage of up to 150x on the futures market. The exchange has a daily trading volume of $12.6 billion for futures trading, making Blofin one of the most active derivatives exchanges. The platform has integrated a user-friendly trading interface for both beginners and expert traders to navigate.
Blofin trading fees are set according to industry standards. For spot trading, a fee of 0.1% is incurred for both maker and taker, while for futures, the maker and taker fee is 0.02% and 0.06%.
What we love about Blofin is its generous VIP fee schedule, which allows traders to reduce their fees based on their 30-day trading volume.
5. 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.
Is Crypto Legal and Regulated in the Netherlands?
Cryptocurrency is legal in the Netherlands, but it operates under a regulated framework. The primary regulatory body overseeing crypto activities is De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), the Dutch central bank. Since May 2020, crypto service providers must register with the DNB to operate legally within the country.
The Netherlands implemented the European Union’s 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD5) in May 2020, which brought crypto assets under regulatory oversight. This legislation requires crypto exchanges and custodial wallet providers to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
Additionally, the Netherlands Authority for Financial Markets (AFM) plays a role in regulating certain aspects of crypto activities, particularly those related to financial products or services involving cryptocurrencies. The AFM has issued warnings about the risks associated with crypto investments and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).
While cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in the Netherlands, they are treated as property for tax purposes. The Dutch government maintains a generally positive stance towards blockchain technology and its potential applications, fostering innovation while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability.
Is Crypto Taxable in the Netherlands?
Cryptocurrency is indeed taxable in the Netherlands, and the tax treatment depends on how the crypto assets are used and the nature of the taxpayer’s activities. The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) provides guidelines for crypto taxation.
For individuals, crypto assets are generally taxed under Box 3 of the Dutch income tax system, which covers savings and investments. As of 2021, the tax rate for Box 3 is 31% on a deemed return on investment, which varies based on the total value of assets. For crypto holdings below €50,000, the deemed return is 1.898%, resulting in an effective tax rate of about 0.59%.
Frequent trading or mining activities may be considered business income and taxed under Box 1, with progressive rates ranging from 37.10% to 49.50% as of 2021. Corporate entities engaged in crypto activities are subject to corporate income tax, with rates of 15% on the first €245,000 of taxable profit and 25% on the excess (2021 rates).
It’s important to note that the tax landscape for cryptocurrencies is evolving, and specific circumstances can significantly impact tax obligations.
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 the Netherlands.
How to Buy Crypto in the Netherlands
Purchasing cryptocurrency in the Netherlands is a straightforward process, thanks to the country’s well-developed financial infrastructure and crypto-friendly environment. For Dutch residents, we recommend using Bybit as our top choice for buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Bybit offers a user-friendly interface, competitive fees, and supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy cryptocurrencies in the Netherlands:
- Select a Crypto Exchange: Select a trustworthy exchange that allows EUR deposits and withdrawals. Make sure the platform adheres to Dutch regulations and supports your preferred payment methods. Review the exchange’s KYC requirements, as identity verification is necessary for trading.
- Sign Up and Verify Your Identity: Set up an account on your selected exchange. You’ll need to provide personal details and verify your identity by submitting documents like a passport or national ID card and proof of residence. This step is required under AML regulations in the Netherlands.
- Deposit Funds: Once your account is confirmed, add Euros to your exchange wallet.
- Select the Cryptocurrency: Decide on the cryptocurrency you wish to purchase. Popular choices include:
- Bitcoin (BTC): The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization
- Ethereum (ETH): The second-largest crypto, known for its smart contract capabilities.
- Execute the Trade: Specify the quantity of crypto you want to buy or the amount of EUR you wish to spend. Check the transaction details, including any applicable fees, and confirm the purchase.
- Store Your Funds: After buying, you can keep your cryptocurrency in the exchange wallet or transfer it to a personal wallet for enhanced security. For long-term storage or larger amounts, consider using a hardware wallet.
Be sure to maintain records of all your cryptocurrency transactions for tax reporting, as the Dutch tax authorities require the declaration of crypto assets and income.
Best Crypto Wallets in the Netherlands
Selecting the right cryptocurrency wallet is crucial for securely storing and managing your digital assets in the Netherlands. Here are some top wallet options for Dutch users:
- Hardware Wallets:
- Ledger Nano X or S: Highly secure hardware wallets that support a wide range of cryptocurrencies. They offer cold storage solutions, keeping your private keys offline.
- Trezor Model T or One: Another reputable hardware wallet brand, known for its security features and user-friendly interface.
- Mobile Wallets:
- Trust Wallet: A versatile mobile wallet that supports multiple cryptocurrencies and DeFi applications. It’s user-friendly and suitable for beginners.
- Exodus: Available on both mobile and desktop, Exodus offers a sleek interface and supports a large number of cryptocurrencies.
- Desktop Wallets:
- Web Wallets:
- MetaMask: A browser extension wallet primarily used for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens. It’s essential for interacting with decentralized applications (dApps)on the Ethereum network.
- MyEtherWallet (MEW): A web-based wallet for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens, offering additional features like staking and DeFi integrations.
When choosing a wallet, consider factors such as security features, supported cryptocurrencies, ease of use, and compatibility with Dutch exchanges. For large holdings, a combination of a hardware wallet for long-term storage and a mobile or web wallet for everyday transactions is often recommended. Always ensure you’re downloading wallets from official sources and follow best practices for securing your private keys and recovery phrases.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Netherlands offers a favorable environment for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, with a clear regulatory framework and numerous options for buying and storing digital assets. Among the best crypto exchanges in the Netherlands, Bybit stands out as our top recommendation, offering a robust platform with competitive fees and a wide range of cryptocurrencies. For those seeking a local option, Bitvavo provides excellent services tailored to Dutch users. Both exchanges offer user-friendly interfaces, strong security measures, and compliance with local regulations, making them solid choices for both beginners and experienced traders in the Netherlands.
