![3 Best Crypto Exchanges in the Netherlands [2024]](/kpm/assets/9657bc3d-3565-4581-b8a3-f42369d2ea12.webp?)
3 Best Crypto Exchanges in the Netherlands [2024]
If you have clicked on this article, the odds are you'll be accessing from the Netherlands — either as a new crypto enthusiast who's looking to buy your first digital assets, or a more experienced investor who's looking for a more optimal place to buy and sell crypto. Regardless of which category you fall into, you will most likely be looking for new information to help you identify the best crypto exchanges and platforms in the Netherlands.
It's important to note, however, that "the best” exchange can only be determined by users themselves according to their own preferences. What we can do, however, is provide useful information so that Dutch crypto enthusiasts and investors can make their own mind up.
This article will therefore act as an evergreen guide for helping Dutch crypto investors to identify the best crypto and Bitcoin exchanges in the Netherlands.
We’ll take a look at:
- Is Crypto Legal in the Netherlands?
- Is Crypto Taxed in the Netherlands?
- How to Buy Crypto in the Netherlands?
- 3 Best Crypto & Bitcoin Exchanges in the Netherlands
Let's dive right in!
Is Crypto Legal in the Netherlands?
Before delving into the question at hand, it might be useful to first determine whether crypto is actually legal in the Netherlands.
The answer to this question is that because there is no "official” legislation regarding crypto, there are currently no barriers for Dutch investors who wish to invest in or trade crypto.
However, when it comes to Dutch companies wishing to provide crypto services, there are indeed some regulatory standards that need to be met; notably the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act (Wwft). This piece of legislation is heavily influenced by European law (specifically the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive, or AMLD5), meaning crypto companies must comply with AML (anti-money laundering) and CTF (counter-terrorist financing) standards.
Part of the Wwft's requirement for crypto companies who wish to offer professional or commercial crypto services in or from the Netherlands is that they register with the DNB (Dutch National Bank). Crypto providers must also have KYC and AML processes in place.
In sum, retail investors looking to buy or sell crypto in the Netherlands can do so with no problems, as long as the trading platform or exchange meets the aforementioned regulatory standards.
Is Crypto Taxed in the Netherlands?
Now the legalities behind crypto in the Netherlands has been established, the next logical question that Dutch crypto investors might ask is whether crypto is taxed in the Netherlands?The answer to this is yes, crypto is indeed taxed in the Netherlands.
Unlike other countries that impose capital gains tax, the Dutch tax system treats crypto as an asset, and taxes it based on a presumed return, or fictitious gain, calculated on January 1st each year. The Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) assumes that your crypto will generate a certain return, and you’ll be taxed 36% on this presumed gain. This applies even if the value of your crypto decreases during the year. Additionally, if you're earning crypto through activities like staking, mining, or frequent trading, it may be subject to income tax as well, depending on how it’s classified.
How to Buy Crypto in the Netherlands?
There are various ways to buy crypto in the Netherlands, and below are some examples of the most common options available to Dutch residents:
1) Centralised exchanges (CEX)
In the Netherlands, centralised exchanges are the most popular platforms for buying and selling crypto through traditional payment methods like bank transfers or credit cards. Some of their main selling points include their strong security, regulatory adherence, ease of use, high trading volume, and additional services such as staking and crypto lending; to name a few examples.
However, all centralised exchanges must comply with Dutch and European laws (which includes meeting strict KYC and AML requirements), and for some users, this could be seen as a potential invasion of privacy.
But overall, for Dutch crypto investors who are looking for a simple way to buy and sell crypto with ample liquidity, then centralised exchanges are perhaps the most straightforward way of doing this.
2) Decentralised exchanges (DEX)
Another way Dutch crypto investors can access the crypto market is via decentralised exchanges, which unlike centralised exchanges, allow users to trade directly with one another without the need for an intermediary or regulatory oversight. Moreover, due to their cross-chain interoperability, DEXs cater for more DeFi utilities than centralised exchanges.
It is important to note that due to their decentralised nature, DEXs are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as centralised platforms (such as KYC), and this can appeal to Dutch crypto investors who value privacy; or want to avoid restrictions imposed by regulators. However, users should be aware of the risks, such as the potential for lower liquidity, higher slippage, and the absence of consumer protections.
Despite them not being regulated, Dutch users can still access DEXs through crypto wallets, retaining full control of their assets.
3) Crypto brokers
For Dutch investors who want a more hands-off experience when buying crypto, then one way they can do this is by going through crypto brokers.
These brokers typically provide fixed prices for cryptocurrencies, allowing users to avoid navigating complex order books or dealing with fluctuating markets. However, since brokers act as intermediaries, they often charge higher fees, and their prices may not always reflect real-time market rates.
When it comes to regulation, the same Dutch regulations that apply to centralised exchanges also apply to brokers, meaning they must register with the DNB and comply with KYC and AML requirements.
3 Best Crypto & Bitcoin Exchanges in the Netherlands
Now, to answer the question, what are the three best crypto and Bitcoin exchanges in the Netherlands?
It's important to note, however, that "best" is a subjective term, and this is especially pertinent to crypto exchanges. Depending on an individual's (or business') preferences, the best cryptocurrency exchange could come down to things like how many trading pairs are available, how low trading fees are, or whether an exchange has advanced trading utilities; to name a few examples.
For this reason, the author of this article has used a combination of organic social media feedback, and independent research to present three of the top crypto exchanges for Dutch investors. Which is best, will ultimately come down to the preferences of those reading.
1) ICONOMI (Honorable mention)
First on our list is one of Europe's leading crypto investment platforms, ICONOMI, which might come as a surprise to some given how it's not an exchange or crypto trading platform. However, due to the platform's built-in exchange aggregation, ICONOMI has access to some of the world's biggest exchanges, and a novel trading engine which automatically finds the best prices for each trade.For this reason, for the buying and selling of crypto assets, ICONOMI functions just as well as a regular crypto exchange (if not better), so we have decided to include them on our list.Below are some pros and cons of using ICONOMI:
Pros:
DNB compliant: Through its acquisition of Dutch-based Triaconta, ICONOMI can provide crypto services to Dutch residents in a way that meets regulatory demands. This is because Triaconta has a licence from the Dutch National Bank (DNB), meaning ICONOMI can leverage Triaconta's established presence in the Netherlands to provide crypto services in a regulated manner.
Highly secure: All assets on the ICONOMI platform are segregated from company assets and stored in multi-layered wallets, using a multilayer HOT-WARM-COLD storage system to balance liquidity with high security. Most assets are held in cold storage (which requires multiple private keys to access), reducing the risk of internal threats or theft.
Built-in exchange aggregation: ICONOMI is connected to some of the leading centralised crypto exchanges, and aggregates pricing data from them. This ensures that the users have access to the best prices available.
Caters for 150+ cryptocurrencies: ICONOMI caters for over 150 different cryptocurrencies, and this diversity allows Dutch crypto investors to create well-rounded portfolios, incorporating both established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as emerging altcoins. Furthermore, the platform supports over 10,000 different trading pairs, offering flexibility and ample opportunities for diversification.
iDEAL integration: ICONOMI allows Dutch crypto investors to deposit and withdraw Euros in seconds using IDEAL.
User-friendly experience: ICONOMI's platform is designed with ease of use in mind, making it accessible to both new and experienced Dutch investors. The intuitive dashboard allows users to easily buy and sell crypto, as well as track their portfolios, manage assets, and copy strategies effortlessly.
Crypto Strategies: ICONOMI’s flagship offering is crypto strategies, which provide a unique and simplified investment method for Dutch users who may not have the time or expertise to manage a crypto portfolio. These strategies are built and managed by experienced strategists who allocate assets across multiple cryptocurrencies, and users can copy these diversified portfolios with a single click; allowing for a hands-off approach to managing crypto investments.
Cons:
Does not cater for more advanced trading: Because ICONOMI is not a crypto exchange per se, it doesn't cater for a more advanced trading experience. So if you are looking for an exchange that offers crypto derivatives trading (for example), then ICONOMI does not cater for this.
Has limited DeFi utilities: Because ICONOMI is a crypto investment platform that specialises in providing an easy way to enter into the crypto market, it doesn't cater for most DeFi utilities. However, because some ICONOMI crypto strategies revolve around some of the largest assets in the DeFi space, then investing in these specific crypto strategies could allow Dutch users to gain indirect exposure to the DeFi space.
2) Bitvavo
The next crypto provider on our list is Bitvovo, which besides being one of the biggest crypto exchanges in the Netherlands, also happens to be the largest EUR spot exchange globally. Founded in Amsterdam, Bitvavo has grown rapidly since its launch in 2018, providing an accessible and user-friendly platform for both new and experienced Dutch investors.
Below are some pros and cons of using Bitvavo:
Pros:
Regulated and secure: Like ICONOMI (via Triaconta), Bitvavo is fully regulated by the DNB, meaning it meets Dutch regulatory expectations for the provision of crypto services. The exchange also implements high-level security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and device management to protect user funds and personal data.
Low fees: Bitvavo offers competitive trading fees, with maker fees as low as 0.15% and taker fees starting at 0.25%. For high-volume traders, these fees can be further reduced through tiered volume discounts, making Bitvavo one of the most cost-effective exchanges in Europe.
Wide range of cryptocurrencies: Bitvavo supports over 230 cryptocurrencies, offering Dutch investors access to a broad array of assets, ranging from being able to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum, to lesser-known altcoins. This wide selection enables investors to diversify their portfolios with ease.
Staking rewards: For Dutch investors interested in earning passive income, Bitvavo offers staking services for various cryptocurrencies. Users can earn rewards simply by holding eligible assets on the platform, with yields varying by asset type.
User-friendly platform: Bitvavo is designed with simplicity in mind. Its platform provides both a basic and advanced dashboard, catering to investors of all levels. The app, available on iOS and Android, is equally intuitive, featuring dark mode and PIN code login for quick and secure access.
Cons:
Limited crypto-to-crypto trading: Bitvavo primarily supports crypto-to-fiat trading pairs, with limited options for directly swapping between cryptocurrencies. This might be a drawback for users looking to trade crypto assets without converting to euros first.
Potential system overload: In high-traffic situations, such as the listing of new cryptocurrencies, Bitvavo’s system has experienced congestion in the past, leading to delays in order processing. While the platform has implemented improvements to mitigate this, occasional issues may still arise during periods of peak activity.
No credit card support for account verification: While Bitvavo supports several payment methods for deposits, such as iDEAL and SEPA transfers, credit card and PayPal deposits cannot be used to verify your bank account, which may inconvenience some users.
3) Coinbase
Rounding out our list is Coinbase, one of the world’s most well-known and trusted cryptocurrency exchanges. Since gaining regulatory approval from the DNB in 2022, Coinbase has been able to fully offer its suite of services to Dutch residents, providing them with a secure and regulated platform for trading and managing crypto.
Below are some pros and cons of using Coinbase:
Pros:
DNB registered and highly trusted: Coinbase was the first major global crypto exchange to successfully register with the DNB. This ensures that the platform adheres to strict European regulatory standards, making it a trustworthy choice for Dutch investors looking for a safe and compliant exchange.
iDEAL integration for free EUR deposits: Dutch users can deposit euros to their Coinbase accounts quickly and without fees using iDEAL. This makes funding your account hassle-free and cost-effective.
User-friendly interface: Coinbase is renowned for its simple, intuitive design, making it easy for beginners to buy, sell, and manage crypto. Its user-friendly app and web platform enable users to navigate seamlessly between different functions, making it a great option for those new to the crypto space.
Advanced trading tools: For more experienced investors, Coinbase’s Advanced Trade platform offers a range of order types, including limit and stop-limit orders, as well as powerful trading tools like TradingView charts with technical indicators such as EMA, MACD, and RSI. This flexibility allows traders to take a more hands-on approach.
Earn staking rewards and yield: Coinbase allows Dutch users to earn up to 6% on staking certain assets and up to 5% on USDC holdings. This makes it an attractive platform for those looking to grow their assets passively.
Cons:
Higher fees on the basic platform: While Coinbase’s Advanced Trade option offers competitive pricing, the standard platform can have relatively high fees for smaller transactions, which may discourage cost-conscious users.
Limited privacy: As a highly regulated platform, Coinbase requires extensive identity verification, which could be a concern for users who prioritise privacy. This is part of its compliance with KYC and AML regulations.
Wallet custody: Coinbase holds custody of users’ wallet keys, which may not appeal to those who prefer to manage their own private keys. For users seeking more control, Coinbase’s non-custodial wallet is an alternative, but this option requires additional setup.
Conclusion
As can be seen in the article, each of the three exchanges boast comparative advantages, with ICONOMI offering an intuitive entry into diversified investing, Bitvavo having very low fees and a wide crypto selection, and Coinbase combining ease of use with regulatory trust. Whatever you decide to choose, all three are solid options for Dutch crypto investors,
But to reiterate once more, the "best" crypto exchange in the Netherlands will ultimately come down to your own preferences or needs. So the key is to evaluate what features matter most—whether it’s security, accessibility, or advanced trading tools. Once you are clear on this, being able to identify the best crypto exchange in the Netherlands (for you) will become an easier task.
Best of luck choosing!
If you enjoyed this article, you may be interested in our other titles:
Crypto Business Accounts You Should Know About [2024]
Best Crypto Fund Option in the UK [2024]
4 Best Crypto-Friendly Banks in the UK [2024]
Ready to start your journey with us?
Trusted by over 100,000 users from around the world.
