Key Takeaways
- Buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies is legal in Germany. The government treats it as a private matter between buyers and sellers.
- New data reveals that over 25% of digital asset holdings in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are invested in cryptocurrencies.
- Multiple local platforms are available in Germany for buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which will be discussed in this article.
Germany has emerged as a significant player in the crypto industry. The European country is a relatively conservative financial market and is now looking to diversify into the crypto market.
Several banks in the country have also shown interest in offering crypto-related products to their customers. KPMG and BTC-ECHO’s research revealed that many investors are optimistic about the crypto market’s future. Of the 2,400 surveyed from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 54% disclosed having at least 20%-25% crypto exposure within their portfolios. With such a high number from a survey sample, it is easy to conclude that the interest in crypto investments among German investors is high.
That said, we present the top crypto exchanges in Germany, where investors and traders can begin their crypto journey.
Bitpanda
Bitpanda is a Vienna-based exchange founded in 2014 that caters to beginners and experienced traders. The exchange has over 700 team members, provides a user-friendly interface, and supports many cryptocurrencies. With over 4 million users as of this writing, Bitpanda is one of Europe’s most successful crypto exchanges.
Features
- Instant Buy/Sell – Bitpanda lets users purchase cryptocurrencies instantly using fiat currency (EUR).
- Security – The platform employs robust security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage for funds.
- Variety of Coins – Bitpanda supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), and other major cryptocurrencies.
- Savings Plan – Users can set up recurring purchases through a savings plan.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Strong security.
- Lots of supported coins.
Cons
- Limited trading options for advanced users.
BISON
BISON is a cryptocurrency trading platform that simplifies buying and selling digital assets. It’s mainly known for being user-friendly and backed by the Stuttgart Stock Exchange, providing trust and security often associated with traditional financial markets.
With the Bison app, users do not need a wallet or deposit. All you need is a Bison account, and you are ready to go! Moreover, the BISON app registration is free, and their video-based KYC procedure is fast and hassle-free.
Features
- Simplicity – Bison aims to simplify crypto trading for beginners by offering an intuitive app.
- Zero Fees – The platform charges no trading fees, making it attractive for cost-conscious users.
- Real-Time Trading – Bison provides real-time price data and allows instant trading.
Pros
- User-friendly.
- No fees.
- Great for beginners.
Cons
- Limited trading options for advanced users.
BSDEX
BSDEX (Börse Stuttgart Digital Exchange) is a digital asset exchange that is also operated by the Börse Stuttgart Group. It is Germany’s first regulated trading venue for digital assets, offering investors a platform to trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Features
- Regulated – BSDEX operates under German financial regulations.
- High Liquidity – The exchange benefits from Börse Stuttgart’s liquidity.
- Security – Strong security protocols.
Pros
- Most likely regulated by German financial laws.
- Reliable and backed by a traditional stock exchange in the country.
Cons
- Limited coin/token selections.
Bitcoin.de
Bitcoin.de is one of the oldest crypto exchanges in Germany. In terms of user base, it comes in second to Bitpanda, with over a million customers. Notably, the platform boasts of being the only Bitcoin marketplace worldwide trading with audited Bitcoin customer portfolios by a publically accredited auditing firm.
Features
- P2P Trading – Bitcoin.de facilitates direct trades between users.
- Escrow Service – The platform uses an escrow system to ensure secure transactions.
- German Regulations – Complies with German financial regulations.
Pros
- Trusted reputation.
- Peer-to-peer trading is available.
- It is regulatory compliant.
Cons
- The platform only caters to nine cryptocurrencies and one stablecoin.
Kraken
Kraken is a US-based exchange founded in 2011 and officially launched trading operations in 2013. Although not exclusively German, Kraken is actually a well-established crypto exchange with a strong presence in the country.
Features
- Advanced Trading – Kraken caters to professional traders with features like margin trading and futures contracts.
- Security – The exchange prioritizes security, including cold storage and regular audits.
- Wide Coin/Token Selections – Kraken supports a vast array of cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- Advanced trading options.
- High liquidity.
- Robust security.
Cons
- Its trading features may be overwhelming for beginners.
Final Thoughts
Germany hosts many crypto exchanges that are not mentioned in this article, but most are subsidiaries of international companies. For instance, well-known platforms like Coinbase, Binance, Etoro, and Bitstamp have established a presence in the country while maintaining their primary operations elsewhere.
The crypto landscape is evolving, and the speed of adoption is increasing. These exchanges will continue to adapt and improve their services. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, consider user-friendliness, security, and/or advanced features when choosing the right platform for your crypto journey in Germany.
