The best crypto broker allows you to easily trade all your favorite digital currencies at low trading costs. What's more, if you choose the right platform, you can even earn extra passive income with your crypto. That's how important it is to select the best broker for crypto.
Therefore, in this article, we list the very best options and discuss the pros and cons of each platform. We also cover what to look for when making your choice, why you would use a crypto broker, and more.
What is a crypto broker?
A crypto broker is a platform where you can buy and sell various cryptocurrencies. This can often be done in different ways, for example, directly at the current price (market order), by setting a maximum purchase price (limit order), or by speculating on a crypto you don't own yourself using leverage (futures trading).
A crypto broker essentially acts as an intermediary that connects buyers and sellers of crypto. In return, the crypto broker charges a commission, which we will read more about later in this article.
Why use a crypto broker (or not)? – Advantages and disadvantages
Besides using a crypto broker, there are other ways to buy crypto. For example, you can use a Bitcoin ATM or a P2P exchange. So why choose a crypto broker? Below, we highlight some advantages of crypto brokers that make these types of platforms attractive to use.
Advantages of crypto brokers
- Wide selection: Crypto brokers often have a large number of tokens in their assortment. Compare this to a P2P platform like HODL HODL where you can only sell Bitcoin.
- Various trading options: If you buy crypto directly from someone or at a Bitcoin ATM, you generally don't have access to advanced trading features such as futures, options, and margin spot trading. This is often the case with crypto brokers.
- Security: Trading with a crypto broker is much safer than, for example, with an unknown Bitcoin buyer/seller you find online.
- Automation: Many good crypto brokers offer tools to (largely) automate your trades. Think of trading bots with various strategies and copy trading.
- Extra passive income: Many crypto brokers provide convenient ways and tools to generate extra income, in addition to any profits you earn from trades. For example, many platforms offer staking opportunities that allow you to earn an annual APY.
Disadvantages of crypto brokers
- Trading fees: Many crypto brokers charge a (small) commission for executing orders.
- Privacy intrusion: Most crypto brokers nowadays apply a KYC (Know Your Customer) policy. This means you must submit ID and proof of address before you can start trading. This is an invasion of your privacy and can lead to identity theft if your data is not carefully protected.
- Risk of hacks: Fortunately, many crypto brokers have strong security measures, but there is always a risk of a hack. Crypto brokers are popular targets for hackers due to the financial assets stored there. Therefore, we always recommend storing the majority of your crypto (the part you don't immediately need for trades) securely in an offline cold wallet.
The best crypto broker in the Netherlands: the top 5 at a glance
Below, we give you a brief overview of the 5 best crypto brokers currently available. This will give you an idea of which platform best suits your trading strategy.
- Skilling: The best crypto broker of 2025 and the most versatile option.
- Pepperstone: The best option for professional leverage traders – up to 500x leverage.
- FP Markets: Crypto CFDs with low spreads and 12 different options.
- PrimeXBT: The crypto broker for privacy-focused trading – no KYC up to $20,000 per day.
- Avatrade: Regulated and reliable (crypto) trading platform.
Top 5 best crypto brokers in the Netherlands in more detail
Now that we have briefly mentioned the best crypto brokers in the Netherlands – as well as why you would use one at all – it's time to delve into them in more detail. We will discuss the various trading options, costs, available cryptocurrencies, and more for each platform.
1. Skilling: Versatile option and the best crypto broker in the Netherlands
Skilling is an excellent crypto broker in the Netherlands that takes a somewhat different approach than many competitors. You cannot buy cryptocurrencies directly, but you can easily trade CFDs (contracts for difference). These allow you to speculate on crypto prices without owning the underlying tokens yourself. This is a big advantage for people who are not very technically inclined and, for example, are intimidated by the use of a crypto wallet.
Skilling is an extremely diverse platform where you can also trade CFDs for other types of assets. Think of traditional stocks, indices, Forex currency pairs, and commodities. This is incredibly useful if you trade other assets besides crypto; you can do everything within one platform. Skilling has more than 50 different CFD contracts in its range, allowing you to get started with both well-known coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as lesser-known altcoins.
For traders who need more extensive analysis and options, there are the more advanced cTrader and MetaTrader 4. These offer more complex order types such as conditional orders and trailing stop orders, and in-depth analysis tools. These interfaces are especially suitable for advanced users.
Skilling's trading costs are also very favorable. Users of the Skilling Trader interface, for example, pay no commission on crypto trades, only spreads. Depending on the crypto in question, this often works out cheaper. With cTrader, it's the other way around: you pay no spreads at all, only a small commission per trade.
Why choose Skilling?
- Trade crypto CFDs at favorable trading costs (often spreads only)
- Choose one of three interfaces depending on your experience level
- The ability to trade many other instruments besides crypto
Now to Skilling
2. Pepperstone: High liquidity and enormous leverage
Pepperstone is well-known, especially among professional and experienced traders, mainly due to its enormous liquidity and even greater leverage. Professional accounts can trade crypto CFDs with leverage up to 500x! Pepperstone is known for its lightning-fast order execution, which is a big advantage for active traders. This also benefits scalping strategies and prevents slippage.
In terms of instruments, Pepperstone offers, besides more than 25 different crypto CFDs, a wide range of other markets. Here you will find, among others, Forex, stock CFDs, indices, ETFs, and commodities. There is a strong focus, within crypto CFDs, on popular coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, giving you access to the most important tokens.
Trading with Pepperstone is possible via MT4, MT5, and cTrader. These advanced trading interfaces give you access to sophisticated charting and order types, such as trailing stop orders and conditional orders. The cost structure is favorable and transparent, with low spreads and commissions depending on the chosen account type.
For traders who prefer a passive approach, Pepperstone also offers copy trading via external tools such as Myfxbook and DupliTrade. The platform also has convenient mobile apps, so you can monitor your positions on the go and adjust them where necessary.
Why choose Pepperstone?
- High leverage up to 500x for professional traders
- Ultra-fast order execution thanks to enormous liquidity
- Support for MT4, MT5, and cTrader
Now to Pepperstone
3. FP Markets: A crypto broker with a large number of instruments
FP Markets is a crypto broker that distinguishes itself from the competition with its enormous range of different markets. Besides crypto CFDs, you can just as easily trade thousands of other instruments, such as Forex products, stocks, ETFs, indices, and commodities. This makes FP Markets an excellent platform for traders who want to combine multiple investment categories and prefer to keep everything in one place.
Even within the crypto CFD category itself, there is variety at FP Markets. You can trade well-known coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin, but you also have access to lesser-known altcoins such as Polkadot and Solana. This gives you a great opportunity to diversify your portfolio and profit from the explosive price increases that new coins often bring.
Like the platform itself, FP Markets' cost structure is also flexible: you can opt for spreads-only or spreads with a small commission per transaction. We noticed during testing that FP Markets' high liquidity results in low spreads on crypto CFDs. In addition to the basic options, FP Markets also offers integration with TradingView. This is, in our opinion, one of the best analysis tools for crypto trading, so we are very pleased with this.
Finally, FP Markets has also given careful thought to one of the most important elements of a crypto exchange: security and regulation. The platform holds licenses from multiple regulators, including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This means that as a Dutch trader, you can trust that EU laws intended to protect you are being complied with.
Why choose FP Markets?
- Access to various markets and instruments
- Trade both popular and lesser-known cryptocurrencies
- A flexible and favorable cost structure
Now to FP Markets
4. PrimeXBT: The best crypto broker for privacy-focused trading 2025
PrimeXBT fulfills an important function for traders who value their privacy: trading without (too much) personal data disclosure. Unlike most other crypto brokers, PrimeXBT does not require a KYC (Know Your Customer procedure) for daily withdrawals up to $20,000. For the majority of traders, this will mean they do not have to submit personal documents such as ID and proof of address to PrimeXBT. However, this only applies to crypto deposits, not fiat.
Furthermore, this crypto broker stands out due to its wide range of trading options and products. Instead of only offering crypto CFDs, the platform combines this trading category with futures, actual crypto transactions, and copy trading in one account. This makes PrimeXBT attractive for traders who want to combine multiple strategies, even within the crypto space, without opening multiple accounts with different crypto brokers.
At PrimeXBT, you will find dozens (currently more than 40) of crypto CFDs. In addition, you can also find a large number of "real cryptos" here, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Polygon, as well as futures contracts. PrimeXBT is particularly known for its high leverage, which can go up to 200x on crypto CFDs. This is a significant advantage for experienced traders who are skilled in calculating risks.
Trading costs are very favorable, partly due to futures fees starting from 0.01% per transaction. For traders who want to get even more out of the platform, there are also extra features, such as copy trading via Covesting, trading competitions and tournaments, and reward programs.
Why choose PrimeXBT?
- KYC-free trading up to $20,000 per day (not for fiat)
- All-in-one platform with CFDs, futures, and real crypto
- High leverage up to 200x and favorable costs
Now to PrimeXBT
5. AvaTrade: Crypto broker excelling in user-friendliness
AvaTrade is an accessible broker with a strong focus on user-friendliness and useful educational materials for beginners. We are particularly impressed by the unique AvaProtect feature. This can cover losses for a certain period and shows that security and risk management are important building blocks of this crypto broker.
AvaTrade unfortunately only offers crypto CFDs, not "real cryptos." With these, you can speculate on price movements without owning the underlying cryptocurrencies yourself. You will find large and well-known coins in their assortment, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple, supplemented with some popular, yet smaller altcoins. With an AvaTrade account, you also get access to Forex (currency trading), stocks, indices, and options.
You trade on this platform via various trading interfaces, depending on your preference: the AvaTrade app, WebTrader, MT4, and MT5. For advanced users, there is also AvaOptions, specifically aimed at options trading. Spreads on crypto are low. Unfortunately, this also applies a bit to the maximum leverage: it generally amounts to 30:1. This is certainly not the highest leverage among crypto brokers but nevertheless offers some interesting active trading opportunities without excessively high liquidation risk.
AvaTrade also offers various extras, such as social trading via AvaSocial and DupliTrade. Traders also get access to informative webinars, daily market updates, and extensive knowledge bases.
Why choose AvaTrade?
- User-friendly platform with informative educational materials
- Crypto CFDs and many other instruments
- Unique AvaProtect feature to temporarily cover losses
Now to Avatrade
How to choose the best crypto broker?
There are several important considerations when choosing the best crypto broker. It is essential to be aware of all factors so you can choose the platform that best suits you.
For example, perhaps low trading costs are much more important to you than high staking rewards, because you are a true day trader who quickly buys and sells crypto, or vice versa. Below you will find the most important things to look out for when choosing the best broker for crypto.
Available cryptocurrencies
A wide selection of cryptocurrencies is important because it gives you the opportunity to discover different projects, seize opportunities, and thus likely find your favorite coins. Ideally, choose a broker with sufficient diversity in both well-known and emerging digital currencies.
Kraken, for example, is known for its wide range of major coins and various altcoins. OKX also offers many well-known cryptos, as well as access to interesting Web3 projects. MEXC focuses strongly on new tokens, allowing you to often get in early.
Trading options and order types
A good broker gives you multiple trading options, so you can react flexibly to different market situations. Spot trading allows you to buy or sell crypto directly. Futures allow you to speculate on price movements, both rising and falling, without owning crypto yourself. This can often be done with leverage, where you multiply your potential profits (but also your losses!).
Some platforms also offer options and other derivatives, allowing you to implement even more complex strategies. Order types such as limit orders, take-profit, and stop-loss orders help you manage risk better by automatically buying or selling cryptos at favorable prices or if your losses threaten to become too high.
Staking possibilities
Staking is attractive because it allows you to generate passive income without constantly having to trade. You lock your crypto in a network and receive periodic rewards for it. Depending on the coin and the broker, returns can vary significantly. Some platforms offer flexible staking, where you can withdraw your coins quickly, while others use fixed terms with higher rewards.
Trading costs
Low costs are essential, as high transaction fees can significantly reduce your returns. Brokers often charge a percentage on each order, sometimes supplemented with extra fees for specific services. Especially if you execute many smaller trades, those small percentage differences make a big difference in your total profit.
Also, pay attention to whether there are discounts for larger volumes or certain order types. OKX is known for very low costs, often below 0.1%. Kraken uses a transparent system where active traders pay less. This is a type of VIP system where you progressively pay less fees depending on your level, which several exchanges use. MEXC also offers favorable rates and sometimes promotions that allow you to trade almost for free temporarily.
Liquidity
Liquidity determines how quickly and efficiently your orders are executed without the price shifting too much. With a broker with low liquidity, your order may only be partially filled, or you may get a worse price. Sufficient liquidity is crucial, especially for active traders or larger transactions. Large, established brokers often have enormous order books, ensuring smooth transactions.
Security and privacy
With crypto, everything revolves around security and trust, as you want to protect your investments from hackers or other risks. Therefore, features such as two-factor authentication, cold storage, and audits are important. In addition, privacy plays a significant role for many traders. Brokers with strict KYC requirements ask for a lot of personal data, while some platforms, such as PrimeXBT, allow trading without KYC. The latter provides more anonymity and privacy.
User-friendliness
A clear and intuitive interface makes trading much easier, especially if you have little experience. You want quick access to your portfolio, trading charts, and order options without unnecessary complexity. A good broker also provides clear mobile apps so you can always trade on the go. Integrations with additional analysis tools can also make a difference.
eToro excels in user-friendliness with a simple interface and useful features like copy trading. OKX offers a comprehensive but clear interface, including integrated TradingView charts. We also like Kraken, a platform that gives traders the choice between a simple interface with more overview or their free Kraken Pro version, which offers more advanced charts and graphs for advanced traders.
Customer service
Reliable customer service is indispensable because technical problems or questions can always arise. You want quick and clear assistance so you don't get stuck with your investments. Various brokers offer customer service via email, live chat, or even phone. Also, pay attention to availability, as support in multiple languages or 24/7 service can be very valuable. Kraken, for example, offers fast and expert help via live chat and an extensive online help center.
The best crypto brokers for different purposes
Are you specifically looking for a crypto broker that excels in, for example, day trading, security, or low costs? In this section, we will discuss the best crypto brokers for various purposes.
The best crypto broker for day trading
If you are looking for the best crypto broker for day trading, it is important to pay attention to various factors, such as:
- Liquidity: If you want to be able to buy and sell crypto quickly, it is important that the crypto broker you use has a large order book with high trading volumes and frequent transactions.
- Fast order processing: Glitches, long loading times, and other forms of delay can cost you a lot of money if speed is important for your trading style, which is usually the case with day trading.
- Order types: Especially for advanced day traders, various order types can be necessary. Particularly if you are dealing with many positions simultaneously, you need order types that protect you if the market moves against you. Think, for example, of orders such as stop-loss, take-profit, and trailing stop orders.
- Responsive customer service: It is essential, especially when you open and close your positions quickly, that problems are resolved promptly. A long-term investor may have more time for this, but an active day trader really needs customer service that resolves issues as quickly as possible.
The safest crypto broker
Security is an essential characteristic of a good crypto broker. The priority must always be the safety of your funds. To guarantee this, a secure crypto exchange offers the following:
- Strong encryption: This is the foundation. It is essential that your personal information and especially your payment details remain well protected.
- Strong security measures: Pay particular attention to important features such as 2FA, biometric login, and multi-signature wallets.
- Cold storage: It is much safer to choose a crypto broker that stores crypto (reserves) using cold storage. This means they are stored offline so hackers cannot easily access them.
- Segregation of client funds: Ideally, client funds are kept separate. This way, you can be sure that your balance does not get mixed up with that of other users, and uncertainty does not arise during a security incident about which balance belongs to which user.
- Supervision and regulation: It can provide both peace of mind and extra security if a crypto broker is supervised and/or holds a license from a reputable authority in the field of trading and crypto.
The cheapest crypto broker
When choosing the cheapest crypto broker, you need to pay attention to different types of costs, such as:
- Trading fees: This is often a percentage of the total value of your order. There is usually a difference between the maker fee – which applies to orders that add liquidity to the order book, such as a limit order – and the taker fee, orders that reduce liquidity, such as a market order. Maker fees are generally higher.
- Spread: The spread is the difference between the ask price and the bid price. This is especially important when you want to sell a purchased crypto. In times of volatility and on brokers with low liquidity, spreads are generally higher. This results in higher costs for traders.
- Inactivity fees: Some brokers charge a fee for every month your account is active but you do not execute any trades.
- Deposit and withdrawal fees: Some crypto brokers charge deposit and/or withdrawal fees, although withdrawal fees are more common. After all, with withdrawals, you remove liquid assets from the platform, while with deposits, you add them.
Conclusion
As we have seen in this article, there are several important aspects to consider when choosing the best crypto broker in the Netherlands. You need to pay close attention to factors such as crypto offerings, trading possibilities, trading costs, liquidity, security, and more.
Given the above factors, Skilling is the best Dutch crypto broker of 2025. This crypto broker combines a nice selection of more than 50 crypto CFDs with traditional stocks and indices.
The platform also offers different interfaces for various skill levels, and the cost structure is flexible and very favorable. For example, the option to pay only spreads and no commissions. By clicking the button below, you can immediately get started with the best crypto broker of 2025!
Frequently asked questions
What is a crypto broker?
A crypto broker is a platform where you can buy and sell various cryptocurrencies by being indirectly connected with other traders.
Are crypto brokers safe?
Many crypto brokers are very safe. To guarantee the security of your assets, it is important that a crypto broker uses strong encryption, security measures such as 2FA and multi-signature wallets, and ideally offers good reserves or even an insurance fund.
What is the best crypto exchange?
Currently, the best crypto exchange is Skilling. This crypto exchange offers a good combination of popular cryptocurrencies and altcoins, as well as traditional assets. You can also trade futures here, and the costs are very favorable.
What is the cheapest crypto exchange?
What the cheapest crypto exchange is for you depends on various factors, such as potential commissions, withdrawal fees, and spreads. For example, if you often execute small market orders on the spot market, it is important that the trading commissions, specifically the taker fees, of your crypto broker are low.
References
- eToro Money Malta Ltd – De Nederlandsche Bank
