CEX.IO: Your gateway to the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency ecosystem

Engaging with digital assets in the United Kingdom requires careful consideration. The market includes thousands of cryptocurrencies and a wide range of service providers, each operating under different standards. UK users need to rely on platforms that follow applicable regulatory requirements and implement appropriate safeguards, particularly given the risks associated with cryptoassets.

CEX.IO has operated since 2013 and provides access to cryptocurrency services for users across multiple jurisdictions. We follow regulatory requirements in the regions where we operate and maintain compliance procedures, including anti-money laundering and identity verification processes.

We introduced card-based crypto purchases early in the market and continue to develop services such as GBP funding methods, digital asset trading, and mobile applications. With more than 15 million users globally, we provide access to digital asset markets while maintaining a compliance-focused approach.

CEX.IO has been referenced in publications including Forbes, Investopedia, The Telegraph, and Kaiko.

Whether you are starting your journey or are already familiar with digital assets, we aim to provide clear, transparent access to cryptocurrency services in line with applicable regulatory requirements.

Buy, Sell, and Trade Crypto on a Single Platform

Selecting a cryptocurrency exchange in the United Kingdom requires careful review. Users who want to buy crypto in the UK often assess regulatory status, supported payment methods, fee structures, and available features before engaging with a platform. Limited transparency, restricted GBP funding methods, or unclear compliance practices may affect the overall experience.

UK users expect access to familiar payment rails, including Faster Payments, debit and credit cards, and mobile wallets. Not all providers support these methods consistently, which may introduce additional steps when funding an account or accessing digital asset services.

CEX.IO provides access to cryptocurrency services within a structured environment that follows applicable regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where we operate. We support GBP-based transactions and offer multiple funding methods, including debit and credit cards, Faster Payments, SWIFT, SEPA transfers, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay, subject to availability.

Our platform includes features designed for different levels of experience. Eligible users can use Instant Buy to purchase digital assets or access Spot Trading to engage with market pairs. Additional services, such as CEX.IO Prime, are available for institutional participants, subject to jurisdictional availability.

Why CEX.IO?

CEX.IO serves a broad range of participants, including individuals, businesses, and institutional clients. Across multiple jurisdictions, we provide access to digital asset services in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

For users in the United Kingdom, accessing cryptocurrency services often involves considerations such as GBP funding methods, identity verification, and platform transparency. At CEX.IO, identity verification is required to access certain features, in line with anti-money laundering requirements. Processing times and service availability may vary depending on the user and jurisdiction.

Eligible users can buy Bitcoin in the UK, as well as access additional services such as selling, converting, and tracking supported digital assets. Through the CEX.IO App for iOS and Android, users can manage their holdings, monitor market activity, and set price alerts within a single interface.

CEX.IO also provides wallet functionality that allows users to store, transfer, and convert supported digital assets. Transfers between CEX.IO accounts may be available without blockchain confirmation, subject to platform conditions.

For users with more experience, our platform includes trading tools such as Spot Trading and Margin Trading, where available. Institutional participants may access additional services, including CEX.IO Prime, subject to jurisdictional availability.

We support multiple funding methods for UK users, including debit and credit cards, Faster Payments, SWIFT, SEPA transfers, and Apple Pay and Google Pay (depending on availability).

CEX.IO operates through a group of legal entities and follows regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where it provides services. In the United States, CEX.IO Corp. is registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business and holds state-level licences where applicable. Users are encouraged to review the list of supported countries and jurisdictions to confirm service availability.

Quickly Buy Crypto with a Card

CEX.IO provides the Instant Buy service, available via Visa and Mastercard, as well as selected e-wallet integrations. Once verified, users can buy crypto in the UK, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP), and Litecoin (LTC).

Core Features:

• Identity verification processes aligned with applicable KYC and AML requirements.
• Web and mobile app availability for managing and trading crypto on the go.
• Over 100 fiat-to-crypto pairs, including BTC/USD, ETH/GBP, ADA/EUR.

Learn more about how to buy crypto with a credit card in the UK on CEX.IO

Sell Crypto and Receive Fiat

CEX.IO provides services that allow eligible users to convert supported digital assets into fiat currency. Users who sell crypto in the UK may consider factors such as available GBP withdrawal methods, processing times, and applicable fees, which can vary depending on the service and jurisdiction selected.

Users can choose between different methods depending on their level of experience. Through Spot Trading, participants can exchange digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP), Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and USDC (USDC) into fiat by placing market or limit orders.

For more experienced users, Margin Trading may be available, allowing participants to open positions with leverage of up to 20x. This functionality includes position management tools and clearly defined fee structures. Availability may vary depending on the user’s region.

Alternatively, the CEX.IO Convert feature provides a more direct way to exchange supported digital assets into fiat currency without using an order book. This method may support a broader range of conversion pairs and can be used by those who prefer a simplified process.

Once funds are converted, users may withdraw fiat using supported methods such as Faster Payments, bank transfers, or cards, subject to availability. Users can also transfer digital assets from their CEX.IO Wallet to external wallets, depending on their needs.

Withdraw fiat in the UK

CEX.IO provides several methods for withdrawing fiat funds, allowing eligible users to access GBP balances after converting digital assets. Users who withdraw funds in the UK may consider factors such as processing times, withdrawal limits, and applicable fees, which can vary depending on the selected method and verification level.

For UK users, Faster Payments is a commonly used method for GBP withdrawals, offering defined limits and fixed fees. Card withdrawals and international bank transfers via SWIFT may also be available, depending on the user’s region and payment provider.

Before withdrawing fiat, users typically convert digital assets into supported currencies using Spot Trading, Margin Trading, or the CEX.IO Convert feature. Once converted, funds can be withdrawn through available channels.

Below is an overview of supported withdrawal methods, including indicative limits and fees.

Access Crypto Markets in the UK

Access to cryptocurrency markets may vary depending on the platform, particularly in terms of available assets, trading pairs, and liquidity. UK users who engage with digital asset markets often consider the range of supported cryptocurrencies alongside execution conditions when selecting a service provider.

CEX.IO provides access to a broad selection of digital assets. UK-based users can access over 300 cryptocurrencies and trading pairs, subject to availability and jurisdiction. Our platform includes order books across multiple markets, allowing users to engage with different asset pairs.

We review digital assets prior to listing based on internal criteria and continue to monitor supported markets over time.

CEX.IO has operated since 2013 and supports a range of participants, including individual users and institutional clients.

Why Consider CEX.IO?

When selecting a cryptocurrency platform to buy Bitcoin in the UK, users may consider factors such as security measures, available payment methods, customer support, and overall usability. Access to GBP funding methods and compliance with applicable requirements may also influence platform selection.

Security Measures:

• Compliance with applicable AML and KYC requirements
• PCI DSS Level 1 assessments for card data handling
• Additional account protections, such as two-factor authentication

Quality of Customer Support:

• 24/7 live chat support 
• Support channels via Telegram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and email
• Access to a knowledge base with support articles

The Availability of Trading and Payment Methods

CEX.IO aims to provide access to a range of crypto markets, depending on availability and jurisdiction.

Eligible users can buy crypto with a credit card in the UK (as well as debit cards) and via e-wallets, including Google Pay and Apple Pay. Curious participants may also fund their CEX.IO accounts with fiat through Faster Payments and SWIFT bank transfers, depending on their region.

Important Note: Eligible users can fund their accounts using payment methods such as debit and credit cards, Faster Payments, bank transfers, and e-wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, depending on their region. Availability of specific payment methods may vary based on jurisdiction, verification status, and banking provider.

Website Interface

User experience is an ongoing consideration in our product development. We structure our platform to support clear navigation and consistent access to available services across desktop and mobile devices.

We review user feedback and monitor platform usage to inform updates and improvements over time. Changes to the interface aim to maintain clarity and support access to core features, depending on availability and jurisdiction.

Through a single interface, eligible users can access functions such as buying, selling, trading, and converting digital assets, as well as managing balances and transaction history. These services are available via web and mobile applications, allowing users to interact with the platform using their preferred device.

Crypto Mobile App

Our Crypto Mobile App, available for iOS and Android, provides access to platform services through mobile devices. The application has been downloaded over 1 million times across app stores and is used by participants in more than 185 countries.

For users in the United Kingdom, the app enables access to cryptocurrency services using supported GBP payment methods, including debit and credit cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, depending on availability.

Through the mobile interface, eligible users can:

• Buy crypto in the UK using available payment methods
• Sell crypto for fiat and withdraw the fiat balance
• Convert supported digital assets using CEX.IO Convert
• Access trading functionality, including order books and price charts
• Set price alerts and receive order notifications
• Monitor balances and manage digital assets within the platform
• Contact customer support through in-app communication channels

Availability of specific features and payment methods may vary depending on jurisdiction and verification status.

Spot Trading

The CEX.IO Spot Trading platform provides access to cryptocurrency markets for users with different levels of experience. UK-based users can engage with over 300 digital asset markets, subject to availability and jurisdiction.

Eligible users can trade supported digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP), Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and USDC (USDC), against fiat currencies such as GBP, EUR, and USD. Common trading pairs for UK users may include BTC/GBP, ETH/GBP, XRP/GBP, and other GBP-based markets.

The Spot Trading interface is structured to provide access to market data, including order books, market depth, and historical price charts. These tools allow users to review price activity and manage their trades within the platform.

Key Spot Trading features:

• Market, Limit, and Stop-Limit order types
• Access to order books and price charts across supported markets
• Conversion between selected fiat and digital assets, subject to applicable fees and limits
• Funding and withdrawal methods, including debit and credit cards, Faster Payments, SWIFT, and mobile wallets, depending on availability
• Account reporting tools, including open orders and transaction history
• Access to Help Center resources and customer support channels

CEX.IO Spot Trading is provided in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where we operate. Service availability may vary depending on the user’s location and verification status.

Margin Trading

Margin trading on CEX.IO provides access to cryptocurrency markets using borrowed funds, which may increase exposure to price movements. This service is generally used by more experienced participants who understand the associated risks.

Eligible users can access margin trading on selected crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat pairs, including ETH/USD, ETH/USDT, XRP/USD, and ETH/BTC, subject to availability and jurisdiction. GBP-based margin pairs are not currently supported.

Leverage of up to 20x may be available on certain markets. The use of leverage can increase both potential gains and potential losses. Users can open long or short positions, depending on market expectations.

The interface provides tools to monitor positions and manage risk. Users can review margin levels, track open positions, and set conditional orders, such as Take-Profit (TP) and Stop-Loss (SL), depending on the platform's functionality.

Key margin trading features: 

• Leverage of up to 20x on selected trading pairs, subject to availability
• Access to crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat markets
• Position management tools, including TP and SL orders
• Account reporting tools for open positions, orders, and trade history
• Integration with CEX.IO balances, including Wallet and Spot accounts

CEX.IO Margin Trading operates in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where it is available. Access to this service may be restricted in certain regions.

CEX.IO provides access to a range of digital asset services through a single account. UK users who engage with cryptocurrency may consider how different services interact within a platform, including funding methods, trading functionality, and asset management tools.

Our product ecosystem includes services designed for different levels of experience, from first-time participants to more active market users. Availability of specific features may vary depending on jurisdiction and verification status.

Within the CEX.IO platform, eligible users can access:

• Instant Buy - which allows users to buy crypto in the UK using supported payment methods, including debit and credit cards, as well as mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, subject to availability
• Spot Trading - providing access to over 300 cryptocurrency markets, depending on jurisdiction
• Margin Trading - where available, provides leveraged exposure on selected trading pairs for experienced users
• CEX.IO Wallet - used to store, transfer, and manage supported digital assets within the platform
• CEX.IO Earn - where eligible users may receive rewards on supported assets, subject to applicable terms
• CEX.IO App - providing access to platform services via iOS and Android devices
• CEX.IO Pay - enabling transfers between CEX.IO accounts without blockchain confirmations, subject to platform conditions
• Affiliate Program - which allows participants to receive rewards for sharing CEX.IO services, subject to terms and conditions

These services are provided in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where CEX.IO operates. UK-based users should note that regulatory frameworks differ by jurisdiction, and service availability is subject to local requirements.

Crypto and Bitcoin FAQ

What is a crypto exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where verified users can buy crypto in the UK and other supported regions, as well as sell and exchange digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDC (USDC).

These platforms provide access to trading markets and support crypto-to-fiat transactions in currencies such as GBP, EUR, or USD. Availability of services depends on jurisdiction and verification status.

How to exchange cryptocurrency?

To exchange cryptocurrency, eligible users can access Spot Trading or use the Convert feature within the CEX.IO platform or mobile app. These services allow users to swap supported digital assets or convert crypto to fiat currencies, including GBP, subject to availability. Supported pairs and features may vary by location and account verification status.

What is crypto trading?

Crypto trading refers to the process of exchanging digital assets or fiat currencies at a selected price. This may include crypto-to-crypto pairs, such as XRP/BTC, or crypto-to-fiat pairs, such as BTC/GBP. On CEX.IO, eligible users can place market or limit orders. Margin Trading may also be available for experienced users, subject to eligibility and regional restrictions.

Where to check the Bitcoin (BTC) price?

Users who plan to buy Bitcoin in the UK can monitor price movements using the CEX.IO Bitcoin price chart. The chart provides information such as current market rates, percentage changes, and historical data across different timeframes. Additional tools, such as a crypto calculator, may help estimate the value of digital assets in GBP or other fiat currencies.

How to start trading Bitcoin (BTC) on CEX.IO?

To start trading Bitcoin on CEX.IO:

1. Register an account on CEX.IO.
2. Complete Identity Verification (KYC).
3. Deposit funds using available payment methods, such as Visa, Mastercard, SWIFT, Faster Payments, or other supported gateways, depending on region.
4. Use Instant Buy to purchase digital assets or access Spot Trading and Margin Trading to place orders.
5. Explore various BTC markets, such as XRP/EUR, SOL/GBP, or SHIB/GBP, subject to platform support.

Is it possible to receive rewards for trading Bitcoin and crypto?

CEX.IO provides access to services such as Crypto Staking and Crypto Savings, where eligible users may receive rewards on supported digital assets. Participants who buy crypto in the UK and hold supported assets may receive periodic rewards, depending on the selected program, asset, and applicable terms. Availability may vary by jurisdiction.