| Updated: December 1, 2025One thing that inexperienced traders may not be aware of is that they can trade cryptocurrencies without actually owning them, which eliminates the need for a crypto wallet for storage. At the same time, the dramatic price movements in this highly volatile market allow traders to generate decent profits from crypto trading.
If you are looking for the best brokerage through which you can speculate on Bitcoin’s price fluctuations, we suggest you keep reading. Our team of expert traders tested multiple regulated and trustworthy Bitcoin trading brokers and compiled a list of the best.
Plus500 USThis content applies only to Plus500 US and clients from the United States. Trading futures involves the risk of loss.- eToro61% of retail investor accounts lose money
- Fusion Markets74-89% of retail's CFD accounts lose money
- FP Markets73.85% of retail investor accounts lose money
- Global Prime74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money
- Pepperstone75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money
Top 10 Bitcoin trading brokers
Our selection of 10 best-in-class brokers for Bitcoin trading provides you with a sufficiently diverse range of platforms from which to choose. In the short reviews below, we cover some fundamental parameters to consider when choosing a Bitcoin broker. We also provide relevant information regarding each trading platform’s minimum deposit requirements, fees, commissions and spreads, along with other useful details.
- 1. Global PrimeMin Deposit$0FeesNo fees for account deposits and withdrawalsDeposit Methods
CommissionsNone on BTC tradesSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 1.04 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.3 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.32 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:2Leverage non-EU1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (VFSC)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDsTrading derivatives is high risk. Losses can exceed your initial investment. You should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Any Information or advice contained on this website is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Past performance of any product described on this website is not a reliable indication of future performance. You should consider whether you’re part of the broker's target market by reviewing its Target Market Determination, and read Global Prime's PDS and other legal documents to ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary. The information on this website is not intended to be an inducement, offer or solicitation to any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.Established in 2010, Global Prime is a digital trading platform founded on the principles of integrity and dependability. As an Australia-based company, it operates under the regulations of the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). It also holds a license from the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC).
Retail traders are offered a variety of asset classes, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, among others. Overall, the broker provides more than 150 markets. The trading platforms available at Global Prime are MetaTrader 4 and its successor, MetaTrader 5. Traders can also take advantage of additional features, including a margin calculator, access to Autochartist, VPS hosting, and economic calendars. Copy trading opportunities are also available.
Customers of the trading platform have access to popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Cardano, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum.
The process of opening an account with Global Prime is fast and straightforward. Account verification is the next step. Once the account is set up and verified, it can be funded and trading can commence.
Funding the trading account can be accomplished via credit and debit cards, cryptocurrencies, PayPal, Skrill, and other convenient methods. With no deposit and withdrawal fees and tight spreads, Global Prime offers a competitive trading environment. Cryptocurrency deposits start from $10.
TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCIRO (Canada), CySEC (Cyprus, # 347/17), FRSA (United Arab Emirates, # 190018), FFAJ (Japan, # 1574), FSCA (South Africa, # 45984), FSRA (Canada, # 190018), ISA (Israel, # 514666577), JFSA (Japan, # 1662), ASIC (Australia, # 406684), BVIFSC (Virgin Islands, British, # SIBA/L/13/1049), CBI (Ireland, # C53877)PlatformsAvaOptions, DupliTrade, AvaSocial, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTadeGO, Proprietary Web, ZuluTrade2. AvaTradeMin Deposit$100FeesNo deposit and withdrawal feesDeposit Methods CommissionsNone for BTC tradesSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 0.8 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.2 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.3 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:2 (1:100 for professional traders)Leverage non-EU1:400 (Pro Account), 1:30 (Standard Account)InstrumentsBonds CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Crypto Options, Energy CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Forex Options, Index Options, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs, Stock CFDs, Stock Options, US Stock OptionsCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 63% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.If you are interested in BTC trading, AvaTrade is a brokerage platform you should definitely check out. Founded in 2006 as AvaFX, the company is headquartered in Dublin and was later rebranded to reflect its versatile product lineup. The broker also offers a highly functional app, AvaTradeGo, which allows traders to actively engage in the market while on the go.
DupliTrade is AvaTrade’s automated trading platform, enabling customers to follow other traders and leverage their experience by directly copying their positions.
In terms of trading costs, AvaTrade outperforms its competitors. However, dormant accounts incur a $10 fee after just two months of inactivity, and an annual fee of $100 after one year of inactivity, provided the balance is below $2,000. To enjoy the full range of services available at AvaTrade, users are advised to deposit $1,000 to $2,000. Deposits can be made via credit cards, wire transfers, Neteller, Skrill, and WebMoney.
Apart from Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies available for trading on AvaTrade include MIOTA, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, EOS, NEO, Dash, Litecoin, Ripple, Uniswap, and Stellar, among others.
Regarded by many as a pioneer in online trading, AvaTrade holds licenses from nine major regulatory bodies within the sphere of trading and finance and complies with regulatory requirements on six continents.
Users enjoy best-in-class customer support and can test the free demo accounts before depositing real funds.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCONSOB (Italy, # 211), FCA (United Kingdom, # 434413), SCB (Bahamas, # 199667 B), CMVM (Portugal, # 433), FSCM (Mauritius, # GB24203277), CVM (Brazil, # 43050.917/0001-03)PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web, TradingView3. ActivTradesMin Deposit$0Fees
- 0.5% on deposits (EU/EEA cards)
- 1.5% on deposits (non EU/EEA cards)
- $12.50 for bank transfer withdrawals in USD
- £9 for bank transfers in GBP (SCB and FSC entities only)
- A $10 inactivity fee after 50 weeks
Deposit Methods CommissionsNone on crypto CFDsSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 0.5 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 0.8 pips, USDJPY: AVG 0.5 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:2 (1:20 for Pro accounts)Leverage non-EU1:400 (CMVM | Pro Account), 1:30 (CMVM | Retail Account), 1:1000 (FSC), 1:200 (SCB)InstrumentsBonds CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Share CFDsCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.Launched in 2001, ActivTrades is a well-established online broker renowned for its robust regulatory framework and diverse offering of over 1,000 markets, including a growing focus on cryptocurrencies. Traders looking to profit from the price fluctuations of Bitcoin and other digital coins can rest assured that ActivTrades provides a secure, user-friendly environment backed by competitive trading conditions.
With ActivTrades, traders have access to cryptocurrencies tradable against the US dollar through CFDs, enabling them to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets. They benefit from tight spreads, no commissions, and fast order execution, with no need for a crypto wallet. The target spread for the BTC/USD pair is 55 points. In terms of trading volume, crypto enthusiasts can place trades of varying sizes depending on the crypto asset. For Bitcoin, the minimum volume is 0.01 lots, and the maximum volume is 3 lots. As swap rates for overnight positions vary according to market conditions, traders can check the up-to-date values on the broker’s website.
Beyond Bitcoin, ActivTrades offers 14 other digital coins, among them Cardano, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, and Ethereum. Traders can boost their exposure to the crypto market with leverage capped at 1:2 for EU-based customers and 1:20 for customers registered with the FSC and SCB entities.
- 4. IQ OptionMin Deposit$10Fees
- 2% up to $30 on withdrawals at the offshore division (1 free withdrawal per month)
- $10 inactivity fee after 90 days
CommissionsNone on BTC tradesSpreadDynamic spread from 0.00%Leverage EU1:2Leverage non-EU1:5; 1:500 (crypto futures)CFDs are complex instruments and entail a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.Established in 2013, IQ Option is an outstanding online trading platform that has quickly evolved into a popular choice among traders worldwide. Holding a license from CySEC, the company is authorized to offer its services in all countries of the European Economic Area. It also operates an offshore division registered in Antigua and Barbuda.
The brokerage platform provides a solid selection of tradable markets, including 26 crypto pairs in the EU and 74 crypto CFDs for offshore customers. With more than 8.7 million registered users, it is a top choice among traders of all levels. Featuring a variety of trading instruments, IQ Option enables cryptocurrency trading through CFDs and perpetual futures. Traders can diversify their portfolios with Bitcoin as well as other digital currencies such as Ethereum, Binance Coin, Litecoin, and Ripple, among others.
Users of IQ Option can choose between two account types. The first is a demo account, which allows them to test the platform’s trading instruments and features for free in practice mode. A real account can be opened once users complete the verification procedures and deposit funds. Regarding deposit and withdrawal options, users can choose among debit and credit cards, bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, digital wallets, and other payment methods. Customers are entitled to one free withdrawal per month, regardless of the payment method they use.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCySEC (Cyprus, # 371/18), FSAS (Seychelles, # SD130), FSCA (South Africa, # 50926), SCB (Bahamas), ASIC (Australia, # 286354), FSCM (Mauritius, # GB21026264)PlatformscTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView5. FP MarketsMin Deposit$50 (AU$100)FeesNo deposit and withdrawal feesDeposit Methods CommissionsNo commissions on BTC tradesSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 1.2 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.4 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.5 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:500 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)Leverage non-EU1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (FSAS | Retail Account)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Energy CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Stock CFDsCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. The vast majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Operating in the sphere of digital financial services since 2005, FP Markets has become a leader both in Australia and worldwide. The trading platform offers over 10,000 financial instruments that are accessible on desktop and mobile devices. The platform complies with strict regulatory requirements set by several financial authorities, including CySEC, ASIC, and FSCA, and offers an extensive range of educational resources.
With innovative trading platforms such as MT4/5 and TradingView, the company provides access to all major asset classes, including indices, forex, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. FP Markets allows traders to engage in cryptocurrency CFD trading on Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Solana, and more.
Customers are encouraged to open a demo account first to explore the platform in practice mode without risking any funds. Additionally, FP Markets offers two account types: Standard and Raw. Standard accounts carry 0% commission and spreads as low as 1.0 pips, while Raw accounts incur a $3 commission per side on forex and precious metals, with spreads starting at 0.0 pips. Both account types have minimum deposit requirements of $100 or $50, depending on the country, and offer leverage of 1:2 for cryptocurrencies. MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the Iress mobile version are all free of charge.
Bank transfers, card payments, Skrill, and Neteller are among the payment methods accepted by the company. Card and e-wallet deposits are instant, while bank transfers may take two to five business days. The team of knowledgeable experts can be reached via email, live chat, or a convenient call-back feature. In addition to outstanding customer service, the platform offers fast trade execution.
- 6. AxiMin Deposit$5 (EU), $0 (offshore)FeesNo fees for deposits and withdrawals, $10 inactivity fee after 12 monthsCommissionsNone on crypto CFD tradesSpread18 on BTC/USDLeverage EU1:2Leverage non-EU1:200CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Axi boasts a global reputation as a dependable provider of financial services to more than 60,000 customers with varying levels of knowledge in 100+ countries around the world. Launched in 2007 in Australia, the company also has offices in London.
The professionals at the company continually seek ways to improve in order to deliver the best possible trading experience. The company operates in strict compliance with the regulatory frameworks in Australia (ASIC), Dubai (DFSA), Cyprus (CySEC), and the United Kingdom (FCA), among others. Clients’ funds are held in segregated accounts.
Axi offers two types of accounts, a Standard Account and a Pro Account, with the option to set up a demo account for both.
The company offers MT4, the most popular trading platform, along with a set of trading tools designed to deliver an outstanding experience. Its extensive range of more than 220 markets enables customers to find opportunities that best suit their trading style. The assets offered on the trading platform include forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and perpetual futures.
Customers can trade CFDs on more than 30 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Ripple, Chainlink, and Litecoin. Traders do not need to set up a digital wallet, as they do not actually own the underlying cryptocurrencies. Axi offers maximum crypto leverage of 1:2 for retail EU clients and up to 1:200 for traders at its offshore entity.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCySEC (Cyprus, # 109/10), FCA (United Kingdom, # 583263), FRSA (United Arab Emirates, # 220073), FinCEN (United States, # 31000204884179), FINRA (United States, # 298361), FSAS (Seychelles, # SD076), GFSC (Gibraltar, # 1333B), AMF (France, # E2022-038), MFSA (Malta, # C97952), SEC (United States, # 0001753042), ASIC (Australia, # 491139)PlatformseToro App, eToro CopyTrader, eToro Investing7. eToroMin Deposit$50 or $100 based on country ($10 for the UK)Fees1% for buying cryptoDeposit Methods CommissionsFrom 1%SpreadEUR/USD: AVG 1 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 2 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:400 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)Leverage non-EU1:400 (FSAS | Retail Account)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs, Stock CFDs, US Stock CFDsCrypto investments are risky and may not suit retail investors; you could lose your entire investment. Understand the risks here.
Combining the features of a social network and an investment app, eToro is among the leading companies in the industry. Launched in 2007 with the aim of revolutionizing the market and offering accessible investment tools to traders around the world, eToro has enjoyed great success over the years. Boasting an extensive network of 40 million users worldwide, the platform supports 19 different languages.
Offering a safe, friendly, and convenient environment, eToro is a top choice for Bitcoin investors as well. The proprietary eToro platform offers an ever-growing portfolio of over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin, among others. Aiming to enhance investors’ education, the multi-asset platform provides news and analysis, as well as the eToro Academy. Under the Top Markets section, users of the platform will find a wealth of information on BTC trading and other popular cryptocurrencies.
The company introduced the CopyTrader feature in 2010, enabling novice traders to copy the positions of experienced users. The brand is also known as a pioneer in Bitcoin trading, introducing the asset to investors and traders in 2013. Since 2017, the platform has diversified its portfolio of trading instruments by adding additional cryptocurrencies.
As for fees and commissions, eToro offers 0% commission on stocks and charges no additional administration or management fees. Users residing in the UK, the US, and many EU countries can open accounts with a deposit as low as $50. Customers from other regions must meet a minimum deposit of $100 or more. There is also a $10 monthly fee after one year of inactivity.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCySEC (Cyprus, # 319/17), FCA (United Kingdom, # 793714), SCB (Bahamas, # SIA-F245), ASIC (Australia, # 513393), ESCA (United Arab Emirates, # 20200000176)PlatformsMetaTrader 4, Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web, TradingView8. Capital.comMin Deposit$20FeesNo deposit and withdrawal fees, $10 inactivity fee after one year, 0.7% for currency conversionDeposit Methods CommissionsNoneSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 0.6 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.3 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account), 1:300 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:300 (FCA | Pro Account)Leverage non-EU1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:200 (SCB | Retail Account)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Commodity Futures, Crypto CFDs, Crypto futures, Currency Futures, Forex CFDs, Index Futures, Indices CFDs, Options, Share CFDsCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 82.67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Capital.com is a reputable brokerage platform that allows users to trade the world’s most popular markets. Launched in 2016, the online trading venue enables commission-free trading in more than 4,500 financial markets. Aside from spreads and overnight fees, no signup or deposit fees are charged, although customers with inactive accounts incur a $10 monthly charge after 12 months of inactivity.
With more than 750,000 active traders worldwide, Capital.com offers a quick and hassle-free registration process. To start trading, customers need to create and verify their accounts and transfer funds. The minimum deposit is $20, or $50 for wire transfers.
With leverage of 1:2 for cryptocurrencies in the EU, traders must meet a 50% minimum margin requirement. However, novice traders should be aware that while trading with leverage offers the opportunity to generate greater profits, the potential losses are also amplified.
The online trading platform features high-quality educational content for inexperienced customers.
Capital.com provides valuable risk management tools, with the stop-loss order at the forefront. Placing a stop-loss order is commonly used for two basic reasons – either to curb losses or to secure profits. Considering that the BTC market is highly volatile, applying this risk management tool can be very beneficial. Apart from BTC trading, the platform features an extensive list of more than 520 additional cryptocurrencies.
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, CySEC in Europe, and several other renowned supervisory bodies, the trading platform offers safety and transparency to its customers. This is a major advantage that Capital.com holds over many other specialized cryptocurrency brokers.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCNMV (Spain, # 40), CySEC (Cyprus, # 169/12), DFSA (United Arab Emirates, # F006316), FCA (United Kingdom, # 522157), FSCA (South Africa, # 49970), FSAN (Norway, # FT00118162), IFSC (Belize, # 000302/11), KNF (Poland), BaFin (Germany)PlatformsxStation 59. XTBMin Deposit$250Fees$10 for withdrawals below $100, $10 inactivity feeDeposit Methods CommissionsNo commissions on BTC tradesSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 0.9 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 2.2 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.4 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:200 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account)Leverage non-EU1:500 (IFSC | Retail Account)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Energy CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs, Stock CFDs, US Stock CFDsCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
XTB is a leading broker with a long-standing presence in the trading market, dating back to 2002, when the company was known as X-Trade. It is regulated in multiple jurisdictions by some of the world’s most renowned financial authorities, including the FCA and CySEC, and it is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The company maintains a solid presence in more than 12 countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Poland, Chile, and Germany.
With access to more than 2,500 global markets on its platform, many customers prefer it for BTC trading. Beyond cryptocurrencies, the platform also offers trading in other asset classes such as forex, indices, commodities, and ETFs.
XTB provides a comprehensive guide to BTC trading specifics, so customers unfamiliar with the ins and outs of cryptocurrency trading are encouraged to review it. In addition to valuable information on Bitcoin, the platform also supplies details on Litecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. Traders can choose from over 40 crypto CFD markets. As a reputable cryptocurrency broker, XTB offers robust asset management tools.
Setting up an account with XTB is quick and straightforward. Once created, the account must be verified, which may take up to 24 hours. Regarding account types, users can choose between retail and professional accounts. The demo account allows novice traders to practice without risking real funds.
- Min Deposit$100FeesNo deposit and withdrawal feesDeposit Methods CommissionsNone on BTC tradesSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 0.2 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 0.2 pips, USDJPY: AVG 0.5 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:2Leverage non-EU1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (VFSC)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Share CFDsMargin trading involves a high level of risk and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience before entering into any margined transactions with Blueberry Markets, and seek independent advice if necessary. Forex and CFDs are highly leveraged products, which means both gains and losses are magnified. You should only trade in these products if you fully understand the risks involved and can afford to incur losses that will not adversely affect your lifestyle.
Blueberry Markets is another top-rated CFD provider dedicated to delivering first-class service to its customers. Holding licenses from ASIC and VFSC, the platform offers a completely safe trading environment. Founded in 2016 in Australia, the company is renowned for its low spreads and excellent customer care. Offering more than 300 trading instruments, the platform will certainly not disappoint those interested in BTC trading.
Besides Bitcoin, account holders can trade other popular cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dash. Blueberry Markets’ customers can trade crypto CFDs on the MT5 platform, eliminating the need to hold a crypto wallet to store bitcoins. They can easily take advantage of the volatile cryptocurrency market and make the most of the rising and falling prices of these virtual assets.
With 1:2 leverage, traders are able to generate higher returns on their investments with a smaller initial outlay. Traders can also diversify their portfolios through different cryptocurrency CFDs. They can speculate on the price fluctuations of Bitcoin, for example, without actually owning the underlying digital asset.
Blueberry Markets provides traders with the opportunity to pick from two account types, Standard and Direct.
As for deposit and withdrawal methods, platform users can choose among card payments, Skrill, wire transfers, and other options.
Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography to secure and verify transactions. Unlike traditional currencies, they are decentralised, meaning they are not issued or controlled by a central authority such as a government or bank. This decentralised nature, combined with their advanced security features, makes them highly resistant to government intervention and counterfeiting.
The underlying technology that makes cryptocurrencies possible is the blockchain. This distributed ledger records all transactions in a secure and transparent way, ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of each crypto transfer.
While more than 17,000 cryptocurrencies currently exist, Bitcoin (BTC) was the first to use blockchain technology. As a decentralised payment system, Bitcoin allows for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for an intermediary, such as a bank.
Launched in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin was the first decentralised cryptocurrency. Since its inception, its value has experienced significant volatility, with periods of dramatic surges and sharp declines. A notable milestone occurred on 14 July 2025, when Bitcoin’s price reached an all-time high, exceeding $123,000.
This remarkable price appreciation, often observed after halving events, has attracted considerable interest from investors. As a result, Bitcoin is now widely viewed more as a speculative investment asset than as a practical tool for everyday payments.
There are several ways to participate in the Bitcoin market. You can directly buy, sell and trade Bitcoin tokens or coins on various cryptocurrency exchanges.
Alternatively, traders can speculate on Bitcoin’s price movements without owning the underlying asset by using Contracts for Difference (CFDs). This method allows you to profit from both rising and falling prices.
Another option for acquiring new Bitcoin is through mining, a process that involves using powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems to verify transactions and add them to the blockchain.
Cryptocurrencies, and Bitcoin in particular, are praised for several key advantages. Transactions are typically fast and incur lower fees than traditional payment methods. They are also highly accessible, allowing anyone with an internet connection to participate.
Bitcoin offers a high level of security and transparency through its use of blockchain technology, while also protecting user privacy. These benefits, along with its potential to act as a hedge against inflation and a tool for portfolio diversification, have made Bitcoin a very attractive asset for traders and investors.
Despite these benefits, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have faced criticism for several notable drawbacks. They are often associated with high price volatility, which can lead to significant and rapid changes in value. Concerns also exist about their potential use for illicit activities due to the high levels of privacy they offer. The instability of their underlying infrastructure, including issues with network congestion and security vulnerabilities, is also an ongoing concern.
This publication provides an overview of how Bitcoin (BTC) trading works. It covers essential topics such as trading mechanics, associated commissions, fees and spreads. Additionally, it offers a list of highly rated BTC trading brokers.
How BTC trading works for traders and brokers
A beginner in BTC trading may wonder where to start. In the lines below, we cover the basics of BTC trading, as well as some fundamental terms to be aware of. To start, traders should distinguish between Bitcoin trading and investing. The latter entails purchasing cryptocurrency and holding it over the longer term, hoping its value will appreciate. Trading involves buying the digital currency at a low price and selling it at a high price, thus targeting short-term profits. Moreover, trading Bitcoin often involves speculating on the price of the digital asset through Bitcoin CFDs. In that case, you do not own any of the cryptocurrency itself but simply aim for a profit from the sharp price movements of the asset.
How BTC trading works for traders
In this section, we outline some major steps that novice traders should take to begin trading Bitcoin successfully.
- To begin trading Bitcoin, you must first open an account with a reputable Bitcoin trading broker. This publication includes a list of top-ranked brokers in a dedicated section for your review.
- Once your account is created, the next step is to complete the identity verification process. This typically involves providing a clear copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence. As part of Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, you may also be required to provide proof of residence and, in some cases, proof of income.
- After your account is verified, you can deposit funds using various payment methods offered by the broker, which may include credit/debit card deposits, bank transfers or e-wallets. Transactions made with a credit card are often processed instantly, with the purchase reflected immediately in your account.
- Before making your first Bitcoin purchase, you will need a digital wallet to store your cryptocurrency. These wallets, which can be software-based or hardware-based, generate the unique Bitcoin addresses required for transactions. While software wallets are suitable for smaller balances, hardware wallets are recommended for storing larger amounts of Bitcoin due to their enhanced security.
- It is important to note that if you choose to trade Bitcoin through Contracts for Difference (CFDs), you do not need a cryptocurrency wallet. Trading CFDs involves speculating on price movements without taking ownership of the underlying asset.
- Finally, with your account funded and a wallet ready, you can begin your trading journey by purchasing Bitcoin. The currency’s popularity as a trading instrument is largely due to its volatility, which presents opportunities for traders to profit by accurately anticipating price fluctuations.
How BTC trading works for brokers
Bitcoin brokers serve as intermediaries, providing a platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, or simply speculating on their price fluctuations. They facilitate trading by offering Bitcoin at a specific price, and their business model is built on several key concepts.
A broker’s role often involves market making, the process of providing liquidity to both buyers and sellers simultaneously. Liquidity is the ability to buy or sell an asset quickly without significantly affecting its market price. A highly liquid market allows for easy and efficient trading.
The bid-ask spread is a key indicator of market liquidity. It represents the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay (the bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept (the ask). Tight spreads suggest high liquidity and a strong consensus between buyers and sellers on an asset’s value. Wide spreads indicate low liquidity and a greater disparity in price expectations.
Brokers generate profit in several ways. Some brokers charge direct fees and commissions on trades. Other ‘zero-commission’ brokers generate revenue primarily through the spreads. Therefore, it is crucial to compare spreads when selecting a broker, as a wider spread effectively acts as a hidden cost. Traders should also be mindful of other potential charges, such as account maintenance fees, before choosing a trading platform.