Before You Start
- You must be resident in a supported European country (e.g., Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, etc.).
- Have a verified account with Trade Republic, DEGIRO, or Interactive Brokers (IBKR).
- Access to your online banking or SEPA transfer capabilities for EUR deposits.
- Personal identification documents (passport, national ID) for verification.
- Be aware of your local tax obligations regarding crypto assets.
Time needed: 20–40 minutes (including registration and verification)
What you'll need: Smartphone or computer, internet access, EUR funds, bank account, ID
European investors are increasingly looking to buy crypto with EUR directly from regulated brokers. In 2026, platforms like Trade Republic, DEGIRO, and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) have made this possible—each with unique features, fees, and processes. This hands-on guide will walk you step-by-step through buying crypto with EUR on each broker, explain the costs and risks, and help you choose the right platform for your needs.
Step 1: Choose Your Broker
First, decide which platform fits your needs. Here’s how they differ when it comes to buying crypto with EUR:
- Trade Republic: Simple mobile app, direct EUR deposits, and a growing list of supported cryptocurrencies.
- DEGIRO: Known for low-cost stock trading, but crypto exposure is via exchange-traded products (ETPs), not direct crypto ownership.
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Advanced platform, direct crypto trading, and competitive fees. Supports EUR deposits and withdrawals.
Why this matters: Each broker offers a different level of crypto access. Trade Republic and IBKR allow direct crypto purchases; DEGIRO only lets you invest in crypto ETPs (which track crypto prices).
Pro Tip
Want a detailed broker comparison? See our 2026 broker fee and feature comparison.
Step 2: Deposit EUR Funds
To buy crypto with EUR, you’ll need to get funds into your broker account. Here’s how for each platform:
-
Trade Republic:
- Open the app and tap Profile → Deposit.
- Copy the provided IBAN and use your online banking to send a SEPA transfer. Minimum deposit is usually €10.
- Funds typically arrive within 1 business day. You’ll see the balance under "Available funds".
-
DEGIRO:
- Log in, go to Account → Deposit/Withdraw Funds.
- Choose "Deposit", select SEPA, and follow the instructions. Minimum deposit is €0.01, but for practical crypto ETP purchases, €100+ is recommended.
- Funds usually appear within 1–2 business days.
-
Interactive Brokers:
- Log in to Client Portal, go to Transfer & Pay → Transfer Funds.
- Initiate a “Deposit Funds” request, select EUR and SEPA transfer. IBKR provides you with their bank details and a unique reference code. Initiate the transfer from your bank.
- Funds appear in your account within 1–2 business days. Check under "Available Funds".
What can go wrong: Incorrect reference codes or IBANs may delay your deposit. Always double-check the details before confirming your bank transfer.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity (If Needed)
EU regulations require brokers to verify your identity before you can trade crypto. If you haven’t already completed KYC (Know Your Customer) steps during account setup, you’ll be prompted to upload an ID and sometimes a selfie or video verification.
Why it matters: Without proper verification, your account may be restricted or unable to trade crypto assets.
Step 4: Buy Crypto with EUR on Trade Republic
Trade Republic allows direct crypto purchases via its mobile app. Here’s how:
- Open the app and tap Discover → Crypto.
- Browse the available cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
- Select the crypto you want to buy (e.g., Bitcoin).
- Tap Buy, enter the EUR amount (minimum €1), and review the summary.
- Confirm your purchase. The order executes at market price and appears in your portfolio instantly.
Expected outcome: You should see your crypto balance (e.g., 0.003 BTC) and its current EUR value under “Portfolio”.
Pro Tip
Trade Republic charges a flat €1 commission per crypto order. No percentage spread, but crypto prices may include a small markup over market rates. Check the preview screen for the exact execution price before confirming.
What can go wrong: Sudden price changes can cause your order to execute at a different rate than expected. Always double-check the order summary before confirming.
Step 5: Buy Crypto Exposure with EUR on DEGIRO
DEGIRO does not offer direct crypto trading. Instead, you invest in crypto ETPs (Exchange-Traded Products) that track the price of cryptocurrencies. This is ideal if you want price exposure without owning actual crypto.
- In your DEGIRO dashboard, use the search bar to find crypto ETPs (e.g., “VanEck Vectors Bitcoin ETN”, ISIN: DE000A28M8D0).
- Click the ETP, then tap Buy.
- Enter the number of units (e.g., 2 shares at €40 each = €80 total).
- Review the order summary and place your order.
Expected outcome: You’ll see the ETP listed in your portfolio. Its value will rise or fall with the underlying crypto price, but you cannot withdraw crypto to a wallet.
Pro Tip
DEGIRO’s ETPs trade on stock exchanges during market hours only. For 24/7 crypto exposure, consider direct brokers like Trade Republic or IBKR.
What can go wrong: ETP prices can diverge from the underlying crypto due to trading hours or liquidity. Also, you’re exposed to issuer risk (the company behind the ETP).
Step 6: Buy Crypto with EUR on Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
IBKR supports direct crypto trading with EUR. Here’s the process:
- Log in to IBKR’s Client Portal or mobile app.
- Select Trade → Crypto.
- Choose your cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
- Click Buy, specify the amount in EUR (minimums typically €10–€25 per trade).
- Review fees and the estimated crypto amount. Confirm the order.
Expected outcome: Your crypto position appears in your portfolio with real-time EUR value. You can view trade details under "Transactions".
Pro Tip
IBKR charges a commission of 0.12%–0.18% per crypto trade (minimum €1.50). There are no hidden spreads, and EUR deposits are accepted via SEPA.
What can go wrong: IBKR’s interface is more complex than Trade Republic. Double-check you are trading the right asset (Crypto, not an ETP or CFD).
Step 7: Understand Fees, Limits, and Security
- Trade Republic: €1 flat fee per crypto trade, minimum trade €1, daily buy/sell limits apply (usually €10,000/day for retail users). Crypto is held in institutional-grade custody; you cannot withdraw to an external wallet (as of 2026).
- DEGIRO: Standard stock trading fees apply (typically €2 per ETP trade), no direct crypto holdings, only ETPs. No wallet withdrawals.
- IBKR: 0.12%–0.18% commission per trade (min €1.50), competitive spreads, high daily limits (up to €100,000 for verified users). Crypto held in regulated custody partners. As of 2026, external wallet withdrawals are available for some coins (check IBKR’s official crypto page for details).
Security: All three brokers are regulated in the EU, use bank-grade security, and offer insurance on fiat funds. Crypto assets are not covered by deposit insurance. Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
Regulatory note (2026): MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) is in force, providing stronger consumer protections but also stricter KYC/AML checks. Stay informed on your broker’s compliance and your local tax obligations. For more on safety and yield, see our deep-dive on crypto interest accounts and EUR safety.
Step 8: Compare User Experience and Beginner Tips
| Broker | Ease of Use | Crypto Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Republic | Very easy (mobile-first) | Direct purchase, no withdrawals | Beginners, mobile users |
| DEGIRO | Easy, but no direct crypto | Crypto ETPs only | Stock investors wanting exposure |
| Interactive Brokers | Advanced, desktop/mobile | Direct purchase, wallet option | Experienced investors, high limits |
Pro Tip
Start with a small test trade (e.g., €20) to get comfortable with the platform interface and execution process before committing larger amounts.
Common Mistakes
- Sending EUR to the wrong IBAN or without the correct reference code (delays or lost funds).
- Confusing crypto ETPs with real crypto—on DEGIRO, you own a product tracking crypto, not the actual asset.
- Ignoring fees and spreads—always check the order preview for the true execution price.
- Not enabling 2FA—leaving your account vulnerable to unauthorized access.
- Assuming instant execution—ETP trades only execute during market hours; crypto trades may be delayed by network congestion.
- Forgetting tax reporting—crypto gains are taxable in most EU countries; keep records.
Next Steps
- Explore advanced features like recurring crypto purchases (Trade Republic’s savings plan for crypto) or external wallet withdrawals (IBKR).
- Read how to use fractional shares if you want to diversify with smaller amounts.
- Compare more brokers and fee structures in our full broker guide for European investors.
- Stay updated on EU crypto regulations and always review the latest broker documentation before large transactions.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.