Best crypto exchanges in Italy (2026): MiCA licensed only

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Crypto exchange rules in Italy, checked 26 October 2026

Only licensed exchanges appear on this page. Italy follows the EU crypto rules, known as MiCA. The last MiCA transition period ended on 1 July 2026. Since then a crypto exchange needs a MiCA licence to serve people in Italy. A firm licensed in one EU country can serve the others once its home regulator has notified them.

The regulator for crypto firms in Italy is the Bank of Italy and CONSOB.

How this page is ordered. The ranking below shows the 16 exchanges we cover that hold a MiCA licence for Italy, ordered by CoinGecko trust rank, the same rank we use on every ranking page (the top 10 are ranked, all 16 are in the licence record at the end of the page). Licence status comes first: an exchange that is not on the register is not listed, whatever its size and whether or not it is a partner. The licensed entity, the regulator and the date for each one are in the licence record lower on this page. If you want a shortlist by fees and features instead, the Exchange Finder applies the same licence rule.

Not listed, and why: Binance does not hold a MiCA licence. It stopped new sign ups in the EU and restricted its services ahead of 1 July 2026 (CoinDesk, 26 June 2026). Gemini holds a MiCA licence but closed all accounts in the EEA on 6 April 2026 (Gemini). MEXC is on the ESMA list of non-compliant firms (decision of the Dutch AFM, 16 September 2025). Kanga holds a MiCA licence in another country, but Italy is not on its list of host countries. HTX, Bitfinex, BitMart, CEX.IO, Toobit and XT.COM are not on the register either.

How to check any exchange yourself: open the ESMA register of licensed crypto firms and search for the company name. Then check that IT is in its list of host countries. If the firm is not there, do not send it money.

See every exchange and country we have checked in our crypto exchange licence tracker, with the data to download.

Sources: ESMA interim MiCA register, update of 15 October 2026 (read 20 October 2026); exchange notices. Checked 26 October 2026.

Compare crypto exchanges by licence, fees and features

Overview

Updated · Rankings data refreshed (CoinGecko)

This page lists the 16 exchanges we cover that hold a MiCA licence for Italy, in trust-rank order, with the licensed entity, the regulator and the date for each one. The top of the list is Coinbase, Kraken, OKX. Use the comparison tool to set any two or three of them side by side on fees, coins and funding, and the rules block above to see who is not listed and why. Deposits in euro are covered lower on the page. Trading crypto involves risk; nothing here is financial, legal or investment advice.

Exchange of the Month

Coinbase Exchange 5.0
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The top 10 licensed crypto exchanges in Italy

At a glance

#ExchangeTrust rank24h volumeFoundedMarkets
1Coinbase Exchange#1$1.51B2012Spot, Derivatives
2Kraken#2$1.60B2011Spot, Derivatives
3OKX#3$1.88B2017Spot, Derivatives
4Gate#6$1.72B2013Spot, Derivatives
5Bitstamp#7$240.7M2011Spot
6Crypto.com Exchange#9$692.5M2019Spot, Derivatives
7BingX#10$349.6M2018Spot, Derivatives
8Bitvavo#14$163.5M2018Spot
9KuCoin#20$1.10B2017Spot, Derivatives
10Bullish#23$862.8M2021Spot, Derivatives
  1. Coinbase Exchange 5.0
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  2. Kraken 5.0
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  3. OKX 5.0
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  4. Gate 5.0
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  5. Bitstamp 4.5
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  6. Crypto.com Exchange 4.5
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  7. BingX 4.5
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  8. Bitvavo 4.5
    Visit Exchange Read Review
  9. KuCoin 4.0
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  10. Bullish 4.0
    Visit Exchange Read Review

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How We Pick These Exchanges

Licence first. This page lists only the 16 exchanges we cover that hold a MiCA licence for Italy, in CoinGecko trust-rank order. An exchange that is not on the register is left out whatever its size, and whether or not it is a partner. The licence record for each one is in the table lower on this page.

The exchanges on this page are chosen and ranked using ExchangeCatalogue’s independent review framework – we look at security, regulation, fees, products, user experience, and overall fit for this specific use case or region.

Some platforms may be our partners, but no exchange can pay to change its score or ranking. Sponsorship can affect visibility (for example, “featured” labels), not how we rate risk or quality.

This page is for information only and is not financial or investment advice. Always do your own research.

See our Affiliate & Advertising Disclosure, Methodology and Risk Disclosure for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Focus on compliance. Check that the provider serves Italy and is listed on the Italian register for virtual asset services, and that it follows EU rules. Review fee schedules, supported assets, euro deposit and withdrawal options, and limits. Look at security features and incident history. Try the app or web platform to see if it fits your skill level. Check if customer support and materials are available in Italian. Read the terms so you understand account closure, outages, and dispute processes. This is general information.

Crypto use is permitted in Italy, but it is not legal tender. Platforms that offer exchange or custody must register with the Italian body that oversees virtual asset providers and meet anti‑money laundering and identity checks. Some features may have extra rules. Before opening an account, confirm the service operates in Italy and follows local and EU requirements. Laws and guidance can change, so review the provider’s legal page and public notices. This is general information, not legal advice.

Most platforms ask for identity checks. You usually provide a government ID, a recent proof of address, and a live photo or video. Examples include a passport, national ID card, or driver’s license, plus a utility bill or bank statement that shows your name and address. Some providers may ask about your experience and the source of funds. Keep documents clear and valid, and make sure your account name matches your payment method. Requirements vary by provider.

Common funding options include bank transfer, payment cards, and supported e‑wallets. Withdrawals often go back to a bank account in your name or to an external wallet if you move digital assets. Check deposit and withdrawal fees, processing times, cut‑off hours, and any limits. Your bank may apply its own charges. Name matching is standard, so use an account in your name. Start with a small test transfer until you are comfortable with the flow.

Prioritize account protection. Use multi‑factor authentication and strong, unique passwords. Set withdrawal allowlists and device approvals if available. Review how the provider stores assets, and whether it offers independent attestations on reserves or security controls. Enable alerts for logins and transfers. Be wary of phishing links and fake apps. For long‑term storage, many people choose a self‑custody wallet where they control the keys. Keep backups offline and never share recovery phrases. No setup removes all risk.

Of the exchanges we cover, Backpack Exchange, BingX, bitFlyer, Bitstamp, Bitvavo, Bullish, Bybit, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Gate, Kraken, KuCoin, OKX, One Trading, Tothemoon and WhiteBIT hold a MiCA licence for Italy on 26 October 2026. The ranking on this page shows them in trust-rank order, and the licence record lists the entity, the regulator and the date for each one. Other licensed firms exist that we do not review yet; the register linked in the rules block at the top of this page has the full list.

Binance does not hold a MiCA licence. It stopped new sign ups in the EU and restricted its services ahead of 1 July 2026, when the last MiCA transition period ended, so it is not on this page. Existing customers should follow Binance's own notices; new customers in Italy can choose from the licensed exchanges listed here.

An unlicensed exchange may refuse you, close your account or restrict withdrawals when the regulator steps in, and you have no complaint route under MiCA. Your bank may also block transfers to it. Regulators in the EU publish warnings and can order websites blocked, and the exchange is not supervised by the Bank of Italy and CONSOB. If you already hold funds on one, moving them to a licensed exchange or to your own wallet removes that risk.

Licensed exchanges in Italy

Coinbase Exchange
5.0/5
Kraken
5.0/5
OKX
5.0/5
Gate
5.0/5
Bitstamp
4.5/5
Crypto.com Exchange
4.5/5
BingX
4.5/5
Bitvavo
4.5/5
KuCoin
4.0/5
Bullish
4.0/5

This page lists only the 16 exchanges we cover that hold a MiCA licence for Italy, in CoinGecko trust-rank order. See the crypto exchange licence tracker for every licence we check, our Q4 2026 licence gap report for the numbers across 40 countries, or more rankings and lists.

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Using a crypto exchange in Italy: what to know

Paying in euro (EUR)

SEPA bank transfers in euro (SEPA Instant where the exchange supports it) and debit or credit cards. Italian banks often restrict card payments to crypto firms, so SEPA transfers are the usual route. Italian-language support is available on most of the larger licensed exchanges. Deposit limits and processing times depend on the method and on your verification level, and the name on your bank account must match the name on your exchange account.

What a MiCA licence gives you, and what it does not

A MiCA licence means the exchange is authorised by an EU or EEA regulator, must keep your crypto separate from its own assets, must handle complaints under a set procedure and is supervised at home and, for Italy, through the Bank of Italy and CONSOB. It does not mean your money is guaranteed: crypto is not covered by deposit guarantee or investor compensation schemes, and a licence does not stop prices from falling or a platform from failing.

Tax at a glance

Italy taxes crypto gains as miscellaneous income: 26 percent on gains realised in 2025 and 33 percent on gains realised from 1 January 2026, under the 2025 Budget Law, with no exemption threshold. The authority is the Agenzia delle Entrate. Rules change often, so confirm the current rate and your reporting duties before you file. This is general information, not tax advice.

Licence record for the exchanges on this page

Every exchange in the ranking, in A to Z order, with the entity that holds the licence, the authority and the date. The record comes from the registers named in the rules block at the top of this page and is refreshed when the weekly register check reports a change.

ExchangeLicensed entityLicensed or registered bySinceReference and notes
Backpack ExchangeTrek Technologies SIA (Backpack EU)the Bank of Latvia2026-05-27Notified to serve Italy
BingXMEGE zweite GmbHthe FMA (Austria)2026-10-13Notified to serve Italy
bitFlyerbitFlyer EUROPE S.A.the CSSF (Luxembourg)2026-06-26Notified to serve Italy
BitstampBitstamp Europe S.A.the CSSF (Luxembourg)2025-05-15Notified to serve Italy
BitvavoBitvavo B.V.the AFM (Netherlands)2025-06-26Notified to serve Italy
BullishBullish Europe GmbHBaFin (Germany)2025-09-04Notified to serve Italy
BybitBybit EU GmbHthe FMA (Austria)2025-05-28Notified to serve Italy
Coinbase ExchangeCoinbase Luxembourg S.A.the CSSF (Luxembourg)2025-06-20Notified to serve Italy
Crypto.com ExchangeForis DAX MT Limitedthe MFSA (Malta)2025-01-27Notified to serve Italy
GateGate Technology Limitedthe MFSA (Malta)2025-09-29Notified to serve Italy
KrakenPayward Europe Solutions Limitedthe Central Bank of Ireland2025-06-25Notified to serve Italy
KuCoinKuCoin EU Exchange GmbHthe FMA (Austria)2025-11-27Notified to serve Italy
OKXOKX Europe Limitedthe MFSA (Malta)2025-01-27Notified to serve Italy
One TradingOne Trading Exchange B.V.the AFM (Netherlands)2025-05-15Notified to serve Italy
TothemoonBrilliantscope Trading LimitedCySEC (Cyprus)2026-06-29Notified to serve Italy
WhiteBITWB-Shields Innovations GmbH (WhiteBIT EU)the FMA (Austria)2026-06-18Notified to serve Italy

Licence record checked 26 October 2026. Partner links appear only next to licensed exchanges; a partner link never changes licence status, scores or the order of this page.