In This Article
Bitcoin (BTC) is legal in France, and the country has seen a steady increase in interest in cryptocurrencies in recent years. France provides a regulated framework for entering the world of digital assets, whether your goal is to trade, invest, or you are just curious about how crypto-related things work.
How can you buy Bitcoin in France? Check out this article for an easy step-by-step guide on acquiring BTC in France. We will help you make your first move into the French crypto market with assurance.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin (BTC) is legal in France and regulated under the AMF’s Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) framework, ensuring safer transactions for investors and traders.
- French residents can buy Bitcoin easily using registered exchanges, P2P platforms, or non-custodial wallets like Best Wallet.
- For maximum security, it’s recommended to store BTC in a private crypto wallet rather than leaving it on an exchange.
- Platforms like CoinFutures allow users in France to practice Bitcoin futures trading in a gamified, no-KYC environment before entering the live crypto markets.
- Bitcoin gains in France are taxed at a flat 30% for occasional investors under the Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU), covering both income tax and social contributions.
How to Buy Bitcoin in France: Summary
To buy Bitcoin in France, you can either visit a local Bitcoin ATM or follow these steps:
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Choose a Crypto Exchange to buy Bitcoin: Select a trustworthy French-operating platform. Popular options include Kraken, Binance, CEX.IO, Changelly, and others.
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Create and Verify Your Account: Create an account using your email address, then upload a valid ID and proof of address to finish identity verification (KYC).
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Deposit Euros (EUR): Use a bank transfer, credit/debit card, or any accepted payment method to fund your account.
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Buy Bitcoin (BTC): Navigate to the trading section, enter the amount of bitcoins you want to buy, and confirm your order.
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Store Your Bitcoins Safely: For better security, especially if you plan to store your Bitcoin for a long time, move it to a private wallet (hardware or mobile).
As you can see, the entire process is straightforward and easy to follow. Your first bitcoins will be on their way sooner than you think.
Best Wallet: A Complete App to Buy and Store Your Crypto Assets
Best Wallet stands out as a top choice for buying Bitcoin in France, offering much more than a standard exchange. Unlike many centralized exchanges, Best Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet that is actually powered by blockchain technology, giving you full control over your digital assets. The platform features a built-in decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator that scans the global network of DEXs to find the best rates and the lowest blockchain fees when you buy crypto or swap tokens.
This setup means that when you buy BTC, your bitcoin wallet remains under your complete control, which means that no central authority or third party holds your private keys.
Whether you’re investing in Bitcoin as digital gold, following a dollar cost averaging strategy, or making a one-time Bitcoin purchase, you can use your preferred payment method, including bank transfer, credit card, or debit card, to fund your bitcoin investment.
Best Wallet’s advanced security measures ensure you store BTC securely in an external wallet, making it ideal for both short-term traders and long-term holders. By keeping your funds in your own crypto wallet, you reduce the potential risks associated with storing coins on an exchange.
Learn how more about this user-friendly Bitcoin wallet in our Best Wallet Review.
Step-by-step guide: Buying Bitcoin Online in France on Best Wallet
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Download Best Wallet
Install the Best Wallet app from the App Store or Google Play. Tap Get Started to set up your wallet for secure Bitcoin purchases.
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Back Up Your Wallet
Save your recovery phrase securely and back up your wallet to iCloud or Google Drive.
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Tap Buy on the Home Screen
From your main wallet card, tap the Buy button to start your buying bitcoin online process.
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Select Bitcoin
Select Bitcoin from the list of tokens.
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Enter Purchase Amount
Enter the minimum amount or more that you want to invest. The app will display a live price based on current market conditions in your selected fiat currency.
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Choose a Payment Method
Pick your preferred payment method such as bank transfer, credit card, or debit card to buy BTC instantly.
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Pick a Provider
Best Wallet automatically finds a secure platform with competitive rates, but you can compare fees, speed, and any verification requirements before continuing.
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Complete the Purchase
Review all details of your purchase bitcoin transaction, then confirm to finalize payment via your selected provider.
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Confirm and Wait
Once payment is processed, your BTC will arrive on your Best Wallet address.
Pros
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Best Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet that gives users complete control and ownership of their Bitcoins, ensuring private keys remain in their hands.
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The platform supports multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, and BNB Chain.
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An in-built DEX aggregator enables fast, low-cost buying bitcoin online and other crypto trades without relying on centralized exchanges.
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Supports multiple fiat currency on-ramping options, such as bank transfer, credit card, and debit card, making it easy to buy BTC from France.
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The user-friendly interface and simple setup process make it ideal for beginners. Plus, there are no platform fees.
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No KYC is required, allowing users to start Bitcoin purchases quickly without lengthy verification steps.
Cons
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Best Wallet is only available as a smartphone app, with no desktop version or browser extension.
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Customer support options may be limited.
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As a non-custodial wallet, users are fully responsible for securing their bitcoin wallet and digital assets against potential risks.
International Exchanges Available in France
International exchanges offer added options to French customers, with many supporting Euros and helpful deposit methods. Here is a top selection available to you:
CoinFutures: Buy Crypto Futures With 1000x Leverage
CoinFutures is a crypto futures trading platform built for newcomers who want to explore the cryptocurrency market and learn futures trading. The platform’s gamified interface makes it easy to understand BTC futures trading which makes it an excellent training ground for those interested in bitcoin investment, helping users practice strategies, learn market dynamics, and gain experience before making real-money trades.
The use of leverage on CoinFutures allows you to open large positions using borrowed funds, potentially amplifying profits. However, higher leverage also increases potential risks, so it’s important to set clear investment decisions and manage your risk tolerance.
If you’re new to investing in bitcoin and want a secure platform to learn BTC futures trading in seconds, without strict limits or complex onboarding requirements, CoinFutures is one of the solid places to start.
Read our full CoinFutures Review to see how it can support your journey into digital currency trading and bitcoin investment.
Step-by-step guide: How to Trade Bitcoin (BTC) Futures on CoinFutures in France
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Visit the official CoinFutures website and create an account by entering your name and email address. No complex verification is required to start exploring Bitcoin futures.
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Download the CoinFutures app to your Windows PC, MacBook, or Android smartphone for fast and simple access to the platform.
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Fund your account with crypto such as BTC, USDT, or ETH via on-chain transfer, or use your preferred payment method like credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or bank transfer from your French bank account.
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Open the “Crypto Futures” or “Trade” section to access the Bitcoin futures market.
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Select Bitcoin (BTC) as your trading pair to begin your bitcoin investment journey.
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Choose your trade direction: Long if you expect BTC’s price to rise, or Short if you anticipate it will fall.
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Set your leverage level depending on your risk tolerance and investment decisions.
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Enter your trade details, including the amount, order type, and price.
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Review all fees, funding costs, and order summary before confirming. Consider market conditions and potential risks.
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Confirm your trade to execute the transaction.
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Monitor your position and use advanced security measures like stop-loss or take-profit orders to protect your investment.
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Close your position manually when you decide, or allow it to close automatically based on your trade settings.
Pros
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No KYC is required during CoinFutures onboarding, allowing you to start trading Bitcoin futures in seconds.
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Trade BTC with up to 1000x leverage to maximize potential profits, depending on your risk tolerance and market conditions.
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The platform’s gamified design makes buying Bitcoin online, selling, and futures trading simple to understand.
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Built-in risk management tools help protect your bitcoin investment and improve your trading decisions.
Cons
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CoinFutures provides a simulated trading environment, so it does not execute real blockchain transactions or interact with the global Bitcoin network.
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Supports a limited range of cryptocurrencies.
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The mobile app is not available for iPhone users, limiting accessibility for traders in France.
Binance
Binance is a popular exchange among French crypto enthusiasts, providing a combination of robust tools and easy-to-use features. Binance is well-known for its wide range of products and dependable services, and the platforms serves both novice and seasoned traders in France.
We encourage you to read our complete Binance review.
CEX.IO
CEX.IO is available in most countries around the world. Founded in 2013 with its headquarters in London, this cryptocurrency exchange allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin, as well as a selection of altcoins.
Both credit cards and SEPA bank transfers are accepted payment methods, with low fees of 0%–0.25% on trades. CEX.IO offers both a trading platform and a brokerage service, entailing different fees.
You can read our full CEX.io review for more.
Changelly
Changelly is an instant crypto-only exchange, which, depending on how much you intend to buy and your payment method, may require you to submit identity verification. Users can buy, sell, or exchange directly through Changelly, and the company also offers an app for iOS and Android. There are over 500 coins available on Changelly.
You can learn more by reading our full Changelly review.
bitFlyer
bitFlyer is a regulated Japanese cryptocurrency exchange that has a European branch offering services in France as well.
You can buy BTC, ETH, BCH, ETC, and LTC with EUR deposits, credit and debit cards, SEPA, and PayPal payments. Regular cryptocurrency buys and sells are free but subject to bitFlyer’s exchange rate.
Be sure to read our review of bitFlyer to learn more.
Coinmama
Coinmama may be based in Israel, but it’s available in a huge number of countries, including France. It was launched in 2013, and it offers convenience: you can buy Bitcoin with a debit or credit card.
The downside is that the fees are on the high side, with about a 10% fee total whether using your debit card or ACH transfer.
You can read our complete review of Coinmama for more info.
France-Based Bitcoin Exchanges
Where to buy Bitcoin in France and what are the best crypto exchanges in France? French customers enjoy a strong selection of crypto and Bitcoin exchanges. Many of them are based in Paris, adhering closely to French and European regulations.
Here are some of the top French Bitcoin exchanges for you to choose from:
Kraken
As a member of the Kraken group companies, Coin Meester B.V. is the entity through which Kraken operates in France.
The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has Coin Meester B.V. listed as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP). In France, Kraken provides services like digital assets custody, purchase/sale of digital assets for legal tender, as well as exchange of digital assets for other digital assets.
You can read our full Kraken review here.
Coinhouse
Coinhouse aims to make cryptocurrency investments easy for first-time buyers. Operating since 2014, the exchange is based in Paris and has a long history with the company Ledger, the popular hardware wallet provider behind the Ledger Nano X.
It has provided over 350,000 EU customers easy access to BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, and BCH. The platform serves as a broker service, simplifying the process of buying Bitcoin without technical difficulties. It also offers a personal investment service for users.
You can learn more by reading our full Coinhouse review.
Paymium
Paymium states that it’s “the world’s first Bitcoin exchange platform still operating,” having launched in 2011. The Paris-based company provides Bitcoin buy and sell services across France and Europe. It is closely regulated for French and EU payment methods, enabling Bitcoin to Euro trading pairs, plus merchant payment functions.
Users can trade via an advanced order book and a mobile app. Paymium states that they have the lowest fees in the market, with a -0.10% maker fee (10% cashback) and a taker fee of 0.50%.
We haven’t published a Paymium review just yet, but as soon as we do, we’ll add the link here.
Bitpanda
Bitpanda is a cryptocurrency exchange based in Vienna. The company is registered with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the Financial Markets Authority of France. Bitpanda offers one of the cheapest options to buy Bitcoin and more than 200 altcoins in Europe using SEPA transfers. You can also pay with credit or debit cards.
The minimum deposit and withdrawal at Bitpanda is 10 EUR.
All fees are incorporated into the price of coins, with no additional charges applicable.
You can read our Bitpanda review to learn more.
P2P Marketplaces Available in France
Paxful
Paxful is a P2P (peer-to-peer) marketplace that allows buyers and sellers to connect online and exchange Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for a variety of payment methods.
Sellers on Paxful accept over 300 payment methods, including SEPA bank transfers, Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal. If you’re buying Bitcoin on Paxful, you won’t have to pay any fee to the site itself, but the price of Bitcoin is traded at a premium because of this.
You can read our complete Paxful review for more details.
How to Buy Bitcoin in France: Crypto Exchanges Compared
| Platform | Available in France | AMF Registration | Payment Methods | Notes |
| Kraken | ✅ Yes | ✅ Registered | SEPA, SWIFT, bank transfer | Reliable and beginner-friendly |
| Coinhouse | ✅ Yes | ✅ Registered | Card, SEPA, crypto | French platform with local support |
| Paymium | ✅ Yes | ✅ Registered | SEPA | One of the oldest BTC platforms |
| Bitpanda | ✅ Yes | ✅ Registered | Card, SEPA, SOFORT | Easy for beginners |
| Binance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Registered | SEPA, Card, Apple Pay, P2P | Large selection of coins |
| Coinmama | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not Registered | Card, Apple Pay, bank transfer | Instant purchases, no wallet service |
| CEX.IO | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not Registered | Card, SWIFT, SEPA | Long-established exchange |
| bitFlyer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Registered | SEPA, Card | Japan-based, small but regulated |
| Changelly | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not Registered | Card, crypto swaps | Fast, non-custodial |
| Paxful | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not Registered | P2P: Gift cards, PayPal, SEPA, crypto | Peer-to-peer, high flexibility |
Are There Bitcoin ATMs Available in France?
As of 2025, there is only 1 Bitcoin ATM in France, according to CoinATMRadar. This number can change quickly though, and in 2024 there were more than 17 registered Bitcoin ATMs.
Is Bitcoin Legal in France?
True, Bitcoin is legal in France yet it is not considered a currency. The French government classifies Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies—or altcoins—as digital assets.
The framework set up by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) governs the legality of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in France. The AMF requires cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers to register as Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) and adhere to know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
This makes it somewhat safe for citizens of France to purchase and trade digital assets. Additionally, the government has taken action to carefully incorporate cryptocurrency into its financial system, encouraging innovation while safeguarding consumers.
Cryptocurrency Taxes in France
When cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are sold for a profit in France, they are taxable as capital gains since they are regarded as digital assets. Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU) taxes occasional investors who trade non-professionally at a flat rate of 30%. This tax covers social contributions as well as income tax. Traders who make transactions more frequently or who use cryptocurrency as part of their business, however, can be subject to different tax laws.
Remember: All cryptocurrency transactions should be accurately documented, and when in doubt, you should consult a tax professional.
How Popular is Bitcoin in France?
The Google Trends chart below illustrates the interest in Bitcoin within France. This chart pulls in real-time data straight from Google. When you type in ‘bitcoin,’ the chart shows the number of users searching on Google. A score of 100 indicates its peak popularity, while a score of 50 reflects half that level.
Did You Know?
The famous French department retailer Printemps began accepting Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) in 2024 after partnering with fintech company Lyzi and cryptocurrency exchange Binance. By demonstrating its dedication to innovation and drawing in tech-savvy customers, Printemps became the first significant department store in Europe to accept cryptocurrency-based purchases.
Main France Bitcoin Communities
France is a technologically forward-thinking country with a population keen to innovate and adopt new ideas. For Bitcoin, there are plenty of online communities and forums discussing everything from the best exchanges to trading strategies.
Here are some online communities to check out:
There are also many cryptocurrency and Bitcoin Meetup groups in France:
Important: These support groups are meant for informational purposes only. There exist many scams, phony “support staff,” and fake tokens in most cryptocurrency-related groups. Never give anyone your seed phrase or private wallet keys.
Conclusion: How to Buy Bitcoin in France
France’s progressive stance on cryptocurrency makes it really easy for its citizens to buy and trade Bitcoin safely. New regulation ensures companies and ICOs are operating legitimately. Moreover, a selection of Europe’s big cryptocurrency platforms are developed and run from Paris. Overall, with the MiCA regulatory framework rolling out to the European Union in 2024, France appears to have a bright future in the cryptocurrency industry.
If you are looking to buy Bitcoin in France, you should always do your own research. Note that digital asset markets can be highly volatile. Remember that past performance does not guarantee guarantee favourable future performance. This article should not be taken as investment advice, it is for informational purposes only.
Reading recommendations:
- What is Bitcoin? A Complete Beginner’s Guide
- Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Guides and Tutorials
- Bitcoin Security
FAQs
Is Bitcoin legal in France?
Although Bitcoin is not considered a currency, it is perfectly legal in France.
Is there a Bitcoin ATM in France?
As of 2025, there is only 1 Bitcoin ATM (BTM) in France, located in Guipavas. Major cities like Paris currently have no active Bitcoin BTMs.
Where can I buy Bitcoin in France?
There are plenty of local and international options available, from crypto exchanges to P2P marketplaces. Our guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available options.
References:
- Autorité des marchés financiers. Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). AMF, https://www.amf-france.org/en.
- Google Trends. Bitcoin — Interest Over Time in France. Google Trends, https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?geo=FR&q=bitcoin.
- Coin ATM Radar. Bitcoin ATM France. Coin ATM Radar, https://coinatmradar.com/country/73/bitcoin-atm-france/.
- Société Générale Securities Services. “MiCA: Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.” Société Générale Securities Services, 25 Sept. 2023, https://www.securities-services.societegenerale.com/en/insights/views/news/mica-markets-crypto-assets-regulation/.
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