Buy Bitcoin in Germany

By Alexander Reed

Last Updated: Feb 1, 2025

Wondering how to buy Bitcoin in Germany? This guide details all the information on Bitcoin’s status in Germany and the best Bitcoin exchanges.

How to Buy Bitcoin in Germany Summary

You can buy Bitcoin in Germany using a Bitcoin ATM or by following the instructions below:

  1. Download or get your Bitcoin wallet
  2. Go to Coinmama
  3. Choose the amount of Bitcoin you wish to buy
  4. Enter your payment information and Bitcoin address

If you are looking for a different exchange, you can visit any of the options below for buying Bitcoin in Germany:

BSDEX
Availability
Germany only
CEX.IO
CEXIO Logo
Availability
Worldwide
Coinmama
Availability
Worldwide
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That’s it in a nutshell! Continue reading if you want an in-depth review of buying Bitcoin in Germany. In this article, I will cover:
  1. Bitcoin’s legal status in Germany
  2. Bitcoin’s popularity in Germany
  3. Bitcoin communities in Germany
  4. Buy Bitcoin on German exchanges
  5. Buy Bitcoin on International exchanges
  6. Bitcoin ATMs in Germany
  7. Conclusion

Bitcoin is completely legal to trade and use in Germany, although it is not legal tender, so there is no obligation for it to be accepted by businesses. BaFin, the German financial authority, classifies Bitcoin as a ‘unit of account’ rather than digital currency or money.

German citizens can freely use Bitcoin to pay for the acquisition of goods and services. Depending on the legal form of a company, merchants may be subject to income tax from cryptocurrency transactions.  Additionally, merchants and entrepreneurs can happily accept cryptocurrency without the need for a license.

Payment processors and anyone commercially converting Bitcoin to Euros, like exchanges, require a BaFin license.


The Google Trends chart below shows the interest in Bitcoin in Germany. This chart is interactive and provides live data directly from Google. By typing in the search term ‘bitcoin,’ the chart displays the number of users searching for it on Google. A score of 100 represents peak popularity, while a score of 50 indicates it’s at half that level.

Bitcoin search popularity in Germany on Google Trends graph


3. Main Germany Bitcoin communities

In a nation recognized for its innovation and technology, home to more than 80 million people, it’s no surprise that numerous online communities focus on tech. Different forums and social groups offer support, information, and discussions on various Bitcoin and cryptocurrency topics. This covers direct advice and reviews on Bitcoin exchanges and wallets.

Germany is also home to several Meetup groups throughout the country. Here are some of the most active:


4. Germany-based Bitcoin exchanges

Germany is known as a world leader in finance, and this extends to some innovative Bitcoin platforms. Here are some of the best German Bitcoin exchanges for you to choose from:

BSDEX

BSDEX is rolling out exchange services across Germany and Europe. Börse Stuttgart Group, the company behind this digital exchange (Börse Stuttgart Digital Exchange),  has created a regulated order-book style exchange.

The platform brings together buyers and sellers for a competitive 0.20% fee for a maker order and  0.35% for a taker order. The platform is set to be a safe, regulated place for Germans to buy and sell Bitcoin, as well as other digital assets.


5. International exchanges available in Germany

International exchanges offer added options to German customers with many supporting Euros and helpful deposit methods. Here are the top selections available to you:

Coinmama

Coinmama may be based in Israel, but it’s available in a huge number of countries, including Germany. 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, starting at a 4.5% payment processing fee, as well as Coinmana’s own fees. You can read our full review of Coinmama here.

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, and both entail different fees. You can read our full CEX.IO review here.

Coinhouse

Coinhouse, operating since 2014, is based in Paris and was formerly affiliated with Ledger – the popular hardware wallet provider.

The company offers an online platform and a number of other services geared toward businesses and professionals. It currently serves over 200,000 users across Europe, providing easy access to BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, and BCH. The platform is a broker service that removes the technical complexities of buying Bitcoin.

More than that, it even offers a personal investment service to its customers. You can read my full Coinhouse review here.

Changelly

Changelly is a crypto-only exchange founded in 2015. Signing up for an account doesn’t require any personal information, and you’ll then have a quick and easy way of exchanging cryptocurrency from one wallet to another.

Changelly offers the option to exchange, buy, or sell crypto, as well as access DeFi, where users can get the best prices from over 100 decentralized exchanges.

You can read our full Changelly review here.


6. How many Bitcoin ATMs are there in Germany?

As of 2024, there are 142 Bitcoin ATMs in Germany, according to CoinATMRadar. These are spread around the country, with particular hotspots in Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf.

Bitcoin ATMs in Germany as seen on CoinATMRadar map


7. Conclusion

There’s plenty to be excited about for the future of Bitcoin in Germany. The country happily allows German citizens to use cryptocurrency, although it is unlikely to make it an official currency. Company licensing laws do exist, and regulation is seen as important for market growth.

Bitcoin is growing in popularity, too, and projects like Nuri, formerly known as Bitwala, continue to break further into the mainstream. The strength of the German finance sector could play an important part in developing Bitcoin in Europe and globally.

Disclaimer Icon
Disclaimer
Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
99Bitcoins may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. All our recommendations follow a thorough review process.
Alexander Reed
Alexander Reed
Editor

Having delved into futures trading in the past, my intrigue in financial, economic, and political affairs eventually led me to a striking realization: the current debt-based fiat system is fundamentally flawed. This revelation prompted me to explore alternative avenues, including... Read More

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