Binance closes in Europe: which MiCA alternative to choose?
Binance suspended its services in the European Union on 1 July 2026, for lack of a MiCA licence. The best alternative is a MiCA-licensed platform, authorised to operate across the whole EU. Our #1 pick: Kraken, MiCA-licensed, founded in 2011, never hacked, low fees via Kraken Pro.
| Platform | Fees (advanced interface) | Free SEPA deposit | MiCA-licensed | Referral bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraken#1Since 2011 | 0.16%-0.26% (Kraken Pro) | Yes | Yes | Up to €250 depending on the current offer |
| CoinbaseSince 2012 | 0,40–0,60 % (Advanced) | No | Yes | 20 € |
| BitpandaSince 2014 | 0,02–0,25 % (Fusion) | Yes | Yes | – |
| OKXSince 2017 | 0,20–0,35 % (EEA) | Yes | Yes | – |
| Crypto.comSince 2016 | 0,25–0,50 % (Exchange) | Yes | Yes | ≤ 90 € (CRO) |
Why is Binance no longer available in the EU?
Since 1 July 2026, Binance has suspended part of its services in the European Union, having failed to obtain the licence required by the MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets). This framework imposes strict requirements on any platform serving EU residents: own funds, safekeeping of assets and compliance. Without this licence, a platform can no longer operate normally in the Union.
The result: millions of Europeans, about 2 million in France alone, are looking for a regulated platform to keep buying, selling and holding their crypto.
What is a MiCA-licensed platform?
A MiCA-licensed platform has obtained the European authorisation that lets it operate legally in every EU country. It is the #1 criterion for choosing a Binance alternative: it guarantees the platform is allowed to serve you and follows a common set of customer-protection rules.
Which MiCA-licensed alternatives to Binance are there?
Several major platforms can serve EU residents. Here are the ones we track, with their fees, SEPA deposit, regulation and bonuses, in our detailed comparison:
- Kraken, founded in 2011, never hacked, Pro fees of 0.16%-0.26%, free SEPA deposit, PSAN in France. Our #1.
- Coinbase, publicly listed, interface accessible to beginners.
- Bitpanda, European player (Austria), mainstream.
- OKX, wide choice of assets and tools.
- Crypto.com, mainstream app, card ecosystem.
Why Kraken is our #1 alternative to Binance
- Regulation: MiCA-licensed (operates across the EU) and PSAN-registered in France.
- Security: founded in 2011, one of the oldest platforms, never hacked.
- Low fees: 0.16%-0.26% via Kraken Pro, free SEPA deposit (vs ~3% by card).
- Bonus: up to €250 in referral bonus depending on the current in-app offer.
We stay honest: Coinbase will appeal to beginners for its simplicity, Bitpanda for its European roots. But for the balance between regulatory seriousness, security and cost, Kraken comes out on top for a former Binance user.
How do you migrate from Binance to Kraken?
The steps: open a Kraken account (with the referral code if you're after the bonus), verify your identity, then transfer your crypto from Binance, carefully matching the transfer network and the memo/tag. We detail every step in our Binance to Kraken migration guide.
Plan ahead without rushing
Your funds on Binance don't disappear, but you depend on limited withdrawal terms. The safest move is to open your account on a MiCA-licensed platform now, then transfer your assets at your own pace.
Investing in crypto-assets carries a risk of partial or total loss of capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.