Before we dive into the detailed analysis, here's a comparison of Bitvavo and Finst that shows the most important information about both platforms at a glance.
Bitvavo
Finst
Overview of Bitvavo
Bitvavo was founded in 2018 in Amsterdam, and as of 2026, its business model is based on solid execution within a clear regulatory framework, rather than on the breadth of its product offerings: It prioritizes technical simplicity, low costs, and compliance with European regulations, offering more than 400 cryptocurrencies tradable directly in euros.
Pros
MiCA License Granted by the AFM of the Netherlands
More than 400 cryptocurrencies tradable directly in euros
Competitive fees starting at 0.15% for makers and 0.25% for takers
Deposits and withdrawals in euros via SEPA transfers
Cons
It is available only in certain European countries
The initial fees are higher than 0.10% on some global exchanges
Margin is not available for all assets
It does not offer futures or a comprehensive derivatives ecosystem
Bitvavo B.V. has been authorized as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA by the Dutch AFM since June 2025, allowing it to operate in various European markets under the EU passport. Its platform combines a very simple direct purchase option with Bitvavo Pro for more experienced users, as well as Auto Earn, Fixed Staking, and margin trading on supported markets.
This commitment to regulated simplicity is more important to European users who trade in euros and value regulatory predictability than to those who prioritize the lowest cost per transaction or seek advanced derivatives. Compared to exchanges that offer a lower flat fee, such as Finst, Bitvavo makes up for this with a broader selection and additional tools.
Who is Bitvavo for? For European users who want to buy, sell, hold, and earn returns on cryptocurrencies using euros, with competitive fees and a platform regulated under MiCA.
Overview of Finst
Finst is a Dutch exchange founded in 2022 by the team behind DEGIRO, and in 2026 its business model focuses on maximum simplicity: a flat fee of 0.15 % with no distinction between makers and takers, no minimum deposit, and no hidden costs. It operates in 28 European countries under AFM regulation and has approximately 100,000 users.
Pros
0.15% fixed, no spreads or hidden costs
MiCA license granted by AFM
No minimum deposit or SEPA fees
Crypto Bundles and staking without block periods
Cons
No futures or derivatives
Only available in Europe
340 cryptos, more limited catalog
Deposits only by SEPA, no card
Finst operates under the supervision of the Dutch AFM and obtained its MiCA license in July 2025, which allows it to operate throughout the European Union with the same legal backing as any traditional financial institution. Its custody is powered by Fireblocks and MPC technology, and it was the first Dutch platform to publish an independently audited Proof of Reserves.
This focus on simplicity is more important for those who want to buy, accumulate, and diversify without worrying about tiered pricing or variable fees than for those seeking advanced trading tools or a very broad range of assets. Compared to tiered exchanges like Bitvavo, Finst offers greater cost predictability, though it lacks product depth.
Who is Finst for? For the retail investor who wants to buy, accumulate and diversify cryptocurrencies easily, paying as little as possible and having the peace of mind of trading under an EU-regulated framework.
Fees and Deposits: Bitvavo vs. Finst
In a direct comparison of fees, Finst has the edge thanks to its flat rate of 0.15 % for both makers and takers, while Bitvavo charges 0.15 % for makers and 0.25 % for takers at its entry level. The difference is particularly noticeable on taker orders, where Finst always charges less because it does not distinguish between the two types of execution.
| Platform | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
 Bitget | 0,10% | 0,10% |
 Bybit | 0,10% | 0,10% |
| Finst | 0,15% | 0,15% |
| Bitvavo | 0,15% | 0,25% |
 Kraken | 0,25% | 0,40% |
 Coinbase | 0,40% | 0,60% |
Did you know? Buying €1,000 worth of Bitcoin via a taker order costs €2.50 on Bitvavo and €1.50 on Finst, regardless of the type of order used on Finst.
Aside from trading fees, both platforms use SEPA as their primary payment method for transactions in euros, generally at no cost. Bitvavo also offers iDEAL and Bancontact depending on the country, while Finst supports these methods as well and, in addition, does not require a minimum deposit, unlike Bitvavo, which has a minimum deposit requirement of €5. The difference in the range of cryptocurrencies partially offsets Finst’s price advantage: Bitvavo offers more than 428 cryptocurrencies, compared to Finst’s more than 340.
| Concept | Bitvavo | Finst |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Commission | 0,15 % / 0,25 % | 0.15 % fixed |
| Volume Discount | Yes, based on 30-day volume | Not applicable; flat rate |
| Minimum deposit | 1 € (minimum order of 5 €) | 0 € |
| Diversification Product | No equivalent product | Crypto Bundles, up to 25 cryptocurrencies |
| Deposit in euros/fiat currency | 0 € via SEPA | 0 € via SEPA, iDEAL, or Bancontact |
| Crypto Deposit | 0 €; the network is paid for | Not applicable; no direct crypto deposit |
| Withdrawal of euros/fiat currency | 0 € via SEPA | 0 € via SEPA |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Varies by asset and network | Network fee only (gas) |
| Custody / Inactivity | 0 € | 0 € |
Who regulates Bitvavo and Finst?
Bitvavo combines asset segregation, predominantly cold storage, institutional custodians, and an Account Guarantee of up to €100,000 in cases of unauthorized access. Finst relies on Fireblocks and MPC technology for its custody, with assets fully segregated from the company’s balance sheet and fiat funds deposited in regulated Dutch banks.
Important note: A test of reserves is not the same as a full financial audit; it confirms assets as of a specific date, but does not reflect all of the company's liabilities.
In terms of regulation, both operate under a MiCA license granted by the AFM of the Netherlands, one of Europe’s most stringent regulators. Bitvavo is available in 25 European countries, while Finst covers 27 EU member states as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
| Concept | Bitvavo | Finst |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by | AFM of the Netherlands (MiCA); prior registration with DNB | AFM of the Netherlands (MiCA) |
| MiCA Coverage (EU/EEA) | Yes, starting in 2025, in 25 European countries | Yes, starting in 2025, in the 27 EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein |
| Reservation Test | Yes, with periodic external audits | Yes, audited by an independent firm |
| In-house guarantee fund | Account Guarantee of up to €100,000 in eligible cases | Not available; asset segregation |
| Technical custody | Specialized institutional suppliers | Fireblocks (MPC technology) |
| Account Tools | 2FA, anti-phishing, withdrawal freeze | Default 2FA, trusted devices, restricted withdrawals |
| A Career Without Gaps | No known vulnerabilities since 2018 | No known vulnerabilities since 2022 |
Where are Bitvavo and Finst available?
Bitvavo focuses its operations on 25 European countries; its SEPA integration and MiCA authorization determine both the supported countries and the available payment methods. It is not a platform designed for users outside the continent.
Finst operates in 27 European Union member states thanks to its authorization as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA, and it also serves residents of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Like Bitvavo, its operations are exclusively European, with no presence outside the continent.
What do Bitvavo and Finst offer on their platforms?
Bitvavo is available via a web platform and apps for iOS and Android, with a simple direct purchase process and the option to upgrade to Bitvavo Pro without opening another account, featuring an order book, advanced charts, and limit orders. It also offers Bitvavo Convert, Auto Earn, Fixed Staking, and margin trading on supported markets.
Finst offers a mobile app for iOS and Android and a web platform, with the same features on both platforms. Navigation focuses on the market, the portfolio, Crypto Bundles, and the activity dashboard, with no advanced trading charts or Pro version. It includes Auto Invest to automate purchases and staking without lock-up periods for about ten cryptocurrencies.
| Concept | Bitvavo | Finst |
|---|---|---|
| Available Apps | Web, iOS, and Android | Web, iOS, and Android |
| Cryptocurrencies | +428 | 340+ |
| Main Products | Direct Purchase, Convert, Bitvavo Pro, Auto Earn, Fixed Staking, Margin | Direct Purchase, Crypto Bundles, Staking, Auto Invest |
| Directions for Use | Simple Purchases and Bitvavo Pro in the Same Account | Simple interface only, no Pro mode |
| Order Types | Market, Limit, Stop-Limit, Direct Buy, Convert | Market, Limit, Stop-Loss, Auto Invest |
| Charts and Tools | Advanced Charts in Bitvavo Pro, API | Portfolio analysis, watchlist; no advanced charts |
| Automatic Diversification | No equivalent product | 8 Crypto Bundles with Automatic Rebalancing |
Final verdict: Bitvavo or Finst?
Bitvavo and Finst share Dutch origins, a common regulator, and a user-centric philosophy focused on European users who trade in euros, but they differ in their approach: Bitvavo focuses on a broader ecosystem, featuring Bitvavo Pro, more cryptocurrencies, and its own account guarantee, while Finst keeps things as simple as possible with a lower fixed fee, no minimum deposit, and Crypto Bundles as its key differentiator for diversification.
For users who value cost predictability above all else and want to diversify without complications, Finst is the more straightforward option, especially when trading small amounts, where the 0 % minimum deposit requirement makes all the difference. For those looking for a broader selection, more advanced tools with Bitvavo Pro, and an extra layer of financial protection, Bitvavo remains the most comprehensive option.
Choose Bitvavo if…
- ✓ Would you like a more extensive catalog, with more than 428 cryptocurrencies?
- ✓ Are you looking for advanced tools like Bitvavo Pro and margin trading?
- ✓ Do you appreciate the Account Guarantee of up to 100,000 €?
- ✓ Do you prefer a platform with more years of experience?
Choose Finst if…
- ✓ Do you want to always pay the same fee without worrying about tiers?
- ✓ Would you prefer to start without a minimum deposit requirement?
- ✓ Looking to diversify easily with Crypto Bundles?
- ✓ You prioritize a minimalist interface, free of distractions and graphics
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This comparison of Bitvavo and Finst is based on a hands-on analysis of both platforms. We have evaluated their fees, security, range of cryptocurrencies, available features, and ease of use to provide an objective comparison. The assessment reflects the actual differences between the two exchanges, beyond just first impressions.