Bitcoin.de vs ByBit EU Comparison

Bitcoin.de is regarded as a pioneer among German crypto marketplaces and has been active since 2011, making the platform one of the oldest providers in the German-speaking market; it says it has more than 1.1 million customers. The principle that euro balances remain in the user’s own bank account is viewed positively by security-conscious users.

Trading has largely been suspended since 12 June 2026, and deposits are paused as well. On 6 October 2026 the parent company Bitcoin Group SE announced that BaFin had not granted the application futurum bank AG filed on 27 June 2025 for authorisation as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCAR; this also ends the toleration under which its crypto services had been running. The bank can lodge an objection within one month of notification. For the restart, bitcoin.de is preparing a cooperation with two regulated partners based in Germany, an institution acting as trading partner and a custodian; the provider has not given a date (customer notice dated 7 October 2026). Until the transfer, futurum bank AG continues to hold the crypto assets, and withdrawals to your own wallets remain possible.

The selection of just 10 cryptocurrencies is clearly room for improvement compared with modern exchanges. The limitation to SEPA as the only payment method, the lack of a mobile app, and 2FA protection only via SMS are also occasionally criticized. Some users consider the interface in need of modernization. According to the provider, the new platform with apps for iOS and Android, more than 100 cryptocurrencies, savings plans, swaps and staking is technically complete, but it will only launch with the new operating model.

As long as trading is paused, Bitcoin.de is not an option for new purchases; existing customers can withdraw their crypto assets to their own wallets. After the announced restart, the platform will mainly appeal to investors who want to rely on a long-established German provider; fees and coin selection under the new model have not yet been published.

In short: Bybit EU combines the technology of one of the largest crypto exchanges with an EU licence: spot trading in more than 100 coins, fixed rates from 0.25% that fall to 0.15% with high euro volume, and a crypto card. For retail clients in the EEA, Bybit EU focuses on spot trading. If you want to buy and hold crypto at a large exchange with a European licence, Bybit EU fits.

Is Bybit safe and licensed in the EU?

Yes, Bybit EU may serve customers across the EU. Bybit EU GmbH, based in Vienna, has been authorised as a crypto-asset service provider under Article 63 MiCA since 28 May 2025, licensed by Austria's Financial Market Authority (FMA). Through the EU passport the licence covers 29 EEA countries, including Germany, France and Spain (ESMA register, file of 30 October 2026). It covers custody, exchanging crypto for money and for other crypto, placing and transfer services. Bybit EU itself points out that certain offers on bybit.eu fall outside MiCA supervision; each product page states the framework.

The hack of 21 February 2025: Attackers took ether worth about $1.4 to $1.5 billion from a Bybit group multisig cold wallet by slipping a manipulated transaction past the signers. The FBI attributed the attack to the North Korean group TraderTraitor, better known as Lazarus. On the same day Bybit stated that all client assets were backed 1:1 and that the exchange would cover the loss; withdrawals kept running. On bybit.eu, Bybit EU states 1:1 reserves for all user assets.

Counterparty list: Since September 2026 Bybit has published a list of services its customers must not transact with. If screening flags one of them, Bybit can freeze accounts or restrict funds. Our report on the Bybit counterparty list explains what to check in your payment history.

What you can do yourself: turn on two-factor authentication and a withdrawal address whitelist, keep proof of origin for coins bought peer to peer, and store larger amounts on your own hardware wallet.

Who is Bybit EU for?

Bybit EU suits investors in the EU who want spot trading at a large international exchange with a European licence and who like to pay with crypto. Anyone who regularly trades larger amounts against the euro benefits from the volume tiers. Our comparison of regulated crypto exchanges sets Bybit EU against other licensed exchanges such as OKX, Kraken and Bitvavo.