BUX Crypto Exchange Review: Zero Fees, Hidden Costs, and What You Really Get
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Hidden Costs Alert
BUX charges €2.99/month (€36/year) regardless of trading activity. This fee applies even if you hold 2,500 BUX tokens.
Trading fees (€1 per trade) are avoided only if you hold 2,500 tokens.
100% of your costs come from the monthly fee.
Most crypto apps make you pay to trade. BUX Crypto says you don’t. But here’s the catch: you have to hold their tokens to get that deal. If you’re new to crypto and live in Europe, BUX looks like a dream. No fees. Easy app. Start with €5. But is it really free? Or just disguised as free?
What Is BUX Crypto, Really?
BUX Crypto isn’t a full-blown crypto exchange like Binance or Kraken. It’s a hybrid investment app built by a Dutch fintech company that started in 2014. In 2020, they bought Blockport and turned it into BUX Crypto. Now, after being acquired by ABN Amro - one of the Netherlands’ biggest banks - in December 2023, it’s got serious backing.
You can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and a handful of other top coins directly with Euros. No USD conversion fees. No complex wallets. Just tap, buy, and hold. The app is designed for people who want to invest casually, not day-trade. It’s built for your phone. Not your laptop.
What makes it different? You can buy fractions of a Bitcoin. Spend €5 and own 0.0001 BTC. That’s huge for beginners. You don’t need €500 to get started. And onboarding takes 15 minutes - just upload your ID and tax number. No paperwork hell.
The Zero-Fee Promise - And the Fine Print
BUX markets itself as commission-free. And technically, that’s true - if you meet their rules.
When you sign up, the first 5,000 users got zero fees forever. That’s over. Now, to avoid trading fees, you need to hold 2,500 BUX tokens in your portfolio. That’s not cash. It’s their internal token. You can’t cash it out. You can’t use it elsewhere. It only works inside the app.
Here’s the real cost: a €2.99 monthly service fee. That’s €36 a year. Even if you trade once a month, that’s still a fee. And if you don’t hold the tokens? You pay €1 per trade. So if you buy Bitcoin once a week, you’re paying €4 a month in fees - plus the subscription.
There’s also a 0.25% FX fee if you trade in USD-denominated assets. And if you use a credit card to deposit, you might get charged extra by your bank. BUX doesn’t hide this - but they don’t scream it either.
Compare that to Coinbase: 0.5% fee per trade, no monthly fee. Or Kraken: 0.16% fee, no token lock-in. BUX’s model only makes sense if you’re trading often and already believe in their token. For most people, it’s a trap.
Security - Backed by a Bank, But Not a Crypto Exchange
BUX Crypto isn’t regulated like a crypto exchange. It’s regulated as a financial services provider by the Dutch AFM. That means your crypto isn’t stored in cold wallets like on Coinbase. It’s held by ABN Amro Clearing. And here’s the good part: your assets are protected up to €100,000 under the EU’s Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS).
That’s better than most crypto-only platforms. If BUX went under, you’d get your money back - up to that limit. But here’s the flip side: you don’t own the actual crypto. You own a contract representing it. You can’t withdraw Bitcoin to your own wallet. You can’t send it to another exchange. You’re locked in.
If you want to move your crypto elsewhere, you have to sell it first. That means paying fees and losing time. For long-term holders, this is a dealbreaker.
What You Can Trade - And What You Can’t
BUX offers about 15 cryptocurrencies. That’s it. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Chainlink, Litecoin, Dogecoin - the usual suspects. No Shiba Inu. No meme coins. No obscure altcoins.
But here’s the twist: you can also trade stocks, ETFs, and ETCs. Apple, Tesla, Netflix, the S&P 500 - all in the same app. That’s the real value. If you want one app for both crypto and traditional investing, BUX fits. It’s like eToro or Revolut, but with a cleaner design.
But if you’re looking for the full crypto experience - staking, DeFi, NFTs, lending - forget it. BUX doesn’t offer any of that. It’s a simple buy-and-hold tool. No advanced features. No trading bots. No margin.
Who Is This For? And Who Should Skip It?
Best for: Europeans under 35 who want to start investing with small amounts. People who like simple apps. Those who want to buy Bitcoin once a month and forget about it. Investors who also want to dip into stocks without opening another account.
Avoid if: You trade often and don’t want to hold tokens. You want to withdraw crypto to a hardware wallet. You’re outside the EU (BUX doesn’t serve the U.S., UK, or Canada). You’re looking for low fees without hidden conditions. You’re serious about building a crypto portfolio beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Many users on Reddit say they love the app - until they realize they’re paying €36 a year just to access a basic feature. One user said: "I bought €100 of Bitcoin. Paid €36 in fees over a year. I could’ve bought it on Coinbase for €0.50 more."
Customer Support and User Experience
The app is easy. Really easy. Clean interface. No clutter. The educational videos from influencers like Puck Landewé help new users understand what they’re buying. That’s a big plus.
Support is available 24/7 via email and phone. Response times are decent for technical issues - like login problems or app crashes. But if you ask about taxes, withdrawals, or token rules? You’ll wait days. And the answers are often generic.
Belgian users report tax headaches. The platform doesn’t auto-generate tax reports for all EU countries. You’re on your own to track buys and sells. That’s a red flag for serious investors.
The gamified design - badges, streaks, progress bars - makes trading feel like a game. That’s fun at first. But it can lead to impulse buys. One user told me: "I bought Dogecoin because I got a badge for 7-day streak. I didn’t even know what it was."
Is BUX Crypto Worth It in 2025?
It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the most flexible. But it’s one of the few platforms in Europe that lets you buy crypto with Euros, start with €5, and trade without commissions - if you play by their rules.
If you’re a beginner, and you want to dip your toes into crypto without getting lost in a sea of coins and wallets, BUX is a solid starter app. The ABN Amro backing gives it credibility. The security is better than most crypto-only apps. The interface is unmatched for ease of use.
But if you’re serious about crypto, you’ll outgrow it fast. The lack of withdrawals, the token lock-in, the monthly fee - these aren’t bugs. They’re features. And they’re designed to keep you inside their ecosystem.
For long-term holding? Better to use a wallet and buy on a low-fee exchange. For casual, mobile-first investing? BUX works. Just know what you’re signing up for.
Alternatives to Consider
- Coinbase: Higher fees, but you own real crypto. Withdraw anywhere. Better for long-term holders.
- Kraken: Lower fees than BUX. No monthly charge. More coins. But steeper learning curve.
- Revolut: Similar model. Buy crypto in app. No withdrawal. Monthly fee. Wider asset selection.
- eToro: Copy traders. Social features. Crypto and stocks. No token lock-in. Higher spreads.
If you want to own crypto - not just a claim on it - skip BUX. If you want to start small, learn, and invest without stress - give it a try. Just don’t expect it to be free.
Can I withdraw Bitcoin from BUX Crypto to my own wallet?
No. You cannot withdraw cryptocurrency from BUX Crypto to an external wallet. You only own a digital representation of the asset. To move your crypto elsewhere, you must sell it on the platform and transfer the cash to your bank account, then buy it again on another exchange.
Is BUX Crypto regulated and safe?
Yes. BUX Crypto is regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and backed by ABN Amro. Your funds are protected up to €100,000 under the EU’s Deposit Guarantee Scheme. However, since you don’t hold actual crypto, you’re not covered by traditional crypto insurance policies.
Do I have to pay a monthly fee on BUX Crypto?
Yes. BUX charges a €2.99 monthly service fee (€36 per year) for access to the app. You can avoid trading fees by holding 2,500 BUX tokens, but the monthly fee still applies. There is no way to fully eliminate this cost.
What cryptocurrencies can I buy on BUX Crypto?
You can buy around 15 major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Chainlink, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. There are no obscure altcoins, meme coins, or new tokens. The selection is limited to the most popular assets.
Is BUX Crypto available outside the EU?
No. BUX Crypto is only available in EU countries: Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. It does not serve users in the U.S., UK, Canada, or any non-EU country.
Are there taxes on crypto trades with BUX?
Yes. You are responsible for reporting crypto trades for tax purposes in your country. BUX does not generate automatic tax reports for all EU nations. You must track your buys and sells manually or use third-party tax software.
What happens if I don’t hold 2,500 BUX tokens?
You’ll pay €1 per trade (market or limit order). The monthly €2.99 fee still applies. Holding the tokens only removes trading fees - not the subscription. You can buy BUX tokens inside the app, but they have no value outside it.
If you’re just starting out and want to learn crypto without getting overwhelmed, BUX is a good place to begin. But if you’re serious about building wealth, you’ll eventually need to move to a platform that gives you real ownership - and true freedom.
Angie Martin-Schwarze
November 6, 2025 AT 22:52i just bought 5 euros worth of btc and now i’m paying 36 bucks a year to hold it?? i thought this was supposed to be free?? 😭
Fred Kärblane
November 8, 2025 AT 20:23Let me break this down for you: BUX isn't a crypto exchange-it's a fintech wrapper with a token-gated subscription model. The real value prop is the integration with traditional assets (stocks, ETFs) and the ABN Amro backing. If you're not trading frequently, the €2.99/month is a tax on inertia. But if you're a hybrid investor-crypto + equities-it's a consolidated dashboard with institutional-grade custody. The token lock-in? That's their user retention play. Think of it like a loyalty program where the currency only works inside the walled garden.
Janna Preston
November 9, 2025 AT 15:11Wait so if I don’t hold their tokens I pay $1 per trade AND the monthly fee? That seems... weird. Like, why not just charge the fee and call it a day? Why make it so complicated?
Meagan Wristen
November 10, 2025 AT 04:25I love how simple this app is for my mom. She’s 62, never traded before, and she bought her first Bitcoin last week. She doesn’t care about wallets or cold storage-she just wants to see her money grow without reading a 20-page manual. The fact that she can start with €5 and not get lost in 500 coins? Priceless. Yeah, the fee sucks, but she’s not trying to be a trader. She’s trying to learn. And honestly? That’s what fintech should be for most people.
gerald buddiman
November 10, 2025 AT 23:23OH MY GOD. I JUST REALIZED-I’VE BEEN PAYING €36 A YEAR TO HOLD A DIGITAL REPRESENTATION OF BITCOIN THAT I CAN’T EVEN SEND TO MY COINBASE WALLET?? I’M NOT A ROBOT, I’M A HUMAN BEING WHO WANTS TO OWN THINGS!! THIS ISN’T INVESTING-IT’S A SUBSCRIPTION TO A GAMESHOW WHERE THE PRIZE IS A DIGITAL TICKET THAT ONLY WORKS INSIDE THE CARNIVAL!!
AND THEY CALL IT ‘FREE’?? I’M OUT. I’M GOING TO KRACKEN. I’M GOING TO BUY REAL BITCOIN. I’M GOING TO HOLD IT IN A LEDGER. I’M GOING TO SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING THAT MY ASSETS AREN’T LOCKED IN A FINTECH PRISON.
WHY DO THEY THINK WE’RE STUPID??
Christopher Evans
November 11, 2025 AT 23:57The regulatory framework under AFM and the DGS protection up to €100,000 is a significant advantage over unregulated crypto-only platforms. While the inability to withdraw assets is a limitation, it also mitigates risks associated with private key mismanagement and phishing attacks. For risk-averse investors seeking exposure without operational complexity, this model offers a trade-off that is structurally sound, even if economically suboptimal for frequent traders.
Ryan McCarthy
November 13, 2025 AT 12:45Look, I get the frustration-but BUX isn’t for everyone. It’s for people who want to dip their toe in without the chaos. I used to trade on Binance, got scammed by a fake airdrop, lost €200, and cried for a week. Now I use BUX. I buy BTC once a month, hold it, and forget about it. The fee? Yeah, it’s annoying. But I’d rather pay €36 than lose money because I clicked the wrong link. Sometimes simplicity is the real security.
Abelard Rocker
November 14, 2025 AT 14:00THIS ISN’T A PLATFORM-IT’S A TRAP BUILT BY DUTCH BANKS TO TURN YOU INTO A TOKEN SLAVE. THEY’RE NOT SELLING CRYPTO. THEY’RE SELLING A LIFESTYLE. A GENTLEMAN’S CLUB FOR THE INVESTMENT-ADVERSE. YOU THINK YOU’RE BUYING BITCOIN? NO. YOU’RE BUYING A MEMBERSHIP TO A CULT WHERE THE HIGH PRIEST IS A €2.99 MONTHLY FEE AND THE SACRED TEXT IS THE BUX TOKEN WHITEPAPER WRITTEN BY A MARKETING TEAM THAT NEVER USED A BLOCKCHAIN IN THEIR LIVES.
THEY WANT YOU TO THINK YOU’RE SMART FOR ‘AVOIDING FEES’-WHILE YOU’RE ACTUALLY PAYING MORE IN PSYCHOLOGICAL TAXES. YOU CAN’T WITHDRAW. YOU CAN’T STAKE. YOU CAN’T EVEN SEND A GIFT TO YOUR FRIEND. YOU’RE A DIGITAL CAGE FISH. AND THEY CALL IT ‘INVESTING.’
WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU’RE NOT HOLDING ASSETS-YOU’RE HOLDING A CONTRACT THAT CAN BE REVOKED BY A BOARD MEETING-YOU’LL KNOW YOU WERE NEVER INVESTING. YOU WERE BEING MARKETED TO.
Hope Aubrey
November 14, 2025 AT 20:40As an American, I’m so mad I can’t even use this. The EU gets this clean, bank-backed, beginner-friendly app-and we get Coinbase with its 0.5% fees and confusing interface? This is why I hate global inequality. If this existed in the US, I’d be all in. But nope-US users get the worst of both worlds: high fees and zero trust. America, we’re being left behind again.
andrew seeby
November 16, 2025 AT 05:34bro i tried this app... the UI is so smooth 😍 but then i saw the monthly fee and i just... closed it. like... i get it, it’s convenient, but i’d rather pay 1% once a month than 36 a year for nothing. also the dogecoin badge thing? i bought it because i got a streak. i didn’t even know what it was. 🤦♂️
Pranjali Dattatraya Upadhye
November 17, 2025 AT 22:12As someone from India who's watched crypto adoption grow here, I find this model fascinating. In places like India, where banking is still a barrier for many, apps like this-simple, low entry, bank-backed-could be revolutionary. The fact that they don't support non-EU users is a shame. Imagine if this was available here with rupee onboarding? Millions would use it. The fee structure? It's a trade-off, but for the unbanked, even a locked-in system beats nothing.
Kyung-Ran Koh
November 19, 2025 AT 18:01I appreciate the simplicity, but the lack of true ownership is a red flag. If you're serious about crypto, you must hold your private keys. Period. BUX offers convenience at the cost of autonomy-and for many, that’s a dangerous compromise. Also, tax reporting? You’re on your own? That’s irresponsible. If you’re going to facilitate trades, you should provide accurate, jurisdiction-specific tax documentation. This isn’t a game. It’s financial activity with legal consequences.
Missy Simpson
November 20, 2025 AT 17:18OMG I LOVE THIS APP SO MUCH!! 🥹 I started with €5 and now I have 0.002 BTC and it feels like a miracle!! The app is so cute and the videos help me understand everything!! I didn’t know what blockchain was last month and now I’m talking about it at dinner 😭✨ the fee is kinda annoying but hey-I’m learning!! 💕
Tara R
November 21, 2025 AT 17:12This is a textbook example of financial paternalism disguised as accessibility. The platform infantilizes users by removing complexity, then monetizes their ignorance through subscription fees and token lock-ins. The regulatory veneer provides false security. True financial literacy requires exposure to risk, not sheltering from it. This is not innovation. It is condescension wrapped in a minimalist UI.
Alexis Rivera
November 23, 2025 AT 01:01There's a deeper philosophical question here: What does it mean to 'own' crypto? If you can't move it, is it yours? Or is it just a digital receipt? BUX reflects a shift in finance-away from ownership, toward access. We're moving toward a world where you don't own assets, you pay for the privilege of using them. This isn't unique to crypto. It's the same with streaming services, software licenses, even cars. BUX is just the first crypto version of this trend. The question isn't whether it's fair-it's whether we're okay with it.
Eric von Stackelberg
November 23, 2025 AT 06:50ABN Amro backing? That’s not security-it’s a coordinated financial takeover. The Dutch government, the EU banking cartel, and fintech are colluding to centralize crypto under institutional control. They don’t want you to own Bitcoin. They want you to believe you do-while they hold the keys. The token lock-in? That’s a backdoor to monetize your participation. The monthly fee? That’s the toll. This isn’t innovation. It’s surveillance capitalism with a crypto facade. The real risk isn’t the fee-it’s the normalization of financial control.
Jessica Arnold
November 25, 2025 AT 02:10What’s interesting is how BUX mirrors the evolution of fintech in Europe: regulated, bank-integrated, and designed for mass adoption. The token model is essentially a loyalty program with behavioral economics baked in. You’re incentivized to stay-not because it’s the cheapest, but because switching costs are high. The lack of withdrawals isn’t a flaw-it’s a feature to reduce churn. This isn’t crypto for degens. It’s crypto for the average European who wants to feel like they’re part of the future without having to understand it.