In 2020, a significant regulatory bill concerning Digital Financial Assets (DFA) was signed into law, establishing a legal framework for cryptocurrency transactions. For Russian citizens looking to register on a crypto trading platform, several important factors must be considered. This guide explores the top cryptocurrency exchanges suitable for users from Russia.
Cryptocurrency enthusiasts in Russia should prioritize using platforms that comply with local laws and regulations. This means selecting exchanges that cooperate with the national financial authorities.
Top 5 Cryptocurrency Exchanges for Russian Traders
We have thoroughly analyzed over 100 cryptocurrency exchanges. This guide presents the best options for Russian users based on key factors like products and features, fees, regulations and licenses, customer support, and more. All exchanges listed are licensed, reliable, and operate in accordance with applicable regulations.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which cryptocurrency exchange is the best fit for your needs.
- BYDFi – Best No-KYC Crypto Exchange in Russia
- Bybit – Best Alternative Exchange in Russia
- KuCoin – Best Altcoin Exchange in Russia
- OKX – Great Copy Trading Exchange in Russia
- MEXC – Low-Fee Crypto Exchange in Russia
Exchange Comparison Overview
| Exchange | Cryptos | Spot Fees | Futures Fees | Max Leverage | Bonus | KYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYDFi | 300+ | 0.10%/0.10% | 0.02%/0.06% | 125x | $10,000 | No |
| Bybit | 660+ | 0.10%/0.10% | 0.02%/0.055% | 100x | $30,000 | No |
| KuCoin | 800+ | 0.10%/0.10% | 0.02%/0.06% | 125x | $10,500 | No |
| OKX | 317+ | 0.08%/0.10% | 0.02%/0.05% | 125x | $10 | Yes |
| MEXC | 1800+ | 0.10%/0.10% | 0.02%/0.06% | 200x | $5,000 | No |
1. BYDFi
BYDFi is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges serving the Russian market. With over 10 million users and a daily trading volume exceeding $4 billion, it is a major player. The platform is fully compliant and a trusted option for Russian users.
BYDFi offers over 600 different cryptocurrencies, leverage of up to 200x, and competitive trading fees, making it a top choice for professional traders. Spot fees are 0.1%, while futures fees are just 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers.
Due to its wide range of products and features, we recommend BYDFi for advanced crypto traders with significant experience. However, beginners can also navigate the platform easily thanks to its well-designed and user-friendly interface.
A key advantage for Russian crypto traders is BYDFi's support for RUB fiat transactions. Users can directly purchase cryptocurrencies with their local currency using a credit card.
👉 Explore advanced trading platforms
2. Bybit
As the second-best cryptocurrency exchange for Russian users, Bybit is an excellent choice for derivatives traders seeking a trustworthy platform.
With over 350 digital assets and one of the best futures markets offering leverage of up to 100x, Bybit caters to professional traders from around the world.
Bybit's spot trading fee is 0.1%, while futures trading fees start at 0.02% for makers and 0.055% for takers.
Bybit is popular for its deep liquidity and fast order execution. Beyond spot and futures trading, Bybit also offers options trading and an NFT marketplace.
Featuring a simple and clear interface, Bybit is a solid choice for both beginners and advanced traders. A major advantage for Russian users is its support for the Russian Ruble (RUB). You can easily deposit and withdraw RUB through an Advcash wallet with 0% fees. Withdrawal fees are also low, ranging from 0% to 1%.
Finally, Bybit is widely recognized for its excellent copy trading feature, which allows you to mirror the trades of professional traders, providing a potential source of passive income.
3. KuCoin
KuCoin is our fourth-ranked top cryptocurrency exchange for Russian users. KuCoin is popular for its user-friendly trading platform and diverse crypto services. Its spot market, which features over 800 cryptocurrencies, and its algorithmic trading bot functionality make KuCoin a strong option for crypto enthusiasts from Russia.
With multilingual 24/7 live customer support, including Russian language support, traders will feel right at home on KuCoin.
KuCoin's spot trading fee is 0.1%, but this can be reduced by 20% by holding the native KuCoin Token (KCS). For futures traders, KuCoin charges 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers.
While you cannot directly deposit RUB, you can trade with RUB on the KuCoin P2P market. Supported payment methods for RUB include bank transfer and SBP. Unfortunately, debit and credit cards are not supported.
4. OKX
OKX is a great exchange to begin your cryptocurrency journey. The platform is extremely well-designed and has been operational for over seven years, making it one of the most established on this list. With 320 crypto assets, OKX is on the lower end in terms of supported cryptocurrencies. However, OKX boasts an excellent derivatives platform.
On the OKX futures market, traders can access futures contracts with leverage of up to 125x. Among all the exchanges on this list, OKX has some of the best liquidity, making it perfect for traders with high volume and large position sizes.
Like Bybit, OKX features a powerful copy trading function. We consider OKX to have one of the best copy trading features, allowing you to potentially earn passive income by following experienced crypto traders.
A significant drawback for users in the Russian Federation is the inability to buy Bitcoin with RUB directly, as there are no available fiat or P2P options for the Russian Ruble.
👉 Discover leading copy trading features
5. MEXC
Launched in 2018, MEXC stands out as the lowest-fee cryptocurrency exchange for Russian users. With a comprehensive spot and futures market, low trading fees, and leverage of up to 200x, MEXC is a superb choice for Russian crypto traders.
With full Russian language support, MEXC provides a user-friendly platform that allows you to navigate the dashboard easily in your native language.
Traders on MEXC enjoy some of the lowest trading fees in the crypto market. With a 0.1% spot fee, you can trade at some of the best rates. For futures traders, MEXC charges just 0.02% for takers and 0% for makers, making it one of the best crypto exchanges for Russian professional day traders.
In addition to low fees, MEXC offers over 1,700 different cryptocurrencies for trading, making it a versatile option for Russian crypto investors.
If you do not yet own any cryptocurrency, you can buy it directly with RUB on the MEXC P2P market. Supported payment methods include Sberbank, Tinkoff, and SBP fast bank transfers. You can also sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on the MEXC P2P market, cashing out profits to a Russian bank account.
Is Cryptocurrency Legal in Russia?
Yes, cryptocurrency is completely legal in Russia. Digital assets are regulated by the national financial authority. The 2020 bill signed into law legalized the transfer of cryptocurrencies.
The national financial authority manages cryptocurrency exchanges that wish to offer services in Russia. Some of the best exchanges for Russian users, such as MEXC, Bybit, and KuCoin, are legitimate platforms authorized to operate in the market.
How to Buy Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency in Russia
If you want to buy Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in Russia, you should consider signing up with one of the top exchanges for Russian users, as described in this guide. These platforms comply with local authorities and provide a straightforward way to buy, sell, and trade digital assets.
- Choose the Right Exchange: Ensure you do your due diligence and select a secure and reliable cryptocurrency exchange that is available to Russian users. Also, confirm that the exchange supports RUB payments.
- Register and Verify Your Account: After registering on a crypto exchange that supports RUB payments, verify your account if KYC is required.
- Deposit Funds: Choose your preferred payment method. On exchanges like MEXC, you can buy crypto with RUB using methods like Sberbank, Tinkoff, or SBP fast bank transfers.
- Store Your Cryptocurrency: After successfully purchasing Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, you should consider storing your digital assets in a cold wallet for enhanced security. It is generally not recommended to store large amounts of crypto on an exchange long-term.
- Monitor the Market: Keep an eye on market movements and take profits according to your investment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best no-KYC crypto exchange for Russian users?
BYDFi is often considered the best option for Russian users seeking a platform without mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and supports RUB transactions.
Which exchange offers the best copy trading features?
OKX and Bybit are renowned for their advanced copy trading functionalities. These features allow users to automatically replicate the strategies of successful traders, which can be a valuable tool for beginners and those seeking passive income strategies.
How can I deposit Russian Rubles (RUB) onto an exchange?
Several exchanges, including MEXC and Bybit, offer direct RUB deposits through bank transfers, payment systems like SBP, or via partnered e-wallets like Advcash. Always check the specific deposit methods and any associated fees on your chosen exchange's website.
Are there any exchanges with Russian language support?
Yes, many leading exchanges, including KuCoin and MEXC, offer full platform localization in Russian, including customer support, making them accessible for Russian-speaking users.
What is the legal status of cryptocurrency trading in Russia?
Cryptocurrency trading is legal in Russia. The activity is regulated under the Digital Financial Assets (DFA) law, which provides a legal framework for transactions involving digital assets.
Which exchange is best for low trading fees?
MEXC is highly competitive for its low fee structure, particularly for futures trading where maker fees can be 0%. It's an excellent choice for high-volume traders looking to minimize costs.
Summary
Buying and selling cryptocurrency in Russia can be straightforward when using some of the best-suited exchanges. Based on our analysis, BYDFi and Bybit are two of the most favored exchanges among Russian cryptocurrency enthusiasts. This is based on multiple factors, including features, trading fees, regulations, and RUB payment support.
Our top recommendation for overall value and a well-designed platform is MEXC.
Furthermore, the exchanges discussed in this article are reliable platforms with strong security measures. Crucially, they comply with local laws and provide a secure and dependable environment for cryptocurrency traders.