Where to Buy and Sell Bitcoin in Spain

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Navigating the world of Bitcoin in Spain is straightforward, thanks to a variety of global exchanges, crypto ATMs, and dedicated platforms. A study revealed that 16% of Spaniards already own Bitcoin, using it as both a payment method and an investment vehicle. This guide provides a clear overview of the available options for buying and selling Bitcoin across the country.

Understanding the Spanish Crypto Landscape

Buying and selling Bitcoin (BTC) in Spain is as accessible as using any traditional value-exchange platform. The advantage of using cryptocurrencies lies in this market's openness to development and its accessibility to the general public.

In Spain, you'll find exchanges for trading, P2P platforms for direct person-to-person swaps, Bitcoin ATMs, and social media groups for negotiating with other traders. According to Spain's IE University, by 2020, 7.5 million Spaniards already owned Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. This represented 16% of the population at the time. Of these users, 60% stated they used them solely as an investment method, and 12.8% used them for making purchases. The remaining 27.2% utilized them for both purposes. These figures align with a study by bitFlyer Europe, whose developed index suggests that 68% of Spaniards trust that Bitcoin will still exist in 10 years.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Exchanges in Spain

P2P exchanges are designed to provide individuals with a digital environment where they can exchange cryptocurrencies directly with others.

In Spain, you'll find P2P exchanges offering numerous methods to buy and sell Bitcoin. Traders can post advertisements so others can compare which option best suits their needs. This includes the possibility of accepting exchanges for euro bank transfers, SEPA, Amazon gift cards, PayPal, Western Union, and more.

Among the P2P exchanges operating in Spain, you'll find several alternatives for safeguarding your cryptocurrencies. In almost all cases, you have access to custodial wallets, meaning the exchange generates the private keys, and you don't have the option to know them.

LocalBitcoins

Founded in 2012, LocalBitcoins registers over $18 million weekly across more than 200 countries where it operates. Approximately 4,500 new users join the platform daily to buy and sell Bitcoin. It connects you with other merchants and secures operations with an escrow or smart contract.

Here, you can search listings for another trader's ad or create your own. The platform allows exchanges of Bitcoin for euro bank transfers, Amazon gift cards, PayPal, SEPA, and more.

👉 Explore secure P2P trading platforms

LocalCryptos

Founded in 2017 as LocalEthereum, the platform rebranded to LocalCryptos in 2019. A key feature is that you can create your own self-custodied wallet from scratch or link your Ledger, MetaMask, or Trust wallet to log in without a username or password. You can also import your reputation from LocalBitcoins and Paxful to build more trust with your counterparty.

Paxful

Founded in 2015 in Estonia, Paxful has over 3 million registered wallets. In Spain, you can buy and sell Bitcoin in exchange for PayPal, Amazon and Neosurf gift cards, Western Union, Mercado Pago, and more.

Centralized Exchanges (CEX) for BTC in Spain

Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEX) are specialized platforms for buying and selling Bitcoin in exchange for euro transfers, deposits, or debit/credit card payments. Frequently, these exchanges provide tools designed for trading and automating exchanges through digital desks that offer functions to automate Bitcoin purchases and sales.

Many centralized exchanges allow for staking, crypto lending, margin trading, and even trading Bitcoin futures.

Bitpanda

Founded in 2014, Bitpanda now boasts over 3 million users. The platform allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, trade, and invest in stocks, ETFs, and precious metals. It supports bank transfers, Mastercard and Visa purchases, and payments via Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, and more. It also offers a Visa card that you can fund with any asset in your portfolio.

Bit2Me

Founded in 2015, Bit2Me is an exchange supporting numerous options to buy and sell Bitcoin in Spain. It has over 700,000 users operating in 100 countries. The platform is connected to the banking system, allowing for Bitcoin exchanges with euro withdrawals at traditional ATMs. Bit2Me enables staking, accepting crypto as payment for businesses, and offers a Mastercard debit card funded with cryptocurrencies.

Other Notable Centralized Exchanges

Bitcoin ATMs in Spain

Buying and selling Bitcoin in Spain through an ATM is easy. Coin ATM Radar reports at least 207 cryptocurrency ATMs in major cities across the Iberian country. Besides ATMs that accept cash euros, there are Tellers, which allow you to buy and sell Bitcoin using just a QR code. Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca have 50 crypto ATMs distributed. Companies like Bitnovo, General Bytes, BTC Fácil, and Bitcoin Teller manufacture and operate these devices in the region.

You can check the location of each ATM on this map.

Shitcoins.club

Operating since 2017, Shitcoins.club operates and manufactures ATMs for buying and selling Bitcoin in Spain and other countries. They have 38 units in Spain. At least 3 ATMs operate 24/7 in Barcelona.

BitBase

Founded in 2018 in Barcelona, BitBase has 86 ATM and Teller units in Spain. Their ATMs operate nearly all day in numerous shopping centers. You can buy or sell on their website.

Crypto Cards, Kiosks, and Vouchers

Most prepaid cards used in Europe have had to reinvent themselves. Today, various companies offer prepaid cards with Bitcoin or linked to a cryptocurrency wallet that can be obtained without a bank account and allow users to obtain euros and make payments throughout Europe.

Other companies have developed cryptocurrency kiosks or vouchers that can be purchased with cash, no credentials needed.

Tikebit

Tikebit is a payment method that allows you to buy cryptocurrency vouchers in thousands of establishments across Spain and other countries.

Prepaid Cards (Bitcard, Bitsa, Binance Card, Coinbase Card)

Several providers offer debit cards that can be loaded with cryptocurrency or cash, functioning like standard Visa/Mastercard cards for payments and ATM withdrawals.

Buying and Selling on Social Media in Spain

If you prefer to negotiate directly with people like yourself, you can explore social media platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, Reddit, or Facebook. Some groups have their own regulations to facilitate communication and prevent scams. Always check the reputation of your counterpart before transacting.

On Facebook, private groups like "Comprar y vender bitcoin en Madrid" (7.6k users) and "Bitcoin Barcelona España" (~4k users) exist. On Telegram, groups like "Bitcoin Español" (~4.5k members) and "Bitcoin España" (~11.4k users) are valuable for information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to buy Bitcoin in Spain?
Using a centralized exchange like Bitpanda or Coinbase is often the easiest method for beginners, as they offer intuitive interfaces and support for common payment methods like bank transfers and cards. For those preferring cash, Bitcoin ATMs or voucher systems like Tikebit are straightforward options.

Are Bitcoin transactions legal in Spain?
Yes, buying, selling, and holding Bitcoin is legal in Spain. Cryptocurrencies are considered digital assets, and transactions must comply with standard financial regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures required by most platforms.

What are the typical fees for buying Bitcoin?
Fees vary significantly by platform. Centralized exchanges often charge between 1% and 2.5% for card purchases. P2P platform fees are typically lower but can vary based on the payment method. ATM fees are generally the highest, often ranging from 5% to 10% or more.

Can I spend Bitcoin directly in Spanish stores?
While direct spending is not yet ubiquitous, it is growing. The primary method is through crypto debit cards (e.g., from Binance, Coinbase, Bitnovo), which automatically convert your crypto to euros at the point of sale, allowing you to spend anywhere Visa/Mastercard is accepted.

How do I keep my Bitcoin secure after buying it?
For significant amounts, moving your Bitcoin off the exchange into a self-custody wallet is highly recommended. This can be a software wallet on your phone/computer for smaller amounts or a hardware wallet like a Ledger or Trezor for maximum security of larger holdings.

Do I have to pay taxes on Bitcoin in Spain?
Yes, cryptocurrencies are subject to taxation. Capital gains tax applies if you sell Bitcoin for a profit. The tax rate depends on your total annual gain and other income. It's crucial to keep records of all your transactions for tax reporting purposes.