The Netherlands has seen a tightening of cryptocurrency regulations in recent years, significantly affecting traders who rely on leverage. Major global exchanges like Binance have exited the Dutch market entirely, while others have modified their services to comply with local laws. As a result, many platforms no longer offer leveraged trading—limiting options for active traders seeking higher exposure.
Despite these restrictions, several reputable and accessible exchanges still allow Dutch users to trade crypto with leverage. This guide explores the top platforms currently available, outlines key features, and provides practical steps to get started—all while staying compliant and informed.
Whether you're a beginner exploring margin trading or an experienced trader looking for high-leverage opportunities, this article delivers up-to-date insights tailored to the Dutch market.
👉 Discover the best crypto leverage trading platforms trusted by thousands of European traders.
Best Platforms for Leverage Trading in the Netherlands
Leverage trading—also known as margin trading—allows investors to amplify their market exposure by borrowing funds. While powerful, it comes with increased risk. Choosing the right platform is crucial for security, liquidity, low fees, and regulatory compliance.
Here are the top exchanges currently accessible to Dutch traders interested in crypto derivatives and leveraged positions.
1. MEXC
MEXC has emerged as a leading choice for Dutch traders due to its vast selection of over 1,500 cryptocurrencies and highly competitive fee structure. The platform supports leverage of up to 400x on select futures contracts, making it ideal for advanced traders pursuing aggressive strategies.
Despite its advanced capabilities, MEXC maintains a user-friendly interface suitable even for newcomers. However, beginners should avoid using maximum leverage without proper risk management and market understanding.
Key Features:
- Over 1,500 tradable cryptocurrencies
- Trading fees from 0% to 0.02%
- Leverage up to 400x
- Intuitive dashboard with real-time data
- Strong liquidity across major pairs
MEXC does not currently hold formal registration with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), but Dutch users can still access the platform legally as end-users. Always ensure secure account practices such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold wallet storage for long-term holdings.
2. OKX
Formerly known as OKEx, OKX ranks among the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume. It has gained significant traction in the Netherlands thanks to its robust infrastructure, deep market liquidity, and comprehensive suite of trading tools.
OKX offers futures and perpetual contracts with leverage reaching up to 125x, catering to both intermediate and professional traders. The platform also features advanced order types, grid trading bots, and copy-trading functionality.
Why Traders Choose OKX:
- 250+ supported digital assets
- Leverage up to 125x
- Competitive trading fees (0.02% – 0.1%)
- Advanced charting tools powered by TradingView
- Strong security protocols including proof-of-reserves
With a clean UI and multilingual support, OKX balances complexity with accessibility—making it one of the most versatile platforms for Dutch leverage traders.
👉 Start leveraged crypto trading on a globally trusted exchange today.
3. Levex
Levex is a relatively new but rapidly growing platform designed specifically for derivative trading. Its sleek interface and beginner-friendly design make it appealing to those new to leveraged markets, while still offering powerful tools for experienced users.
The exchange supports leverage of up to 100x on various futures contracts and emphasizes fast execution speeds and transparent fee structures. Users often praise Levex for its responsive customer support and regular updates based on community feedback.
Platform Highlights:
- Wide range of futures products
- Flexible leverage settings
- Discounted fees for early adopters and high-volume traders
- Beginner-oriented educational resources
- No mandatory KYC for basic usage (varies by region)
While Levex is not yet registered with DNB, it adheres to international security standards and continues expanding its compliance framework.
Alternative Platforms Supporting Leverage Trading
Beyond the top three, other platforms remain viable options for Dutch traders:
- Bitget: Known for its copy-trading feature and consistent performance, Bitget offers leverage up to 125x and supports Dutch language interfaces.
- Deribit: A favorite among options traders, Deribit specializes in Bitcoin and Ethereum derivatives with high liquidity and institutional-grade tools.
Additionally, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) now enable leveraged trading without KYC requirements. These non-custodial platforms let users trade directly from their wallets, enhancing privacy and control.
Popular DEXs for leveraged crypto trading include:
- dYdX
- Apex Protocol (by Bybit)
- SynFutures
- Perpetual Protocol
Decentralized solutions are gaining momentum as regulatory scrutiny increases on centralized platforms. They offer an alternative path for traders prioritizing autonomy and anonymity—though they may come with steeper learning curves and lower liquidity than centralized counterparts.
How to Start Leverage Trading in the Netherlands
Getting started with leveraged crypto trading involves several key steps:
- Choose a Platform
Select an exchange that aligns with your experience level, risk tolerance, and trading goals. Consider factors like maximum leverage, fees, available coins, and security features. - Create an Account
Register using your email or wallet address. Some platforms require identity verification (KYC), especially for higher withdrawal limits or fiat deposits. - Deposit Funds
Add capital via bank transfer or cryptocurrency deposit. Most platforms accept EUR through SEPA transfers or stablecoins like USDT/USDC. - Familiarize Yourself with the Interface
Explore the trading dashboard, understand order types (limit, market, stop-loss), and practice navigating futures or margin sections. - Start Small
Begin with low leverage (e.g., 2x–5x) to understand price movements and liquidation risks before scaling up. - Implement Risk Management
Always set stop-loss orders, avoid over-leveraging, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. Use position sizing strategies to protect your portfolio during volatility.
👉 Access a secure platform with advanced risk management tools built-in.
Pro Tip: Many exchanges offer demo accounts or paper trading modes—use them to practice without financial risk.
Are Crypto Exchanges Legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, using cryptocurrency exchanges is legal in the Netherlands—even if the exchange isn’t registered with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). The Dutch government regulates service providers, not individual users. This means Dutch citizens can use foreign-based platforms legally.
However, only exchanges registered with DNB are permitted to offer services directly to Dutch consumers under local advertising and operational rules. Registered platforms include Bitvavo and Coinbase—but note that registered exchanges often restrict high-risk products like leveraged trading to comply with investor protection laws.
For example:
- Bitvavo allows spot trading only; no leverage or futures are available.
- Coinbase offers limited derivatives in certain regions but does not support leveraged trading in the Netherlands.
Therefore, traders seeking leverage typically turn to unregistered but globally compliant platforms like MEXC, OKX, or decentralized alternatives.
You can view the official list of registered crypto service providers via DNB’s public register (note: external links removed per guidelines).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you trade futures in the Netherlands?
Yes, futures trading is permitted through certain international platforms accessible to Dutch users. Exchanges like MEXC and OKX offer perpetual futures contracts with high leverage, though availability depends on regional restrictions and platform policies.
Is leverage trading allowed on Bybit in the Netherlands?
Yes, Bybit remains accessible but with limitations. Dutch users are restricted to a maximum of 10x leverage, significantly lower than the 100x offered elsewhere. Additionally, Bybit offers margin contracts rather than perpetual futures in this region, which may involve different funding costs.
Can I use leverage on Bitvavo?
No, Bitvavo does not support any form of leveraged trading. It focuses solely on spot transactions—buying and selling crypto at market price—making it better suited for long-term investors and beginners rather than active day traders.
What are the risks of high-leverage trading?
High leverage magnifies both gains and losses. Positions can be liquidated quickly during market swings, especially in volatile conditions. Proper risk management—including stop-loss orders and position sizing—is essential to prevent total capital loss.
Do I need KYC verification to trade with leverage?
It depends on the platform. Centralized exchanges usually require KYC for fiat deposits and full access to derivatives markets. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) often allow anonymous trading directly from crypto wallets without identity verification.
Are profits from crypto leverage trading taxable in the Netherlands?
Yes, all cryptocurrency gains—including those from leveraged trades—are subject to taxation under the Box 3 wealth tax system in the Netherlands. Traders must report their holdings annually via their income tax return. Consult a tax advisor familiar with crypto regulations for accurate compliance guidance.