Anycoin Direct Crypto Exchange Review - Fees, Security & Usability

Here’s the Anycoin Direct review you’ve been looking for. If you’re a European crypto newbie or a seasoned trader wondering whether this Dutch broker still makes sense in 2025, this article breaks down the platform’s purpose, cost structure, security model, and how it stacks up against the big‑name exchanges.

What is Anycoin Direct?

Anycoin Direct is a Dutch cryptocurrency brokerage that launched in 2013 and operates under the regulatory umbrella of the Netherlands. Backed by Phoenix Payments B.V., the service markets itself as a user‑friendly gateway for buying and selling crypto with euros (EUR) only.

The platform limits access to residents of the European Union and Switzerland, meaning anyone outside these regions will hit a “service not available” wall.

How the Brokerage Model Works

Unlike traditional exchanges that match you with other traders, Anycoin Direct acts like a broker: you place a buy or sell order and the company fulfills it using its internal liquidity pool. The user experience feels like a simple bank app - you pick a coin, enter an amount, and confirm. There’s no order book, no limit orders, and no need to understand market depth.

Supported coins include the major players - Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the stablecoin Tether - plus a handful of altcoins. All transactions are settled in EUR, and you must move the crypto to your own wallet after purchase; Anycoin Direct does not provide a built‑in wallet for long‑term storage.

Security and Wallet Strategy

The platform stores 80‑90% of user funds offline, using an “elastic multi‑stage wallet” approach that mirrors cold‑storage best practices. For the remaining online portion, two‑factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory, and withdrawals can be locked to a whitelist of approved addresses.

Because the service never holds your crypto in a hot wallet, the risk of a large‑scale hack is reduced. However, you’re responsible for safeguarding your own private keys, whether you use a hardware wallet or a software wallet on your phone.

Fee Structure - The Good, The Bad, and The Hidden

Anycoin Direct skips the percentage‑based taker fees you see on most exchanges. Instead, it applies a markup when you buy and a markdown when you sell. These price adjustments are built into the quoted rate, so you never see an explicit “fee” line on the receipt.

Because the exact spread is not published, users often complain that the final price is “a bit higher” than the market rate. Independent reviews (e.g., Forex.wikibit.com) rate the trading cost at 3.0/5, citing opacity and higher effective fees compared to low‑cost competitors.

Withdrawal fees are limited to the blockchain network charge - there’s no added service fee. Payment methods include SEPA wire transfers, VISA/MasterCard credit cards (available since 2019), and PayPal for withdrawals. The inclusion of credit‑card purchases adds convenience but also pushes the buy‑side spread higher.

Verification Process - What to Expect

New accounts must pass a video‑call verification via Skype, where you show a government ID and a live selfie. Once the basic KYC is cleared, you can trade small amounts. To lift limits or enable withdrawals, you’ll need enhanced verification: a proof of address, a selfie with the ID, and sometimes a source‑of‑funds document.

This rigorous approach aligns with Dutch AML regulations, but it can slow down onboarding for users who prefer a quick sign‑up.

Pros and Cons - Quick Reference

• Pros
  • Very easy UI - ideal for beginners.
  • Multi‑language support (Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish).
  • Responsive customer support - email, live chat, phone.
  • Cold‑storage‑heavy security model.
• Cons
  • Higher effective spreads; lack of transparent fee schedule.
  • Restricted to EU and Switzerland.
  • No built‑in wallet - you must manage your own storage.
  • Stringent verification can delay larger withdrawals.

How It Compares to Popular Exchanges

In short, Anycoin Direct wins on simplicity and support, but it falls short on price transparency and global reach. If you trade small amounts, the higher spread may be acceptable; for high‑volume traders, an exchange like Binance or Kraken usually offers tighter pricing.

Is Anycoin Direct Right for You?

If you fit any of the following profiles, Anycoin Direct could be a good match:

• You are a EU resident who prefers to avoid complex order books.
• You value fast, friendly customer service over the lowest possible fees.
• You want a platform that stores most of its liquidity offline for added security.

Conversely, you might look elsewhere if:

• You need advanced trading tools (margin, futures, stop‑loss orders).
• You trade large volumes and need the tightest spreads.
• You live outside the EU/Switzerland.
• You want a built‑in wallet to keep crypto on the platform.

Bottom Line

Anycoin Direct remains a solid entry point for European users who want a hassle‑free way to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Tether with euros. Its strength lies in a clean UI, multi‑language help desk, and a security model that keeps most funds offline. The biggest drawbacks are the opaque spread and the limited geographic scope.

Overall, treat it as a “bank‑style” crypto broker rather than a full‑featured exchange. If that matches your goals, the platform can get you into crypto quickly and safely.