- 15 Dec 2025
- Elara Crowthorne
- 23
When you're looking for a crypto exchange in Europe and you care about safety more than flashy features, Paymium stands out. It’s not the biggest, it doesn’t offer hundreds of coins, and you won’t find leverage or mobile apps that feel like gaming platforms. But if you want to buy Bitcoin with Euros on a platform that’s legally supervised by France’s financial authority, Paymium is one of the few real options left.
What Is Paymium, Really?
Paymium started in 2011 as Bitcoin Central - one of the earliest crypto exchanges in Europe. It rebranded to Paymium in 2014 and has stayed under the same leadership ever since. Unlike exchanges that popped up during the 2021 bull run and vanished by 2023, Paymium survived multiple crypto winters. Why? Because it never chased hype. It focused on compliance. It’s regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), France’s financial markets watchdog. That means your funds are handled under strict EU payment service rules. Most exchanges claim to be secure. Paymium is legally required to be secure. That’s a big difference. It’s not for everyone. If you want to trade Solana, Shiba Inu, or 200 other altcoins, you’ll be disappointed. Paymium supports around 10 cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin (BTC) as its main focus. Ethereum (ETH) is the only other major coin you’ll find in any volume. Everything else is niche or low-liquidity.How Much Does It Cost to Trade on Paymium?
Fees on Paymium are weird - in a good way. For makers (people who add liquidity by placing limit orders), the fee is -0.10%. That’s right - you get paid to trade. If you place a buy order that doesn’t fill immediately, and someone else takes it, Paymium gives you 0.10% of the trade value as a reward. This is rare. Most exchanges charge makers 0.1% to 0.2%. Paymium flips it. Takers (people who remove liquidity by using market orders) pay 0.50%. That’s higher than the global average of 0.25% to 0.30%. So if you’re day trading or using market orders constantly, you’ll pay more than on Binance or Kraken. The fee structure makes sense if you think about it: Paymium wants to attract long-term buyers and sellers who hold Bitcoin, not high-frequency traders. It’s built for people who want to buy BTC and hold it, not flip it every hour. Withdrawals? Free. Paymium covers Bitcoin network fees. That’s not common. Most exchanges charge $1 to $5 per BTC withdrawal. Paymium doesn’t. You get your Bitcoin out without extra cost.Deposits and Withdrawals: EUR Only
You can only deposit and withdraw in Euros (EUR). No USD, no GBP, no AUD. If you’re in Europe, that’s fine. If you’re outside Europe, you’ll need to convert your currency first. Deposits come via SEPA bank transfer or Visa card. SEPA transfers are free and usually take 1-2 business days. Card deposits are instant but come with a small processing fee - around 2.5% to 3.5%, depending on your bank. Deposit limits are generous. After a banking partner switch in 2019, daily limits jumped from €10,000 to €100,000. Monthly? Up to €500,000. That’s enough for most individuals and small businesses. Withdrawals are straightforward. You can withdraw EUR to your bank account via SEPA, or BTC to any external wallet. No hidden fees. No delays. Just follow the steps.Security: Cold Storage and 2FA
Paymium stores 95% of user funds in cold storage - offline wallets with no internet connection. The rest is kept in hot wallets for daily trading needs. This is standard for reputable exchanges, but Paymium doesn’t just say it - they’re audited by French regulators. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory. You can’t skip it. You must use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy. SMS 2FA isn’t supported, which is good - SMS is easy to hack. KYC (Know Your Customer) is required for all users. You need to upload a government ID and a selfie. It takes 1-3 business days to verify. If you’re privacy-focused, this will frustrate you. But if you want a regulated, legal platform, this is the price of admission. There’s also a dormant account fee. If your account stays inactive for more than three years, Paymium charges a small fee to cover storage costs. It’s rare, but worth noting if you’re planning to hold BTC for a decade.
User Experience: Simple, But Too Simple
The interface is clean. No clutter. No charts with 15 indicators. No trading bots you don’t understand. It’s like a basic bank app - easy for someone who’s never traded before. Buy Bitcoin? Click “Buy,” pick EUR, enter amount, confirm. Done. Sell Bitcoin? Same thing. It’s perfect for beginners. If you’re new to crypto and just want to buy your first Bitcoin without getting lost in a maze of tabs, Paymium is one of the easiest places to start. But if you’re experienced? You’ll feel bored. No advanced order types. No stop-losses. No trailing stops. No API access for automated trading. No charting tools beyond basic candlesticks. Paymium doesn’t want you to trade - it wants you to hold.Customer Support: Limited Hours
Support is available Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM CET. No weekends. No 24/7 live chat. You contact them via email or ticket system. Responses usually take 1-2 business days. That’s slower than Binance or Kraken, which offer instant chat. But again - this isn’t a global exchange chasing volume. It’s a small, regulated platform with a lean team. You’re trading with a bank, not a tech startup. Users on G2.com complain about language support. Paymium supports English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. But some users want Latin American Spanish or Portuguese. It’s a small gap, but noticeable if you’re not in Western Europe.Who Is Paymium For?
Paymium isn’t for crypto speculators. It’s not for DeFi farmers. It’s not for altcoin hunters. It’s for:- European residents who want to buy Bitcoin legally and safely
- People who trust regulated institutions over anonymous platforms
- Long-term holders who don’t trade daily
- Small businesses or freelancers who get paid in crypto and need to convert to EUR
- Institutional clients with large EUR deposits (over €50,000) who can use the OTC desk
Who Should Avoid Paymium?
Skip Paymium if you:- Want to trade more than 10 cryptocurrencies
- Need leverage (Paymium doesn’t offer any)
- Trade multiple times a day
- Expect 24/7 customer support
- Live in a banned country (Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan, etc.)
How Does Paymium Compare to Other Exchanges?
| Feature | Paymium | Kraken | Binance | Swan Bitcoin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated by EU authority | Yes (AMF) | Yes (FinCEN, MiCA) | No (offshore) | Yes (US) |
| Primary fiat currency | Euro (EUR) | USD, EUR, CAD | USD, EUR, BTC | USD |
| Cryptocurrencies offered | ~10 | 200+ | 350+ | 1 (BTC only) |
| Maker fee | -0.10% | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.00% |
| Taker fee | 0.50% | 0.16% | 0.04% | 0.00% |
| Bitcoin withdrawal fee | Free | 0.0005 BTC | 0.0005 BTC | Free |
| 24/7 support | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OTC desk for large trades | Yes (€50k+) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Verdict: A Niche Player With Big Advantages
Paymium isn’t trying to be the biggest. It’s trying to be the safest. And in a world where crypto exchanges collapse, get hacked, or vanish overnight, that’s worth something. If you’re in Europe, want to buy Bitcoin with Euros, and want to know your money is protected by law - Paymium is one of the best choices you have. If you want to trade altcoins, use leverage, or day trade - look elsewhere. It’s not flashy. It’s not fast-growing. But it’s still here in 2025, after 14 years, because it did one thing right: it followed the rules.Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paymium safe to use?
Yes, Paymium is one of the safest crypto exchanges in Europe. It’s regulated by France’s financial authority (AMF), stores 95% of funds in cold storage, requires mandatory 2FA and KYC, and covers Bitcoin withdrawal fees. Unlike unregulated exchanges, it’s legally required to protect user assets and report suspicious activity.
Can I trade altcoins on Paymium?
You can trade around 10 cryptocurrencies, but Bitcoin (BTC) is the only one with real liquidity. Ethereum (ETH) is available, but trading volume is low. Other coins like Litecoin or Dogecoin are listed but rarely traded. If you want to buy Solana, Polygon, or Shiba Inu, Paymium isn’t the place.
Does Paymium have a mobile app?
No, Paymium doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app. The platform works through a mobile-friendly website, but there’s no iOS or Android app. This is intentional - Paymium prioritizes security and simplicity over convenience. You can still buy and sell on your phone via the browser, but you won’t get push notifications or one-tap trading.
What are the deposit limits on Paymium?
After a banking upgrade in 2019, Paymium allows up to €100,000 in deposits per day and €500,000 per month via SEPA or card. This makes it suitable for individuals and small businesses. There’s no minimum deposit - you can start with €5.
Why is Paymium’s taker fee so high?
Paymium charges 0.50% for taker orders because it doesn’t rely on high-volume trading for revenue. Instead, it makes money through small spreads and the OTC desk. The negative maker fee (-0.10%) offsets this by encouraging long-term buyers to place limit orders. It’s designed for holding, not day trading.
Can I use Paymium if I’m not in Europe?
Yes, Paymium serves users in the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and parts of Africa and Latin America. But you must deposit and withdraw in Euros. If you’re outside Europe, you’ll need to convert your local currency to EUR first, which adds cost and complexity. Residents of sanctioned countries (Iran, North Korea, Cuba, etc.) are blocked.
23 Comments
Paymium is the quiet guy at the party who actually remembers your name and brings you a drink when you’re low on soda. No flashy lights, no EDM remixes, just solid vibes and zero drama. If you’re tired of exchanges that feel like crypto casinos, this is your safe corner.
It’s not for people who want to day trade Dogecoin into a Lamborghini, but for those of us who just want to own Bitcoin without wondering if the platform will vanish by Tuesday? Perfect.
I’ve used Kraken and Binance for years, but after watching three exchanges collapse in 2022, I switched everything to Paymium. No regrets. My BTC is sleeping in cold storage, and I sleep better too.
The fact they pay you to be a maker? Genius. It rewards patience. The taker fee is high, sure-but that’s the price of not being a trading bot farm.
And free withdrawals? That’s the kind of thing you don’t see anymore. Most exchanges nickel-and-dime you until you cry. Paymium just says, ‘Here, take your Bitcoin. No extra charge.’
It’s like a bank that gets crypto. Not perfect, but refreshingly honest.
Exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been scared to buy BTC because every platform feels like a gamble. Paymium doesn’t feel like a gamble-it feels like a decision.
Thanks for breaking it down so clearly. I’m not a trader, I’m just someone who wants to hold. This is the first exchange that made me feel like I’m not being used.
Also, the fact they don’t allow SMS 2FA? Big win. So many platforms still use it. Terrible idea.
While I appreciate the thoughtful analysis presented here, I must emphasize the broader philosophical implications of regulatory compliance in decentralized systems. Paymium’s adherence to AMF oversight represents a fascinating paradox: a platform that leverages state-sanctioned legitimacy to facilitate an asset fundamentally designed to circumvent such structures.
The tension between institutional trust and cryptographic autonomy is not merely technical-it is epistemological. One must ask: Does the adoption of KYC and mandatory 2FA fundamentally alter the ontological nature of Bitcoin, transforming it from a sovereign digital asset into a regulated financial instrument?
Furthermore, the negative maker fee, while economically ingenious, subtly incentivizes a form of passive accumulation that may inadvertently reinforce centralized wealth distribution patterns, contrary to the egalitarian ethos of early blockchain communities.
One cannot overlook the cultural context either: Paymium’s European roots, its Euro-centric infrastructure, and its exclusion of non-Western fiat systems reflect a subtle but pervasive hegemony in global crypto infrastructure.
And yet-despite these contradictions-I concede that, pragmatically, for the individual seeking security over spectacle, Paymium remains a rare and commendable anomaly in an increasingly predatory landscape.
Perhaps the true innovation lies not in the technology, but in the restraint.
Oh wow, another white knight for EU bureaucracy. Let me guess-you also think the FDA is great and Netflix is a public utility?
Paymium is a glorified ATM with a license. They don’t care about Bitcoin. They care about compliance reports and quarterly audits. The fact they charge 0.5% to take your money out? That’s a tax on freedom.
And don’t get me started on the ‘free withdrawals’-the network fee is paid by the miners, not Paymium. They’re just pretending to be generous while pocketing the spread.
Real Bitcoiners use Bisq or HodlHodl. No KYC. No French regulators. No 3.5% card fees. You want freedom? Stop worshiping institutions that put your name on a spreadsheet.
This isn’t finance. It’s surveillance with a wallet.
Let’s be real-this whole ‘regulated’ thing is just a marketing ploy. The AMF doesn’t protect you. They just make sure you pay taxes. If Paymium gets hacked, you’re still screwed. No government is going to reimburse you for lost BTC.
And that ‘negative maker fee’? That’s just a trick to make you think you’re getting paid. It’s a tiny incentive to lock your coins in limit orders so they can front-run you with their own liquidity.
Also, no mobile app? That’s not ‘security,’ that’s laziness. If you can’t make an app that doesn’t suck, you don’t deserve to be in crypto.
And why is everyone acting like this is some revolutionary platform? It’s a Euro-only, BTC-only, slow-as-molasses bank with a crypto label. If you’re not in France, you’re just paying extra to be an afterthought.
I just wanted to say thank you for writing this. I’ve been so overwhelmed by all the crypto noise, and this felt like a breath of fresh air.
It’s nice to see someone talk about safety without selling me a dream. I’m not trying to get rich quick-I just want to own a little Bitcoin and not worry about it disappearing.
Paymium feels like the first place I’ve seen that actually respects that. No hype, no tricks, no ‘diamond hands’ nonsense.
It’s quiet. It’s steady. And honestly? That’s more than I can say for most of the rest.
One must question the underlying assumption that regulation equals safety. The AMF, like all state institutions, is not a guardian-it is a gatekeeper. By accepting their oversight, Paymium voluntarily surrenders the very autonomy that Bitcoin was designed to protect.
Their cold storage? A performative gesture. The real risk lies in the centralized control of user identities, transaction trails, and withdrawal permissions. One day, they may be compelled to freeze accounts. Or report ‘suspicious’ behavior. Or block transfers to privacy tools.
The negative maker fee is a psychological nudge, not an economic innovation. It encourages passivity, not participation.
And yet-I admit, for the average person who cannot navigate self-custody, Paymium is the least-bad option. But let us not confuse convenience with virtue.
True sovereignty is not found in regulated platforms. It is found in keys, in nodes, in silence.
People are missing the real win here: Paymium’s fee structure is the only one that aligns incentives with long-term holding.
Most exchanges profit from volume. Paymium profits from stability. That’s why they charge takers more-they don’t want churn. They want people to buy and hold.
And yes, the interface is basic. But that’s the point. No charts, no leverage, no bots. Just buy, hold, withdraw. No distractions.
The free withdrawals? Huge. Kraken charges 0.0005 BTC. That’s $30+ at $60k/BTC. Paymium? Zero.
And mandatory 2FA with authenticator apps? That’s not a feature-it’s a necessity. SMS is a joke.
This isn’t for traders. It’s for people who want to be Bitcoiners, not gamblers.
Oh honey. You really think France is the gold standard of crypto regulation? Let me introduce you to the concept of ‘regulatory arbitrage.’
Paymium is a relic wrapped in a compliance blanket. They’re not ‘safe’-they’re just slow enough that no one’s bothered to shut them down yet.
And the ‘negative maker fee’? That’s not generosity-it’s a liquidity trap. They’re paying you pennies to sit still while they quietly accumulate your order book data.
Also, no mobile app? In 2025? That’s not ‘security,’ that’s incompetence. If you can’t build a decent app, you shouldn’t be handling people’s life savings.
And don’t get me started on the ‘OTC desk for €50k+’-that’s just a backdoor for rich people to bypass the ‘rules’ they pretend to enforce on the rest of us.
I’ve been holding Bitcoin for 7 years. I’ve used 5 different exchanges. Paymium is the first one where I didn’t feel like I was being sold something.
It’s quiet. It’s simple. It doesn’t try to be cool.
I don’t need charts or leverage. I just want to know my Bitcoin is safe, and I can get it out when I need to.
That’s all.
And for that? I’ll take the slow SEPA transfers and the boring website.
Thank you for reminding me that crypto doesn’t have to be a circus.
Regulated? Ha. The AMF is just another branch of the deep state. Paymium is a honeypot. They collect your ID, your bank info, your transaction history. Then when the Fed decides to ‘crack down on crypto,’ they hand it all over.
And the ‘free withdrawals’? That’s just a trick. They make it up in the spread. You think they’re giving you a gift? They’re just making sure you stay trapped in their ecosystem.
Also-no altcoins? That’s not a feature. That’s a red flag. If they’re afraid to list anything but BTC and ETH, they’re scared of real innovation.
Real Bitcoiners use P2P. No KYC. No government. No French bureaucrats telling you what you can buy.
This isn’t safety. It’s surrender.
OMG YES!! I switched to Paymium last year and my life changed 😍
Free withdrawals?? No way!! I was paying $5 every time on Kraken 😭
And the fact they pay you to place limit orders?? That’s like getting paid to save money 😭🙌
Yeah the website looks like 2010 but I don’t care-I just buy BTC, chill, and forget about it. No drama. No stress.
Also no SMS 2FA? YES PLEASE. I hate that stuff. Authy all the way 💪
Don’t let the haters scare you. This is the real deal. 💯
Thank you for writing this with such care. It’s rare to find a review that doesn’t feel like an ad or a rant.
I’ve been hesitant to enter crypto because of the chaos. This made me feel like I could do it safely, without needing to become a trader.
Paymium’s restraint is its strength. In a world of noise, silence is revolutionary.
I’m not a tech expert. I’m just someone who wants to own a piece of the future without losing sleep over it.
This platform lets me do that.
Let’s be honest-this whole thing is a setup. The AMF is in bed with the banks. Paymium is just their puppet.
They’re collecting your data so they can track you later. And that ‘free withdrawal’? The Bitcoin network fee is paid by miners, not Paymium. They’re just pretending to be nice.
Also, why no altcoins? Because they’re scared of competition. If you could trade Dogecoin, people might leave BTC. And they don’t want that.
And don’t get me started on the ‘dormant account fee’-that’s just a backdoor way to steal your coins after 3 years.
This isn’t safe. It’s a trap.
As someone from India, I appreciate the clarity. Paymium isn’t for me-I can’t deposit INR-but I admire its integrity.
Most exchanges in Asia are pure gambling dens. Paymium is different. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not.
It’s a reminder that crypto doesn’t have to be a casino. You can build something honest.
Even if it’s small. Even if it’s slow. Even if it doesn’t have a mobile app.
That’s rare.
Okay but why is everyone acting like this is the holy grail? It’s literally just a bank with Bitcoin. No altcoins, no app, no leverage, no support on weekends? That’s not a feature-it’s a bug.
And the ‘negative maker fee’? That’s just a way to make you think you’re smart for holding limit orders. Meanwhile, they’re front-running you with their own bots.
Also, no USD? In 2025? That’s not ‘focused’-that’s outdated.
It’s like using a flip phone because you ‘don’t like smartphones.’ Cool. But you’re not ahead. You’re just behind.
Hey everyone, just wanted to say-this is actually one of the most balanced reviews I’ve read on Paymium.
I’ve been using it for 2 years now, and honestly? It’s the only exchange I trust.
Yeah, it’s slow. Yeah, no app. Yeah, no Dogecoin. But I’ve never had a problem. No delays. No fees. No drama.
And the fact they pay me to place limit orders? That’s just the cherry on top.
If you’re new to crypto and just want to buy BTC and forget about it? Start here.
You’ll thank yourself later. ❤️
Regulated? Please. The AMF is just another tool of the deep state. Paymium is a front for the banking cartel.
They’re collecting your data so they can freeze your account when they decide Bitcoin is ‘too dangerous.’
And the ‘free withdrawals’? That’s a lie. The network fee is paid by miners, not them. They’re just pretending to be generous.
Also-no altcoins? Because they’re scared of decentralization. They only want you to hold BTC so they can control the narrative.
This isn’t safety. It’s control. And you’re falling for it. 😔
Use P2P. Use Bisq. Use something real.
There’s a quiet power in restraint.
Most platforms scream. Paymium whispers.
It doesn’t need to be the biggest. It doesn’t need to list 300 coins. It doesn’t need to chase traders or offer leverage or push you to trade every hour.
It just… exists.
And in a world that’s gone mad with speed, noise, and greed, that’s not weakness.
That’s wisdom.
Paymium reminds us that Bitcoin was never meant to be a casino.
It was meant to be a store of value.
And sometimes, the safest place to keep it is the quietest one.
Just read the comment from 1446 and had to reply.
You’re right that Paymium isn’t perfect. But saying it’s a ‘front for the banking cartel’? That’s not skepticism-that’s paranoia.
If you’re scared of KYC, fine. But don’t pretend that every regulated platform is a trap. Some are just trying to survive in a broken system.
And if you want P2P? Go use Bisq. But don’t act like people who use Paymium are sheep. They’re just tired of losing money to scams.
There’s room for both.