Anycoin Direct Review - In‑Depth Look at the European Crypto Broker

Key takeaways

• Anycoin Direct is a Dutch‑based broker that only serves EU and Swiss residents.
• It uses a markup‑based pricing model - you pay a spread instead of a percentage fee.
• Security relies on an offline‑first wallet system and mandatory 2FA, but you must move coins to your own wallet.
• Customer support scores high, while fees and geographic limits draw criticism.
• Best for beginners who want a simple buy/sell interface and solid support; not ideal for frequent traders looking for low fees.

What is Anycoin Direct?

Anycoin Direct is a Dutch cryptocurrency brokerage platform launched in 2013 and regulated under Dutch law. It operates out of Veghel, Netherlands, and is backed by Phoenix Payments B.V. Unlike a traditional exchange, Anycoin Direct acts as a broker: you place a buy or sell order, the platform fulfills it at its own quoted price, and the transaction settles in euros.

Who can use the service?

The broker restricts access to residents of the European Union and Switzerland. Registration requires a valid EU‑issued ID and, for higher limits, a video‑call verification through Skype. The site is fully localized in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish, which helps newcomers across the continent.

How does the brokerage model work?

When you click "Buy Bitcoin" (or any other listed crypto), the platform shows a price that is slightly above the live market rate. After confirming the amount, Anycoin Direct transfers the requested crypto to the wallet address you provide. The reverse happens when you sell - the quoted price is a little below the market.

Supported payment methods include:

• Bank wire transfers (SEPA)
• VISA and MasterCard credit cards (available since April2019)
• PayPal for withdrawals
• TrustPay integration for local e‑payments

All transactions are settled in euros, so you never need to hold a fiat balance in another currency.

Fee and price transparency

Anycoin Direct does not charge a visible percentage fee per trade. Instead, it adds a hidden markup to the buy price and a markdown to the sell price. Independent reviewers have estimated the spread to range from 0.5% up to2% depending on the cryptocurrency and market conditions. The only explicit charge is the network fee that miners collect when the coin leaves the broker’s wallet.

Because the exact spread is not published on the site, users often feel the pricing is opaque. By comparison, typical exchanges publish a clear taker/maker fee schedule (e.g., Binance0.1% taker, Coinbase1.49% for card purchases).

Security model and wallet handling

Anycoin Direct stores 80‑90% of user funds in cold storage, an “elastic multi‑stage wallet strategy” that mimics decentralized exchange security. The remaining balance sits in hot wallets only to process immediate withdrawals.

Two‑factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory for login and withdrawal requests. Users can also add a withdrawal whitelist, limiting outgoing transfers to pre‑approved addresses.

Crucially, the platform does not provide a built‑in custodial wallet. After a purchase, you must supply an external address - either a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) or a software wallet you control. This approach reduces the platform’s liability but places the on‑us burden of safe storage on the user.

Supported cryptocurrencies

The broker lists the major coins most users need: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether (USDT) and a handful of other altcoins. The list is periodically updated, but it is far smaller than the 500+ assets on leading exchanges.

Customer support and user experience

Reviews consistently highlight a high‑quality support team. Users can reach help via email, live chat, and phone, and the service is available in all six platform languages. Average response times are under an hour, and the agents are praised for patience with beginners.

The web interface and mobile apps keep the design minimal: a single dashboard, clear “Buy” and “Sell” buttons, and step‑by‑step instructions. There are no advanced charts, order‑book depth, or API access - choices that keep the learning curve shallow.

Pros and cons at a glance

• Pros
  • Simple, beginner‑friendly UI
  • Regulated Dutch entity adds a layer of legitimacy
  • Strong multi‑language support
  • Only network fees are charged on withdrawal
  • High customer‑service ratings
• Cons
  • Hidden spread makes fee transparency low
  • Limited to EU/Switzerland residents
  • No built‑in wallet - you must manage storage yourself
  • Higher effective cost compared to low‑fee exchanges
  • Verification can be lengthy for large withdrawals

Feature comparison with popular exchanges

Is Anycoin Direct right for you?

If you are a newcomer living in Germany, France, Spain or any other EU state and you want a one‑click way to buy Bitcoin with a credit card, Anycoin Direct can be a comfortable first step. The platform’s simple UI and helpful support reduce the intimidation factor that many feel on full‑blown exchanges.

However, if you plan to trade frequently, need a wide range of altcoins, or want the lowest possible cost, you’ll likely hit a wall with the hidden spread and the geographic lock‑out. In those cases, a global exchange such as Binance (for low fees) or a regulated US‑centric service like Coinbase (for robust insurance) may serve you better.

How to sign up - step‑by‑step

1. Visit the Anycoin Direct homepage and click “Register”.
2. Enter your email address, create a strong password, and confirm the verification code sent to your inbox.
3. Provide your full name, date of birth, and EU‑issued ID (passport or national ID).
4. Schedule a quick video call via Skype for initial verification. The agent will ask you to show the ID on camera.
5. Once basic KYC is approved, you can fund your account via SEPA transfer or a VISA/MasterCard purchase.
6. Enter the external wallet address you wish to receive the crypto. Double‑check the address before confirming.
7. Enable Two‑Factor Authentication in the security settings and, if desired, set a withdrawal whitelist.

After these steps, you can start buying or selling. Remember that any withdrawal will first be sent to the broker’s hot wallet, then broadcast to the blockchain, so a network fee (varying by coin) will apply.

Frequently Asked Questions