Europe’s First Regulated Bitcoin Exchange
Paymium launched in Paris in 2011, becoming the first regulated Bitcoin exchange in Europe. It focused on BTC/EUR trading, SEPA support, and a simple interface. Over the years, it built a reputation for safety but avoided expansion into altcoins or leverage trading.
What It Offers
The platform is designed for straightforward Bitcoin buying with euros. Fees are around 0.6% per trade or 0.1% for limit orders. SEPA deposits are usually free, and withdrawals cost €0.99. KYC is required. There is also an OTC desk and recurring buy options, but everything remains focused solely on BTC/EUR.
Volume and Liquidity
Daily volume stays around $100K–140K, with liquidity limited to a single BTC/EUR market. Traffic is modest, and analysts suggest much of the volume might come from bots or institutional flows. Retail trading is minimal, and growth has stalled for years.
User Feedback
Reviews are mixed. Users appreciate the simple euro integration and regulation under France’s AMF. However, slow KYC, lack of altcoins, and low liquidity frustrate many. Some experts rate Paymium low in trust due to poor transparency despite its regulated status.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Status / Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011, Paris-based, Bitcoin-only |
| Trading pair | BTC/EUR (only) |
| Daily volume | ~$100K–140K |
| Fees | ~0.6% (0.1% for limit orders) |
| Fiat rails | Euro SEPA deposits/withdrawals |
| Regulation | AMF-registered DASP in France |
| Liquidity & depth | Low; one market only |
| Trust / transparency | Good posture, no proof-of-reserves |
| Community engagement | Weak; minimal buzz |
Why It Remains Small
- Stuck to one asset - Bitcoin only
- No global reach or new features
- No proof-of-reserves despite regulatory status
- Minimal updates and innovation
Final Thoughts
Paymium is stable, regulated, and quiet. It remains a safe option for small BTC/EUR trades with SEPA access but offers little beyond that. The exchange never embraced growth, leaving it in a survival mode rather than a competitive stance. For traders who only need euros to Bitcoin, it works. For anyone else, it feels outdated.