Binance to close some accounts in Europe and introduce balance fees
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has warned some European users about upcoming account closures and the need to withdraw funds. From November 29, 2026, monthly fees will be charged on remaining crypto assets, and on December 31, accounts subject to restrictions will be closed.
CoinDesk reports this, citing client notifications and an official Binance representative.
Users in France, Spain, Italy, and Poland received warnings about account closures. In these countries, the exchange previously operated through locally registered companies, but faced restrictions after the end of the transitional period of the European crypto-asset regulation MiCA.
A Binance representative confirmed to the publication that the company is gradually restricting certain services for affected clients.
“The relevant accounts will be closed from December 31, 2026,” — the exchange representative said, describing the process as controlled.
This does not mean Binance is ceasing operations in all EU countries. The restrictions apply to certain users, and the need to withdraw funds depends on the country of service and the status of a particular account.
Fees to be charged from November 29
According to emails received by Binance's European customers, from November 29 the exchange will introduce a monthly fee for holding remaining cryptocurrencies.
The fee will be 0.025% of the crypto asset balance or a minimum of 10 USDC per month – whichever is greater.
The first deduction is planned to be made within three days after November 29. The next is scheduled after December 24.
If an account holds cryptocurrency worth 1,000 USDC, the minimum fee will be 10 USDC. With two deductions by the end of December, costs could reach 20 USDC if funds remain on the account.
For accounts with balances below the minimum fee, the entire remaining amount is to be deducted.
The fee will first be taken from USDC. If this asset is insufficient, the exchange may use other cryptocurrencies in the client’s balance.
CoinDesk notes that the content of the client emails could not be independently confirmed in full. However, Binance's terms allow a monthly fee for servicing inactive accounts.
Withdrawals remain available
According to Binance, new deposits to accounts subject to restrictions are already blocked. However, users can still withdraw cryptocurrency and fiat money held in their balance.
A company representative stressed that clients’ assets remain accessible and no sudden freezing of funds is planned.
If cryptocurrency remains on a closing account after December 31, the account may receive inactive status. In that case, the exchange allows further conversion or transfer of remaining assets.
In an official statement to European users, Binance recommends checking notifications in the app and email, and contacting support if questions arise.
The company also warns about scammers who may take advantage of the situation. Binance never asks for passwords, two-factor authentication codes, or private keys to cryptocurrency wallets over the phone.
Restrictions caused by EU requirements
The changes are linked to the full entry into force of the European regulation Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), which establishes unified rules for crypto companies operating in the EU.
According to requirements of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), crypto-asset service providers must obtain appropriate authorization to serve EU clients.
The transitional period ended on July 1, 2026. After this date, companies that have not obtained the necessary license must cease providing regulated services on the European market.
Binance previously tried to obtain MiCA authorization in Greece, but withdrew its application in June. The exchange explained the decision as intending to continue the licensing procedure in another EU member state.
As of early November, Binance was not listed in ESMA's register of authorized crypto-asset service providers.
In France, the national registration of Binance France, which had been in effect since May 2022, automatically expired on July 2 after the previous registration regime ended.
As a result, the company was forced to restrict services for some European clients until it obtains the necessary authorization.
Binance emphasizes that it does not intend to abandon the European market and continues efforts to obtain a license. However, the company has not announced specific timelines for completing the procedure.
For Ukrainians living in EU countries and using Binance, the presence of an individual notification about restrictions will be decisive. Users who receive such a message need to consider the date when fees start on November 29 and the account closure date of December 31.
