Binance Tells Some European Users to Withdraw Crypto Before Monthly Fees and Year-End Account Closures

Customers of Binance in parts of Europe are getting emails that tell them to move their funds out soon. Deposits are already blocked, but withdrawals of both crypto and cash balances still work. The exchange says affected accounts will shut on Dec. 31, 2026, and describes the process as carefully managed with no sudden freeze. A spokesperson linked the change to the end of the transition period under the EU’s MiCA rules, which require exchanges to get authorization in a member state before serving customers across the bloc.

Binance Fees on Remaining Balances From Nov. 29

How the Charges Work

Starting Nov. 29, users who leave money behind will pay 0.025% of their balance each month or 10 USDC, whichever is higher. The first charge comes within three days of that date, and a second follows after Dec. 24. If a balance is smaller than the fee, the whole amount is taken. Fees come out of USDC first and then other assets. Anything left after Dec. 31 will be treated as inactive and may be converted or transferred. The emails have not been officially confirmed, though Binance’s terms do allow a dormant account fee.

Which Countries and Why MiCA Matters

Spain, France, Italy and Poland

Users in Spain, France, Italy and Poland say they received the notices. Binance first contacted people there in June, since it ran locally registered businesses in those countries before the transition ended. France’s regulator lists Binance France’s registration as lapsed on July 2, when more than 50 providers without a MiCA license were removed. Portuguese users are not singled out, but Expresso reports they still fall under the wider EU limits.

Binance’s License Plans

Binance pulled its Greek MiCA application in June and promised to apply in another EU country, which it has not named. It says it expects approval in the coming months, but it does not yet appear in ESMA’s register of authorized crypto providers.