Short take: the safest route is GBP → FCA-registered on-ramp → buy ETH → withdraw to your own wallet. "Cheapest" depends on your payment method (Faster Payments usually beats card) and venue fees/spread.

Step-by-step (quick)
   1.   Pick a UK-friendly platform (GBP deposits, clear fees, KYC, strong security; check the FCA register).
   2.   Verify ID (passport/ID + proof of address).
   3.   Deposit GBP
   •   Faster Payments (FPS): usually lowest fee, lands fast.
   •   Debit/Apple/Google Pay: instant but higher fees/markups.
   4.   Buy ETH (spot market; avoid leverage if you're new).
   5.   Withdraw to self-custody (hardware/software wallet). Always verify the receive address on your device screen.
   6.   Record everything (dates, amounts, GBP value, fees) for UK tax.

What to compare (so you don't overpay)
   •   Deposit fee (FPS vs card).
   •   Trading fee + spread (maker/taker + hidden slippage).
   •   Withdrawal fee (plus network gas on Ethereum).
   •   Verification speed and GBP deposit limits.
   •   Support (in case your bank flags the transfer).

UK tax basics (not advice)

HMRC generally treats crypto as property: capital gains when you dispose (sell/swap/spend). Keep good records and check current thresholds/rates. If in doubt, talk to a tax pro.

Safety notes
   •   Use FCA-registered firms; beware cloned sites.
   •   Never send GBP/crypto to random "account managers."
   •   When withdrawing, pick the Ethereum (ERC-20) network for ETH (don't mix with other chains).
   •   Start with a small test send to your wallet before moving the rest.

Community data (help others pick the cheapest/safest)

Copy/paste and fill in your result (no ref links, please):

[YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM UTC]
Platform:
Payment method: (FPS / card / other)
Deposit time & fee:
Trade fee & observed spread:
ETH withdrawal fee + gas paid:
KYC time / any bank friction:
Notes:
Your turn: Which UK on-ramp gave you the best total cost and the fewest headaches in 2025?

Nice breakdown - simple and solid. But let's be real: UK on-ramps are turning into routing nightmares. Some apps still force card deposits like we're in 2018 - even though Faster Payments is free and faster.

My hot take? Coinbase has the slickest interface, sure - but those hidden spreads quietly add more than its 'zero deposit fee'. Meanwhile, Kraken or Gemini might feel slower on KYC, but at least you're not bleeding 0.5%+ every trade.

Curious though - anyone here skip straight to Polygon or another L2 first, then bridge to ETH? Cheaper gas, fewer headaches. (Yeah, I'm that person.)