Binance to Close Accounts in Four EU Countries Dec. 31, Charging Idle Balances From Nov. 29

Binance will close customer accounts in France, Spain, Italy and Poland on Dec. 31 and begin charging a monthly fee on leftover balances from Nov. 29, as the world’s largest crypto exchange still lacks a license under the European Union’s MiCA rules.

A Binance spokesperson confirmed to CoinDesk the closure date over the weekend, saying the exchange is “progressively restricting certain services for affected users” now that the transition period under the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework has ended.

“Affected accounts will be closed with effect from 31 December 2026,” the spokesperson said, calling it “a carefully managed process.” Binance said customer assets remain safe and accessible and described the move as “no sudden freeze.”

Deposits are already blocked, but users can still withdraw crypto and fiat. Users in the four countries have shared the notices on X.

The fees and deadlines

According to emails that users shared, Binance will charge 0.025% of remaining crypto balances each month, or 10 USDC, whichever is higher, starting Nov. 29. The first charge lands within three days of that date, and a second follows after Dec. 24.

Fees come out of USDC first and then other assets. Accounts holding less than the fee would lose the entire balance, the emails say. Anyone who withdraws everything before Nov. 29 pays nothing.