The 5 Best Crypto Trading Exchanges in South Africa have been revealed. We have tested and evaluated them, and this is a complete guide to the Best Crypto Trading Exchanges in South Africa.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:
- What is a Crypto Exchange?
- 5 Best Crypto Trading Exchanges in South Africa
- How to choose a crypto broker in South Africa
- Best Crypto Brokers in South Africa
- Pros and Cons of Best Crypto Trading Exchanges in South Africa
Best Crypto Trading Exchanges in South Africa ( October 2025)
| 📍Feature | 🥇Binance | 🥉Luno | 🥈VALR | 🏅Gemini | 🥇Coinbase |
| 🪙Supported Coins | 600+ | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, etc. | 60+ cryptocurrencies | 100+ cryptocurrencies | 100+ cryptocurrencies |
| 💴Trading Fees | 0.1% (lower with BNB) | 0.1% | 0.1% (tiered) | 0.35% for takers, 0.0% for makers | 0.5% for market orders |
| 💳Deposit Methods | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards |
| 💳Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer, crypto wallets | Bank transfer | Bank transfer, crypto wallets | Bank transfer, crypto wallets | Bank transfer, crypto wallets |
| 🛡️Regulation | Registered in multiple jurisdictions | Regulated by South African authorities | Regulated by South African authorities | Regulated in the U.S. | Regulated in the U.S. |
| 👨💼User Interface | Advanced, suited for all levels | Beginner-friendly | User-friendly | Beginner-friendly | Beginner-friendly |
| 📞Customer Support | 24/7 support, multilingual | Local support, responsive | Responsive customer service | 24/7 support, responsive | 24/7 support, responsive |
10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
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Broker
Review
Regulators
Min Deposit
Official Site
What is a Crypto Exchange?
To purchase or sell cryptocurrency, one must use a crypto exchange. Exchanges allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies for fiat currencies like the US dollar or to swap one cryptocurrency for another.
The values of the cryptocurrencies on an exchange will always be coordinated with the market.
5 Best Crypto Trading Exchanges in South Africa
- ☑️Binance – Best Cryptocurrency exchange platform.
- ☑️Luno – Best digital payment services.
- ☑️VALR – Digital banking platform in South Africa.
- ☑️Gemini – Safe and easy to buy and sell crypto.
- ☑️Coinbase – Most trusted Cryptocurrency Exchange.
1. Binance
Binance is the most popular cryptocurrency exchange globally. Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange without a central administration, and it was founded in China by programmer Changpeng Zhao in 2017.
As the biggest cryptocurrency exchange by trade volume, Binance deals with regulatory concerns in several nations.
U.S. officials are investigating money laundering and tax violations. Several governments have also banned the site.
Binance is a worldwide cryptocurrency exchange that provides access to hundreds of digital currencies. However, Binance.us, the Binance platform’s American equivalent, only supports 65+ coins, hence the worldwide Binance platform is different.
Binance’s extensive features may appeal to seasoned traders, but the options may overwhelm newcomers. Even more worrisome are the many regulatory concerns and investigations that are still unfolding.
Binance’s fees are ridiculously cheap compared to competitors. Fees on Binance are tiered according to trade volume and Binance Coin (BNB) balance and are based on a maker/taker model. In most cases, transaction costs decrease with increasing trade volume.
Features
| 🔖Feature | 🔍Details |
| 📆Founded | 2017 |
| 🪙Supported Cryptocurrencies | 600+ cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Ripple, etc.) |
| 💳Deposit Methods | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards, P2P, crypto depositsno desktop version |
| 💳Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer, crypto wallets, P2P, credit/debit cards |
| 📌Security Features | Two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, withdrawal whitelist, anti-phishing code |
| ⚙️Futures and Derivatives | Yes, offers futures, margin trading, and options for advanced traders |
| 📌Staking | Supports staking for multiple coins with variable yields |
| 📊Leverage | Up to 125x on futures |
| 📲Mobile App | Yes, available on Android and iOS with full functionality |
| 📞Customer Support | 24/7 support, multilingual assistance through chat and email |
| 📚Educational Resources | Binance Academy, blogs, and tutorials for all levels of traders |
| 🧾Fiat Support | Supports over 50 fiat currencies, including ZAR (South African Rand) |
| 🛡️Regulation | Registered and compliant in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, UK, and |
| 💱NFT Marketplace | Yes, offers a platform for trading and creating NFTs |
| 📏Advanced Trading Tools | Charting tools, API integration, order types like stop-loss, OCO, and more |
Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| Over 600+ coins available for trading. | Facing scrutiny from some regulators globally. |
| 0.1%, with further discounts using Binance Coin | Advanced features and interface might be overwhelming for new users. |
| One of the most liquid exchanges in the world, ensuring smooth trades. | May not support local currency in certain regions. |
| Offers margin trading, futures, options, and more. | Delays may occur during high traffic periods. |
Our Findings
Binance stands out as a highly versatile crypto trading platform. It offers access to over 600 cryptocurrencies with competitive fees, especially when using Binance Coin (BNB).
2. Luno
Trade cryptocurrencies using Luno, an app that simplifies the process. If you are new to cryptocurrency and are looking for an exchange with little to no learning curve, Luno is a great option thanks to its user-friendly online platform and mobile app.
It takes just a few minutes to join up and confirm your identity. After that, you may acquire cryptocurrency by depositing using any supported payment method.
Luno has a feature called “Savings” that allows users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings at a rate determined by the market.
A savings wallet may hold three different cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USD Coin (USDC).
Features
| 🔖Feature | 🔍Details |
| Founded | 2013 |
| 🪙Supported Cryptocurrencies | Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), USDC |
| 💳Deposit Methods | Bank transfer (EFT), credit/debit cards, crypto deposits |
| 💳Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer, crypto wallets |
| 📌Security Features | Two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, multi-signature wallets |
| ⚙️Futures and Derivatives | Yes, offers futures, margin trading, and options for advanced traders |
| 📌Staking | Currently not supported |
| 📊P2P Trading | Not supported |
| 📲Mobile App | Yes, available on Android and iOS with user-friendly interface |
| 📞Customer Support | 24/7 email support, help center with articles, responsive social media support |
| 📚Educational Resources | Luno Learning Portal with articles, guides, and in-app tutorials for beginners |
| 🧾Fiat Support | Supports local currencies including ZAR (South African Rand), EUR, IDR, MYR, NGN |
| 🛡️Regulation | Regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa |
| 💱Crypto Savings | Luno Earn – Allows users to earn interest on Bitcoin and USDC deposits |
| 📏User Interface | Beginner-friendly with a clean, intuitive design |
Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| Luno offers beginner-friendly crypto trading to South Africans | There is an extremely limited selection of coins offered |
| Traders and investors can gain interest on their crypto savings | |
| Luno is known for its ultra-low fees |
Our Findings
Luno is a South Africa-based crypto exchange known for its user-friendly interface and strong local support. It primarily focuses on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
3. VALR
VALR is a digital banking and fintech firm established in 2019. Its base is in Estonia, where it offers various financial products, including current accounts, saving deposits, and investment options.
VALR’s concept is that of a bank without physical branches or ATMs. Rather, customers can access and conduct transactions with their accounts via the company’s mobile application and online site.
The firm operates in South Africa and the United Kingdom, among other nations that demonstrate regulatory approval for its operations.
Features
| 🔖Feature | 🔍Details |
| Founded | 2018 |
| 🪙Supported Cryptocurrencies | 60+ including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and more |
| 💳Deposit Methods | Bank transfer (EFT), crypto deposits |
| 💳Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer (EFT), crypto wallets |
| 📌Security Features | Two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, encryption, biometric login |
| ⚙️Futures and Derivatives | Yes, offers futures, margin trading, and options for advanced traders |
| 📌Staking | Currently not supported |
| 📊P2P Trading | Not supported |
| 📲Mobile App | Yes, available on Android and iOS |
| 📞Customer Support | Responsive email support, help center with FAQs, active social media channelsmedia support |
| 📚Educational Resources | VALR Learn – Articles, blogs, and resources to educate beginners and advanced traders |
| 🧾Fiat Support | Supports local Supports ZAR (South African Rand) |
| 🛡️Regulation | Regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa |
| 💱Crypto Savings | Not supported |
| 📏User Interface | Beginner-friendly but also has advanced features for pro traders |
Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| Based in South Africa | Primarily focused on the South African market |
| Competitive fees with a 0.1% maker and 0.2% taker fee structure. | Does not support staking or earning interest on crypto holdings. |
| Luno is known for its ultra-low fees | Does not offer a peer-to-peer trading platform. |
Our Findings
VALR is a prominent crypto exchange in South Africa, offering over 60 cryptocurrencies with competitive fees.
4. Gemini
Gemini.com is an esteemed exchange platform for trading cryptocurrency, where individuals can transact and hold their assets. Established in 2015, trading on Gemini is secure and reliable, as it offers various services such as advanced orders, margin trades, and a mobile application for its users.
In addition, Gemini has high trading volumes, low fees, and is well-regulated. Users can trade numerous cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, in conjunction with Gemini. The services provided by the exchange are available internationally, except in some jurisdictions with US-imposed regulatory restrictions.
Features
| 🔖Feature | 🔍Details |
| 📆Founded | 2014 |
| 🪙Supported Cryptocurrencies | 100+ including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Chainlink (LINK), and more |
| 💳Deposit Methods | Bank transfer (ACH), wire transfer, crypto deposits, debit card |
| 💳Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer (ACH), wire transfer, crypto wallets |
| 📌Security Features | Two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, hardware security modules, SOC 2 Type 2 compliance |
| ⚙️Futures and Derivatives | Yes, offers futures, margin trading, and options for advanced traders |
| 📌Staking | Gemini Earn – Users can earn interest on their crypto holdings |
| 📊P2P Trading | Not supported |
| 📲Mobile App | Yes, available on Android and iOS with full functionality |
| 📞Customer Support | 24/7 email support, help center with guides, responsive social media channels |
| 📚Educational Resources | Gemini Cryptopedia – Educational articles and guides for all levels of traders |
| 🧾Fiat Support | Supports USD, EUR, GBP, and a few other major currencies (ZAR not directly supported) |
| 🛡️Regulation | Registered and compliant in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, UK, and |
| 💱Crypto Savings | Gemini Earn – Allows users to earn interest on select crypto holdings |
| 📏Advanced Trading Tools | Charting tools, API integration, order types like stop-loss, OCO, and more |
| 🔗Transaction Speed | Bank transfers typically processed within 1-3 business days, with fast crypto transactions |
| 📱User Interface | Beginner-friendly platform with advanced options available through Gemini ActiveTrader |
Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| Licensed and regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services | Standard trading fees are higher compared to other exchanges |
| SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, cold storage | Doesn't directly support ZAR |
| Intuitive interface for beginners and a powerful ActiveTrader platform for advanced users. | Lacks a peer-to-peer trading option for users. |
| Users can earn interest on their crypto holdings. | Although it supports 100+ coins, fewer than some competitors. |
Our Findings
Gemini is a well-regulated global crypto exchange known for its strong emphasis on security and compliance.
5. Coinbase
Coinbase is an online service where you can purchase, sell, or exchange virtual coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, among other digital currencies. Established in 2012, Coinbase is among the most highly ranked and trusted Bitcoin exchanges available today.
Thanks to its simple design, anyone can buy cryptocurrencies using traditional payment methods like the US dollar and credit cards.
Apart from such trading, the company offers customers a safe platform for cloud cryptocurrency wallet storage. The network has expanded to cover over thirty countries and has a customer base of over fifty million.
Features
| 🔖Feature | 🔍Details |
| Founded | 2012 |
| 🪙Supported Cryptocurrencies | 100+ including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and many others |
| 💳Deposit Methods | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards, PayPal, and crypto deposits |
| 💳Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards, PayPal, and crypto wallets |
| 📌Security Features | Two-factor authentication (2FA), insurance for digital assets, cold storage |
| ⚙️Futures and Derivatives | Yes, offers futures, margin trading, and options for advanced traders |
| 📌Staking | Yes, supports staking for select cryptocurrencies with variable yields |
| 📊P2P Trading | Not supported |
| 📲Mobile App | Yes, available on Android and iOS with full functionality |
| 📞Customer Support | 24/7 support via email and chat |
| 📚Educational Resources | Coinbase Earn program, blogs, and tutorials for beginners |
| 🧾Fiat Support | Supports multiple fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP |
| 🛡️Regulation | Fully regulated and compliant in the U.S. and Europe |
Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| Wide range of cryptocurrencies supported | Complex user interface for beginners |
| Strong security features, including 2FA and cold storage | Higher trading fees compared to some competitors |
| Advanced trading tools and charting options | Limited fiat currency options in some regions |
| Margin trading with up to 5x leverage | Withdrawal limits can be restrictive for unverified accounts |
Our Findings
Coinbase is a highly secure and beginner-friendly crypto exchange known for its clean interface and ease of use.
How to choose the right Crypto Exchange in South Africa
When looking for a cryptocurrency exchange, it is essential to consider your individual needs and objectives before making a final decision.
It would be best if you evaluated whether you want to learn more about crypto investment or seek a particular currency.
Traders must evaluate the following components of a cryptocurrency exchange platform to decide whether the exchange is suited to their unique trading objectives and needs.
Security
Since no central entity backs cryptocurrency, your cryptocurrency assets are less secure than cash in the bank or other conventional investments.
Some cryptocurrency exchanges provide insurance on digital currencies their customers store in case of a breach or fraud.
Whether you want to leave your cryptocurrency holdings on the exchange permanently or temporarily remove them before transferring them to your wallet, the security of the exchange is of paramount importance.
Investigate, for instance, how much of the exchange’s assets are kept in cold storage. Given the increasing value of cryptocurrencies, this has become more crucial than ever. As cryptocurrency prices rise, criminals will have more opportunities to steal them, making this a more pressing concern.
Customer Support
South Africans are most satisfied with cryptocurrency exchanges that provide instant support through chat or phone.
There is no way to know how long you will have to wait for a response if your selected exchange solely offers service via support tickets and/or email.
Accessibility
Some regional restrictions may ban you from using a certain cryptocurrency exchange if you are in a country where it is illegal. The use of cryptocurrency exchanges has been outlawed in certain countries, including China.
Even if crypto trading is legal in South Africa, traders should familiarize themselves with the regulations that may apply to certain exchanges.
Exchanges’ websites and/or terms of service will often detail the countries they do not serve and other accessible details like the currencies accepted.
Fees
Fees are another factor to consider, but you should not automatically rule out an exchange because of its pricing structure. The more convenient an exchange makes your purchase, the greater the cost.
While currency exchange costs may sometimes be at a flat rate, they are most often calculated as a percentage of the total value of your transaction.
In certain cases, exchange costs might rise and fall with market conditions. Each transaction may have a fee, which may vary depending on whether you are the buyer or seller.
Furthermore, the costs associated with your currency trades may vary from one currency to another.
Before entrusting an exchange with your money, fully comprehend the fees they want to charge you and when they intend to charge you.
Overall Liquidity
Choose an exchange with sufficient trading volume if you want to purchase, sell, or trade cryptocurrency so that you may sell your holdings when you want to.
Once again, there may be a scenario where being larger is an advantage. The most active and widely used markets have the highest transaction volumes.
When many other people are buying and selling on the exchange at the same time, your chances of purchasing or selling your cryptocurrency holdings at the best price are increased. Low-volume exchanges may charge a premium compared to more well-known markets.
The range of Coins offered
There are dozens of cryptocurrencies, but not every exchange supports them. A popular cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum will be available on every exchange.
However, further research may be needed before committing to purchasing younger altcoins, currencies with a very tiny market valuation, or meme coins.
Keep in mind that these coins are typically much riskier gambles than the more well-known cryptocurrencies, which are already subject to extreme market volatility.
That is why it is often advised to stay with the major players, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. When purchasing cryptocurrency on an exchange, make sure you only trade in an amount of cash that you can afford to lose.
Educational Material and Tools
An exchange that provides educational resources is a crucial consideration for those just getting started in the cryptocurrency market.
For example, some marketplaces provide incentives for researching and learning about alternative currency via tailored training programs.
You could earn some cryptocurrency on the exchange in exchange for viewing films and doing quizzes on various currencies. If you want to learn more about the crypto markets, their history, and their developments, several exchanges provide courses and publications on their websites.
Crypto Wallet
Cryptocurrency fans do not always agree on the contentious issue of storage. The “not your keys, not your coins” aphorism advocates retaining the public and private keys to your cryptocurrency assets in your possession instead of leaving them in your exchange or custody account.
But if you are just starting, choosing an exchange that lets you store your cryptocurrency in a digital wallet could be wise. Later, when you know more about wallets or after your holdings have grown, you may decide to store your cryptocurrency privately.
Taxation
It will be crucial for individuals to ensure that their tax preparations are up to date considering the changing tax landscape around cryptocurrency holdings.
Any profits you earn from trading cryptocurrencies should be reported as capital gains.
Conclusion
Given the variety of alternatives available and the advantages each one may provide, picking the best cryptocurrency exchange in South Africa might be a challenge.
Thus, in conclusion, the best cryptocurrency exchanges in South Africa have a solid reputation, competitive fees, and a wide variety of trading pairs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade crypto in South Africa?
Yes, you can buy and sell a wide range of cryptocurrencies in South Africa through brokers and centralized and decentralized exchanges.
Which crypto wallet do South Africans use?
Most South Africans use Luno, Coinmama, CoinCorner, Bitit, and other popular options.
How do I withdraw crypto in South Africa?
To withdraw crypto, you must sell your crypto holdings, after which the funds will be sent to your crypto wallet, where you may need to use an exchange to convert crypto to fiat if the exchange where you bought crypto does not support fiat withdrawals.
How is crypto taxed in South Africa?
Regarding taxation, SARS has made it clear that crypto transactions would be subject to the same regulations as any other financial transaction in South Africa.
This implies that crypto income will be taxed as revenue transactions or capital gains.
Is there VAT on cryptocurrency in South Africa?
No, South Africa now classifies cryptocurrency transactions as financial services. This implies that cryptocurrency transactions in South Africa are free from value-added tax (VAT)
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