The VALR Ultimate Beginners Guide in South Africa revealed. We have explored and evaluated VALR to provide South African beginners with a comprehensive and ultimate guide on the platform, how it operates, how to participate in trading crypto, and much more.
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VALR Ultimate Beginners Guide in South Africa – 20 Key Point Quick Overview
- ✅ VALR at a Glance
- ✅ What are Crypto Exchanges, and how do they Work?
- ✅ What is VALR, and what unique features can I expect?
- ✅ VALR Trading Accounts
- ✅ VALR Trading Software and Platforms
- ✅ VALR Security and Safety of Funds
- ✅ VALR Trading and Non-Trading Fees
- ✅ What are VALR’s Trading Volumes and Platform Liquidity?
- ✅ VALR Bonuses and Promotions
- ✅ VALR Educational Materials and Research
- ✅ VALR Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
- ✅ VALR versus other Crypto Exchanges
- ✅ VALR Pros and Cons
- ✅ How to Open an Account with VALR in South Africa
- ✅ How to Buy Cryptocurrency on VALR in South Africa – Step-by-Step
- ✅ VALR Customer Support
- ✅ Final Thoughts on VALR
- ✅ How to Choose the Right Crypto Exchange in South Africa
- ✅ The Best Crypto CFDs in South Africa
- ✅ Frequently asked questions
In this in-depth beginners guide, you’ll learn:
- VALR at a Glance Table
- What are Crypto Exchanges, and how do they Work?
- What is VALR, and what unique features can I expect?
- VALR Trading Accounts
- VALR Trading Software and Platforms
- VALR Security and Safety of Funds
- VALR Trading and Non-Trading Fees
- What is VALR’s Trading Volume and Platform Liquidity?
- VALR Bonuses and Promotions
- VALR Educational Materials and Research
- VALR Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
- VALR versus other Notable Crypto Exchanges in South Africa
- Pros and Cons of VALR South Africans must know
- How to Open an Account with VALR in South Africa
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency on VALR in South Africa – Step-by-Step
- VALR Customer Support
- Final Thoughts on VALR
- How to Choose the Right Crypto Exchange in South Africa
- The Best Crypto CFD Brokers in South Africa
- FAQ
VALR at a Glance
| 📝 VALR at a glace | ℹ️ Info |
| 🏛️ Name of company | VALR |
| 📅 Date Established | 2019 |
| 🇿🇦 Head Office | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| ↔️ Centralized or Decentralized | Centralized |
| ⚖️ Regulations | None |
| ₿ Number of Crypto Assets Listed | 60+ |
| 💱 Number of Trading Pairs | 70+ |
| 🌐 Number of Registered Users | 100,000+ |
| ₿ Native Token | None |
| 🗺️ Countries where VALR offers services | Zimbabwe Cuba Iran North Korea Ukraine Syria Russia United States |
| 💰 Minimum Deposit | R10 ZAR / $0.50 |
| 💰 Minimum Fees | Deposit – Free Withdrawal – between $0.5 and $3.50 Quick Buy/Sell – 0.75% per trade Simple Swap – 0.85% per trade Exchange Buy/Sell – 0.1% Takers, -0.01% Makers |
| 💰 Deposit and Withdrawal Options | Crypto Wallets Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Credit/Debit Card VALR Pay |
| 💰 Deposit Fee | None |
| 💰 Withdrawal Fee | Between $0.50 and $3.50 |
| 💰 Bonuses Offered | Yes |
| 💰 Auto-Buy Feature Offered | Yes |
| 📱 Mobile App Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| 👮 Security Features | Cold Storage Two-Factor Authentication Know Your Customer (KYC) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies Multi-sig Segregated Accounts |
| 💽 Cold Storage Supported/Offered | Yes |
| 📈 Maximum Leverage | 1:1 |
| ☎️ Customer Support Channels | Help Centre Online Request Social Media Platforms |
| ☎️ Customer Support Hours | 24/7 |
What are Crypto Exchanges, and how do they Work?
Crypto exchanges in South Africa allow users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrency.
They work by matching buyers and sellers of cryptocurrency and facilitating the transfer of digital assets between them. Some popular crypto exchanges in South Africa include VALR, Luno, and AltcoinTrader.
These exchanges typically require users to create an account, verify their identity, and link a payment method to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Some exchanges also offer advanced trading features such as margin trading, stop loss orders, and limit orders.
A crypto exchange matches orders using a matching engine, a software program that automatically matches buy and sell orders based on certain rules and criteria.
The most common way to match orders is through a process called “price/time priority,” which matches the highest bid with the lowest ask.
Other criteria, such as the size of the order and the trading fees, can also be considered. The exchange acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers and facilitates the trade by matching the orders and executing the trades.
What is VALR, and what unique features can I expect?
The VALR cryptocurrency exchange is a trusted platform operating out of South Africa. Users have been flocking to the platform since it launched in March of this year.
Based on information offered to customers, VALR has quickly become one of the most popular trading platforms in South Africa.
Users can quickly and cheaply convert fiat currency into cryptocurrency by linking their bank accounts or other deposit methods on the platform. Thus, the platform facilitates the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies among its members.
VALR markets itself as an exchange where bitcoin traders of all skill levels are welcome.
While the platform’s interfaces are designed with new users in mind, seasoned traders will also find useful the array of tools and features at their disposal. This welcoming policy allows people from all social classes to join the community and participate in cryptocurrency trading.
In addition, VALR distinguishes itself in the very competitive cryptocurrency exchange market by offering a variety of bonuses to new users. With these rewards, VALR can stand out from the competition.
VALR is an online marketplace that tries to bridge the gap between the established dollar economy and the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market. In addition, VALR seeks to facilitate an excellent trading atmosphere that equally serves inexperienced and seasoned traders.
Transparent prices, great customer service, cutting-edge technology, and rigorous security standards are all part of VALR’s mission to provide its clients with the most complete and efficient crypto trading solution possible.
The VALR platform makes it simple and safe for everyday people to buy, sell, store, and exchange cryptocurrency.
VALR Trader Distribution and Website Metrics
VALR Geographic Distribution of Traders
| 🌐 VALR Geographic Distribution of Traders | ℹ️ Info |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 74.28% |
| 🇮🇳 India | 6.65% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 3.78% |
| 🇺🇸 Togo | 2.60% |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | 2.59% |
VALR Traffic Sources
| 🌐 VALR Traffic Sources | ℹ️ Info |
| 📊 Direct | 60.62% |
| 📊 Search | 30.43% |
| 📊 Referrals | 5.85% |
| 📊 Social | 2.65% |
| 0.45% | |
| 📊 Display Ads | <0.01% |
VALR Website Traffic Report
| 🌐 VALR Website Traffic Report | ℹ️ Info |
| 📊 VALR Bounce Rate | 49.70% |
| 📊 VALR Pages per Visit | 5.35 |
| 📊 VALR Monthly Visit | 66.2K |
| 📊 VALR Average Visit Duration | 6.1 seconds |
VALR Unique Features
VALR Auto-Buy
With Auto-Buy, buying cryptocurrencies from your bank account is simple and fast. In addition, your VALR account will be credited with bitcoin as soon as the platform confirms receipt of payment.
Additionally, you must transmit an EFT payment accompanied by your Auto-Buy beneficiary reference to buy your desired cryptocurrency.
VALR API
If you’re an advanced user who wants to keep tabs on the Bitcoin exchange or take full benefit of a real-time cryptocurrency market, VALR has an API you can utilize.
Centralized VALR operates on numerous blockchain markets, combining their resources into one global pool. In addition, VALR’s unique collection of capabilities includes the option to lock the user’s account remotely in an emergency.
VALR Pay
By supplying a diverse portfolio of digital products and services to international markets, VALR is dedicated to giving its users and traders a unique experience. VALR Pay, one of its most sought-after offerings, is designed to do just that by giving its customers access to cash.
With VALR Pay, you can instantly send money or assets to friends and family by adding them to their wallets.
The tool also streamlines wire transfers by letting customers receive or deposit ZAR using a phone number, email address, or exchange ID, depending on their banking preferences.
Portfolio Tracker
Users of VALR have access to a portfolio tracker that displays information about their assets and how they are distributed across the exchange.
Clients can choose USD, BTC, and ZAR as the reference currency for their portfolio displays. As a result, investors can see how their assets are spread across the board and receive insight into their portfolio’s profit and loss performance and asset allocation.
VALR Trading Accounts
To purchase, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies, VALR users must first create a centralized online profile. This systematic approach simplifies and expedites the user experience.
Investors of varying experience levels can use the VALR trading platform with ease. The simplistic Buy/Sell network is ideal for newcomers, while the sophisticated, adaptable trading platform meets the needs of seasoned professionals.
This platform has no trading method limitations, and two different trading modes are available: Exchange and Simple Buy and Sell.
Exchange Buy and Sell
While the VALR Exchange is open to everyone, experienced retail investors in digital currencies will find it to be an extremely useful tool. The platform’s key features include the following:
- User orders that have not been fully matched with another user are displayed on the Open/Complete Orders Page.
- TradingView, the platform’s charting tool provider, allows for fully customized views (chart, line, area, etc.) and complete price history, among other features.
- South Africans can buy cryptocurrencies at the current market price (with a charge of 0.2%) or set a limit order at a specific price (for a fee of 0.2%) and have it matched with an existing order (for a fee of 0.2%).
For these and other reasons, the VALR exchange is an excellent choice for ordinary people who want to trade digital currencies.
Simple Buy and Sell
The VALR platform offers the most convenient way to trade one asset for another. Via the best price provided by the VALR exchange or a liquidity partner, customers can trade a specified amount of one cryptocurrency for another at the Buy/Sell terminal.
There are safeguards in place that prevent excessively low or high bids from being accepted.
VALR Demo Account
Unfortunately, VALR does not offer prospective users a trial period to test the service. Although demo trading accounts are not widely available at cryptocurrency exchanges, VALR’s biggest competitors provide such a service.
Investors can benefit from paper trading accounts in several ways. First, they allow for testing trading methods without putting real money on the line. Second, they allow traders to get acquainted with the platform’s features and capabilities.
Potential users of VALR’s crypto trading services may benefit from creating a new profile on the site before making a financial commitment.
VALR Trading Software and Platforms
A “trading view” is available on all trading platforms. For instance, a cryptocurrency’s price history and present value can be examined in the trading view of an online exchange.
The platform’s standard buy/sell boxes can be used to place orders for the appropriate cryptocurrency, and the platform’s standard order history can be examined (i.e., previous transactions involving the relevant crypto).
It is as if your entire desktop were contained within a single window. There are, however, variations on what we have just explained.
VALR Android App
VALR is free on the Play Store, Google’s alternative to the App Store. The app’s fundamental functionality is identical to its iOS counterparts, while its launch and navigation adhere to Android’s design specifications.
In addition, the application will be universally accepted regardless of your experience level.
VALR Widgets
South African users can monitor their finances in real-time by placing designed crypto widgets on their home screens, analyzing their Bitcoin holdings and other crypto assets, and staying abreast of the newest industry developments.
These widgets can monitor the market and detect sudden swings. The success of a mobile application may depend on how effectively it is optimized for mobile devices.
VALR iOS App
The downloadable VALR app from the App Store is a native iPhone application that provides a user-friendly platform for digital trading currencies. With the VALR iOS App, South African users have access to these features:
- The ability to buy, store, and sell cryptocurrencies
- Access to Simple Buy/Sell and Exchange Buy/Sell
- Access to the referral and maker rewards.
- The ability to use Fiat Currencies, including USDC, ZAR, and ZMW
- Access to a user-friendly dashboard where South Africans can monitor and manage their assets
- Access to VALR Pay
VALR Security and Safety of Funds
Smart Onboarding
Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, VALR automates compliance with international standards and prevents money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit actions.
To ease this procedure, consumers must supply their information, upload a photo of their identification, and pass a liveness test, which can be accomplished via a short video or a selfie.
VALR’s platform uses machine learning technology to match the customer’s face with their identification document, allowing for a quick and safe verification procedure. This allows clients to begin trading within minutes.
Financial Security
VALR is a complete reserve cryptocurrency trading platform where only pre-funded accounts can trade.
This means that, unlike conventional banks, the platform does not lend out any customer assets. As a result, customers are afforded greater protection and peace of mind because all monies are kept secure and instantly available for trading.
Account Security
VALR acknowledges that the most frequent source of a security breach on its platform is user-specific, in which someone acquires unauthorized access to a user’s sign-in credentials and uses them to access account information and funds.
The platform has incorporated many account security mechanisms to prevent this danger. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via SMS is set by default for all key transactions, giving an elevated level of protection.
However, VALR recommends clients upgrade their 2FA by utilizing an Authenticator app to increase account security. As it remains their responsibility, traders must ensure that they do so.
To provide an additional degree of protection, VALR demands authorization for any attempts to access an account from a new device or location.
Coin Storage
To safeguard the security of its users’ funds, VALR joins Bittrex, a leading global blockchain platform founded by three cybersecurity engineers. For cryptocurrency storage, the platform utilizes a combination of “cold storage” and “hot wallets.”
Cold storage is the offline, “airgap” isolation of the private keys that govern the cryptocurrency from the online system.
Multiple private keys are required to sign any transaction that moves funds in VALR’s cold storage, which utilizes a multi-signature system. These keys are stored in institutional vaults that are geographically distributed, access-controlled, and video-monitored.
In addition, numerous signatories are required to transfer cash after physically entering secure off-site facilities and obtaining institutional-level security clearances.
On the other hand, hot wallets are connected to the internet and must maintain operating liquidity. The infrastructure of VALR’s hot wallets is based on Bittrex’s top cybersecurity design.
Additionally, the platform provides multi-signature hot wallets that utilize numerous private keys maintained and protected by cloud-hosted cryptographic key management services.
Internal Security Controls
The security mechanisms of VALR prohibit individuals, including the CEO, from independently transferring cryptocurrency. All monetary transfers are subject to a multi-signature procedure.
VALR has created procedures and processes that need numerous signatories from various secure locations to allow the transfer of cryptocurrency to protect customer funds.
It is also important to note that the VALR office does not keep any cryptocurrencies. This significantly increases the security of client assets.
VALR Trading and Non-Trading Fees
Simple Buy/Sell Fees
VALR charges a transaction fee of 0.75% for a simple sale or purchase.
Taker Fees
The trading fee charged by VALR to takers is 0.10 percent of the order’s value, which is below the global average for centralized exchanges. This fee structure is meant to encourage a high volume of trading on the platform and support a liquid market.
Maker Fees
VALR is distinguished by negative maker fees (-0.01%). Consequently, individuals who generate new buy or sell orders on the platform, known as makers, are compensated for their transactions.
This feature, which is uncommon among cryptocurrency exchanges, is implemented to promote liquidity and improve the trading experience for users.
Exchange Buy and Sell Fees
Each order placed on VALR is subject to a trading fee when executed. Typically, this fee is a percentage of the trade order’s total value. The platform distinguishes between two types of traders, takers, and makers, and assigns each a unique trading fee.
Takers are those who “take” an existing order from the order book, whereas makers add orders to the order book, providing liquidity to the platform.
Deposit Fees
VALR Applies the following deposit fees:
- Credit/Debit Cards – 3.9% per deposit
Withdrawal Fees
Users are treated fairly by a fixed R8.50 ($0.5) ZAR Withdrawal amount and an unlimited number of cryptocurrency withdrawals. With cryptography, a stable internet connection is crucial.
Also, there is a $3.90 fee for withdrawing funds using a credit or debit card and a $25 fee for withdrawing funds using a US Bank Wire.
What are VALR’s Trading Volumes and Platform Liquidity?
The 24-hour average spot trading volume for VALR is 8.2 million dollars, equivalent to 360 BTC as of 2025-01-23. In contrast, the 24-hour trading volume on Luno is $8.5 million, while on Binance, it is $29.8 million.
Because it has a high level of liquidity, VALR is a good choice for investors and traders who want to buy, sell, and trade digital assets.
VALR Bonuses and Promotions
Discounts on trading fees are just one of the many ways VALR rewards new and returning customers.
To encourage trading and increase order book liquidity, the exchange is the first in South Africa to compensate market makers with a fee for each successfully executed trade. Market makers receive a reward of 0.01% of the total value of each trade.
VALR also provides a referral program that works like a rebate and reward system. A customer can earn more rewards by referring more people to the platform.
Therefore, if a customer successfully refers two or more people, they will receive a 10% reward on their trading fees and a 15% rebate on their own.
However, South Africans must remember that while regulatory guidelines regarding crypto exchanges do not restrict bonuses and financial incentives, traders must read the fine print before signing up, as some sites have prohibitively high withdrawal minimums or other restrictions.
VALR Educational Materials and Research
Unfortunately, VALR lacks educational content and resources for retail traders. The platform does not, for example, provide access to the latest market news, basic trading terminology, or online training guides.
This significant omission could be remedied to create a more inclusive investing environment.
Additional resources, such as a live chat peer forum, YouTube video content integration, and group webinars, would provide traders with the knowledge and tools necessary for success.
VALR Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
Deposits
Funding your VALR account can be done with either traditional currency or cryptocurrency. There is no required minimum deposit, and the broker does not charge a fee for making deposits.
The exchange supports various payment types, including bank wire transfers, South African debit/credit cards, and VALR Pay. Further, Binance Coin (BNB), Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), and the South African Rand (ZAR) are all accepted as well.
In addition, ZAR deposits may not appear in customers’ accounts for up to 48 hours. The processing time for cryptocurrency deposits varies widely due to the need for their networks to confirm the deposits.
How to Deposit Fiat with VALR using a Bank Account
- To deposit funds into your VALR account, you may do so through the VALR app or website.
- To begin, sign in to your VALR account.
- Once logged in, locate the “Wallets” option, which can be found at the bottom of the screen for mobile app users and at the top for website users.
- Select the “Deposit” option from your ZAR/Rand wallet.
- You can choose between two deposit methods, “By EFT” and “via Card.” To deposit funds via EFT, select the “By EFT” deposit method and select the depositing bank from VALR’s banking information.
- The screen will display your unique VR reference number, which must be included as the beneficiary reference when transferring.
- Sign into your bank account and complete the transfer.
How to Deposit Fiat with VALR using a Credit/Debit Card
- Select the “via Card” deposit option to deposit funds via card. Currently, VALR supports South African VISA and Mastercard with 3D Secure capability.
- A daily credit or debit card deposit limit will be displayed on the deposit screen.
- Enter the deposit amount you wish to make, and you will be directed to PayGate to complete the deposit by entering your information.
- Be sure to check the URL before completing the deposit to ensure you are on the correct site.
- Please note that the deposit must come from a bank account in your name and that there is a 3.9% administrative fee for each credit card deposit.
- Any failed deposit made with a credit or debit card should be returned to the card after the authorization hold expires.
- Contact your card-issuing bank for information on their authorization hold policy.
- After a successful deposit, it can take a business day for the funds to appear in your VALR Wallet. This may take longer on weekends, holidays, and deposits made outside normal banking hours.
How to Deposit with VALR using Crypto
To receive cryptocurrency from an external wallet to your VALR wallet, kindly follow the steps outlined below:
- Navigate to the Wallets page on the VALR platform.
- Locate the cryptocurrency that you wish to receive and select it.
- Click on the Deposit button.
- Utilize the QR code or copy the address displayed on the page as the destination address when initiating the transfer from the external wallet. It should be noted that the destination address may also be referred to as the withdrawal or send address, depending on the external wallet you are using.
- Please be aware that most deposits are confirmed within a few minutes, but this can vary by coin, blockchain, and congestion/speed. Therefore, a predetermined block confirmation is required before distributing any cryptocurrency deposits.
Before depositing crypto into a VALR wallet, traders should take note of the following:
- Verify that the cryptocurrency you want to send is listed on VALR by searching for it in your account’s “Wallets” section.
- Verify that the coin deposit is enabled or active: When the wallet’s page displays a deposit button for a given cryptocurrency, users can send and receive that currency.
- Verify the supported blockchain before making a deposit. The blockchain will be listed below the crypto address after you click the Deposit button.
Additionally, it is important to consider the following:
- Make sure the correct cryptocurrency is sent to the correct address. For example, sending any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin (Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.) to a Bitcoin (BTC) address will permanently lose your cryptocurrency.
- When sending or receiving XRP, use the correct Destination TAG.
- It should be noted that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can be withdrawn and deposited differently than bought and sold. Therefore, VALR encourages anyone interested in making cryptocurrency exchanges to peruse our trading guide.
Withdrawals
Fast Withdrawals on VALR
All Rand withdrawals from VALR are processed through the regular banking system. Thus, the funds may not appear in your account for up to two business days after they have been deposited.
When combined with VALR’s Blitz Processing of ZAR withdrawals, the Fast Withdrawal option allows customers to receive their funds instantly.
In financial parlance, a “fast withdrawal” is a withdrawal process that takes fewer than three business days.
In addition, the “Fast Withdrawal” checkbox can be found on the withdrawal page and used to request a withdrawal to be processed immediately. On the withdrawal page, you can also see the associated fee.
These financial institutions allow traders to use Fast Withdrawals:
- ABSA
- African Bank
- Al Baraka Bank
- Bidvest Bank
- Capitec Bank
- Discovery Bank
- Finbond
- First National Bank
- Investec Bank
- Nedbank
- Rand Merchant Bank
- SASFIN
- Standard Bank
- U Bank
The use of Real-Time Gross Settlement for all other banks’ payments is mandatory. But the substantial fees VALR incurs mean this is a much higher overall fee.
Additionally, RTGS is triggered with withdrawals of 5 million ZAR+, and automated, rapid withdrawals are possible with VALR.
How to withdraw with ZAR into a South African Bank Account
Withdrawing Rand (ZAR) into a trader’s South African bank account is straightforward.
Your VALR account can be used to withdraw Rand (ZAR), but the money must be transferred to a bank account in your name in South Africa.
To link a South African bank account for Rand (ZAR) withdrawals on VALR, please follow these instructions:
- Sign in to your VALR account.
- Navigate to the “Bank Accounts” page under your profile name.
- Click on “Link a bank account.”
- Enter the relevant details of the registered bank account in your name.
- Click “Next” to receive an authorization email.
- Navigate to your email on the same device and click to authorize the new bank account.
- Enter the One-Time Pin (OTP) or 2FA code to validate the linking process.
Once your bank account is successfully linked, you may proceed to withdraw Rand (ZAR) by following these steps:
- Sign in to your VALR account.
- Go to the “Wallets” page.
- Click on “Withdraw” on your Rand (ZAR) Wallet.
- Select the linked bank account to which you wish to withdraw.
- Enter the desired amount of Rand (ZAR) you wish to withdraw.
- Select whether you prefer a regular withdrawal or a fast withdrawal.
- Review the withdrawal details to ensure accuracy.
- Confirm the withdrawal and enter the One-Time Pin (OTP) or 2FA code to validate the process.
- Your withdrawal will be processed according to the withdrawal schedule.
It is important to note that, in some instances, traders may be directed to a different browser when authorizing the linking of a bank account via email.
In such cases, South African users can copy the link below the button on the authorization email and paste it back into the original browser used to add the bank account.
VALR Blitz Processing Withdrawals
- VALR’s automated Blitz system processes withdrawals between 8 am and 6 pm. Once processed, the withdrawals are wired directly to your bank account.
- Furthermore, when you request a withdrawal of Rands from VALR, the request is sent directly to the bank without any intervention from VALR.
- South Africans must note that often their withdrawal might not show up right away, but this is only due to a delay in the banking system.
- Because Standard Bank is VALR’s primary banking partner, the time it takes for a withdrawal of Rand (ZAR) to post to your account will vary both by your bank and by your choice of the Fast Withdrawal option.
VALR versus other Crypto Exchanges
| ℹ️ VALR versus other Crypto Exchanges | ₿ VALR | ₿ Gate.io | ₿ Kraken |
| 📅 Date Established | 2019 | 2013 | 2011 |
| 🏛️ Head Office | South Africa | Cayman Island | San Francisco |
| ↔️ Centralized or Decentralized | Centralized | Decentralized | Centralized |
| ⚖️ Regulations | None | None | FinCEN |
| 📊 Number of Crypto Assets Listed | 60+ | 2,614 | 720 |
| 📊 Number of Registered Users | 100,000+ | 12 million+ | 9 million+ |
| ₿ Native Token | None | Gate Token (GT) | None |
| 📈 Maximum Leverage | 1:1 | 1:10 | 1:5 |
| 💰 Auto-Buy Feature | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 💰 Minimum Deposit | R9 ZAR / $0.50 | None | 0.0001 BTC |
| 💰 Taker Fees | 0.1% | 0.075% | 0.26% |
| 💰 Maker Fees | -0.01% | 0.025% | 0.16% |
| 💰 Deposit Fee | 3.9% | No | R180 ZAR / $10 |
| 💰 Withdrawal Fee | From R9 ZAR / $0.5 | Depends on network | 0.00001 BTC |
| 📱 Mobile App Compatibility | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| ☎️ Customer Support Hours | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
VALR Pros and Cons
| ✅ VALR Pros | ❌ VALR Cons |
| VALR offers a mobile app for Android and iOS devices | Certain trades, such as market orders, can be expensive |
| South Africans can expect a transparent fee structure and no set minimum deposit requirements | VALR only Supports ZAR, ZMW, and USDC for Fiat operations |
| There are rewards available to traders who refer friends and family | VALR does not offer comprehensive educational materials |
| VALR has a rebates program for makers | Live Support is not available on the VALR website |
| VALR accommodates beginner and professional traders | There is no demo account offered |
| There is a range of cryptocurrency assets that can be bought, sold, and exchanged | VALR charges deposit and withdrawal fees |
| VALR uses cold storage and several other security measures | |
| South Africans can use the Auto-buy feature from VALR | |
| There is 24/7 customer support offered to traders | |
| South African traders can easily transfer funds | |
| The onboarding process is handled using AI and Machine Learning | |
| All funds are kept in segregated accounts |
How to Open an Account with VALR in South Africa
- To register for a VALR account, visit the official VALR sign-up page via a web browser or download and launch the Android or iOS application.
- Upon visiting the page, please click “Get Started.”
- You may manually enter the Sign-up information or utilize the “Sign in with Gmail/Apple ID” option. You will receive a confirmation email if you register with your email address.
- Please open the received email in your inbox and click “Verify my email address.”
- Use your email address and password to log into your account.
- After a successful login, you will be prompted to select your country and enter your mobile number. After your email address and mobile phone, number have been confirmed, the next step will be to verify your identity.
- To continue, please click “Verify My ID,” enter your current residential address, then click “Next” and “Start Session.”
- Once your account has been verified, you can begin your cryptocurrency journey by making your initial deposit.
How to Buy Cryptocurrency on VALR in South Africa – Step-by-Step
Simple Buy/Sell
Sign into your VALR account and proceed as follows:
- Select “Explore Market.”
- Click the buy or sell button for the digital asset you wish to trade.
- Enter the South African Rand (or other cryptocurrencies) amount you wish to spend.
- Click “Evaluate Buy/Sell.”
- Click “Confirm Purchase/Sell.”
Exchange Buy/Sell
The VALR platform is a sophisticated trading platform that allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP (and potentially other cryptocurrencies in the future) using the South African Rand as the medium of exchange.
This platform offers advanced features, such as the ability to specify a desired price for the purchase or sale of a particular cryptocurrency rather than being limited to the current market price.
Important to note is that exchange orders on the VALR platform may not always be executed immediately, as they represent a list of trade offers for cryptocurrencies.
To complete a transaction, another party must accept the offer to buy or sell a cryptocurrency listed in the platform’s order book.
VALR Customer Support
Individuals can submit a question, complaint, or issue via the website’s automated process after logging into the platform. This method facilitates communication with the relevant team for resolution or review.
According to the website, however, there is no telephone option for contacting customer support or the assistance center. This may deter some users, but the substantial positive reviews VALR has received suggest this is not a significant issue.
Final Thoughts on VALR
VALR is a standout cryptocurrency exchange that offers a wide range of services, particularly in South Africa. Therefore, it is a great choice for individuals in South Africa to consider when looking for the best exchanges.
VALR’s versatile and comprehensive platform makes it a good option for traders and investors worldwide, regardless of location. It is also an excellent choice for beginners looking to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as the platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
How to Choose the Right Crypto Exchange in South Africa
When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Jurisdiction: Ensure that the exchange’s headquarters are in a jurisdiction with a robust regulatory framework. This will provide you with additional protection should anything go wrong.
- Security: Look for an exchange with a proven track record of protecting the assets and personal information of its users. Two-factor authentication, cold storage, and insurance are excellent indicators of the security of an exchange.
- Consider the exchange’s trading volume and order book depth, as this will impact the ease and speed with which you can buy or sell your chosen cryptocurrency.
- Fees: Compare the exchange’s trading fees, deposit and withdrawal fees, and any other fees, as these can vary significantly between exchanges.
- User interface: Ensure that the exchange’s platform is intuitive and easy to use, particularly if you are new to cryptocurrency trading.
- Some exchanges only accept bank transfers, while others accept various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and other cryptocurrencies. Choose an exchange that provides a payment method that suits your needs.
- Customer support: Verify that the exchange has an effective customer support system and a reputation for being responsive and helpful when users require assistance.
- Reputation: Investigate the exchange’s reputation and read user reviews to learn about their experiences with the platform.
It is also important to ensure the exchange complies with all the regulatory rules of the country from which you operate.
It is always the best idea to test the exchange with a small number of funds before depositing a large amount to ensure you are comfortable with the platform and that everything is working as it should.
The Best Crypto CFDs in South Africa
This article lists the best brokers that offer forex and CFD trading to South African traders. In addition, we have further identified the brokers that offer additional services and solutions to South African traders.
Best MetaTrader 4 / MT4 Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, FP Markets is the best MT4 Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. FP Markets offers a flexible MetaTrader 4 experience but lacks advanced research and instructional materials. On the other hand, South Africans have access to a vast array of trading instruments, including Crypto CFDs.
Best MetaTrader 5 / MT5 Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, BDSwiss is the best MetaTrader 5 Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. BDSwiss permits MT5 trading across multiple asset classes without restrictions on trading strategies.
In addition, BDSwiss offers a suite of trading tools for MT5 and industry-leading research and education for traders of all levels of experience.
Best Crypto CFD Broker for Beginners in South Africa
Overall, IG is the best Crypto CFD Broker for beginners in South Africa. With a 99% score, IG is one of the most reliable brokers.
In addition, IG provides South Africans with an extensive selection of educational materials in multiple formats. IG also offers a dedicated application known as IG Academy.
Best Low Minimum Deposit Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, RoboForex is the best Low Minimum Deposit Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. RoboForex allows South Africans to open an account with a minimum deposit of 10 USD / 170 ZAR.
Moreover, South Africans will have access to a cent account that allows them to trade smaller position sizes.
Best ECN Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, HFM is the best ECN Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. In addition, HFM is an exclusive MetaTrader broker offering ECN and STP trading accounts.
Therefore, South Africans can trade EUR/USD and other key instruments, such as crypto CFDs, with commissions as low as 0.0 pips.
Best Islamic / Swap-Free Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, AvaTrade is the best Islamic / Swap-Free Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. AvaTrade serves all traders, including those who adhere to Sharia Law.
On numerous financial markets, Muslim South African traders can anticipate tight spreads, access to multiple platforms, and halal trading.
Best Crypto Trading App in South Africa
Overall, Trading 212 is the best Crypto Trading App in South Africa. Trading 212 is one of the most popular and well-known platforms (over 14 million on iOS and Android). With Trading 212, South Africans can purchase and trade crypto CFDs quickly and affordably.
Best ZAR Account Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, Exness is the best ZAR Account Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. Exness is one of the most popular trading platforms in South Africa, particularly among novice and experienced traders. Exness provides 278 instruments, and South Africans have access to various crypto CFDs via MT4/5.
Best Lowest Spread Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, Plus500 is the best lowest spread Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. In addition, plus500 is a trustworthy Market Maker broker with low spreads and no commission fees.
Plus500 provides South Africans with a robust custom trading platform for crypto CFDs and numerous trading tools to optimize their trading strategy.
Best NDD Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, FBS is the best NDD Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. FBS is an STP and ECN broker with negative spreads beginning at -1 pips and commissions beginning at $6 per traded lot.
In addition, FBS provides South Africans with a cryptocurrency account accessible via the FBS Trader app for Android and iOS.
Best STP Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa
Overall, FOREX.com is the best STP Crypto CFD Broker in South Africa. The intuitive trading interface at FOREX.com provides enhanced pricing, execution, and access to global markets.
In addition, FOREX.com specializes in foreign exchange (forex), contracts for difference (CFD), and related services.
Best Sign-up Bonus Broker in South Africa
Overall, InstaForex is the best sign-up bonus broker in South Africa. InstaForex offers three benefits when traders open an account and make a cash deposit. Moreover, a $1,000 no-deposit bonus can provide South African traders with risk-free live market trading credit.
10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
Rank
Broker
Review
Regulators
Min Deposit
Official Site
Frequently asked questions
What are the VALR Deposit Limits?
There are no limits on deposits with VALR.
What are the VALR Trade Limits?
When you use Simple Buy/Sell, you can spend a maximum of 1 BTC or 25 ETH per trade. However, if you use the Exchange Buy/Sell limits, the limits will be shown on the screen when you enter an order.
What are the VALR Withdrawal Limits?
On a fully verified account, you can withdraw up to 0.2 BTC daily; on a Plus Verification, you can withdraw 100 BTC.
How long does VALR registration take?
VALR’s account registration takes up to 5 minutes to complete, and verification is quick because of VALR’s AI and Machine Learning onboarding system.
Where can I view the VALR Crypto List?
You can view the full list of cryptos offered by VALR on the official website.
What is VALR’s minimum deposit?
There is no minimum deposit, but South Africans can start with a minimum deposit of 10 ZAR.
Addendum/Disclosure
No matter how diligently we strive to maintain accuracy, the financial markets are volatile that could shift and change at any given time, even if the information supplied is correct at the time of going live.
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