Best Crypto Exchanges in South Africa

Easy Crypto is a regulated non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange that gives South African users full control over their digital assets.

While headquartered in New Zealand and operating in Australia, Easy Crypto has won multiple international awards, including the NZ Hi-Tech Awards 2023 and MoneyHub’s Favourite Crypto Retailer award. South African users can therefore benefit from the same secure infrastructure and intuitive experience that have made the platform successful across multiple regions.

The platform delivers your purchases directly to your crypto wallet with no hidden fees. Since it doesn’t hold your funds, you can manage the assets however you want.

To place an order, verify your account first by entering your name, mobile phone number, and submitting an ID. Then, type in a wallet address - you can use a software or hardware wallet like Ledger Flex or Trezor Safe 5.

Key Features

Here are the features of Easy Crypto, which is dubbed one of the best crypto exchanges in South Africa.

• Decent Options for Crypto. Buy, sell, and swap over 160+ cryptocurrencies on the exchange.
• Multiple Buying Options. Use the Auto-Buy feature to automate your crypto purchases on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule, or the Multi-Coin Order to purchase bulk cryptocurrencies in one transaction. High-volume traders can go with the OTC service to get bigger fee discounts.

• Transparent Pricing Model. It charges a flat trading fee of 0.89% per transaction. A 0.4% foreign exchange fee also applies, allowing customers to access the global crypto market, which primarily operates in USD.
• Demo Tracker. Explore the platform's portfolio tracker without creating an account or making any transactions. This demo feature provides a simulated view of how the tracker displays investment performance, asset distribution, and potential returns over time.
• Easy Crypto Wallet. For a seamless experience with the exchange, sign up for the Easy Crypto Wallet. It enables you to create multiple wallet addresses from different blockchains.

If you're looking for the feel of a local exchange that values transparency in both pricing and privacy, Easy Crypto is a smart choice. With regulatory backing and clear fees, it gives South African users peace of mind while staying connected to the global crypto market.

Coinbase, established in 2012, is a globally recognized cryptocurrency exchange with over 100 million users across more than 100 countries. With such a huge user base, the platform is also one of the best crypto exchanges South Africans can go with.

User reviews on the App Store and Play Store consistently praise the CEX for its user-friendly interface and strong security features. Many praise its intuitive navigation and clean design, making it ideal for beginners to buy, sell, and even learn about cryptocurrencies.

Unlike some countries that require multiple documents, such as credit card statements, bank statements, and utility bills, South Africans can typically complete verification using only a valid driver's license, passport, or national ID card.

Key Features

From various digital assets to advanced trading tools, here’s what makes Coinbase a solid option for South African traders:

• Adequate Cryptocurrency Selection. With access to over 250 cryptocurrencies, users can quickly diversify their investment portfolios.
• Robust Security. From automatic 2FA to multi-approval withdrawals through Coinbase Vault, the platform implements multiple layers of security to protect user accounts and funds.
• Coinbase Advanced. This pro feature is specifically designed for experienced users, offering a more complex interface. It has real-time order books, advanced charting, and various order types.

• Coinbase Wallet Integration. Coinbase Wallet is a self-custody crypto storage solution. South Africans can use it to store their private keys and interact with decentralized applications. It integrates seamlessly with the main exchange, giving users the flexibility to manage both centralized and decentralized assets.
• Coinbase One. Frequent traders can benefit from this subscription service, where members often get zero trading fees or higher annual percentage yield (APY) on staked crypto.

As you can see, the features above may appeal to South Africans seeking a secure and beginner-friendly platform.

While the CEX allows users to view cryptocurrency prices in ZAR through its converter tool, this feature is for informational purposes only. Bank transfers aren't currently supported either, but South African users can fund their accounts using international payment methods such as Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards.

When searching for a Bitcoin exchange, South Africans may already be familiar with VALR. It’s a crypto trading and staking platform rooted in South Africa but designed for global exposure.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, VALR has evolved into one of the largest exchanges in the region and has expanded its reach internationally. In fact, it has gained regulatory approval to operate in the European Union and has secured funding from popular venture capital firms like Coinbase Ventures and Pantera Capital.

That said, VALR’s tagline is:

Pro trading for everyone.

A statement that reflects the platform’s aim of providing professional-grade trading tools to a broader audience.

However, judging by the trading interface, which features detailed candlestick charts, order book depth, and advanced order types, I think the experience may be more suited to intermediate or advanced users, rather than "everyone" the platform claims to be.

While it may not be as extensive as some global exchanges, VALR still provides a fair spread of over 100 cryptocurrencies, offering a solid selection of digital assets for trading.

Key Features

Check this detailed overview of VALR's key features before deciding to make this your go-to platform:

• Multiple Trading Options. VALR offers several trading options to suit various investor profiles. These include spot, margin, and perpetual futures trading.
• ZAR Deposits and Withdrawals. The exchange supports ZAR deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers and South African credit or debit cards.
• Staking Services. The platform offers staking options for select cryptocurrencies, including Solana and Avalanche, providing an accessible way to earn passive income.

• Corporate Accounts. It lets businesses manage multiple portfolios under a single corporate account. The enterprise feature comes with controlled access levels and multiple transaction approvals.
• VALR Pay. It’s a payment solution that allows users to send and receive funds instantly without fees using their phone number, email address, or unique VALR Pay IDs. They can also make purchases at participating retailers such as Pick n Pay using a QR code.

For South Africans looking for a reliable and locally rooted exchange with global reach, VALR stands out as a strong option.

If you prioritize regulation and compliance, Yellow Card is likely a good choice. As a licensed Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorized by the FSCA, the exchange proves its commitment to offering secure, transparent financial services within the country.

This licensing, along with the adherence to global AML standards, FATF Travel Rule requirements, and comprehensive KYC procedures across all jurisdictions, further demonstrates the platform's focus on regulatory compliance and user security.

Additionally, it’s registered on GoAML and with local Financial Intelligence Units, emphasizing their dedication to reporting on AML, sanctions, and financial crime matters. Consider checking the help desk to find licenses and registrations to make sure everything aligns with your expectations.

Key Features

Let's see how Yellow Card's features can help streamline your crypto journey:

• User-Friendly Platform. The platform is designed for ease of use, featuring simple account setup, an intuitive interface for trading and portfolio management, as well as iOS and Android apps.
• ZAR Integration. Yellow Card facilitates deposits and withdrawals in ZAR using various methods: third-party apps (MoMo), bank transfers, ATM deposits, and traditional bank deposits.

• Yellow Pay. With this, you can send money to friends and family across 20 African countries for free. The rates are calculated against USD (powered by USDT), giving you access to efficient, borderless payments at competitive rates and fees.
• Predictable Trading Fees. The exchange has a flat-rate pricing model for crypto trades (ZAR 18.02 per USDT or USDC when buying, and ZAR 18.54 when selling). This fixed-rate structure, although it may change based on specific circumstances, offers price predictability for easy cost estimation.
• Standardized Security Measures. The platform employs standardized security measures, including multi-signature technology and two-factor authentication.

Overall, Yellow Card stands out as a user-friendly and locally integrated crypto exchange tailored to the needs of traders across Africa.

Luno is a globally recognized cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013, with a mission to become the safest and most compliant platform for exploring digital assets. This commitment is backed by a robust security infrastructure.

The exchange stores customer cryptocurrencies in "deep freeze" wallets that are kept offline. It uses multi-signature hot wallets for faster transactions and relies on air-gapped systems to minimize attack risks.

Luno also supports two-factor authentication via SMS and app-based verification for web logins, while offering biometric login on its mobile app. On the internal side, every employee is required to use secure multi-factor authentication to access internal systems. Importantly, engineers can’t access application credentials or production servers.

From a compliance perspective, Luno is serious about combating money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT). It also holds the necessary licenses and registrations in the 40+ jurisdictions it operates, including South Africa, Indonesia, and Australia.

Key Features

For beginners who look for the best Bitcoin exchange in South Africa, Luno can be an appealing option due to these five reasons:

• User-Friendly Interface. Luno features an intuitive design with a simplified layout and large, touch-friendly buttons, making it easy to use across both desktop and mobile. The interface is also fully responsive, adapting smoothly to any screen size.
• ZAR Deposits and Withdrawals. You can fund your ZAR wallet via bank transfer (EFT) with ease. EFT deposits are free of charge and supported by major South African banks.
• Crypto Categories. For beginners unsure where to start, Luno provides categorized crypto collections in the [Explore] menu, making it easier to discover coins based on themes like trending tokens, stablecoins, and more.

• Flexible Tiers and Fees. Trading fees on Luno depend on your 30-day volume and whether you place a maker or taker order. Fees vary by deposit and withdrawal method. Based on my research, bank transfers are free, while instant deposits incur a 1.4% fee.
• Luno Pay. In South Africa, you can pay for goods and services using the Luno crypto wallet by scanning a QR code (currently accepted at Pick n Pay stores nationwide). The service is free, with limits ranging from R1 to R100,000 per transaction.

With its smooth design, local ZAR support, and educational features like categorized crypto collections, Luno is clearly geared toward making crypto more approachable, especially for casual South African traders.

Kraken is one of the longest-standing and most reputable cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, USA. It is known for its strong focus on security, regulatory compliance, and a diverse range of supported cryptocurrencies. As of 2024, Kraken supports over 430 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the more versatile platforms for traders and investors looking to access a broad selection of digital assets.

Kraken is popular among both beginners and experienced traders because it offers a variety of trading options, including spot trading, margin trading, futures contracts, and staking services. Its trading fees are competitive, typically ranging between 0.00% and 0.4%, depending on the user’s trading volume and order type.

Security is one of Kraken’s most notable strengths. It employs cold storage for the majority of user funds, two-factor authentication (2FA), SSL encryption, and strict surveillance of its systems. Additionally, Kraken has a Proof of Reserves audit feature, ensuring customers that their funds are adequately backed.

The platform also follows regulations in multiple regions worldwide, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. So, it is a great option if you’re looking for a platform with strong regulatory compliance.

Crypto.com is a prominent player in the cryptocurrency world, offering a comprehensive suite of financial services centered around digital assets. Founded in 2016, the platform has grown rapidly, boasting a user base of over 100 million by mid-2024.

Crypto.com provides a user-friendly app for buying, selling, and trading around 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and many altcoins. Beyond its exchange services, Crypto.com offers a non-custodial DeFi wallet, an NFT marketplace, and even a direct payment service for cryptocurrency transactions.

One of Crypto.com's most recognizable features is its Visa card, which allows users to earn cashback in CRO, the platform's native token, on their everyday spending. The card comes in various tiers, each offering different levels of rewards and perks, such as rebates on streaming subscriptions and airport lounge access.

Crypto.com also takes security seriously. It holds all customer assets deposited on our platform in institutional-grade reserve accounts on a 1:1 basis. Users’ accounts are protected by the latest security advancements, including Passkeys, HSMs, and FIDO2, as well as MFA methods like passwords, biometrics, and authenticator codes.

It also runs an active bug bounty program on Hacker One, where people can disclose security vulnerabilities on the platform and get rewards.

BYDFi is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that aims to provide a user-friendly experience for both novice and experienced traders. While relatively newer compared to some established giants, BYDFi has focused on offering a diverse range of trading options. Some of BYDFi’s key features include:

• Spot Trading: Buy and sell cryptocurrencies at current market prices.
• Derivatives Trading: Trade cryptocurrency futures and options contracts.
• Copy Trading: Automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders.
• Mobile App: Trade on iOS and Android devices.
• Educational Resources: Guides and tutorials for learning about crypto trading.
• Trading Bots: Use automated tools to trade cryptocurrencies like a pro.

The platform supports more than 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). BYDFi also aims to provide competitive trading fees by offering a flat maker/taker rate of 0.1% on its spot trading platform.

When it comes to security, BYDFi implements essential measures to ensure users' data and funds safety. It uses Amazon Web Services, multi-factor authentication and hardware verification, as well as SHA512 with 512-bit encryption to protect the system. Users can also use two-factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator and SMS to protect their accounts.