Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Australia

Through the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the Australian government has implemented measures to ensure consumer protection and financial system integrity, including introducing licensing requirements for crypto exchanges. Below is a detailed overview of Australia's most reputable cryptocurrency trading platforms approved by AUSTRAC.

1. CoinSpot

CoinSpot, established in 2013, remains Australia's leading crypto exchange, with over 2.5 million active customers nationwide and supporting 530+ cryptocurrencies. The platform offers exceptional ease of use, is ideal for beginners, and is robust enough to satisfy professional traders.

Users enjoy a suite of unique services, such as the CoinSpot Mastercard for everyday spending of crypto at millions of merchants globally, Bundles for simplified portfolio diversification, an integrated NFT marketplace for digital collectibles, and OTC trading services for high-volume investors.

Security and trust remain central at CoinSpot. It holds ISO 27001 certification and is partnered with the Digital Economy Council of Australia (DECA). Users benefit from comprehensive protection measures, including cold storage, 2FA, and 24/7 live Australian customer support.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: A flat trading fee of 0.1% for market orders and 1% for instant orders.
• Supported Assets: 530+ Cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: CoinSpot is registered as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) with AUSTRAC.
• AUD Deposit Methods: PayID, POLi, BPAY, direct bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and cash deposits.

2. Independent Reserve

Independent Reserve is Australia's top crypto exchange among institutional investors, SMSFs, trusts, and high-net-worth individuals since its establishment in 2013. Trusted by over 400,000 customers, it offers sophisticated crypto trading services tailored for professional investors.

The exchange provides comprehensive solutions, including OTC trading for large-volume crypto transactions, delivering discreet, efficient execution with minimal slippage. It also supports multi-user account structures, granting tiered access to financial advisors, family offices, and accountants.

With ISO 27001 certification and Digital Economy Council of Australia Gold Certification, the platform maintains client assets separately from operational funds, holding them in audited, secure cold storage facilities. The platform’s external audits ensure full compliance and reinforce investor trust.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Trading fees range from 0.5% down to as low as 0.02%.
• Supported Assets: 30 Cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) with AUSTRAC (DCE-100461150-001).
• AUD Deposit Methods: PayID, bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, and SWIFT.

3. Bybit

Bybit was launched in 2018 and has grown into a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, now supporting over 71 million users in more than 160 countries, including Australia. Australian traders prefer it for its selection of 1,900+ cryptocurrencies for spot trading and over 400 derivatives contracts. 

The platform caters to various trading styles, providing spot trading, derivatives, and options markets. Bybit excels in advanced trading tools, including copy trading, demo trading, and trading bots such as Spot Grid, Futures Martingale, and DCA Bots to automate trades seamlessly.

It is one of the few platforms that regularly publishes its proof-of-reserves, providing complete transparency in its asset holdings and giving users peace of mind. The exchange further distinguishes itself through robust liquidity, ensuring minimal slippage even during peak market periods. 

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading fees start from 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: 1,900+ Cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by ASIC with licence number 527319.
• AUD Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, and Samsung Pay.

4. Kraken

Kraken, founded in 2011 and available to Australian traders, is globally recognised and supports a substantial Australian community, with 10 million users. The platform offers extensive asset selection, supporting over 400 cryptocurrencies across spot, futures, and margin trading markets.

The exchange offers both user-friendly basic trading interfaces ideal for beginners and Kraken Pro, which provides advanced charting features, margin trading up to 5x leverage, derivatives contracts, an OTC trading desk, and sophisticated order types for experienced investors.

Staking services are also available, enabling Australians to earn attractive yields without fixed lock-in periods. Kraken upholds strict security protocols, including regular Proof-of-Reserves audits, secure cold storage, multi-factor authentication, and it has obtained the ISO27001:2013 certification.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Maker fees 0.16%, taker fees 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: 400+ Cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) with AUSTRAC (Bit Trade Pty Ltd, ACN 163 237 634).
• AUD Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, PayID/Osko, PayPal, debit cards and credit cards.

5. Swyftx

Swyftx has become a favourite cryptocurrency exchange for Aussie investors, attracting over 1.1 million users. Founded with user-friendliness in mind, it makes crypto trading accessible for both new and experienced traders through its intuitive interface and extensive educational resources.

A key feature of Swyftx is its Demo Mode, designed explicitly to help users practice trading without any financial risk. Users are given $10,000 in virtual currency to simulate trading, allowing traders to refine strategies, learn market dynamics, and build confidence before investing real funds. 

Additionally, it offers Auto Invest for automated recurring investments, cryptocurrency bundles for streamlined portfolio diversification, and a rewards program incentivising user engagement. The exchange also complies fully with Australian regulatory standards and is registered with AUSTRAC. 

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading fees are 0.6%.
• Supported Assets: Over 440 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered with ASIC under SWYFTX PTY LTD (ACN 623 556 730).
• AUD Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, PayID, debit cards and credit cards.

6. Bitcoin.com.au

Bitcoin.com.au, established in 2013, is one of Australia's simplest platforms for buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrencies. Designed specifically with beginners in mind, it allows anyone, regardless of their crypto knowledge, to effortlessly dive into digital assets with a user-friendly interface.

Security is a top priority, with assets stored predominantly in offline cold storage secured in highly protected underground vaults. The exchange maintains strict asset segregation, holding customer funds separately to ensure complete transparency and availability for immediate withdrawal.

Beyond simply trading, bitcoin.com.au supports Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), trusts, and business accounts, making it versatile enough for varied financial goals. Users can deposit instantly via PayID, credit or debit cards, and PayPal, streamlining entry into the crypto market. 

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: 1% trading fee.
• Supported Assets: 34 Cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) with AUSTRAC (DCE-100461150-001).
• AUD Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit and debit cards, PayPal.

Is Crypto Regulated in Australia?

Cryptocurrency regulation in Australia is governed primarily by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).

ASIC oversees digital assets classified as financial products under the Corporations Act 2001, requiring platforms to obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). ASIC's approach emphasises clear investor disclosure and consumer protections, with recent guidance clarifying regulatory requirements for digital asset offerings such as initial coin offerings (ICOs).

AUSTRAC, meanwhile, regulates crypto exchanges for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) compliance. All Australian digital currency platforms must register with AUSTRAC, maintain rigorous customer identification protocols, and report suspicious transactions.

How Does the ATO Tax Crypto?

In Australia, cryptocurrency is treated as property for tax purposes, meaning that transactions involving crypto assets can trigger tax obligations. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) enforces two primary tax types on crypto activities: Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Income Tax.

CGT applies when you dispose of a crypto asset, such as selling crypto for AUD or trading one crypto asset for another. Certain crypto-related activities are treated as ordinary income and taxed accordingly. These include receiving crypto as payment for services or employment, earning staking or mining rewards, and receiving airdrops (free distributions of tokens).

Australia employs a progressive tax system. Both capital gains and crypto-related income are taxed at the individual's marginal tax rate. The rates for the 2024/2025 financial year are:

• $0 - $18,200 is 0% tax.
• $18,201 - $45,000 is 16% tax or 16c for each $1 over $18,200.
• $45,001 - $135,000 is 30% tax or $4,288 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000.
• $135,001 - $190,000 is 37% tax or $31,288 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000.
• $190,001 and over is 45% tax or $51,638 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000.

The ATO mandates that individuals report all crypto-related income and capital gains in their annual tax return. It's essential to maintain detailed records of all crypto transactions.

‍Cryptocurrency Adoption in Australia

Cryptocurrency adoption in Australia is accelerating significantly, driven by a combination of regulatory clarity, increased institutional participation, and the expansion of blockchain startups and cryptocurrency exchanges. 

By the end of 2025, Australia's crypto market is projected to generate approximately AU$1 billion in revenue, with an anticipated growth rate of nearly 20% in 2026, reaching about AU$1.2 billion. User engagement is also rising, with around 11.38 million Australians, representing over 40% of the population, participating in crypto markets. 

The momentum behind this growth includes broader mainstream acceptance, integration into financial products such as ETFs, and innovations in gaming, AI-driven crypto applications, and tokenised real-world assets.

How to Buy Bitcoin in Australia

Australian investors interested in buying Bitcoin should choose reputable cryptocurrency exchanges registered with AUSTRAC. Here’s a guide to purchasing BTC in Australia:

1. Select an Exchange: Choose a cryptocurrency exchange registered with AUSTRAC. Popular exchanges include CoinSpot, Swyftx, Kraken, and Independent Reserve.
2. Create and Verify Your Account: Sign up for an account on your selected exchange. Complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification by submitting valid identification, such as an Australian passport, driver's licence, or Medicare card, and proof of residence.
3. Deposit Funds: Add Australian dollars (AUD) to your exchange account. Most Australian exchanges accept payment methods including bank transfers (Osko, PayID), POLi payments, credit or debit cards, and BPAY.
4. Buy Bitcoin: Navigate to the Bitcoin trading section of the exchange, enter the amount you wish to purchase, carefully check the fees and details, then confirm your purchase.

Once your transaction is completed, consider transferring your Bitcoin into a personal wallet for enhanced security. Hardware or reputable software wallets are recommended, as they provide increased control and protection of your cryptocurrency holdings.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a reputable, AUSTRAC-registered cryptocurrency exchange is essential for securely trading digital assets in Australia. Platforms like CoinSpot, Independent Reserve, Bybit, Kraken, Swyftx, and Bitcoin.com.au offer reliable compliance and advanced security measures tailored to Australian investors. 

To safeguard your crypto holdings further, consider transferring assets from exchange wallets to personal, secure storage options such as hardware wallets. Stay informed on Australian tax obligations and regulatory updates to maintain compliance and maximise your investment returns.