Top Crypto Trading Platforms in South Africa

To determine the best crypto exchange for investors in South Africa, we have evaluated over 50 platforms thoroughly. Our internal methodology was used to rank them based on factors such as South African regulation and licensing, features, available assets, user experience, deposit methods in ZAR, fees, and more. The following list provides a comprehensive summary of the top five exchanges in South Africa.

‍

1. Bybit

Bybit is a leading platform for cryptocurrency derivatives trading, allowing users to trade futures contracts with leverage up to 100x and access a suite of trading tools and features. The platform offers a wide range of trading types, including spot, futures, options, and margin trading, making it one of the most feature-rich exchanges globally. Bybit also stands out as one of the few exchanges that don't require KYC for buying or selling crypto.

  • Fees: No fees for deposits and withdrawals. 0% fees for spot markets (limited time only, with a normal rate of 0.1%) and 0.01%/0.06% for maker/taker rebates.
  • Supported Cryptocurrencies: Over 400 cryptocurrencies available.
  • Regulation & Licensing: Regulated in Seychelles.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 support available through live chat, email, ticketing system, phone, and online communities.
  • ZAR Deposit Methods: Available options include bank transfer, Wise, credit card, debit card, crypto deposits, PayPal and much more.
Bybit

‍

2. OKX

OKX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with a user base of over 10 million, predominantly in Europe. The platform is accessible to investors in South Africa and offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies for buying, selling, trading, and staking with competitive fees and tight spreads. OKX exchange offers advanced features such as futures trading, options trading, an NFT marketplace, and more.

As a major sponsor of top sporting teams, including Manchester City and McLaren Formula 1, OKX has established itself as a trustworthy and well-recognized brand in the industry.

  • Fees: 0% for makers and 0.2% for takers. Flat 0.1% fee for instant spot trading.
  • Supported Cryptocurrencies: Over 300 cryptocurrencies available, including leveraged trading options for advanced investors.
  • Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by VARA (Dubai), SFC (Hong Kong), ESMA (Europe) and approved by FSCA (South Africa).
  • Customer Support: Available 24/7 through live chat, email, Discord, Twitter, and more.
  • ZAR Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, debit card, credit card, and other options are available.
OKX South Africa

‍

3. Binance

Binance is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, serving millions of users across 130 countries including South Africa. With various trading options such as spot trading, margin trading, and futures trading, as well as a host of tools and services, Binance is a comprehensive and feature-rich platform that is highly regarded by traders.

  • Fees: A 0.1% fee applies to spot markets, while the maker/taker rebate is 0.02%/0.04%. Deposit and withdrawal fees range from 0.5% to 1.8%.
  • Supported Cryptocurrencies: Over 350 cryptocurrencies available.
  • Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by CySEC in Europe and approved by the FSCA in South Africa.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 support is available through live chat, email, and online ticketing system.
  • ZAR Deposit Methods: Options include bank transfer, E-Wallet transfer, Advcash, Etana, and credit/debit card.
Binance South Africa

‍

4. Luno

Luno is a popular cryptocurrency exchange platform in South Africa, offering users a secure and convenient way to buy, sell, and store digital assets. With a user-friendly interface and a range of features, Luno makes it easy for users of all levels to participate in the digital currency market. The biggest issue with Luno is that it only supports 12 cryptocurrencies in South Africa, making it a very limited platform compared to alternatives.

  • Fees: Luno charges a fee of 1% on buys and sells, and a fee of 0.25% for crypto-to-crypto trades. Deposit and withdrawal fees may vary depending on the method used.
  • Supported Cryptocurrencies: Luno supports the buying, selling, and storage of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP and 8 other digital assets.
  • Regulation & Licensing: Luno is registered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa and is compliant with local regulations.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 customer support is available through live chat, email, and an online support center.
  • ZAR Deposit Methods: Deposits can be made using bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or electronic wallets such as PayPal.
Luno South Africa

‍

5. Uniswap

Uniswap is a decentralized exchange that allows users to trade Ethereum-based tokens without the need for intermediaries. It is a popular exchange in South Africa and around the world, and offers a unique trading experience through its automated market maker (AMM) system.

Due to its decentralized nature, Uniswap operates differently than centralized exchanges and may have higher security risks than other platforms in South Africa. It is important for users to carefully research and understand the platform before making any trades.

  • Fees: Uniswap operates on a 0.3% fee for all trades, split equally between the maker and taker.
  • Supported Cryptocurrencies: Over 7,000 Ethereum-based tokens.
  • Regulation & Licensing: Decentralized exchange with no specific regulation or licensing in South Africa.
  • Customer Support Options: Community-driven support through online forums, social media and Discord channels.
  • Deposit Methods: Only accepts deposits in ETH and Ethereum-based tokens.
Uniswap DEX

‍

Is Buying Crypto Legal in South Africa

Crypto investing is considered legal in South Africa and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued guidelines for the use of cryptocurrency assets. The SARB requires cryptocurrency exchanges to register with them and follow anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations.

Additionally, the SARB has stated that individuals and businesses that trade, buy or sell cryptocurrency in South Africa must comply with relevant tax laws. It is recommended for investors to follow the regulations set forth by the SARB and consult with a financial advisor or tax professional for guidance on how to stay in compliance with South African laws regarding cryptocurrency investments.

‍

Bottom Line

In conclusion, South Africa offers a number of reliable and trusted crypto exchanges including Bybit, Luno, Binance South Africa, and Uniswap. Each exchange offers unique features, supported cryptocurrencies, and deposit methods, making it essential to compare and choose the one that best fits your investment needs.

Out of all the exchanges, Bybit is considered the best way to get started for many reasons. Firstly, it is one of the largest and well-known cryptocurrency exchanges globally, with millions of users in South Africa and other countries. Secondly, the exchange is secure and regularly updated proof of reserves. Lastly, Bybit offers low trading fees and a variety of supported cryptocurrencies.

It is important to remember that cryptocurrency investing involves high risk and investors should always do their own research before making any investments. Additionally, it is essential to abide by all applicable laws in South Africa for buying, selling or trading cryptocurrencies.