10 Best Crypto Exchanges In South Africa 2025

In this article, I will explain what I have determined to be the optimal Best Crypto Exchanges In South Africa.

These will be crypto exchanges that are safe, trustworthy, and do not have an algorithm-driven, robot, automated travel industry setter, but simple interfaces to trade crypto.

These exchanges support ZAR, so that you can manage and trade your currency locally. I will make this article as simple as I can to provide you with the essential details to find the best exchange in South Africa.

What are Crypto Exchanges?

A crypto exchange is one type of digital marketplace which allows individuals to buy, sell, and trade various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Marketplaces serve as intermediaries and provide tools for securely storing cryptocurrencies, tracking transactions, and analysing cryptocurrency markets.

Some marketplaces allow the conversion of local fiat currencies, while others enable the trading of cryptocurrencies exclusively.

Crypto exchanges can be centralized, wherein a company managing the platform and user funds, or decentralized, wherein user trades with other users directly and intermediaries are eliminated. Decentralised exchanges provide greater privacy and control over funds.

How To Choose Crypto Exchanges In South Africa

Regulatory Compliance – Pick an exchange that adheres to South Africa regulations, specifically FICA, for the legalisation and safety of your transaction and funding.

Local Currency Support (ZAR) – Opt for platforms that offer deposits and withdrawals in South African Rand to simplify your transactions.

Security Features – Choose platforms that offer the best security practices such as 2FA, cold storage, and encryption.

Fees – Examine trading, depositing, and withdrawing fees to identify the affordable exchange.

Cryptocurrency Selection – Verify the exchange provides the coins and/or tokens you intend to trade.

User Experience – Determine the ease of navigation and intuitiveness of the interface.

Liquidity – Assess the volume of pending transactions to measure the ease of execution.

Customer Support – Ensure availability of support at all hours of the day.

Key Point & Best Crypto Exchanges In South Africa List

Exchange	Key Points
Binance	Largest crypto exchange by trading volume, supports numerous cryptocurrencies, advanced trading tools, and staking options.
Luno	User-friendly, focuses on beginners, supports fiat deposits in select countries, strong security measures.
Bybit	Popular for derivatives and margin trading, high liquidity, competitive trading fees.
MEXC	Wide range of altcoins, fast trading execution, offers spot and futures markets.
Kraken	Regulated in the US, strong security features, supports fiat-to-crypto trading and staking.
KuCoin	Large selection of cryptocurrencies, offers lending, futures, and margin trading, good for altcoins.
OKX	Advanced trading options including futures, options, and DeFi integration, supports multiple fiat currencies.
Bitget	Focus on futures and derivatives trading, social trading features, competitive fees.
VALR	South African exchange, supports fiat deposits in ZAR, beginner-friendly interface, strong security.
Yellow Card	Focus on African markets, allows crypto buying with local currencies, simple and easy-to-use platform.

1. Binance

Since its inception in 2017, Binance has grown into one of the biggest and safest crypto exchanges in the world and in South Africa. Binance offers its services and supports ZAR, South Africa’s local currency, deposits, and a user interface in English.

Given the size of the Binance market and the variety of crypto offerings, South Africans have easy access to the biggest crypto market worldwide. In addition to the most popular Bitcoin and Ethereum, users can trade numerous altcoins.

Binance offers advanced tools for spot, margin, and even futures trading. Users can rest assured in the the safety of their profles through 2fa and cold storage. Emergency and urgent queries can be handled at any time, so it is easy to see why so many South Africans prefer Binance.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	Binance
KYC Requirement	Minimal for basic trading (email verification); higher tiers require ID for larger withdrawals
Supported Cryptocurrencies	600+ coins including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and more
Deposit Methods	Bank transfer, credit/debit card, P2P trading
Trading Fees	0.1% per trade (discounts available with BNB)
Withdrawal Limits	Up to 0.06 BTC/day without full KYC; higher limits require verification
Security Features	2FA, cold wallet storage, withdrawal whitelist
User Experience	Mobile app and web platform with advanced charts and trading tools
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email support, help center

2. Luno

South Africa has embraced Luno since its founding in 2013 as a credible and easy-to-use platform for crypto trading. It allows for the deposit of digital currency in South African Rands (ZAR) and is operated in the English language to suit South African traders.

Luno deals in key digital currencies, Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum; covering the crypto basics for for first timers or those investing casually. Luno promotes secured trading by offering cold storage of digital assets and two factor authentication (2FA) on accounts.

Luno is valued among South African traders for its friendly help on accounts, deposits, trading and withdrawals. Luno is a great platform for trading crypto in South Africa.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	Luno
KYC Requirement	Minimal for basic trading (email verification); full verification needed for higher deposit/withdrawal limits
Supported Cryptocurrencies	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), Litecoin, and more
Deposit Methods	Bank transfer (EFT), debit/credit card, Luno wallet
Trading Fees	0.1% – 0.25% per trade depending on volume
Withdrawal Limits	Low limits for unverified accounts; higher limits after ID verification
Security Features	2FA, cold storage, SSL encryption
User Experience	Simple mobile app and web platform, beginner-friendly
Customer Support	Email support, help center, FAQs

3. Bybit

Since its establishment in 2018, Bybit has become a preferred crypto exchange in South Africa, primarily for derivatives and margin trading. The exchange is user-friendly, as it supports the English language and accommodates the local client base.

It enables trading of not only major currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, but also a range of altcoins. Bybit is also renowned for the security measures it takes which include cold storage, multisignature wallets, and 2FA security locks on all user accounts.

The exchange is responsive on all customer support channels, providing assistance on live chat and through email. For all traders in South Africa, especially beginners, Bybit is a strong platform because of its high liquidity and trading functionalities.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	Bybit
KYC Requirement	Minimal for basic trading; higher levels for increased limits
Supported Coins	Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDT, XRP, and more
Deposit Methods	Crypto deposits; fiat via third-party services
Trading Fees	0.10% per trade; discounts with BNB staking
Withdrawal Limits	Up to 20,000 USDT/day post-Standard KYC; higher with Advanced/Pro KYC
Security Features	2FA, cold storage, withdrawal whitelist
User Experience	Advanced trading tools, mobile and web platforms
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email support

4. MEXC

Launched in 2018, MEXC has become one of the crypto exchanges of choice for South African traders, owing to the diversity of offered cryptocurrencies and the speed with which trades go through.

Having the platform in English makes it easier for South African traders to operate and conduct trades. MEXC provides hundreds of crypto assets for spot, margin, and futures trading which makes the platform suitable for novice as well as professional traders.

The platform places strong emphasis on trader security with features like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold wallet and risk management.

MEXC is also one of the few exchanges with 24/7 live customer support which South African traders value, as help is provided in a timely fashion for issues related to trading, deposits and withdrawals.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	MEXC
KYC Requirement	Optional for basic trading; required for higher withdrawal limits and fiat services
Supported Coins	Over 1,000 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT, XRP, and more
Deposit Methods	Crypto transfers, credit/debit cards, bank transfers, P2P, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, iDEAL
Trading Fees	0.20% per trade; discounts available through MEXC’s token (MX) staking
Withdrawal Limits	Up to 10 BTC/day without KYC; increases to 80 BTC/day with Primary KYC, and 200 BTC/day with Advanced KYC
Security Features	2FA, cold storage, withdrawal whitelist, regular security audits
User Experience	Advanced trading tools, mobile and web platforms, beginner-friendly
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email support, help center

5. Kraken

Kraken is one of the oldest and most reliable crypto exchanges internationally, including South Africa. They have a user-friendly English interface, and English-speaking locals can navigate the site easily.

They also have a good range of crypto assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a larger assortment of altcoins. Kraken is very dedicated to security and has a cold storage facility, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits.

They also have strong customer service provided 24/7, with live chats and email walks that customers through account creation, trading, and withdrawals.

All of these features create a very strong crypto trading platform, and that is why Kraken is South Africa’s preferred platform.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	Kraken
KYC Requirement	Mandatory for all users; includes KYC questionnaire and document submission
Supported Coins	Over 300 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT, and more
Deposit Methods	Bank transfer, debit/credit card, crypto deposits
Trading Fees	0.25% maker / 0.40% taker; discounts available for high-volume traders
Withdrawal Limits	Varies by verification level; higher limits with Intermediate or Pro levels
Security Features	2FA, cold storage, withdrawal whitelist
User Experience	Advanced trading tools, mobile and web platforms
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email support, help center

6. KuCoin

Since its launch in 2017, KuCoin has gained recognition in South Africa as a crypto exchange on account of the variety of cryptocurrencies it offers as well as its easy to use interface.

It is also designed to cater to South African customers since it offers services in English. KuCoin has made a name for itself in the industry as one of the most secure exchanges since it employs multiple layers of security, including 2FA, multi-tier encryption, and keeping user funds in cold storage.

The prompt and dedicated customer service that is available around the clock assists users in setting up accounts, making deposits, trading, and withdrawal which in turn simplifies the user experience even more.

For all these reasons and more, KuCoin has advanced trading features and a wide variety of crypto offerings in South Africa.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	KuCoin
KYC Requirement	Mandatory for all users; includes KYC questionnaire and document submission
Supported Coins	Over 300 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT, and more
Deposit Methods	Bank transfer, debit/credit card, crypto deposits
Trading Fees	0.25% maker / 0.40% taker; discounts available for high-volume traders
Withdrawal Limits	Varies by verification level; higher limits with Intermediate or Pro levels
Security Features	2FA, cold storage, withdrawal whitelist
User Experience	Advanced trading tools, mobile and web platforms
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email support, help center

7. OKX

OKX was founded in 2017, and it is a prominent cryptocurrency exchange in South Africa, trusted by many for trading in spot, futures, and options.

Its platform is in English, so South African traders find it easy to use, and it offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other altcoins.

OKX also has robust security protocols like 2FA, cold wallets, and risk control systems, which definitely help in securing the funds of its clients.

They also have live chat and email for 24/7 support, which assists users. OKX has become a preferred exchange in South Africa due to its high liquidity and sophisticated trading options.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	OKX
KYC Requirement	Mandatory for all users; includes KYC questionnaire and document submission
Supported Coins	Over 300 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT, and more
Deposit Methods	Bank transfer, debit/credit card, crypto deposits
Trading Fees	0.25% maker / 0.40% taker; discounts available for high-volume traders
Withdrawal Limits	Varies by verification level; higher limits with Intermediate or Pro levels
Security Features	2FA, cold storage, withdrawal whitelist
User Experience	Advanced trading tools, mobile and web platforms
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email support, help center

8. Bitget

Bitget started in 2018 and has become a widely accepted crypto exchange in South Africa in recent years, particularly renowned for its derivatives and futures trading offerings.

The platform supports multiple languages including English which means it can serve South African users.

Bitget offers a range of cryptocurrencies which covers Bitcoin, Ethereum and other popular altcoins. In addition to providing two-factor authentication (2FA), cold wallet storage, and multi-layered encryption for the protection of user funds,

Bitget also takes pride in its customer service. They provided 24/7 customer service in live chat and email concerning deposits, trading, and withdrawals. With innovative trading and enhanced liquidity, it is no wonder Bitget is a South African favourite.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	Bitget
KYC Requirement	Level 1 mandatory for all users; Level 2 optional for higher limits
Supported Coins	Over 300 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT, and more
Deposit Methods	Bank transfer, debit/credit card, crypto deposits
Trading Fees	0.20% per trade; discounts available for high-volume traders
Withdrawal Limits	Up to 20,000 USDT/day without KYC; up to 3 million USDT/day with Level 1 verification
Security Features	2FA, cold storage, withdrawal whitelist
User Experience	Advanced trading tools, mobile and web platforms
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email support, help center

9. VALR

Established in 2018, VALR is one of South Africa’s leading crypto exchanges. VALR is designed for novice and advanced traders.

The platform is in English and accommodates ZAR deposits, which are handy for individuals in South Africa wishing to buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin, Ethereum and other emerging cryptocurrencies and altcoins.

VALR implements 2FA, encryption, and cold storage to ensure user funds are safe. The platform user support via email and live chat is helpful in account setup, trading, and withdrawal, and is responsive.

In South Africa, VALR’s strong fundamentals, local support, and responsive design feature make it the most VALR is the most responsive.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	VALR
KYC Requirement	Mandatory for all users; includes KYC questionnaire and document submission
Supported Coins	Over 100 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT, and more
Deposit Methods	Bank transfer, debit/credit card, crypto deposits
Trading Fees	0.01% maker / 0.1% taker; discounts available for high-volume traders
Withdrawal Limits	Up to 0.2 BTC/day without KYC; increases to 100 BTC/day with Full KYC
Security Features	2FA, cold storage, withdrawal whitelist
User Experience	Advanced trading tools, mobile and web platforms
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email support, help center

10. Yellow Card

Founded in 2016, Yellow Card has become a reliable crypto exchange for South African users, offering a straightforward and convenient platform.

This exchange, functioning in English, facilitates the trading of key cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, also permitting ZAR deposits for simple local transactions. Yellow Card also strongly prioritizes safety and security, protecting user funds with two-factor authentication (2FA) and secure wallet storage.

Additionally, the platform offers dependable customer assistance, helping users via email and live chat on issues regarding account setup, deposits, and trading. Its focus on simplicity and the local market makes Yellow Card particularly suitable for South African beginners.

Feature	Details
Exchange Name	Yellow Card
Country Availability	South Africa & other African countries
KYC Requirement	Minimal – basic ID for higher limits
Supported Cryptocurrencies	Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and select altcoins
Deposit Methods	Bank transfer, Cash deposit, Mobile money
Withdrawal Methods	Bank transfer, Mobile money
Trading Fees	Low – varies by payment method
Mobile App	Yes – iOS & Android
Security Features	Two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, encrypted wallet
User-Friendly	Simple interface for beginners
Customer Support	Email, live chat, in-app support

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Local Currency Support (ZAR): Most exchanges allow easy deposits and withdrawals in South African Rand.	Limited Advanced Features: Some local-focused exchanges may lack advanced trading tools.
Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies: Access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins.	Regulatory Uncertainty: Crypto regulations in South Africa are evolving, which can impact exchanges.
Security Measures: Exchanges implement 2FA, cold storage, and encryption to protect funds.	Fees: Trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees can vary significantly between platforms.
User-Friendly Platforms: Many exchanges are designed for beginners with simple interfaces.	Liquidity Variations: Smaller exchanges may have lower liquidity, affecting price execution.
Customer Support: Most top exchanges offer 24/7 support for account and trading issues.	Potential Scams: Less-known exchanges may pose risks; research is essential.
Advanced Trading Tools (for major exchanges): Spot, futures, margin trading, and staking available.	Learning Curve: Advanced features can be complex for beginners.

Conclusion

When selecting the best crypto exchange in South Africa, consider your trading requirements, trading proficiency, and security needs.

Binance, Kraken, and OKX are best for expert users seeking extensive crypto sales and trading resources, while Luno, VALR, and Yellow Card target entry-level users and South Africans wanting ease and ZAR support.

The most important aspects should, of course, be security, compliance with regulations, costs, and support. Through choosing a safe, properly regulated exchange, South African crypto users will confidently access the market.

FAQ