Best Crypto Exchanges in South Africa for July 2025

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Bybit - Best for active traders (trading fees from 0, strong futures liquidity)
MEXC - Best for additional futures trading opportunities (numerous events and regular competitions)
OKX - Best automated trading solutions (copy trading, easy bot integration)
Binance - Best liquidity in top coins (highest BTC and ETH volume, as well as average liquidity)
Bitget - Best for diverse social trading (spot, futures, and bot copy trading with low fees)

At Traders Union, we evaluate cryptocurrency exchanges in South Africa to help traders find safe, reliable, and feature-rich platforms while avoiding unregulated options.

To recommend the top exchanges for South Africa, we analyzed 100+ platforms using 140 measurable data points, focusing on security, fees, regulation, usability, and advanced trading tools.

Our transparent Methodology ensures data-driven recommendations, helping both beginners and professionals choose the best crypto trading platforms in South Africa

Risk warning: Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, with sharp price swings and regulatory uncertainties. Research indicates that 75-90% of traders face losses. Only invest discretionary funds and consult an experienced financial advisor.

Comparison of leading crypto trading platforms in South Africa

We compared crypto exchanges based on key factors:

Acceptance of residents from South Africa
Minimum deposit
Range of supported cryptocurrencies
Spot maker fee rates

This analysis highlights the top exchanges in South Africa, ensuring they meet the needs of both novice and experienced traders.

	Bybit
Accepts residents of South Africa	Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum deposit, USD	1	1 10 No 10 EUR	1 10 No 10 EUR
Coins Supported	638	2276 329 415 831	2276 329 415 831
Spot maker fee	0,1	No 0,08 0,1 0,1	No 0,08 0,1 0,1
Study review	Study review	Study review Study review Study review Study review	Study review Study review Study review Study review

We have thoroughly evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the top cryptocurrency exchanges in South Africa, providing overall ratings based on our proprietary, data-driven methodology.

Available in South Africa

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TU Overall Score 9.2 /10
User Satisfaction score Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.	9.7 /10
Commissions and fees score Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.	9.3 /10
Regulation and safety score Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.	9.8 /10

It has a convenient, intuitive proprietary trading platform that is presented in the browser version, which eliminates conflicts with the operating system and braking when sending orders;
Integration with TradingView allows users to simplify crypto market analysis and trading via a single platform;
Combination of futures and perpetual contracts trading;
There is an order book that allows you to assess the depth of the market and current trading volumes;
It has a minimum entry threshold. The cost of a BTC/USD futures contract is USD 1;
It is possible to open long and short positions with subsequent mutual recalculation;
Opportunities for Muslim traders to participate in the crypto market.

It has conditions for trading futures that are difficult for beginners, such as the formula for calculating the leverage, the terminology of the funding size and the premium index, funding rates, etc.;
Lacks a mechanism to protect the interests of traders in the event of controversial issues;

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TU Overall Score 9.1 /10
User Satisfaction score Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.	7.6 /10
Commissions and fees score Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.	8.5 /10
Regulation and safety score Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.	5.3 /10

120+ cryptocurrencies for trading;
receive additional income through staking and holding;
an affiliate program with income up to 80% of the deposit of the invited trader.

withdrawal fees (0.0005 BTC for Bitcoin);
lack of support for fiat currencies for trading;
no MAM or PAMM accounts;
mandatory verification.

Available in South Africa

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TU Overall Score 8.9 /10
User Satisfaction score Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.	7.3 /10
Commissions and fees score Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.	9.3 /10
Regulation and safety score Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.	7.5 /10

The availability of various investment programs.
Proprietary educational academy with useful materials.
Wide range of cryptocurrencies.
The exchange is multilingual and available in 20 languages.
A mobile app is available.
The exchange uses cold and hot wallets with a high-security level.
The company offers cryptocurrency listing services.

Trading and depositing in fiat currencies are not available.
Few ways to contact client support
The company is unlicensed and unregulated.

Available in South Africa

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TU Overall Score 8.7 /10
User Satisfaction score Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.	7.8 /10
Commissions and fees score Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.	8.5 /10
Regulation and safety score Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.	9.8 /10

low commissions due to liquidity and trading volumes.
high platform performance;
proprietary BNB Coin which allows Binance to reduce the commission size;
a proprietary cold wallet guarantees the security of your crypto assets by storing them.

complex verification procedure;
the exchange is not licensed by a regulator;
The platform can go offline without warning;
there are complaints about the technical functionality of the platform;
there is an intricate mechanism for calculating commissions and rewards (grid system Maker/Taker).

Available in South Africa

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Your capital is at risk.

TU Overall Score 8.7 /10
User Satisfaction score Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.	6.7 /10
Commissions and fees score Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.	7.5 /10
Regulation and safety score Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.	10 /10

availability of demo accounts;
convenient ways to contact the support service;
a wide range of cryptocurrencies for account replenishment;
service of copying trades for receiving passive income;
ability to reduce commissions using credits earned in the bonus program;
ability to engage in algorithmic trading;
educational materials for novice traders on the exchange website;
the exchange uses hot and cold cryptocurrency wallets to store client funds;
deposits and withdrawals in fiat currencies.

We at Traders Union have over 14 years of experience in financial markets, evaluating cryptocurrency exchanges based on 140+ measurable criteria. Our team of 50 experts regularly updates a Watch List of 200+ exchanges, providing traders with verified, data-driven insights. We evaluate exchanges on security, reliability, commissions, and trading conditions, empowering users to make informed decisions. Before choosing a platform, we encourage users to verify its legitimacy through official licenses, review user feedback, and ensure robust security features (e.g., HTTPS, 2FA). Always perform independent research and consult official regulatory sources before making any financial decisions.

Learn more about our methodology and editorial policies.

What are the cheapest crypto exchanges in South Africa

To determine the cheapest cryptocurrency exchanges in South Africa, we analyzed trading fees of the leading platforms in the region. Specifically, we evaluated maker and taker fees for both spot and futures trading and compared these values against market averages based on an analysis of over 100 exchanges.

Additionally, we reviewed deposit and withdrawal fees to provide a comprehensive assessment of the most cost-effective options for cryptocurrency trading in South Africa.

Trading fees:

We compared base-level fees for spot and futures trading, including maker and taker fees. However, exchanges in South Africa offer significant discounts for traders as their trading volume increases.

	Bybit		Market average Based on comparing fees across more than 200 cryptocurrency exchanges.
Spot maker fee, %	0,1	No 0,08 0,1 0,1	0.194
Spot taker fee, %	0,1	0,05 0,1 0,1 0,1	0.157
Futures maker fee, %	0,02	No 0,02 0,02 0,02	0.024
Futures taker fee, %	0,055	0,02 0,05 0,05 0,06	0.053

Deposit and withdrawal fees and payment options

We also compared crypto exchanges deposit and withdrawal fees, as well as the payment methods available in South Africa.

	Bybit
Deposit fee	No	No No No No	No No No No
Withdrawal fee	0,000111 ВТС 0,0015 ETH (ERC20)	0,0003 BTC 0,0004 BTC 2,6 USDT 0-3,5% 0,00005 BTC 0,00064 ETH	0,0003 BTC 0,0004 BTC 2,6 USDT 0-3,5% 0,00005 BTC 0,00064 ETH
Bank Wire	Yes	Yes No Yes Yes	Yes No Yes Yes
Bank cards	Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes
Payment services	Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes
P2P	Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes

What are the safest exchanges in South Africa

The safety of exchanges in South Africa was assessed based on Tier-1 regulation Tier-1 regulation refers to the highest level of financial oversight provided by globally recognized regulatory authorities, ensuring strict compliance with security, transparency, and user protection standards. , security measures (e.g., 2FA, cold wallets), and the absence of successful hacking incidents. Exchanges with Tier-1 regulation are the most reliable, as they comply with strict international standards.

	Bybit
Tier-1 regulation	Yes	No No Yes Yes	No No Yes Yes
Government-regulated	Yes	No Yes Yes Yes	No Yes Yes Yes
2FA	Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cold wallet storage	Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes
Investor protection fund	Yes	No Yes Yes Yes	No Yes Yes Yes

Is crypto market regulated and taxable in South Africa

Crypto regulation in South Africa

In South Africa, cryptocurrencies are classified as financial products under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) oversees crypto asset service providers (CASPs), requiring them to register as financial services providers and comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. As of December 2022, amendments to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) mandate that entities involved in crypto-related activities, such as exchanges and custodians, are considered accountable institutions, subjecting them to stringent reporting and compliance standards. Currently, there are no specific restrictions on leverage or requirements to operate exclusively with local exchanges. Additionally, South Africa does not offer deposit insurance schemes for cryptocurrency holdings.

Taxation of cryptocurrencies in South Africa

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) treats cryptocurrencies as assets of an intangible nature. Profits from crypto transactions are subject to taxation based on the individual's intent:
Capital Gains Tax (CGT): If the cryptocurrency is held as a long-term investment, profits are taxed under CGT, with an effective rate of up to 18%.
Income Tax: If the individual actively trades or uses crypto for business purposes, profits are taxed as ordinary income, with rates ranging from 18% to 45%, depending on total income.
Taxable events include selling crypto for fiat, trading one crypto for another, and using crypto to purchase goods or services. Non-taxable events encompass buying crypto with fiat, holding crypto, and transferring assets between personal wallets. SARS mandates detailed record-keeping of all crypto transactions and has intensified its focus on crypto-related tax compliance, utilizing advanced technologies to monitor and enforce regulations.

Important!

The information on cryptocurrency taxation in South Africa is provided for informational purposes only. Be sure to consult a professional for accurate guidance.

Are there cryptocurrency exchanges with ZAR accounts?

Yes, many cryptocurrency exchanges support deposits and withdrawals in ZAR. Additionally, you can use peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms to exchange Bitcoin for ZAR using popular payment methods in South Africa.

	Bybit	Binance	Bitget
ZAR	Yes	Yes	Yes
P2P account	Yes	Yes	Yes

What are the best crypto exchanges for beginners in South Africa?

The best crypto exchanges for beginners in South Africa offer:

High education scores, providing access to a variety of learning materials for beginners.
P2P trading with a wide range of payment methods and support for the local currency, making it easy to start.
Demo account for risk-free practice before trading real funds.
Passive income options like staking and copy trading to earn without extensive market knowledge.

	Bybit	MEXC	OKX
Education	9.23	6.98	7.13
P2P account	Yes	Yes	Yes
Demo account	Yes	No	Yes
Staking	Yes	Yes	Yes
Copy trading	Yes	Yes	Yes
Beginner friendly app	Yes	Yes	Yes

How choose the best crypto exchange in South Africa?

When choosing a crypto exchange in South Africa, consider these essential factors:

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ensure the exchange supports a wide range of coins, including altcoins and stablecoins, especially if you plan to diversify beyond Bitcoin. A broader selection offers greater flexibility for both trading and investment.
Local Payment Options

Opt for platforms that support local payment methods in South Africa, such as bank transfers, mobile money, or local e-wallets. This simplifies deposits and withdrawals while reducing currency conversion fees.
Transparent Fees

Compare trading fees, withdrawal charges, and any hidden costs. Lower fees mean higher profits, so look for exchanges with competitive pricing structures that clearly display all costs upfront.
Robust Security

Prioritize exchanges with strong security measures, including two-factor authentication (South Africa), cold storage for funds, and regular audits. Review the platform's history to ensure no major hacking incidents.
Educational Resources

For beginners, exchanges with demo accounts, tutorials, and a strong educational section can help you learn trading strategies and reduce risks.
Customer Support

Reliable customer service is essential, especially for troubleshooting technical or account issues. Choose platforms with 24/7 support and multiple contact methods.

Expert advice for traders in South Africa

As a trader, I've found that an intuitive and stable trading interface significantly impacts efficiency. Exchanges that integrate with TradingView or offer customizable charting tools help traders perform better market analysis. Mobile-friendly platforms are also essential for staying updated and making quick decisions on the go. An unreliable or slow platform can lead to missed opportunities, especially during high volatility periods.

Team that worked on the article

Alamin Morshed is a contributor at Traders Union. He specializes in writing articles for businesses that want to improve their Google search rankings to compete with their competition. With expertise in search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing, he ensures his work is both informative and impactful.

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).