Best crypto exchanges

Compare the best crypto exchanges for traders and investors in New Zealand.

By   |   Updated 15 Nov 2023

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Comparing crypto exchanges

Binance

On website

Featured

Binance

Highlights

  • Sign up on Binance to get a 100 USDT cashback voucher. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Access to 350+ cryptocurrencies.
  • Has some of the lowest transaction fees out there at 0.10%.
  • Take advantage of low fees and attractive VIP programs.

Pros

  • Compatible with multiple devices.
  • Credit card or debit card deposits are accepted.
  • Provides charting and trading tools suitable for advanced crypto traders.
  • 24x7 chat support.

Cons

  • The platform UI can be complicated to learn for new investors.
Swyftx

On website

Swyftx

Highlights

  • Receive $10 worth of BTC when you sign up and verify your account.
  • Trade over 260 assets on Swyftx including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin as well as DeFi coins such as UniCoin.
  • Deposit or withdraw funds from your account using several payment methods (PayID, OSKI, POLi or bank transfers).
  • New to Crypto? Try Swyftx's demo mode, it allows you to mock trade with no financial risk while you learn the ropes of crypto trading.

Pros

  • Trade more than 300 crypto assets through the Swyftx platform.
  • Offers tight spreads and low trading fees.
  • Get support within 5 minutes through their live chat.
  • Practice trading with a demo mode.

Cons

  • Lacks access to advanced trading markets.
Easy Crypto

On website

Easy Crypto

Highlights

  • The first crypto broker in New Zealand to offer a 100% funds safety guarantee on every order.
  • Full custodial control over your crypto at all times.
  • Convert easily and quickly between cryptocurrencies.

Pros

  • Simple and easy-to-navigate interface.
  • There is a wide range of cryptocurrencies available.
  • Includes tracker which shows your portfolio's performance.

Cons

  • High transaction fees compared to other exchanges.
Bitget

On website

Bitget

Highlights

  • Earn up to 5,005 USDT when you sign-up, deposit funds in your account, and start trading. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Trade over 150 coins and tokens.
  • Main feature includes one-click copy trading.
  • Provides 1-on-1 support for VIP customers and 24/7 multilingual online support.

Pros

  • The generous sign-up bonus when you meet the criteria.
  • Low trading fees.
  • You can sign-up for a demo account.
  • Get help from their customer support 24/7.

Cons

  • Has a limited number of educational tools and references.
Independent Reserve

On website

Independent Reserve

Highlights

  • Instant deposits 24/7 via Osko/PayID.
  • Fee-free deposits are available. Trading fees from 0.5% down to 0.02%.
  • Invest in crypto for your SMSF and get detailed reporting for ATO compliance.

Pros

  • Automate your cryptocurrency trading strategy with Independent Reserve's AutoTrader feature.
  • Its built-in tax calculator makes it easier to file your tax return.
  • ISO certified and has an AUSTRAC license.

Cons

  • It has a limited number of supported coins compared to other exchanges.
Bybit

On website

Bybit

Highlights

  • Get a $20 welcome bonus and earn up to $4,150 USDT when you sign-up today.
  • Take advantage of Bybit's high leverage and competitive trading fees.
  • Copy trading is available.

Pros

  • Easy signup process.
  • The complimentary gifts when you meet the criteria.
  • Access to advanced trading tools.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

Cons

  • Limited number of trading pairs.
  • Not regulated.
Uphold Crypto

On website

Crypto assets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Uphold Crypto

Highlights

  • Invest in 250 + cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, 27 national currencies, and multiple precious metals with 0% commission.
  • Ability to trade crypto against other assets like foreign currency and commodities.
  • Registered with FinCEN (US), FCA (UK), and FCIS (Lithuania).

Pros

  • Open an account in less than a minute.
  • Low deposit requirement and commission-free trading.
  • Option to trade fiat currencies and precious metals.

Cons

  • High spreads on low-liquidity assets.
KuCoin

On website

KuCoin

Highlights

  • Safe and rapid Bitcoin purchase.
  • Multiple order types for all kinds of risk appetite.
  • Sign up and get a welcome gift.

Pros

  • Supports 600+ different coins.
  • Has low maker and taker fees, starting at 0.10%.
  • Opportunity to earn interest in your cryptocurrencies.

Cons

  • A limited choice of payment options is available.
Coinbase

On website

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Coinbase

Highlights

  • Buy and sell popular digital currencies, keep track of them in the one place.
  • Invest in cryptocurrency slowly over time by scheduling buys daily, weekly, or monthly.
  • Crypto stored on Coinbase servers is covered by an insurance policy.

Pros

  • Get access to a wide variety of altcoins.
  • Start trading with as little as $2.
  • Offers Coinbase card which allows you to spend crypto anywhere.

Cons

  • Fees are higher compared to other exchanges.
YouHodler

On website

YouHodler

Highlights

  • Exchange cryptocurrencies, fiat, and stablecoins.
  • Buy crypto with credit card, (Visa, Mastercard) and your SEPA bank account.
  • Open a crypto savings account or apply for a crypto loan.

Pros

  • Offers good interest rates for stablecoins.
  • Features that include crypto loans, turbocharge and multi HODL.
  • You can withdraw funds anytime.

Cons

  • Relatively new compared to other exchanges.
PrimeXBT

On website

PrimeXBT

Highlights

  • Margin trade Bitcoin, S&P 500, Gold, EUR/USD and 100+ assets.
  • Copy leading trades on the platform and get same returns.
  • Buy Bitcoin, Ether and other major digital currencies using bank transfer or VISA/Mastercard.

Pros

  • Offers margin trading.
  • Low trading fees.
  • Earn up to 14% APY on the most popular crypto assets.

Cons

  • Spot trading is not available.
Gemini Exchange

Gemini Exchange

Highlights

  • Gemini Exchange makes it simple to research the crypto market, buy bitcoin and other cryptos, and build a portfolio for the future of money.
  • Set recurring buys and dynamic price alerts.
  • All crypto held online in Gemini's exchange wallet is insured and it uses the best-in-industry cold storage coverage with leading insurance providers.

Pros

  • Suitable for both beginner and advanced traders.
  • Supports multiple fiats and cryptocurrencies.
  • You can earn interest on your cryptocurrency balances.
  • Its mobile apps are highly rated.

Cons

  • The fee structure can be expensive for both small trades and higher volume trades.
Bitstamp

Bitstamp

Highlights

  • Enjoy easy, fast and reliable crypto trading.
  • Use your credit or debit card to make a deposit and take advantage of low trading fees.
  • Offers advanced trading tools and 24/7 dedicated support.

Pros

  • User-friendly crypto exchange with low fees.
  • Bank-grade security & insurance.
  • Earn rewards.

Cons

  • Other exchanges offer more coin options.

What is a New Zealand crypto exchange?

A New Zealand crypto exchange is the platform where traders and investors can buy, sell, and trade a variety of cryptocurrencies. An exchange facilitates trading between buyers and sellers for a fee, which is their primary source of revenue.

Crypto exchanges in New Zealand are not obliged to comply with regulations established by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).

Characteristics of the best crypto exchanges in New Zealand

  1. Compliance with regulations. Although there is no formal regulation of crypto in New Zealand, we prioritise locally-owned and operated exchanges in our list or those that are licensed or regulated by one or more regulators in another jurisdiction.
  2. Low fees. Not only should a good crypto exchange have competitive fees, but any fees should be transparent and easy to understand for traders of all levels.
  3. Choice. Not everyone wants to buy and sell Bitcoin alone. The best crypto exchanges list the top coins but also stablecoins such as USDT and USDC as well as upcoming altcoins like Dogecoin, XRP, Cardano, Solana, and Polygon, among others.
  4. Security built in. We are looking for robust security measures including cold storage and 2FA as standard. Some exchanges have depositors' insurance, which protects your assets in the event the exchange faces issues with liquidity or gets breached. Ideally, an exchange should have the option to store your crypto tokens on your own hardware wallet instead of the exchange's "hot" wallet.
  5. Proof of Reserves (PoR). A means of verifying that an exchange holds enough assets to cover their users' deposits.
  6. Customer support. Prompt and effective resolution of user queries and issues is a given.
  7. Convenient deposit and withdrawal options. Availability of multiple methods for NZD deposits and withdrawals, ideally with low fees for both.
  8. Excellent user experience. Suffice to say that some crypto exchanges are not designed well. We list those with an intuitive interface that caters to both novice and experienced traders.
  9. Social or copy trading. Popular with beginners, this is a way to trade crypto automatically by following the trades of someone else.
  10. Available as a native app. Crypto exchanges are generally available as an app for iOS and Android, although some are implemented better than others.
  11. Transaction speed. Crypto moves fast. Exchanges should process orders, deposits, withdrawals, and trades efficiently to avoid slippage.
  12. Tax friendly. If the exchange doesn't provide tax reports for IRD (Inland Revenue Department), it should integrate with a dedicated crypto tax service or generate statements for easy import.

Types of crypto exchanges in New Zealand

  1. Centralised exchanges (CEXs). Known for their liquidity and extensive cryptocurrency listings. Binance and Coinbase are examples. Typically more beginner-friendly.
  2. Decentralised exchanges (DEXs). These non-custodial platforms allow direct, peer-to-peer transactions over the blockchain. Uniswap and PancakeSwap are major players. They're generally less beginner-friendly.
  3. Hybrid exchanges. These merge the benefits of both centralised and decentralised platforms, delivering security alongside a broad range of services. KuCoin and Crypto.com are examples.

FAQ

Is New Zealand a crypto-friendly country?

Yes, New Zealand is considered crypto-friendly compared to many nations.

How can I cash out my cryptocurrency in New Zealand?

Use a crypto exchange offering fiat withdrawal options. Sell your cryptocurrency for NZD and then transfer the funds to your bank account.

Is trading cryptocurrency legal in New Zealand?

Yes, cryptocurrency trading is legal in New Zealand, with the country taking a balanced approach to crypto regulations.

Can foreigners buy cryptocurrency in New Zealand?

Yes, both foreigners and residents can engage in cryptocurrency trading in New Zealand.

What deposit methods are generally supported?

Bank transfers and credit/debit cards are the primary methods to deposit funds on a New Zealand crypto exchange.

What are the typical fees involved?

Fees vary between exchanges, but generally encompass trading fees, deposit fees, and withdrawal fees.