5 Best Crypto Trading Platforms in South Africa: Experts’ Choice for Beginners
By Jamaica De Peralta | Published on November 02, 2025
Searching for the best crypto trading platform in South Africa can be one of the most challenging experiences for beginners, especially in a market tarnished by numerous fraudulent activities.
This TRU blog has compiled a list of the Top 5 crypto platforms that are verified, trusted, and completely unbiased. Our experts have personally tested multiple crypto platforms, examining key features such as regulatory compliance, pricing, and fees, along with their pros and cons, which will give you a reality check on both the drawbacks and advantages you should consider based on your trading style and strategy.
What is a Crypto Trading Platform?
The digital currency is called cryptocurrency, and this is mainly used for online trading. Technically, a crypto trading platform is where traders place orders to buy and sell cryptocurrencies to execute their trading activities. This is also where you interact with brokers that have integrated a cryptocurrency platform as part of their services.
Therefore, this is a crucial part of your crypto trading journey because the platform acts as a broad ecosystem where you manage not only your trading orders but also the tools you need to effectively apply your strategies.
However, trading strategies and tools aren’t the only key factors in a crypto platform. It also encompasses the robustness and credibility of the entire system. This means examining the broker’s regulation, minimum deposit requirements, and other essential features before you start.
Top 5 Reliable Cryptocurrency Platforms
These top 5 platforms have been assessed based on features that reflect true credibility and are specifically tailored to guide beginners in choosing a reliable crypto trading platform.
1. AltCoinTrader
AltCoinTrader (Pty) Ltd is a Johannesburg based crypto exchange founded in 2015 by Richard de Sousa, who continues to serve as CEO. As an early Bitcoin advocate, de Sousa built AltCoinTrader to simplify access to cryptocurrency for everyday South Africans.
The platform is the first listed under the Financial Security Conduct Authority (FSCA) List of Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPS). This means that AltCoinTrader is authorized under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act—no 37 of 2002.
| Feature | Details |
| Available Cryptocurrencies | 30+ (BTC, ETH, Monero, etc.) |
| Regulatory Compliance | Licensed CASP & FSP (#53614) |
| Security | Proof-of-reserves, 2FA |
| Maker & Taker Fees | 0.1% maker, 0.75% taker |
| Deposit & Withdrawal Fees | Free ZAR deposits; withdrawal 0.00057 BTC |
| Customer Support | Email & phone; no live chat |
| Trading Tools | Basic order book; mobile apps |
| Pros | Simple interface, fast registration |
| Cons | Limited advanced features |
Read more: https://blog.tradersunited.org/altcointrader-crypto-platform-review/
2. EasyEquities
Founded in 2014, EasyEquities’ legal name in South Africa is First World Trader (Pty) Ltd, and it is FSCA-regulated and part of JSE-listed Purple Group. It offers crypto trading via EasyCrypto with no minimum deposit and low fees, which makes it beginner-friendly.
| Feature | Details |
| Available Cryptocurrencies | 100+ via EasyCrypto |
| Regulatory Compliance | FSCA-regulated |
| Security | Standard platform security |
| Maker & Taker Fees | 0.25% + admin fees |
| Deposit & Withdrawal Fees | Free EFT deposits; ZAR withdrawals |
| Customer Support | Email: slow response |
| Trading Tools | Mobile/web app, watchlists |
| Pros | Low fees, no minimum entry |
| Cons | Limited research tools |
Read more: https://blog.tradersunited.org/easy-equities-review-is-it-safe-and-legit/
3. AvaTrade
Ava Capital Markets (Pty) Ltd was founded in 2006 and is globally regulated and FSCA-licensed (#45984). It offers crypto CFDs via MT4/MT5 and proprietary platforms, with strong security and advanced tools.
| Feature | Details |
| Available Cryptocurrencies | Wide range via CFDs |
| Regulatory Compliance | FSCA (#45984) |
| Security | Segregated funds, encryption |
| Maker & Taker Fees | Spread-based |
| Deposit & Withdrawal Fees | Quick local processing |
| Customer Support | 24/7 multilingual |
| Trading Tools | MT4/MT5, AvaOptions, AvaProtect |
| Pros | Advanced tools, global regulation |
| Cons | Crypto is limited to CFDs |
Read more: https://blog.tradersunited.org/avatrade-broker-review-is-it-legit/
4. Luno
Founded in 2013, Luno (Pty) Ltd is FSCA licensed and operates in 40+ countries. It offers a secure, mobile-first platform with ZAR support and educational resources.
| Feature | Details |
| Available Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH |
| Regulatory Compliance | Licensed CASP & FSP |
| Security | Multi-signature cold storage |
| Maker & Taker Fees | Competitive; varies |
| Deposit & Withdrawal Fees | Free EFT; low express withdrawal |
| Customer Support | 24/7 chatbot + expert support |
| Trading Tools | TradingView charts, bundles |
| Pros | Secure, intuitive |
| Cons | Limited advanced tools |
Read more: Luno South Africa Review in 2025: Is It the Right Crypto Wallet for You?
5. VALR
VALR (Pty) Ltd, launched in 2018, is FSCA-licensed and backed by Pantera Capital. It offers spot, futures, staking, and tokenized stocks with zero maker fees.
| Feature | Details |
| Available Cryptocurrencies | 75+ (BTC, ETH, DeFi tokens) |
| Regulatory Compliance | Licensed FSP (#53308) |
| Security | Cold storage via Bittrex, 2FA |
| Maker & Taker Fees | 0% maker, 0.05% taker |
| Deposit & Withdrawal Fees | ZAR deposits via EFT/cards |
| Customer Support | Help center, ticket support |
| Trading Tools | Spot, futures, staking |
| Pros | Zero maker fees, strong security |
| Cons | Limited educational tools |
Read more: Ultimate VALR Review in 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before Creating an Account
Conclusion: Building Trust Before You Trade
Oftentimes, traders fall into hype, chase what seems budget-friendly, and depend on platforms with sketchy regulatory standing. Nowadays, everything can be manipulated, and the amount of inorganic information in the market can be misleading, which leads to huge losses. This is the reality check traders need to be aware of.
At the end of the day, the most vital aspect is education, and this is the asset no one can take from you. Being knowledgeable not only about platforms but also about the overall dynamics of cryptocurrency means understanding proper security, choosing regulated services, and demanding your rights as a trader.
Set your standards high with CommuniTrade, a reputable trading community that can guide you through your trading journey. Get free access to trading courses, live trading signals, expert-led webinars, and more cryptocurrency insights to stay in your zone of genius.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Berry trading platform regulated?
Berry trading platforms are not listed under the FSCA’s approved Crypto Asset Service Providers in South Africa. Without FSCA licensing, they lack regulatory oversight, which increases risk for users.
What is the minimum amount to start trading crypto in South Africa?
Most local platforms in South Africa have very low entry points. Easy Equities, for example, have no minimum deposit. However, always check free structures because small trades can incur proportionally higher costs.
How do crypto trading platforms handle tax reporting in South Africa?
Crypto gains are taxable under the Income Tax Act and must be declared as income or capital gains. Platforms like First World Trader (Pty) Ltd report transactions with SARS, and you must include them in your annual return.
