VALR Review 2026

Overview

VALR is South Africa’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and coin selection. Founded in 2018 and FSCA-licensed, it has grown rapidly to become the preferred platform for intermediate and advanced SA crypto traders. With 130+ assets, 0% maker fees, and advanced order types, VALR punches above its weight even against global exchanges.

Who is VALR best for?

VALR is ideal for experienced SA crypto investors who want low fees, a wide coin selection, and professional-grade tools. It’s also increasingly popular with beginners who’ve outgrown Luno and want more control over their trading.

Fees in Detail

VALR offers 0% maker fees across all spot markets — meaning limit orders that add liquidity are completely free. Taker fees start at 0.2% but decrease with higher 30-day trading volume, dropping to 0.02% for high-volume traders.

This fee structure makes VALR one of the cheapest exchanges in SA for active traders.

ZAR Deposits

VALR supports:

• EFT — standard bank transfer
• PayShap — instant ZAR deposits
• Debit/Credit card — via third-party payment processor
• Crypto — deposit any supported asset directly

Coin Selection

With 130+ listed assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and dozens of altcoins, VALR gives South African investors access to a global-level coin selection without needing to use offshore exchanges.

FSCA Licensing

VALR is fully licensed by the FSCA and has been recognised as one of the more transparent and well-capitalised exchanges in SA. They publish regular proof-of-reserves reports.

Verdict

VALR is the best all-round crypto exchange for South Africans. The combination of 0% maker fees, 130+ coins, and FSCA licensing makes it the top choice for anyone beyond the beginner stage. If you’re ready to move past Luno, VALR is where most serious SA crypto investors end up.