Best Crypto Exchanges in South Africa 2026: Luno vs VALR vs AltCoinTrader
South Africa has several reputable, FSCA-licensed crypto exchanges to choose from. But which one is right for you? This guide compares the top options — Luno, VALR, and AltCoinTrader — on fees, coin selection, payment methods, and who each one actually suits.
Last updated: June 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Exchange | Best For | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Coins | PayShap | FSCA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VALR | Most traders | 0% | 0.2% | 130+ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Luno | Beginners | 0% | 0.1% | 14 | ✓ | ✓ |
| AltCoinTrader | SA-focused | 0% | 1.0% | 60 | ✗ | ✓ |
Our top pick for most South Africans: VALR. Unbeatable 0% maker fees on a broad 130+ coin selection, fully FSCA-licensed, and PayShap support for instant, free deposits. Use code VAAJX8MX when signing up. Sign up on VALR and get started today →
Luno — Best for Beginners
Luno is the most popular crypto exchange in South Africa and the natural starting point for new investors. Its app is clean, onboarding is simple, and it is deeply integrated with local payment rails including PayShap and instant EFT.
Who it suits: First-time crypto buyers who want a simple, trusted interface to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum in ZAR. If you just want to buy R500 of Bitcoin with minimal friction, Luno is the easiest place to do it.
The trade-off: You’re limited to 14 coins. Once you want SOL, ADA, or anything beyond the major assets, you’ll need to move to VALR.
Fees: 0% maker, 0.1% taker. Instant Buy uses a spread model that adds a small premium.
🏆 VALR — Best Overall
VALR has unequivocally become South Africa’s most sophisticated exchange by trading volume. With 130+ coins, unbeatable 0% maker fees, and advanced trading tools including futures and options, it offers absolutely everything a serious investor needs — securely regulated on home soil. As a fully FSCA-licensed CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider), your funds are protected under strict South African regulatory standards.
Who it suits: Intermediate and advanced traders, and any beginner who isn’t intimidated by a fuller interface. Most serious SA crypto investors end up on VALR as their primary exchange.
The trade-off: The interface has more depth than Luno. Not a problem once you’re familiar with it, but it can feel busy at first.
Fees: 0% maker (limit orders are completely free), 0.2% taker (discounts for high-volume traders). Absolutely no fees on ZAR deposits or withdrawals.
Why VALR is our undisputed top pick:
- Largest coin selection in SA (130+)
- 0% maker fees — limit orders cost nothing!
- PayShap integration for instant, free rand deposits
- Fully FSCA-licensed CASP with regular proof-of-reserves reporting
- Staking, futures, and API access for advanced users
🎁 Special Sign-Up Bonus: Use invite code VAAJX8MX to join the thousands of South Africans already trading on VALR.
👉 Sign up on VALR with code VAAJX8MX →
👉 Read our full comprehensive VALR review →
AltCoinTrader — Best for SA Loyalty
AltCoinTrader has been operating since 2017 and is 100% South African owned. While its 1% taker fee is high compared to competitors, it lists some altcoins not available on Luno or VALR and has a loyal user base among South Africans who prefer keeping funds entirely on home soil.
Who it suits: SA-first users who want a locally owned and operated exchange. Not competitive on fees — VALR wins on price decisively — but its track record and SA ownership resonate with some users.
The trade-off: 1% taker fee is 5x VALR’s rate. This adds up fast for active traders. The interface is dated compared to Luno and VALR.
👉 Read our full AltCoinTrader review →
What About Offshore Exchanges?
Platforms like Binance and Coinbase are accessible to South Africans but are not FSCA-licensed. Using them is legal, but:
- Consumer protections are limited — no SA regulatory recourse if something goes wrong
- SARS still requires you to declare all trades regardless of which exchange you use
- ZAR deposits are more complicated (usually card or crypto bridge, not EFT)
For most South Africans, FSCA-licensed local exchanges are the safer and simpler choice. VALR covers 95% of what a retail investor needs.
How to Choose
Just starting out? → Start with Luno for simplicity, then move to VALR when you want more coins or lower fees.
Want the lowest fees and most coins? → VALR. It is the best all-round exchange in SA.
Want to keep everything SA-owned? → AltCoinTrader, with the understanding that the 1% taker fee will cost you more over time.
Doing significant volume? → VALR, where high-volume discounts reduce taker fees below Luno’s flat 0.1%.
Tax Reminder
Whichever exchange you use, SARS requires you to declare all crypto profits. Read our SARS Crypto Tax Guide → to understand your obligations before you start trading.
Reviews updated June 2026. Always verify current fees and features directly with the exchange before trading.