10 Best Crypto Exchanges in Australia (2026)
Researching the best cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia? From fees to security, there's a lot to consider. Here are 10 expert picks of the best crypto exchanges in Australia in 2026.
What are the best cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia?
Looking for a crypto exchange in Australia? We've done the digging so that you don't have to. Use our table to compare Australia's best crypto exchanges on fiat currencies, fees, deposit methods, and more. For peace of mind, we have only included exchanges that are registered with AUSTRAC.
| Exchange | Cryptocurrencies | Maker/taker fees |
|---|---|---|
| Kraken | 400+ | From 0.25%/0.40% |
| CoinSpot | 530+ | From 0.10% |
| Coinbase | 250+ | From 0.40%/0.60% |
| Swyftx | 440+ | From 0.60% |
| BTC Markets | 35+ | From 0.85% |
| Independent Reserve | 35+ | From 0.50% |
| Cointree | 200+ | From 0.75% |
| CoinJar | 60+ | From 1% |
| Coinstash | 1,000+ | From 0.85% |
| Digital Surge | 400+ | From 0.50% |
Kraken
Kraken is a global crypto exchange that entered the Australian market in 2020 through its acquisition of local Australian exchange, Bit Trade. Offering hundreds of coins, on-chain staking, and Kraken Pro for advanced order types and analytics, Kraken is a highly compliant crypto exchange to consider for Aussie investors.
Pros & cons
✅ Phone-based customer support
✅ Global exchange with deep liquidity
✅ Strong range of fiat currencies
❌ Fewer AUD pairs than local exchanges
❌ Spot fees may be higher compared to other market leaders
Key features
AUD support through PayID, OSKO, card & more
400+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.25%/0.40%
On-chain staking for intermediate verified accounts
No derivatives or margin trading for retail investors
1:1 PoR, SOC 1 & 2, active bug bounty
AUSTRAC-registered
Business accounts for SMSFs
Coinspot
CoinSpot is a homegrown Australian crypto exchange, and one of Australia's largest, with over 3 million users. Founded in Melbourne in 2013 and AUSTRAC-registered, CoinSpot is a safe and reputable exchange for Aussie investors. With low fees as standard and an excellent selection of tokens, the platform is an excellent entry point for newcomers to crypto.
Pros & cons
✅ Excellent customer support, based in Australia
✅ Low fees for market trades
✅ Highly regulated & transparent audits
❌ Limited fiat currencies compared to global exchanges
❌ Spreads can be high in some instances
Key features
AUD supported through PayID, card, transfer & more
530+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.10%
Staking discontinued in 2023
No derivatives or margin trading available
External statutory financial audit, active bug bounty
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSF accounts available
Coinbase
Coinbase launched in Australia after establishing itself as a leading crypto exchange globally. The platform is AUSTRAC-registered, with easy on/off-ramp options for AUD for hundreds of leading tokens and altcoins. For those looking to up their trading experience, Coinbase Advanced offers TradingView integration, advanced order types, and real-time market data.
Pros & cons
✅ Easy UX on app & desktop
✅ Industry-leading security
✅ Deep liquidity across markets
❌ Limited professional trading features
❌ Trading fees can be high for some products
Key features
AUD supported through PayID, card, transfer & more
250+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.40%/0.60%
On-chain staking is available on 8 assets
No derivatives or margin trading for retail investors
1:1 PoR, SOC 1 & 2, active bug bounty
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSF accounts in development
Swyftx
Swyftx is a local Australian crypto exchange, launched in Brisbane in 2018 and registered with AUSTRAC. The platform offers a strong selection of assets, SMSF accounts, and a rewards program, alongside automated diversification and investment through crypto bundles and dollar-cost averaging.
Pros & cons
✅ Highly regulated Australian exchange
✅ Supports multiple fiat currencies, with strong AUD support
✅ Tiered trade fees
❌ Limited advanced trading features
❌ Higher fees for day traders compared to global exchanges
Key features
AUD supported through PayID, OSKO, card & more
440+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.60%
Staking discontinued in 2023
No derivatives or margin trading for retail investors
Operates with full reserves, account protections
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSF accounts available
BTC Markets
Born and bred in Melbourne in 2013, BTC Markets is an Australian crypto exchange ideal for investors seeking reliability, transparency, and long-term holdings. Though the platform offers a more modest range of cryptocurrencies than other crypto exchanges in Australia, it has built an excellent reputation for compliance, ease of use, and reliability, particularly for OTC trading and SMSFs.
Pros & cons
✅ Trusted & regulated Australian exchange
✅ OTC trade desk
✅ Low fees
❌ Limited advanced trading features
❌ Fewer cryptocurrencies comparatively
Key features
AUD supported through PayID, OSKO, card & more
35+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.85%
Staking is unavailable
No derivatives or margin trading for retail investors
Operates on full reserves, account protections
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSF accounts available
Independent Reserve
Independent Reserve has been a stalwart for Aussie crypto investors since 2013, making it one of the oldest crypto exchanges in Australia. The platform offers account types for all investors, including individuals, trusts, HNWI, institutions, asset managers, and family offices, as well as providing an OTC trading desk.
Pros & cons
✅ Customer insurance fund
✅ PayPal integration
✅ Tiered fee structure
❌ Fees for smaller AUD deposits
❌ Limited number of cryptocurrencies
Key features
AUD supported through PayID, OSKO, transfer & more
35+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.50%
Staking is unavailable
No derivatives or margin trading
Operates on full reserves, account protections
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSF accounts available
Cointree
Cointree is a homegrown Australian crypto exchange, founded in 2018. It's a great option for beginners thanks to a user-friendly interface and a decent selection of coins, as well as offering gold investments through a partnership with Rush Gold. For those looking to deposit in cash, Cointree has partnered with Blueshyft to make this simple.
Pros & cons
✅ Regulated, Australia-based exchange
✅ Supports gold bullion trading
✅ Copy investment portfolios
❌ Higher fees than some other exchanges
❌ Trade limit of $50,000
Key features
AUD supported through PayID, OKSO & cash deposits
200+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.75%
No staking is available
No derivatives or margin trading
Operates with full reserves, account protections
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSFs accounts
CoinJar
CoinJar is a compact but reputable crypto exchange in Australia with an excellent track record since its founding in 2013. It offers both personal and business accounts, including for trusts, and great automation features to make growing and diversifying your portfolio simple.
Pros & cons
✅ Regulated, Australia-based exchange
✅ Lower fees on CoinJar Exchange
✅ Offers crypto debit card
❌ Higher spot trading fees than other exchanges
❌ Smaller selection of cryptocurrencies
Key features
AUD supported through PayID, card & transfer
60+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 1%
No staking available
No derivatives or margin trading
Operates on full reserves, account protections
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSFs accounts
Coinstash
Coinstash is a Brisbane-based, AUSTRAC-registered Australian crypto exchange founded in 2017 and boasts the largest selection of tokens in our list. It has built a great reputation as an entry point to DeFi thanks to its DeFi connector product, and also offers a unique rewards program where STASH points can be redeemed for goods, services, and exclusive offers on the platform.
Pros & cons
✅ Regulated, Australia-based exchange
✅ Excellent range of cryptocurrencies
✅ DeFi connector feature
❌ Higher trading fees than other exchanges
❌ Limited advanced trading tools
Key features
AUD supported through PayID, card & transfer
1,000+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.85%
No staking available
No derivatives or margin trading
Operates on full reserves, account protections
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSFs accounts
Digital Surge
Digital Surge is a crypto exchange based in Brisbane and founded in 2017. The platform faced some difficulties in late 2022 due to overexposure to FTX, but it has since returned to full operations with a user-approved recovery plan, with all funds due to be returned. With a solid selection of assets, as well as individual, trust, and business accounts, Digital Surge has committed itself to transparency and simplicity.
Pros & cons
✅ Regulated, Australia-based exchange
✅ Very low-cost instant buys
✅ Strong AUD support
❌ Voluntary administration in 2022 following FTX collapse
❌ Limited advanced trading features
Key features
AUD supported through PayID & transfer
400+ cryptocurrencies
Maker/taker fees start from 0.50%
No staking available
No derivatives or margin trading
Operates on full reserves, account protections
AUSTRAC-registered
SMSFs accounts
How this list was built
We’ve reviewed the top platforms available to crypto investors in Australia, focusing on those that are legally able to operate in Australia and offer strong security, product versatility, and asset range. The platforms are not ranked from best to worst as each offers unique strengths, but for easier navigation, we’ve listed them by traffic volume as a proxy for popularity. All are reputable providers, but as with any investment, always DYOR before investing.
How to choose a crypto exchange in Australia
Not all crypto exchanges are built the same, and in Australia, the best crypto exchange for you depends on what you actually want to do with your money, whether that's trade often, build a long-term portfolio, or just buy some Bitcoin and hold it. So instead of going with the biggest name, focus on how well an exchange fits your needs.
First, check what you can actually trade. Some exchanges only offer the major coins, while others list hundreds of altcoins and stablecoins. Fees are another deal-breaker: spreads, deposit costs, and maker/taker fees can vary a lot, and high fees will eat into your profits if you trade regularly.
Next, think about usability. A clean app with easy AUD deposits and withdrawals makes life easier, especially if you’re new to crypto. If you’re more experienced, look for advanced charts, order types, or API support. Want to earn on your crypto? Then make sure the platform supports staking, earn products, or interest accounts for Australian users, because not all of them do.
Security should be non-negotiable. Look for things like offline cold storage, proof of reserves, two-factor authentication, and insurance or custody partnerships. And finally, check that the exchange is actually registered with AUSTRAC and follows Australian laws. Some global platforms don’t operate here legally or offer restricted services, so it pays to check before you deposit a cent.
Why are so many crypto exchanges banned in Australia?
Australia treats a lot of crypto activity as regulated financial services. If an exchange offers things like margin, derivatives (perps/options), yield/“earn” products, or anything that looks like a managed investment scheme or credit facility, it often needs an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence. It must meet strict design-and-distribution rules, target-market determinations, custody/segregation, and AML/CTF obligations. Many global platforms either don’t meet those standards or decide the compliance lift isn’t worth it, so they withdraw, trim features, or get pinged by regulators. Recent regulatory actions include:
Binance Australia (derivatives): AFS licence for its derivatives entity was cancelled in Apr 2023; ASIC later sued the business in Dec 2024 over misclassifying retail clients as wholesale for crypto derivatives.
FTX Australia: AFS licence cancelled in Jul 2023 following the global collapse.
Swyftx Earn: “Earn” program closed in Jan 2023, citing the regulatory environment.
eToro (CFDs): ASIC sued eToro Australia in Aug 2023 over design-and-distribution obligations for high-risk CFD products (a reminder that leveraged products face close scrutiny).
Block Earner: Federal Court found its fixed-yield “Earner” product breached licensing laws (no penalty at first instance; ASIC later won special leave to appeal in 2025).
Kraken/Bit Trade: Federal Court ordered $8m in penalties in Dec 2024 for offering an unlicensed margin (credit) product.
Why are so many crypto exchange features restricted in Australia?
Because many popular crypto features fall under Australia’s financial services laws. If a platform offers derivatives (perpetuals, futures, options) or margin/credit, it typically needs an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence, must run Design & Distribution Obligation (DDO) checks (target-market determinations, appropriateness tests), meet strict custody/segregation rules, and comply with AUSTRAC AML/CTF controls. That bar is high, and ASIC actively enforces it, so most exchanges either disable retail derivatives or limit leverage to stay compliant.
Staking has also been heavily pared back. In 2023, many Australian platforms discontinued staking/“earn” products or reworked them after regulators signalled that pooled staking, fixed-yield offers, or “pass-through” rewards can resemble managed investment schemes or other regulated financial products. Until the legal treatment is crystal-clear, and disclosures, custody, and investor protections are nailed, providers have tended to remove, restrict, or relaunch staking in a much more conservative form.
Under the new Digital Assets Framework, all crypto exchanges in Australia will have to register with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL).
Who regulates crypto exchanges in Australia?
In Australia, crypto is legal and accessible, but not every service is available on crypto exchanges. What you can and can’t access depends on who you are as a trader, whether you’re a retail investor or a wholesale client, what the platform offers, and how closely the exchange follows Australian licensing and compliance rules. Crypto isn't regulated by a single authority, but rather many agencies may have oversight into crypto regulation, including:
ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission): leads on financial-services law: licensing (AFS), markets, Design & Distribution Obligations, product disclosure, and enforcement (e.g., derivatives, margin, “earn”/staking where they resemble regulated products).
AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports & Analysis Centre): AML/CTF supervisor; exchanges must register as Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) providers and meet KYC/monitoring/reporting duties.
ATO (Australian Taxation Office): taxation of crypto (CGT, income, GST implications), cost-base/record-keeping, and reporting.
APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority): prudential oversight of banks/insurers/custodians that service exchanges; relevant to safeguarding client money and custody arrangements.
RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) / Payments System Board: policy and oversight of payment systems that underpin AUD deposits/withdrawals; standards affecting on-/off-ramps and stablecoin/payments work.
Department of the Treasury (Commonwealth Treasury): policy design and law reform for digital assets (consultations, licensing frameworks, custody/market rules).
ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission): competition and consumer law (misleading claims, unfair contract terms, scam deterrence, platform conduct).
OAIC (Office of the Australian Information Commissioner): privacy and data protection (Privacy Act, APPs), breach notification, cross-border data transfers.
ACMA (Australian Communications & Media Authority): marketing communications rules (spam, telemarketing/SMS), platform/content standards that can affect promotions.
Don't forget the tax bill...
Whatever exchange you use, if you have profits from crypto, the ATO is clear that they're taxable. Koinly is an Australian crypto tax calculator that can help you calculate your gains, losses, income, and more, as well as generate ATO-ready reports. Learn more in our Australia crypto tax guide or sign up for free today to get started with your taxes.
FAQs
What's the best crypto trading app in Australia?
Most Australian crypto exchanges offer a mobile app for both Android and Apple users, including Kraken, Coinbase, CoinSpot, Swyftx, CoinJar, and Independent Reserve.
What's the best crypto exchanges for SMSFs?
Most Aussie crypto exchanges offer dedicated SMSF accounts, including CoinSpot, CoinJar, and Swyftx. Check out our guides to the best crypto SMSF platforms.
What's the best crypto exchange for Australian banks?
When choosing a crypto trading or investment platform in Australia, it’s just as important to think about how easily you can move your money. Not all banks play nicely with crypto; some restrict transfers to and from exchanges, flag transactions, or even freeze accounts. That’s why it pays to work with a crypto-friendly bank. For a closer look at your options (and the red flags to avoid), check out our guide to the best crypto-friendly banks in Australia.
Do Australian crypto exchanges report to the ATO?
All of the top Australian crypto exchanges on our list are registered with AUSTRAC, Australia's anti-money laundering regulator. As part of this registration, Aussie crypto exchanges are required to report certain transactions and suspicious activity, and participate in data-sharing programs with the ATO. In short, your trades may already be on the tax office’s radar. Learn more about how each exchange shares data with the ATO:
Is Binance legal in Australia?
Yes, you can still use Binance in Australia, but it’s not officially licensed here anymore. Since mid-2023, Binance has lost its Aussie banking partners and is no longer AUSTRAC-registered. That means no AUD bank transfers, no PayID, and no local support. You can still trade, but you're doing it on an offshore exchange with zero oversight. Just because it’s not registered does not mean that Binance is off the ATO’s radar.
Is Bybit legal in Australia?
Australians can legally use Bybit, but the platform isn’t registered with AUSTRAC or regulated by ASIC. This puts Bybit in a regulatory grey area: not banned, but not overseen by local financial authorities. While it enforces its own KYC and AML processes, users don’t have the same protections they would with a locally licensed exchange.
Is eToro legal in Australia?
eToro is a globally recognised trading platform with a strong presence in Australia since 2017, when it launched its local arm, eToro AUS Capital Limited, under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL 491139). It's AUSTRAC-registered and ASIC-regulated, offering a more compliant alternative to offshore crypto exchanges. Australian users can deposit and withdraw in AUD via local bank transfers, buy and hold real crypto assets (not just CFDs), and even earn staking rewards on certain coins.
Is Bitget legal in Australia?
Bitget is accessible to Australian crypto users and has been registered with AUSTRAC since September 2022, but it is not licensed by ASIC to offer derivatives to retail clients. The platform does not support AUD deposits or local bank withdrawals, meaning users must fund accounts via crypto transfers or use a third-party on-ramp.
Is MEXC legal in Australia?
MEXC is not registered with AUSTRAC, but it’s fully accessible to Australian users. There’s no AUD deposit or withdrawal support. Funding is done via crypto or third-party payment providers.
Is KuCoin legal in Australia?
Yes, Australians can use KuCoin, but it’s not licensed or registered with AUSTRAC. That means no AUD support; users need to fund accounts via crypto, P2P, or third-party fiat on-ramps.
Is Gate.io legal in Australia?
Unlike others on this list, Gate.io is AUSTRAC-registered through its local entity, Gate Information Pty Ltd. However, it hasn’t made a strong local push and remains mostly offshore in how it operates. Still, with a huge altcoin selection and early token access, some Australian users turn to Gate.io for more speculative investing.
Is BingX legal in Australia?
BingX is also AUSTRAC-registered under its Australian arm, BingX Global Pty Ltd. That said, it still operates primarily as an offshore exchange. Its standout feature is copy trading, which appeals to newer users who want to follow pro traders.
How to buy crypto in Australia?
Buying crypto in Australia is straightforward, thanks to a wide range of AUSTRAC-registered crypto exchanges that support local payment methods and offer access to hundreds of digital assets, including Bitcoin. In this guide, we've listed a range of good options.
