A Guide for Every Crypto Investor
Australians really do live in a lucky country. Aussies have at their disposal a wide selection of crypto exchanges to meet their needs – whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced user. We present a view of the exchanges available to you, all of which have a strong security mindset and are registered with AUSTRAC.
This means they operate under Australia’s anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws, giving customers a baseline of regulatory oversight and peace of mind. FYI These are the same rules Australian banks work with.
This guide is not about ranking “winners and losers.” Instead, it’s about matching exchanges to different types of investors. Each platform has its strengths and unique features. The right fit depends on your goals, your personal experience with crypto, your comfort level with trading, and how much personal service you want along the way.
Before we go into each exchange and brokerage in more detail, here is an overview to get you started. These are not presented in any particular order, for deeper analysis, see our dedicated articles where we unpack features, compliance considerations, and security in much more detail – drawing on a decade of hands-on experience.
The All-Rounders – Strong Choices for Most Investors
CoinSpot and Swyftx
For many Australians, these two are the natural first step into crypto. Both combine broad coin selections with simple, intuitive design – making them accessible for newcomers while still offering enough depth for regular investors.
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CoinSpot: With more than 500 supported assets, an NFT marketplace, and ready-made bundles (like “Top 10 by Market Cap”), CoinSpot positions itself as a true one-stop shop. It’s particularly appealing if you want variety in a simple, mobile-first format. Fees are 1% on instant buy/sell but drop to 0.1% when using market orders. The added comfort of 24/7 live chat support makes it approachable for beginners. Full Review
- Swyftx: Built around a clean interface and a flat 0.6% fee, Swyftx also offers standout features such as demo mode (where you can practise trading risk-free) and recurring buys for dollar-cost averaging. Its 2025 acquisition of boutique brokerage Caleb & Brown reflects its ambition to bridge everyday usability with premium services for larger investors. Full Review
The Buzz
If you are new to crypto or you want one platform that’s simple, broad, and local. Think of CoinSpot and Swyftx as the “all-rounders” that cover most bases without being overwhelming.
The Trading Specialists – Tailored to Active Users
BTC Markets and Independent Reserve
If you’ve ever looked at an exchange and thought, “I need more than just a buy button,” these platforms are designed for you. They prioritise advanced trading features, liquidity, and professional tools.
- BTC Markets: Founded in 2013, BTC Markets is one of Australia’s longest-standing exchanges. It offers order books, charting tools, and API access for algorithmic traders. Its 2022 accreditation by Digital Asset Research placed it in the global “vetted exchanges” list – a recognition of high standards in security and compliance. Fees start at 0.85% but scale down to as low as 0.1% for high-volume traders. Full Review
- Independent Reserve: Also founded in 2013, Independent Reserve stands out for its multi-currency support (AUD, NZD, USD, and SGD). This makes it attractive for traders who want flexibility across regions. It also partners with firms like KPMG for tax reporting integration fees start at 0.5% per trade and scale down to as low as 0.02% for high-volume users, making Independent Reserve one of the lowest-cost options for active Australian traders. Combined with its multi-currency support, this structure reinforces its appeal to professional and institutional investors. Full Review
The Buzz
If you’re moving beyond beginner status and want professional-style tools, tight spreads, and lower fees at scale, BTC Markets and Independent Reserve are strong, proven options.
The Boutique Experience – Ideal for High-Value Investors
Caleb & Brown
Not every investor wants a do-it-yourself platform. Founded in Melbourne in 2016, Caleb & Brown pioneered the crypto brokerage model, giving clients direct access to a personal broker available 24/7 by phone or email. That human-first approach has made it a favourite with high-net-worth individuals, businesses, and anyone who values tailored guidance.
In recent years, Caleb & Brown has added a self-service trading app alongside its traditional brokerage service. This hybrid model means you can still lean on a dedicated broker for large or complex trades, but also place your own market and limit orders when you feel comfortable. It’s flexibility with a premium touch.
Fees are published in a clear schedule, typically around 3.5% per trade, with occasional promotions or higher-volume discounts available. While this is higher than the fees on retail exchanges, clients value the personalised execution, compliance-friendly reporting, and premium service that comes with the brokerage model. For many larger investors, the assurance of expert guidance outweighs the higher transaction cost. Full Review
The Buzz
If you want round-the-clock service, the reassurance of a human broker, and the option to take control via an app, Caleb & Brown is a boutique choice tailored for new investors who want a human touch, as well as larger investors familiar with a traditional brokerage setup.
The Everyday Utility Platforms – Strong for Practical Use
Digital Surge and Cointree
For some investors, the appeal of crypto isn’t just trading or holding – it’s being able to use it in everyday life. Digital Surge and Cointree both focus on practical features that connect crypto to the real world, while keeping their platforms beginner-friendly.
- Digital Surge: Based in Brisbane and launched in 2017, Digital Surge has built a reputation as one of the most approachable exchanges in Australia. Its standout feature is the ability to pay any Australian BPAY bill with crypto – from electricity and phone bills to credit cards. It also offers recurring buys for dollar-cost averaging and a clean, educational interface that helps new users learn as they go. After being caught up in the FTX fallout and entering voluntary administration in late 2022, Digital Surge successfully restructured in 2023. Far from a weakness, the process highlighted its resilience and commitment to transparency, reassuring customers that it has the systems and governance in place to survive turbulent market conditions. Fees are straightforward at 0.5% per trade, with free deposits and withdrawals via PayID. Full Review
- Cointree: Established in 2013, Cointree is another long-standing exchange with a practical focus. Like Digital Surge, it allows users to pay bills with crypto, but it also emphasises portfolio tracking tools and a learning hub that explains crypto concepts in plain English. With more than 280 supported assets, it offers a balance between variety and simplicity. Fees start at 0.9%, dropping as low as 0.25% for higher-volume traders. Full Review
The Buzz
If you want more than just trading – whether it’s paying bills, setting up recurring investments, or learning the ropes – Digital Surge and Cointree are strong choices that put everyday usability front and centre.
The Innovator – A Fintech Crossover
CoinJar
Founded in 2013, CoinJar is one of Australia’s longest-running crypto platforms, but it stands out for its fintech crossover approach. Rather than focusing solely on buying and selling, CoinJar has carved out a niche by helping users spend their crypto in the real world.
Its flagship product is the CoinJar Card, a prepaid Mastercard that instantly converts crypto to AUD at the checkout. Whether you’re shopping online, tapping at the supermarket, or paying bills, the card brings everyday usability to your crypto holdings – something few Australian platforms offer.
Beyond the card, CoinJar also runs the CoinJar Exchange, a professional trading platform with maker/taker fees as low as 0.1%–0.2%, making it cost-competitive with international exchanges. For those who prefer simplicity, the main app allows instant buy/sell at a flat 1% fee. While the asset list is smaller (around 50+), it focuses on well-established, liquid coins rather than niche tokens.
CoinJar has also gone international, securing Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registration in the UK. That global reach adds an extra layer of credibility and positions it as one of the few Australian-born exchanges to expand abroad. Full Review
The Buzz
If you want a platform that bridges crypto and traditional payments – letting you trade, hold, and spend seamlessly – CoinJar is the innovator leading the way.
The Final Buzz
Each of these eight platforms has its place in the Australian crypto ecosystem. The “right one” depends less on which is “best” and more on what kind of investor you are:
- Want simplicity and breadth? Try CoinSpot or Swyftx.
- Want pro trading tools? Look at BTC Markets or Independent Reserve.
- Want concierge service? Caleb & Brown has you covered.
- Want practical, everyday utility? Digital Surge or Cointree will suit.
- Want to spend your crypto? CoinJar is the innovator.
Stay safe. Stay smart. Be Crypto Safe.
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