Compare 6 best crypto apps in New Zealand January 2025

Trade your favourite markets with our top-rated broker, Plus500.

Plus500 4.5/5

CFD service. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorised by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

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CFD service. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorised by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, cryptocurrency has become increasingly accessible and popular, especially in New Zealand. With a myriad of mobile platforms available, it can be overwhelming to determine which crypto app suits your needs best.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the crypto space, our guide is designed to navigate you through the top-rated apps in New Zealand, ensuring you make informed decisions in your crypto journey.

Best cryptocurrency trading apps in NZ for 2024

What are the best crypto apps in New Zealand?

Plus500 is the best crypto app in NZ, based on a consensus ranking from all our experts. Here are three more top apps.

4.5

Plus500

Min. Deposit $100

Fees From 2%

No. assets 2800+

Demo account Yes

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Plus500 review

CFD service. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorised by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

4.2

Coinbase

Min. Deposit $10

Fees Up to 0.6%

No. assets 150+

Demo account No

Visit site

Coinbase review

4.5

Eightcap

Min. Deposit $100

Fees Up to $3.5 RT

No. assets 800+

Demo account Yes

Visit site

Eightcap review

74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

6 top cryptocurrency apps in NZ, reviewed 

1. Plus500. Best for international trading*

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4.5

Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

From 0.8%

Fees

2,800

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Plus500 because it is one of the industry’s most transparent and reliable brokers. Its fees are clear and you’ll know exactly what you will be paying before you trade. Its technology driven platform gives access to futures for a range of instruments, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies among several others.

Plus500 has something for all types of traders, no matter what level of experience. Its low margin requirements (starting at $20) and different contracts make it a top choice for day traders. At the same time, its trading academy is packed with educational content, perfect for beginners just starting. 

For accurate instrument availability, visit plus500.com.

The fees: Plus500 charges a commission of $0.49 per Micro contract and $0.89 per Standard contract (per side). There is an Auto-Liquidation fee of $10 per contract. Other exchange fees may be applicable and can be found on the CME group website. 

*Based on a comparison of 60+ leading brokers and trading platforms.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	2800+
Min. Deposit	$100
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	FSA, ASIC, FMA, FCA, CySEC

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	No
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Free demo account for every user Secure broker, licensed by top-tier regulators Wide variety of CFDs to trade Several good risk management tools

No support on trading information and education Website isn’t brilliantly designed to help users find answers to their questions No MetaTrader trading platform compatibility

Read review Visit Plus500

CFD service. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

2. Coinbase. Best secure trading platform for all types of trader

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4

Ratings

$10

Min. deposit

Up to 0.6%

Fees

200

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love Coinbase because it’s the leading public crypto platform. Coinbase offers more than 170 cryptocurrencies to trade, a secure wallet to store your coins in, and automatic staking rewards on 10+ cryptos through Coinbase Earn.

Coinbase’s user-friendly platform simplifies the buying, selling, and trading processes, making it one of the top crypto exchanges for all levels of trader. But, Coinbase isn’t just an easy to use platform, it’s one of the safest and most secure. 

A public company brings transparency and renown, so you can trust that any money on Coinbase is safe and you’re sharing the platform with over 100 million other users. It stores 98% of customer assets offline in cold storage, minimizing the risk of theft. There is also insurance on all cash balances up to $250,000

The fees: Trading fees start from 0.6% but reduce the higher your trading volume. Bank transfer deposits and withdrawals are free, other payment methods may be charged. There is no fee for wallet-to-wallet crypto transactions but you will have to pay blockchain fees. Coinbase charges a 25% fee for its staking services.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	150+
Min. Deposit	$10
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	No
Supported assets	Crypto, NFTs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	FSA, FCA, NFA

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes
Inactivity fees	No
Rollover/overnight fees	No
Withdrawal fees	Yes
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Simple and easy to use interface Able to buy cryptocurrencies instantly with a credit or debit card Offers great security on its wallet Can use a variety of payment methods

Quite high fees for credit and debit card instant buys Poor customer support

Read review Visit Coinbase

3. Eightcap. Best online broker for choice of trading platform

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4.5

Ratings

100

Min. deposit

Up to $3.5 RT

Fees

800

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Eightcap because you have several trading platforms to choose from. You can choose between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView. All of these platforms are favourites among retail traders. With the MetaTrade suite of platforms, you can access lots of technical indicators, custom tools, and expert advisors. 

TradingView with Eightcap allows you to trade directly from your charts while accessing the hundreds of tools and features available. Eightcap has over 900 markets available including stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. 

The fees: Eightcap is a CFD broker and charges spreads, commissions, or a combination of both. There are two account types available, RAW, and Standard. The RAW account has ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips but charges $3.5 RT per lot. The standard account is commission-free for most assets and spreads start from 1 pip.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	800+
Min. Deposit	$100
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stocks, Crypto, Commodities, , Indices
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	ASIC, FCA, CySEC

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes
Inactivity fees	No
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes, on certain assets
Withdrawal fees	Yes, for certain payment methods
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes, currency dependent

Pros & Cons

Low trading fees for CFDs Trade directly from the TradingView platform Regulated by top-tier authorities Leverage up to 1:500 Partnered with multiple proprietary trading firms

Some markets are not available to all regions Customer support does not operate 24/7

Read review Visit Eightcap

74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

4. Kraken: Best for simple, global cryptocurrency trading from your phone

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4

Ratings

$10

Min. deposit

0.10% - 0.26% (volume dependent)

Fees

200

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Kraken because it’s a beginner-friendly crypto trading platform, one that’s designed to make it quick and convenient to buy and sell crypto on the go. The Kraken mobile app provides access to over 200 cryptocurrencies making it one of the most diverse platforms around. 

With an intuitive interface and many advanced features, the Kraken crypto app is suitable for those just starting, or experienced traders wanting to enhance their trading experience. The Kraken mobile app caters to different trading styles and preferences with spot, margin, and futures all available. 

Kraken’s mobile app also supports up to 5:1 leverage allowing you to amplify your position and potentially increase your returns. With such a wide selection of tokens available and a solid range of features and tools, the Kraken app is one of the top cryptocurrency trading platforms while on the go. 

The fees: Kraken charges a fee of between 0-0.26% on every crypto trade. There are no costs to set up an account and no flat trading fees.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	200+
Min. Deposit	£10
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Crypto, NFTs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	FSA, AUSTRAC, FCA, MiFID II, FinCEN, FINTRAC

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes
Inactivity fees	No
Rollover/overnight fees	No
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Cheap/ free deposits in EUR and cheap deposits for the USA Margin trading and Futures supported Transparency - it was the first exchange to carry out proof of reserves Low fees in comparison to other exchanges

Catered towards professional traders with large trading volumes Slow account verification in comparison to other brokers

Read review Visit Kraken

5. Uphold. Best for building long term wealth

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4

Ratings

$1

Min. deposit

$0

Fees

300

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Uphold because it’s a regulated and transparent digital asset platform. Uphold is an excellent platform for discovering important new tokens early, making it ideal for investors looking to get in on the ground floor of emerging cryptocurrencies. 

Uphold offers a broad selection of coins, with over 250 tokens available catering to both seasoned and novice crypto traders. The platform regularly adds new assets allowing users to invest in promising projects before they gain mainstream attention. 

Uphold isn’t just a platform for investing early. One of the main advantages of using Uphold is its transparent and competitive fee structure. The platform does not charge for deposits or withdrawals, and trading fees are clearly stated. You can also trade between different asset classes including fiat currencies. 

The fees: Crypto spreads start from 0.9% and are usually lower than 1.3% for BTC and ETH. Other cryptocurrency spreads are higher. Average spreads on fiat currency are 0.2%. There is a $0.99 fee for transactions under $100 made with the Uphold card.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	250+
Min. Deposit	$1
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Crypto, Commodities,
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	FSA, FinCEN

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	No
Inactivity fees	No
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Wide range of cryptocurrencies available Zero deposit and withdrawal fees Crypto wallets to store your coins Low minimum deposits and fast account set up

Spreads can be high for some cryptocurrencies Services vary depending on region Customer support is limited

Read review Visit

Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

6. AvaTrade. Best regulated broker for secure trading

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4

Ratings

100

Min. deposit

From 0.13%

Fees

500

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love AvaTrade because it is a reliable CFD broker, that gives users access to a wide range of markets. As a CFD broker, AvaTrade lets you speculate on the price movements of various financial instruments without owning the underlying assets. AvaTrade is a multi-asset brokerage firm and includes CFDs for forex, commodities, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, and bonds.

AvaTrade is also highly regarded for its strong regulatory framework and commitment to security. AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the British Virgin Islands, which means it must adhere to stringent regulatory standards across the world. 

AvaTrade isn’t just well-regulated, it also employs advanced security measures to protect client funds and personal information, including segregated accounts and robust encryption technology. 

The fees: There is no commission on any trading. AvaTrade makes money from the Bid/Ask spread instead. Stock spreads start from 0.13 and forex spreads start at 0.7 pips. Positions left overnight are charged a swap fee that varies depending on size. An inactivity fee of £/€/$50 per month is applicable if you don’t log in to your account for three consecutive months.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	1250+
Min. Deposit	$100
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stocks, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Commodity CFDs, Index CFDs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	FSCA, FSA, ASIC, CBI, MiFID, CySEC, BVIFSC, FRSA

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	No
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	No

Pros & Cons

Trade 1000+ CFDs with competitive spreads Regulated by Tier 1 financial bodies across the world Consistently highly rated trading platform on web and mobile Offers social trading through its proprietary AvaSocial platform

Spreads are competitive without being industry-leading Some assets are only available to trade through the MetaTrader software

Read review Visit AvaTrade

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

What is a crypto trading app?

A crypto trading app is a software application designed for mobile phones that allows users to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies. These apps provide a convenient and accessible platform for cryptocurrency trading, making it possible for individuals to participate in the crypto market directly from their smartphones or tablets.

How does a cryptocurrency trading app work?

The app functions as a mediator, connecting buyers and sellers to enable transactions. When you use the app to buy or sell digital assets, it either directly engages in the trade or finds another user who is willing to buy or sell the coin at your offered price.

Most crypto trading apps also provide a digital wallet for storing the cryptocurrencies you purchase. These wallets can be either custodial (managed by the app provider) or non-custodial (where the user has complete control over their keys).

Designed for ease and mobility, these apps allow you to access most features with just a few taps. Nearly every cryptocurrency exchange in New Zealand offers its own dedicated crypto app.

Are crypto apps legal in NZ?

Yes, crypto apps are legal in New Zealand, although cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in the country. It is important to note that if a crypto app provides financial services it must comply with the Financial Markets Conduct Act (FMC Act) and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT Act). 

This means any crypto app in New Zealand must register with the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) and comply with specific regulatory requirements. 

Whether a crypto app is considered a financial services depends on its specific features and functionality. For example, if an app allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, it may be considered a financial service. If an app provides only information about crypto, it is unlikely to be considered a financial service. 

While the use of cryptocurrencies and crypto apps is legal, the NZ government and financial authorities often issue warnings about the potential risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies, as they are highly volatile and can pose significant financial risks to investors. Below are the regulatory licences held by the top New Zealand crypto apps:

How should I choose the right crypto app for me?

Our experts have identified the best crypto apps in NZ based on several key characteristics. While cost is a crucial factor, other aspects like ease of use and availability of advanced trading tools are also important. 

Below are some tips to consider as you evaluate the top apps for investing in cryptocurrency from New Zealand.

• Start with a demo account. Many NZ crypto brokers, such as eToro, provide a free demo account. This feature allows you to practise trading with virtual funds, offering a risk-free way to learn about crypto and the way the market operates before you start trading for real.
• Understand the fees. Crypto apps in NZ earn money through the fees and spreads they charge on each crypto transaction. Apps like eToro are known for their lower fees, which make it much more cost-effective to trade.
• Use a ‘Lite’ version if one is available. Some apps offer a simplified interface in their ‘Lite’ version, highlighting only the most essential information. This is ideal if you want to learn without being overwhelmed by detail.
• Compare the range of tokens available. The availability of different cryptocurrencies varies across apps. An app like Coinbase offers a very broad range of digital currencies. If your goal is to trade a diverse array of altcoins, choose an app that supports this.
• Ensure the platform you choose is trustworthy. Crypto apps in New Zealand that provide financial services must comply with certain rules and regulations. Before you start using an app, make sure it is licenced by the FMA, at the very least. 
• Prioritise app security. Look for apps with robust security features like encryption, two-factor authentication, and firewalls. For wallet apps, offline (cold) storage options are crucial for protection against online threats.
• Look for any additional features you might use. Some NZ crypto apps offer extra functionalities like portfolio tracking, price alerts, news updates, educational content, and automatic trades. Choose an app that not only meets your trading needs but also provides features that enhance your overall experience.

Quick answers to key questions

Can I use crypto trading apps on iOS and Android devices?

Yes, the accessibility of top Bitcoin apps in New Zealand has increased compared to just a year or two ago. Nearly all prominent crypto platforms now offer their own apps, compatible with both Android and iOS devices. This development allows for crypto trading from virtually any mobile device.

How much do cryptocurrency apps cost in NZ?

In NZ, most cryptocurrency apps themselves are free to download and use. However, the costs associated with using these apps can vary depending on what you use them for. 

Many apps charge fees for transactions, such as buying or selling cryptocurrencies. These fees can be a fixed amount or a percentage of the transaction value, and typically 1% is a good rule of thumb. Here are the fees for the top 3 crypto apps in New Zealand:

Some apps may charge fees for depositing or withdrawing money or cryptocurrencies. These fees can depend on the payment method used (like bank transfer, credit card, etc.) and the type of currency being withdrawn. Here are the types of fees you may encounter when using a Kiwi crypto app:

Do I have to verify my identity with a crypto app?

Yes, in New Zealand you typically need to verify your identity when using a crypto app, especially if it involves trading, holding, or transferring significant amounts of cryptocurrency. This requirement is part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations and anti-money laundering (AML) laws that crypto platforms must adhere to.

The process usually involves providing personal information like your full name, address, and  date of birth. Then you likely need to provide a copy of a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence.

Do crypto apps have insurance against hacking or theft in NZ?

Some do, but it’s not universal. Larger and more reputable NZ apps may offer insurance coverage as part of their security measures to protect users’ assets. This insurance is often referred to as “crypto asset insurance” or “cold storage insurance.” 

Cold storage insurance typically covers assets held in offline storage methods, which are considered more secure than assets stored online.

Bottom line

Finding the right crypto app in NZ is crucial for both beginners and experienced traders. Our experts compare the top cryptocurrency apps in the New Zealand market, highlighting their features, security measures, and user experiences.

Whether you’re seeking a user-friendly platform for buying and holding cryptocurrencies or a more advanced exchange for trading, our recommendations will help you make an informed decision. 

Use our guidance to compare app security, fees, available cryptocurrencies, and customer support, and ensure that you select the crypto app that aligns with your financial goals.

Methodology: How we choose the best cryptocurrency apps NZ

Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We periodically test more than 67 mobile apps to provide our users with clear, accessible guidance on the investing options available. All testing is carried out by our panel of crypto experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to each app, conduct research, and score each service.

Our tests are designed to find apps that offer a beginner-friendly, secure crypto experience at a fair price. To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research each mobile app to gather any further relevant information. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

Each mobile platform is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with individual crypto brands to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process.

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