Top 7 best crypto exchanges in New Zealand for 2025

Our panel of crypto analysts, experts, and traders periodically test 50+ leading exchange services to find the best crypto exchange in NZ.
Written by
Updated on Jul 22, 2024
Reading time 8 minutes

To create this list our expert panel performs a series of tests to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the best cryptocurrency exchanges. The tests include creating an account, placing trades, and transferring money to a secure crypto wallet.

We then research the specific needs of Kiwi crypto users, such as which payment methods are available, which currencies you can deposit, and the trading fees in New Zealand, and gather feedback in the form of a user review survey.

Each expert assigns a score, which is combined with the results of further research to create a final ranking to answer the question: what are the best crypto exchanges in New Zealand for Kiwi users? 

Learn more about our panel and how we rate and review platforms. Or read on to find out what is the best NZ crypto exchange.

What is the best crypto exchange NZ in 2025?

Copy link to section

Our expert rankings reveal that Plus500 is the best cryptocurrency exchange in New Zealand.

The list below shows the three best Kiwi crypto exchanges that excelled in our tests by combining low transaction fees, high security, and ease of use.

We found 25 crypto platforms for users based in

Plus500 review
4.5
Plus500
Min. Deposit $100
Fees From 2%
No. assets 2800+
Demo account Yes

Plus500 review

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

Coinbase review
4.2
Coinbase
Min. Deposit $10
Fees Up to 0.6%
No. assets 150+
Demo account No

Coinbase review

Kraken review
3.9
Kraken
Min. Deposit $10
Fees 0.10% - 0.26%
No. assets 90+
Demo account Yes

Kraken review

Top 7 best Kiwi crypto exchanges, reviewed

Copy link to section

We found 25 crypto platforms for users based in

1. Plus500. Best for international trading*

Copy link to section
4.5
Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

From 0.08%

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 the two biggest cryptos, Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

Plus500 has something for all types of crypto trader, no matter what level of experience. Its low margin requirements of $20 for Ether and $100 for Bitcoin 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

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

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

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

Copy link to section
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

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

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

Copy link to section
3.5
Ratings

$10

Min. deposit

0.10% - 0.26% (volume dependent)

Fees

90

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

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

4. Uphold. Best for building long term wealth

Copy link to section
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

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

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

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

Copy link to section
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 a selection of over 200 crypto CFDs so there’s an excellent range to choose from. You can trade the biggest coins like BTC/USD and many altcoins like DOGE/USD.  

The fees: Eightcap is a CFD broker and charges spread, 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

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

6. AvaTrade. Best regulated broker for secure trading

Copy link to section
Avatrade_logo
4
Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

From 0.13%

Fees

1,300

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 crypto markets without owning the underlying assets. AvaTrade is a multi asset brokerage firm and includes CFDs on many of the biggest cryptos including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and more. 

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. Crypto spreads start from 0.13%. 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

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

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.

7. KuCoin. Best social trading altcoin exchange

Copy link to section
4
Ratings

$-

Min. deposit

...

Fees

-

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love KuCoin because it’s a great place for beginners to trade more than 700 altcoins. Kucoin offers a vast range of cryptocurrencies including all the big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum, together with hundreds of altcoins and newly released tokens. 

The exchange gives you multiple ways to trade and invest in crypto, including spot trading, futures trading, margin trading, and staking. This choice allows you to choose the method that best suits your trading strategies and risk tolerance. 

Kucoin is a top platform for both beginners and experienced traders. Its intuitive interface is easy to get to grips with and its advanced trading features mean even high volume traders can make use of it. Kucoin also offers an earn feature, where you can generate passive income through staking and lending, making it one of the best all round crypto exchanges. 

The fees: Trading fees are charged on a sliding scale. Fees are 0.1% on trading volumes below 50 BTC in a 30 day period. Discounts are available if you pay fees in KCS or store more than 1000 KCS in your account.

Highlights

Pros & Cons

How to choose the best NZ crypto trading platform

Copy link to section

With so many options out there, you should take care of picking the right Kiwi crypto platform for you. Things like the exchange fees, storage facilities, and range of coins available should all impact your choice. 

To help you make the right decision, here are some questions to ask yourself as you research each cryptocurrency exchange.

1. How much does the exchange charge to trade?

Copy link to section

There can be a big difference in the trading fees charged by each crypto account. While all exchanges generally offer competitive fees, what they charge may vary widely. Taking the time to compare them can save you money. 

Trading fees are usually charged as a percentage of the trade. The best crypto exchange accounts, with low fees, will charge 1% or less of the trade amount. Some services charge a lot higher, so when it comes to paying fees, it is important to research the different platforms available.

You may also have to pay deposit and withdrawal fees. You rarely have to pay for depositing fiat currency like NZ dollars via a bank account or credit or debit card, but you may be charged a flat withdrawal fee. There’s often a significant charge for withdrawals made in crypto assets.

2. How does the exchange store customer funds?

Copy link to section

Crypto exchanges are available widely, but the important question is whether they are regulated in New Zealand. It’s the regulation that protects if something happens to the exchange and you lose the money you hold on there.

You want to pick a reputable exchange that safely stores its customers’ funds. The best Bitcoin exchanges in New Zealand should store your funds in segregated accounts and, ideally, in cold storage (offline). Choosing a Kiwi crypto trading account that a reputable accountancy firm has audited can give you extra peace of mind.

3. Is the platform easy to use?

Copy link to section

A good user experience means more than being able to navigate the website easily. Think about how you plan to trade: are you going to trade from your phone? How are you going to manage your crypto portfolio? Are you after particular analysis tools, charts, or software integrations?

Armed with that information, you can start to narrow down your shortlist by considering if the exchange suits you. For instance, if you plan to do a lot of trading on the go, you should focus on the platform offering the best crypto app in New Zealand. Advanced trading tools and things like margin trading are especially important for experienced crypto investors or traders. 

4. What is the account verification process?

Copy link to section

When you create an account, you’ll often be asked to supply personal details and a form of ID to verify your identity. It’s normally a prerequisite for any cryptocurrency service to be regulated in NZ.

It’s a good idea to check the verification process before signing up. That way, you can have the relevant documents to hand to create a seamless sign up process. Or, if you want to avoid supplying personal details, you can filter out the crypto trading accounts in NZ that demand verification to use them.

5. How many cryptocurrencies are available?

Copy link to section

You can buy Bitcoin in New Zealand through any cryptocurrency platform, but beyond that the number of available coins can vary. If you want to trade altcoins, look for other Kiwi cryptocurrency platforms with many coins and ‘crosses’, where you can swap from one crypto to another. 

6. Which currencies can you deposit?

Copy link to section

For most people, a crypto account is a means to transfer local fiat currencies into cryptocurrency. However, many crypto brokers in New Zealand only accept US dollar deposits, rather than NZD.

If you don’t have access to US Dollars, then it might be best to choose a large exchange like Binance or a local exchange that’s specifically designed for crypto traders in NZ and which offers NZD to crypto trading pairs.

7. Which payment methods are accepted?

Copy link to section

Decide how you want to pay for your crypto. If you want to fund an account using bank transfers or debit card payments, then most Kiwi crypto exchanges accept deposits via a bank transfer and you don’t need to worry.

A cryptocurrency exchange is less likely to accept alternative payment methods, like PayPal and other e-wallet services. The larger ones, such as Binance, do accept a wide variety of payment methods, but it’s still a good idea to check whether you can pay how you want before signing up.

8. Does it offer additional features, like staking or lending?

Copy link to section

Think about what you want to use the exchange to influence your decision. Do you want to store or stake your coins? Lend them to earn interest, or borrow crypto yourself?

You can buy crypto in New Zealand through any Kiwi crypto broker that’s regulated, but not all platforms offer all these services. You may be happy to juggle multiple logins and use different exchanges, but it’s normally easier to use one service, at least to start with.

What type of Kiwi crypto platforms are there?

Copy link to section

Most crypto investors use a centralised, global exchange like Binance or Coinbase. But cryptocurrency exchanges in NZ come in different forms. Here is a breakdown of the most common types:

  • Centralised. In a centralised exchange, an authority, in this case, a company, operates the service. You create an account and deposit money, and the entity holds the funds in the middle. When you make trades, they go through the central authority. The biggest crypto trading exchange, Binance, is an example of this platform type.
  • Decentralised. On decentralised exchanges, there is no central authority. Instead, buyers and sellers deal with each other directly, and the crypto trading platforms are just the mechanism for connecting them. You can’t create an account; the crypto is sent from one wallet to another when a transaction takes place
  • Peer-to-peer (P2P). A peer-to-peer exchange operates like a decentralised exchange, but a central body still acts as the intermediary. Each side in a transaction makes the payment, and the central body releases the funds as soon as both sides have sent money.

Can I buy traditional financial assets on a crypto exchange in New Zealand?

Copy link to section

On some platforms you can, but a better option is to sign up for a dedicated service that offers the specific assets you want to trade. The best trading platforms in NZ allow you to buy and sell stocks, while the best forex broker in New Zealand is best for currency trading. The top CFD brokers in NZ offer a mixture of all these assets.

How to buy crypto on the best Bitcoin exchange in NZ

Copy link to section

Follow this short guide to learn how to buy Bitcoin in New Zealand. This method is simple and is the same process whether you want to buy and sell Bitcoin, or whether you prefer to trade crypto instead. 

Step 1. Sign up to Plus500

Copy link to section

We recommend Plus500 as the best crypto trading platform for Kiwi users.

Step 2. Create an account

Copy link to section

You need to supply some personal contact details, such as your name and email address, in order to set up an account. Many Kiwi crypto exchanges usually will ask for several documents when verifying your account. Some of these include a passport, driving licence, a Kiwi Access Card, utility bill, and bank statements. You will be required to pass verification before you can use your account to buy cryptocurrency in New Zealand.

Step 3. Deposit funds in your chosen currency

Copy link to section

Go to the bank or deposit section of your crypto trading platform account. Here, you can enter the amount you wish to deposit, choose your preferred payment method, such as a bank account, credit or debit cards, and transfer the money you want to use to buy crypto onto the exchange.

Step 4. Search your favourite crypto

Copy link to section

You purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by typing the coin name or symbol in the search box. For example, to buy Bitcoin online, search for the symbol BTC. Then you enter the details of the trade. 

Step 5. Buy cryptocurrency in NZ

Copy link to section

Finally, to buy Bitcoin or any other crypto asset, hit the ‘buy’ or ‘trade’ button. Fill in how much cryptocurrency you want to buy, and execute the trade.

Step 6. Transfer your cryptocurrency to a crypto wallet (optional)

Copy link to section

Your crypto assets will show up in your exchange wallet once the trade goes through. You can leave them there or move them to a dedicated crypto wallet. 

With a wallet, you have more control over your money, but it’s a bit more inconvenient if you plan on trading regularly. You can learn more about how to find the best Bitcoin wallet in New Zealand below.

Quick answers to key questions

Copy link to section
Copy link to section

Yes, cryptocurrency is legal in New Zealand. The New Zealand government has clarified that crypto is a legitimate form of payment as long as the exchange of cryptocurrency for fiat currency occurs with a registered exchange.

Is crypto regulated in NZ? 

Copy link to section

While cryptocurrency itself is legal, cryptocurrency exchanges and related businesses are regulated in New Zealand. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) oversees crypto exchanges, brokers, issuers, and other financial services.

Cryptocurrency exchanges and brokers in New Zealand must register with the Department of Internal Affairs and comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations.

Are New Zealand crypto exchanges regulated? 

Copy link to section

Major cryptocurrency exchanges that operate in New Zealand must register with the FMA and meet certain standards. This includes exchanges like EasyCrypto, Independent Reserve, and BitPrime.

Any exchange trading crypto to fiat currency (NZD) must register as a financial service provider with the Financial Markets Authority and implement know-your-customer (KYC) rules.

Many of the best crypto exchanges in NZ also hold regulatory licences from various authorities. The table below includes the top three crypto platforms NZ and where they are regulated.

Region Plus500 regulators Coinbase regulators Kraken regulators
Africa FSA
Asia FSA FSA
Australasia ASIC, FMA AUSTRAC
Europe FCA, CySEC FCA FCA, MiFID II
International
North America NFA FinCEN, FINTRAC
South America
View more > Plus500 > Coinbase > Kraken >

Do I have to pay tax on crypto in New Zealand? 

Copy link to section

Yes, you must pay taxes on cryptocurrency profits and income in New Zealand. Cryptocurrencies are treated as an asset, in the same way a stock would be, and subject to capital gains tax when sold at a profit. If you sell crypto at a loss, it can be claimed as a tax deduction. You may also need to pay income tax if you receive crypto from your employer, business, or other sources.

How much does it cost to buy Bitcoin in NZ?

Copy link to section

The amount it costs to buy Bitcoin in New Zealand varies depending on the exchange or platform you use. There are many different types of fees that apply when you buy BTC in NZ. Below are a few of the most common trading fees for buying crypto in New Zealand.

Fee Plus500 fees Coinbase fees Kraken fees
Trading fees No Yes Yes
Inactivity fees Yes No No
Rollover/overnight fees Yes No No
Withdrawal fees No Yes No
Spreads Yes Yes Yes
Conversion fees Yes Yes Yes
View more > Plus500 > Coinbase > Kraken >

In addition to the fees above, you will also have to pay a spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of Bitcoin and other cryptos. Spreads are different with all crypto exchanges and you can use the information below to compare the BTC spread at some of New Zealand’s best crypto brokers.

Product Plus500 spreads Coinbase spreads Kraken spreads
Stock CFDs 0.10%
ETF CFDs 0.10%
Forex CFDs 0.8 pips
Crypto CFDs 2%
Index CFDs 0.20%
Commodity CFDs 0.50%
View all tradable assets > Plus500 > Coinbase > Kraken >

Can I deposit using NZD to a cryptocurrency account? 

Copy link to section

It is possible to deposit New Zealand dollars (NZD) directly to a cryptocurrency exchange based in New Zealand. Many exchanges like EasyCrypto and Independent Reserve support NZD deposits through local bank transfers. This makes it easy to buy crypto using fiat currency in New Zealand.

Are NZD trading pairs available on New Zealand crypto platforms?

Copy link to section

Popular cryptocurrency exchanges in New Zealand offer NZD trading pairs. For example, you can trade coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum directly against fiat currencies like the NZD without first converting to a stablecoin like USDT. Having NZD trading pairs available makes crypto trading simpler for NZ residents.

Can I trade crypto with leverage in New Zealand?

Copy link to section

Yes, many of New Zealand’s leading crypto exchanges offer the ability to trade on margin with leverage. This means you don’t need to deposit large sums of NZD into your account and can buy Bitcoin with lower funds.

However, leverage is risky and best suited to traders who understand the risks involved. The table below includes the leverage available from the top Kiwi crypto exchanges in 2025.

Product Plus500 maximum leverage Coinbase maximum leverage Kraken maximum leverage
Stock CFDs 1:5
ETF CFDs 1:5
Forex CFDs 1:30
Crypto CFDs 1:2
Index CFDs 1:20
Commodity CFDs Up to 1:20
View more > Plus500 > Coinbase > Kraken >

Your verdict: best crypto exchange in NZ, user reviews

Copy link to section

As part of our research process, we gather feedback from regular users of each of the top crypto exchanges in New Zealand.

We’ve pooled all that data together to give you a complete picture of what people just like you feel about each service.

Review source Plus500 rating Coinbase rating Kraken rating
Trustpilot 4 1.5
Google Play Store 4.3 4.4
App Store 4.1 4.7
View more > Plus500 > Coinbase > Kraken >

What is the best crypto wallet in New Zealand?

Copy link to section

Wallets are private and unregulated, so they are available everywhere, to everyone, rather than being restricted according to where you live. MetaMask and Trust Wallet are a couple of the best crypto wallets and they are available all over the world. 

However, there’s a trend towards crypto services operating as all-in-one platforms so you can use one account that acts as your exchange and wallet. The best option for most beginners is to sign up for a service like Binance or Bitstamp, where you can buy crypto on the exchange and then store it on the same platform.

FAQs

Copy link to section
01

What is the best NZ crypto exchange?

02

What’s the best crypto platform for beginners in NZ?

03

What’s the cheapest Kiwi exchange with the lowest fees in New Zealand?

04

What’s the safest crypto exchange in New Zealand?

05

Can I buy cryptocurrency in New Zealand?

06

Which Bitcoin wallet is best in New Zealand?

07

What happened to Cryptopia?


Fact-checking & references

James Knight

James Knight

Editor of Education

  • Stock Market
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Commodities
  • Investing
  • Sport
James is the lead editor of education for Invezz. He's an avid trader and golfer, who spends an inordinate amount of time watching Leicester City and the Jacksonville Jaguars. His biggest claim to fame is that he once fed, rode, and ate an ostrich all on the same day....