As crypto continues its meteoric rise in New Zealand, investors need trusted platforms to buy, sell and trade digital assets. After extensive research, we have identified the best crypto exchanges in New Zealand. These compliant, secure platforms make purchasing Bitcoin, Ethereum and other altcoins easy using NZD.
Summary of 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in New Zealand
New Zealand authorities advise choosing exchanges regulated locally or internationally for safe crypto investing. By using bank transfers or cards to deposit NZD, individuals can legally buy, stake, and trade digital coins and tokens.
For beginners starting their crypto journeys, we have reviewed the best crypto exchanges in New Zealand:
- Independent Reserve – Best Overall Crypto Exchange in NZ
- Swyftx – Best for Altcoin Variety and Staking
- Bybit – Top Choice for Professional Traders
- OKX – Ideal for DeFi and Web3 Integrations
- Easy Crypto – Most Beginner Friendly Platform
| Exchange | Fees | Coins | Staking | Security | Payments | Ideal For |
| Independent Reserve | 0.5% (to 0.02%) | 25+ | ✕ | Registered company, insured custody | Bank transfer, Debit card, PayPal | Large traders |
| Swyftx | 0.6% | 320+ | ✔️ | Registered business | Card payments | Beginners investors and stakers |
| Bybit | 0.01% to 0.06% | 1,000+ | ✔️ | Offshore exchange | Bank transfer, Card payments | Professional derivatives traders |
| OKX | 0.1% | 300+ | ✔️ | Offshore exchange | Fiat and P2P | DeFi traders and stakers |
| Easy Crypto | 1% | 200+ | ✕ | New Zealand exchange, offline storage | Instant bank transfer | New crypto investors |
Independent Reserve – Best Overall Crypto Exchange in NZ
As New Zealand’s original crypto exchange founded in 2013, Independent Reserve leads with secure trading, deep liquidity and a wide asset variety – including 25 top cryptos like BTC, ETH, SOL and stablecoins. It charges low fees starting from 0.5%, with an OTC desk for large orders.
Best Features
- 25+ coins and stablecoins with excellent liquidity
- Regulated by AUSTRAC with ISO 27001 certification
- Competitive 0.5% fee (down to 0.02% for high volume)
- OTC desk for institutional traders
- NZD deposits via SWIFT, debit cards and PayPal
Why We Like It
We like Independent Reserve for its proven security record, competitive rates for big traders, and convenience of local payment methods. As the longest running local exchange, it has cemented its reputation over the past decade through reliable service.
Key Metrics
- Platform ranking #1 in New Zealand
- $4+ billion in transactions annually
- 180,000+ customers across 50 countries
- Consistently high liquidity and trading volume
Swyftx – Best Altcoin Variety and Staking
Catering to first-time crypto buyers, Swyftx makes investing easy with an intuitive mobile app, low fees, and over 320 coins for trading or high-yield staking.
Best Features
- Beginner friendly mobile app
- Over 320 coins and trading pairs
- Low 1.1% deposit fee
- Up to 25% APY yield for staking assets
- Quick access to latest DeFi & GameFi listings
Why We Like It
We like Swyftx for its focus on usability, wealth-building options and newest altcoin listings – making crypto less intimidating for newcomers while offering opportunities for passive income.
Bybit – Top Choice for Professional Traders
Bybit leads derivatives trading in NZ with up to 100x leverage on BTC, ETH futures and more. Alongside perpetual swaps with 1000+ coin pairs, it offers comprehensive tools for advanced trading.
Best Features
- Up to 100x leverage on inverse BTC & ETH contracts
- Over 1000 coins on spot exchange
- Generous referral program
- Stop-loss & risk management features
- Up to 25% staking yield on supported coins
Why We Like It
As the world’s largest crypto derivatives platform, we like Bybit for unrivaled choice of leveraged and futures products matched with advanced risk controls.
Key Metrics
- $10 billion+ daily trading volume
- 10 million+ registered users globally
- High liquidity across futures and spot
- Bold reward model up to 60% referral commission
OKX – Ideal for DeFi and Web3 Integrations
OKX unlocks the full potential of web3 with integrated DeFi protocols, P2P exchange via OKX App and refined trading across spot, futures and options.
Best Features
- 300+ spot coins plus derivatives trading
- OKX App enables web3 logins and dapp access
- DeFi yield farming & liquidity pools
- P2P exchange feature to trade crypto directly
- Responsible risk limits up to 5x leverage
Why We Like It
We like OKX for bringing self-custody, DeFi earnings and peer trading together under one trusted brand.
Key Metrics
- $27 billion daily trading volume
- 20 million registered users globally
- World’s #1 BTC futures exchange by volume
- Over $2.5 billion assets staked
- High liquidity across 3000+ trading pairs
Easy Crypto – Most Beginner Friendly
Easy Crypto makes buying and selling crypto simple for beginners with fixed fees, instant NZD transfers and helpful local support.
Best Features
- Built specifically for New Zealand market
- Fixed 1% buy/sell commission
- Seamless merchant account integration
- Purchase 200+ cryptocurrencies
- Easy sign-up process for personal & business
Why We Like It
We like Easy Crypto for letting crypto newcomers securely enter the market without complexity – a welcoming onboarding designed for Kiwis.
Key Metrics
- 25,000+ customers onboarded in New Zealand
- $245+ million traded through the platform
- Assets stored 100% in offline cold storage
- Founding leadership well-known in crypto industry
- Consistent liquidity on major trading pairs
How to Purchase Cryptocurrency in New Zealand
Follow this beginner’s guide for quick and secure crypto purchasing:
- Select a trusted local exchange platform that stores coins offline
- Sign up with email and password, complete KYC verification
- Deposit NZD funds via bank transfer or card
- Use balance to buy BTC, ETH or other supported cryptos
- Withdraw to secure software, hardware or mobile wallet
Legality and Regulation of Crypto Investing in New Zealand
Is Crypto Legal in New Zealand?
Yes, cryptocurrency is completely legal to own and invest in New Zealand. Exchanges, brokers and related financial providers must register with the FMA and comply with relevant laws like the FMCA and AML/CFT Act.
How is Crypto Taxed in New Zealand?
Cryptocurrencies are treated as taxable property by the IRD. This means any profits from selling or exchanging coins for fiat currency may be subject to income tax and GST, depending on factors like intent to resale and transaction volume.
Conclusion
In closing, we have spotlighted five of the best and most reliable exchanges for Kiwis to enter the exciting world of crypto investing. By adhering to strict standards enforced by New Zealand authorities, traders can have confidence their digital assets are in safe hands. As global adoption accelerates, savvy local investors have an opportunity to position themselves for the web3 future.
In addition to this analysis of the New Zealand landscape, readers may find our detailed overviews of the highest-quality crypto trading platforms in nearby regions useful. Be sure to also check our recommendations for the Best Crypto Exchanges UAE, along with guides covering major options for residents of Morocco and Portugal.
FAQs
Which payment methods can I use to fund my account?
The main options are bank transfers (like direct credit for NZD accounts), debit/credit card purchases and some digital wallets, depending on the exchange.
Should I withdraw crypto into private wallets?
Industry experts strongly recommend withdrawing major holdings into secure offline wallets rather than keeping funds long term on an exchange. Reasons include cyber attack risks, technical issues and centralized control over custody assets.
Which cryptocurrency has the most potential in New Zealand?
Based on current adoption trends locally and globally, Ethereum (ETH) appears to have the most long-term upside potential compared to Bitcoin and other alternative cryptocurrencies.
