5 best crypto exchanges in Australia compared 2026 (expert review)

If you are looking for the best crypto exchanges in Australia for 2026, this guide breaks it down simply

Key Takeaways

• Best Overall: MEXC wins on value with 0% maker fees, 2,700+ coins, and high leverage for experienced traders.
• Best Local Option: Swyftx is the top pick for beginners needing easy AUD deposits and a simple app.
• The “Combo” Strategy: Most savvy Aussies use a local exchange (like Swyftx) for fiat onboarding and transfer to a global exchange (MEXC) for trading altcoins.
• Safety First: All selected platforms are compliant with local standards or hold major global security certifications.

If you are looking for the best crypto exchanges in Australia for 2026, this guide breaks it down simply. We analyzed the latest data, ranking these platforms based on their fees, features, and actual user ratings.

How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange in Australia

Before jumping into the reviews, it is important to know what separates a “good” exchange from a great one in the Australian market. We didn’t just pick these names out of a hat; we ranked them based on the specific features that matter most to Aussie traders right now:

• Seamless AUD Integration: The platform must support PayID/Osko for instant, fee-free deposits. In 2026, you shouldn’t have to wait days for your cash to hit your account.
• Fee Structure: We prioritized platforms with low trading fees (under 1% for locals, near 0% for globals) to ensure your profits aren’t eaten up by costs.
• Asset Variety: With the crypto market expanding, a top exchange needs to offer at least 400+ coins (or 2,000+ for global platforms) so you don’t miss out on early opportunities.
• Security & Compliance: We only selected exchanges that are either AUSTRAC-registered or hold global AAA security ratings with Proof of Reserves (PoR).
• User Experience: Whether it is a mobile app with a “Demo Mode” for beginners or advanced charting for pros, the interface needs to be intuitive.

 

5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Australia

1. MEXC: Best Overall for Low Fees and Altcoins

MEXC is the leader for 2026 with 2,700+ spot pairs, zero maker fees, and futures with up to 500x leverage, ideal for finding altcoins.

MEXC is great because it gives you access to almost everything. Launched in 2018, it now has over 40 million users globally. For Australians, it offers 2,700 spot pairs and 800 futures options. Whether you are analyzing the latest RXS crypto trends or hunting low-cap tokens, the variety is unmatched. Their “Zero-Fee Gala” events are a huge plus, often letting you trade pairs like BTC/USDT trading pair without paying any fees at all.

• Standout Tech: The DEX+ feature allows you to swap over 10,000 on-chain tokens using a simple interface, so you don’t need to worry about gas fees or complex wallets. They also offer Grid bots to help automate trading.
• Fees: 0% maker / 0.05% taker (Spot); 0% / 0.02% (Futures).
• Security: AAA rated by CER, a $655M insurance fund, and monthly Proof of Reserves (PoR) audits showing 141% BTC reserves as of Dec 2025.
• For Aussies: You can fund your account via crypto or buy directly using Banxa. The KYC process is flexible and fast.
• Pros: Early altcoin access is a major advantage here. You can easily track the PI Network price or stake MXSOL (liquid SOL yields) while using copy trading to mirror the pros.

2. Swyftx: Best Local for Beginners

Swyftx offers a very easy-to-use app, reasonable 0.6% fees, and free PayID deposits, perfect for Australians trading 400+ coins.

Swyftx is widely considered the best local option. It is registered with AUSTRAC and holds a 4.7/5 Trustpilot score. If you are nervous about starting, their Demo Mode lets you trade with fake money to practice risk-free.

• Daily wins: Spreads are tight (0.41%-1%), and the portfolio tracking tool is excellent. Support is available 24/7.
• Why it works: You can deposit AUD instantly for free using PayID, even on weekends.
• Best for: People who want a clean mobile app to manage their portfolio on the go.

3. CoinSpot: Best for Instant AUD Trades

CoinSpot provides 440+ coins, easy NFT bundles, and PayPal deposits, making it Australia’s most convenient choice for quick swaps.

With 2.5 million users, CoinSpot is the veteran of the Aussie market. It is ISO 27001 certified for security. Their “Bundles” feature is very popular, it lets you buy a whole category of coins (like an ETF) in one click.

• Speed: Supports PayID, PayPal, and even cash deposits at Australia Post.
• Fees: Flat 1% fee on spot trading. It is simple, though slightly higher than others.
• Best feature: Recurring buys. You can set it to automatically buy small amounts of ETH or SOL over time.

4. Independent Reserve: Lowest Fees for Volume

Independent Reserve offers tiered fees from 0.2% down to 0.05% and free PayPal support, the top choice for high-volume Aussie traders.

Operating since 2013, this exchange has a strong reputation for never being hacked. It uses cold storage for security and offers free deposits via PayID and PayPal.

• Volume benefits: The more you trade, the lower your fees go (starting at 0.5% and dropping quickly).
• Pro tools: They have an OTC desk for very large trades and a seamless app.
• Best for: Traders moving large amounts of AUD who want to minimize costs.

5. Kraken: Advanced Trading Powerhouse

Kraken features 460+ coins, low 0.16% maker fees, and AUD futures, built for skilled Australian traders who need advanced tools.

Kraken is famous for its security record and integration with TradingView charts. It is a great place to go once you have some experience and want to use margin or stake your coins for yield.

• Global strength: Full support for Australian bank transfers and cards.
• Tech edge: Offers up to 50x leverage on specific pairs.
• Best for: Leveling up your trading game after mastering the basics.

Comparison Table: 2026 Metrics for Australian Traders

Exchange	Trading Fees (Spot Maker/Taker)	Coins/Pairs	Security Highlights	AUD/Fiat Support	Best For
MEXC	0% / 0.05% (0% promos)	2,700+	AAA, $655M fund, PoR	Crypto/Banxa	Altcoins & Low Fees. Trade ETH/USDT zero fees.
Swyftx	0.6%	400+	AUSTRAC, 4.7 Trustpilot	PayID (Free)	Beginners
CoinSpot	1%	440+	ISO 27001	PayID, PayPal	Instant Local Swaps
Indep. Reserve	0.2% – 0.5%	100+	No hacks record	PayID/PayPal (Free)	High Volume
Kraken	0.16% / 0.26%	460+	Top security record	Bank transfers/Cards	Advanced Traders

Conclusion

MEXC is redefining trading in 2026 with unmatched variety and zero fees, while local platforms offer great convenience. We recommend pairing a global giant like MEXC with a local exchange for the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MEXC available and safe for Australians in 2026?

Yes. It is open to Australian users and holds AAA security ratings, a $655M protection fund, and publishes full Proof of Reserves audits.

What makes MEXC the top crypto exchange in Australia for 2026?

It offers zero-fee spot trading, over 2,700 trading pairs, up to 500x leverage on futures, and the DEX+ feature for easy on-chain trading.

How do MEXC fees compare to Swyftx or CoinSpot?

MEXC is significantly cheaper. Their 0% / 0.05% fee structure is much lower than Swyftx (0.6%) and CoinSpot (1%).

Can Australians deposit fiat on MEXC?

Yes, but it is done through third-party providers like Banxa or P2P markets. It is fast and compliant.