Best Crypto Platforms in 2025

What is a cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that exists entirely online and is not issued by any government or central bank. Unlike traditional currencies such as the Australian dollar (AUD), cryptocurrencies are not controlled by a central authority and are instead managed by a distributed network of computers. What sets cryptocurrencies apart is their independence from banks and the fact that they rely on cryptographic technology to secure transactions and control the creation of new units.

Transactions with cryptocurrencies work through a decentralised system, often referred to as peer-to-peer. This means that people can send or receive money directly from one another, anywhere in the world, without the need for an intermediary like a bank. Each transaction is recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain, which ensures that all movements of funds are transparent and traceable. The blockchain works by grouping transactions into "blocks" which are then securely linked together, making it nearly impossible to alter past records.

To keep the system secure and running smoothly, cryptocurrencies rely on participants known as miners (for some coins) or validators (for others). These individuals or groups are responsible for checking and confirming transactions before they are added to the blockchain. By doing so, they help prevent fraud and ensure that everyone’s balances are correct. Miners and validators are rewarded with cryptocurrency for their work, which also encourages people around the world to help maintain the safety and reliability of the network.

Which platforms are available for investing in cryptocurrency?

There are two main types of platforms available for investing in cryptocurrencies: crypto exchanges and crypto brokers offering derivatives such as CFDs. These platforms serve different investor profiles and strategies. Exchanges allow you to buy and own digital assets directly, often with the intention of holding (long-term investment) or simple trading. In contrast, brokers enable you to speculate on crypto price movements using derivatives, like CFDs, without actually owning the underlying asset. This caters mainly to those interested in active trading and leveraging price fluctuations. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial to choosing the solution best suited to your investment objectives.

Good to Know: What is a Crypto CFD?

A Crypto CFD (Contract for Difference) is a financial derivative that lets you speculate on the price movements of cryptocurrencies without owning them. Instead of buying actual Bitcoin or Ethereum, for example, you enter into a contract that settles the difference in price between the open and close of your trade. CFDs are especially popular among those looking for short-term trading opportunities, as they offer leverage: you can control a larger position with only a small portion of the total value (margin). However, leverage amplifies both potential gains and losses, making CFDs a tool best suited for experienced, active traders.

Crypto Exchange

A crypto exchange is an online platform where users can buy, sell, and hold real cryptocurrencies. When you purchase assets on an exchange, you own them on-chain and can transfer them to your own wallet for safekeeping. Exchanges grant access to the spot market and may also offer features like staking, where users can earn rewards by locking up their crypto. Exchanges are popular among people who want to invest for the long term, diversify their portfolios, or use their assets within the blockchain ecosystem.

Example of investing via an exchange

Anna decides to invest in Ethereum for the long term. She signs up with a crypto exchange, deposits €1,000, and buys Ethereum at the current market price. She holds her ETH in her exchange wallet, planning to keep it for several years, hoping the value increases over time.

Crypto Broker

Crypto brokers offer trading via CFDs and other derivatives. With a broker, you do not buy or own real cryptocurrencies. Instead, you speculate on whether prices will go up or down, often using leverage to amplify results. Brokers typically offer speedy execution and advanced order types, appealing to active traders who want to profit from both rising and falling markets. However, because leverage increases both potential profits and risks, trading via brokers requires solid risk management and a good understanding of the products.

Example of investing via a broker

Ben is an experienced trader and wants to capitalise on the short-term movements in Bitcoin’s price. Using a crypto broker, he opens a long position on Bitcoin worth €5,000, using leverage x5—so he only needs to put up €1,000 in margin. If Bitcoin price rises by 10%, Ben’s position gains €500 (10% of €5,000), but conversely, a 10% drop would mean losing €500—so both profits and losses are magnified.

What are the fees charged by crypto brokers and platforms?

Cryptocurrency trading comes with several types of fees, which can differ significantly depending on the platform you use, your chosen investment method (spot or CFDs), and how frequently you trade. Understanding these fees is essential to accurately assess your potential returns and avoid unpleasant surprises, especially for new or passive investors.

Good to know

Deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity fees mainly impact beginners and passive investors who trade infrequently or hold funds on the platform. Conversely, active traders are especially affected by trading/commission fees, spreads, and overnight swap fees (if using CFDs), as these are directly linked to trading frequency and strategy. Choosing the right platform and understanding its fee structure can help you optimize your trading costs and maximize returns.

What services are offered by crypto platforms?

In recent years, crypto platforms have evolved well beyond simple buying and selling of tokens. Today, they offer a diverse range of services enabling Australian investors to optimise their returns, diversify their holdings, and actively participate in the Web3 ecosystem. These additional features create new ways to earn passive income, spend crypto in daily life, or engage with emerging digital asset classes like NFTs.

Crypto Staking

Crypto staking involves locking up digital assets on a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain to help validate transactions and secure the network. In exchange, participants receive staking rewards paid in the same or a related cryptocurrency—similar to earning interest with a term deposit. Platforms typically offer both flexible staking (where assets can be withdrawn at any time, but at lower rates), and locked staking (assets are locked for a set period, usually with higher rewards).

Average annual yields for key staked assets:

Crypto Lending

Crypto lending allows investors to lend their cryptocurrencies or stablecoins to other users, often through a decentralised platform, and receive regular interest payments in return. This method lets your crypto work for you while you hold it, although it does carry counterparty and smart contract risks. Stablecoins (like USDT or DAI) are popular lending choices since their value remains pegged to fiat currency such as the AUD, reducing volatility in returns.

Typical lending yields by asset:

Note: Returns can fluctuate based on demand and underlying risk.

Crypto Card

Crypto cards function like traditional debit cards but are funded using your crypto wallet. These cards allow you to convert crypto to AUD at the point of sale, making it possible to spend Bitcoin or Ethereum at local shops, both online and in-store. Some crypto cards also offer cashback rewards in crypto or exclusive perks.

Information Example

An investor uses a crypto Visa debit card to buy coffee at a café in Sydney. The crypto balance is instantly converted to AUD to complete the purchase.

Crypto Mining and Farming

Crypto Mining involves using specialised hardware (like ASIC miners or GPUs) to validate blockchain transactions, most commonly on proof-of-work networks such as Bitcoin. Miners earn new coins as a reward but face significant upfront costs for equipment, steep electricity bills, and fairly technical setup—particularly relevant for high electricity rates in Australia.

Yield Farming is a DeFi strategy where users provide liquidity (crypto pairs) to decentralised exchanges or lending protocols. In return, they earn a share of transaction fees and protocol rewards—often paid in the platform’s native tokens. While returns can be substantial, yield farming also carries risks: volatility, smart contract bugs, and impermanent loss.

Typical yields for mining and farming:

NFT

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are unique digital assets representing ownership of digital art, collectibles, music, gaming items, or domain names. On major platforms, investors can buy, sell, or even mint (create) NFTs using blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon. Transaction fees (known as “gas”) vary by blockchain—Ethereum gas can cost from a few AUD to over $50 AUD per transaction at times of congestion. NFTs appeal to investors as collectibles, for speculation on future value, or to support digital artists—though the market is highly volatile and illiquid.

Common uses include purchasing digital artwork editions, trading rare in-game items, or launching your own NFT collection as a creator.

Which cryptocurrencies can be traded on an online platform?

When signing up on one of the best crypto platforms, investors in Australia can access thousands of digital assets within a few clicks. In 2025, more than 10,000 cryptocurrencies will be listed worldwide, but only a subset offers characteristics that make them attractive for trading—such as sufficient liquidity, exploitable volatility, or fundamental utility. Understanding the main crypto families and their profiles helps traders focus on the most relevant markets. The following table summarises the main categories available on most Australian crypto trading platforms:

Before selecting a cryptocurrency to trade, it is essential to consider several key metrics:

• Daily trading volume: A volume above 500 million AUD signals strong liquidity, allowing trades to be executed quickly with minimal price slippage.
• Historical volatility: Some coins, like SOL or DOGE, can fluctuate between 5% and 20% in a single day, providing opportunities (and risks) for active traders.
• Market capitalisation: Coins in the top 20 by market cap tend to be more stable and less prone to manipulation than smaller-cap assets.
• Real-world utility: Cryptos that serve real functions—such as payment, powering smart contracts, or enabling DeFi—generally have greater long-term value potential.

How to choose a cryptocurrency platform?

Choosing the right crypto exchange platform is a crucial step that depends on several key factors, such as your level of experience, your investment goals (whether you’re looking at short-term trading or long-term holding), and the specific features you expect. Some platforms are designed for the general public with a simple interface, while others target active traders with advanced tools, or offer straightforward options for beginners. Understanding the differences between these solutions can help you identify which platform is best suited to your needs.

• Regulatory compliance and legal registration (authorisation by official or reputable regulators in Australia)
• Number of cryptocurrencies available for purchase or trading
• Transaction fees (including commission, spread, and withdrawal costs)
• Quality of the user interface (usability, speed, clarity)
• Range of trading tools available (such as leverage, advanced orders, and indicators)
• Opportunities for staking or lending
• Access to a reliable and user-friendly mobile app
• Platform reputation (user reviews and security track record)
• Accepted deposit methods (card, bank transfer, stablecoins)
• Customer support (language options, availability, responsiveness)

By carefully evaluating these criteria, you can identify the crypto platform best aligned with your profile—whether you’re a long-term investor, an active trader, or an occasional user.

What is the best crypto platform according to experience level?

Choosing the right crypto platform depends largely on your level of experience and trading goals. Whether you’re just starting out, trading actively, or have advanced skills, each user profile has distinct needs. The best platforms match your level, offering features, security and user experience tailored to help you achieve your objectives safely and effectively.

Best crypto platform for beginners

Beginners are new to cryptocurrency and may be trying out their first trades. They need a platform that makes buying, selling, and holding crypto as easy and safe as possible, without overwhelming them with complex options or interfaces.

• Simple and intuitive interface for easy navigation
• Strong educational resources and guides
• Reliable customer support, ideally available 24/7
• Instant buying options with AUD compatibility
• High security with clear explanations

Example

A first-time user signs up, uses local AUD bank transfer, and follows step-by-step tutorials to buy their first Bitcoin in minutes.

Best crypto platform for active traders

Active traders buy and sell crypto frequently and seek tools to help them react quickly to market changes. They value platforms with advanced order types, analytics, and fast trade execution.

• Low trading fees for frequent transactions
• Comprehensive charting and analytical tools
• Mobile app with real-time alerts
• Access to a wide range of crypto assets
• Quick deposit and withdrawal methods

Example

A trader checks price charts in the app, sets stop-loss orders, and makes several trades a day using advanced features.

Best crypto platform for experienced traders

Experienced traders often operate at a professional or institutional level. They require sophisticated tools, deep liquidity, high customizability, and robust security.

• Advanced order types and automation capabilities
• Deep liquidity for large trades without slippage
• Access to derivatives, margin trading, and staking
• Detailed API for algorithmic trading
• Enhanced security features, such as multi-factor authentication and cold storage

Example

An experienced trader connects their trading bot via API to execute complex strategies across multiple asset pairs with high liquidity.

Which crypto platforms are registered in AU?

In Australia (AU), any company wishing to offer cryptocurrency services such as buying, selling, storing, or trading must be formally registered with the local authority—AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre)—or hold an equivalent European Union authorisation. Local registration ensures providers meet minimum standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF), security of operations, and transparency of activities.

List of locally registered crypto brokers in AU

Several platforms are officially registered within Australia, notably as Digital Currency Exchanges (DCE) with AUSTRAC. This status, which may be known elsewhere as VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) or PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques), demonstrates that the provider complies with local Australian regulatory requirements.

AFSL: Australian Financial Services Licence

Informations importantes

Registration as a Digital Currency Exchange or equivalent is not a guarantee of capital protection, nor does it represent a licence comparable to that of a bank or asset management company.

Other reliable regulations in AU

Some platforms may not be registered directly with AUSTRAC but are licensed and regulated in other European countries under comparable frameworks. These providers may operate in Australia via a ‘passporting’ or comparable arrangement, fulfilling rigorous European standards for investor protection and compliance.

These regulatory regimes impose high standards regarding fund security, operational transparency, and fair treatment of clients, offering robust protections for European users and, where applicable, for Australian investors accessing these platforms.

What strategies are there for investing in cryptocurrencies?

Investing in cryptocurrencies can take various forms, depending on your desired level of involvement, your investment horizon, and your comfort with risk. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach or wish to actively manage your portfolio, choosing the right strategy is key to achieving your goals. Below are some of the main strategies used by crypto investors and traders, with clear explanations and practical examples.

What taxation applies to income from crypto trading in AU?

In Australia, the taxation of crypto-assets is governed by clear legislation and guidance from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The applicable tax regime will depend on both the type of activity involved—such as whether you are trading as a hobby or business—and the nature of the income you receive (for example, capital gains, business profits, or interest).

Additional information

• Capital gains are calculated as the difference between the sale price and the cost base (purchase price plus certain associated costs) multiplied by the amount of crypto disposed of.
• The taxpayer is responsible for keeping detailed records and declaring all crypto transactions in their annual tax return.
• Crypto accounts and wallets held on foreign platforms must be reported if the aggregate balance exceeds A$50,000 at any time during the financial year.
• Capital losses from crypto can be used to offset capital gains in the current or future years; unused losses can generally be carried forward indefinitely.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.