How to Buy Crypto in New Zealand
With a hospitable climate for crypto as well as tourists, New Zealand is home to an increasing number of cryptocurrency investors. Crypto is currently unregulated by the central bank, but crypto investing is perfectly legal and crypto is legally viewed as property.
As mainstream awareness of Bitcoin and the digital assets revolution takes the world by storm, it’s an excellent time to learn more about crypto. This guide will discuss how you can buy crypto in New Zealand and dive into some of the best asset exchanges in the industry.
Where Can You Buy Crypto in New Zealand?
There are vast options for acquiring digital and decentralized currency. Foremost is the general exchange platforms and cryptocurrency markets which will later be discussed in this guide. A cryptocurrency exchange provider will offer better services for buying virtual currency, but often the charges are hefty.
Second, you can get crypto in New Zealand by receiving payments in the form of crypto assets. For instance, a retailer or merchant may decide to allow buyers to pay using BTC, ETH, or other cryptos.
You can also get crypto in New Zealand by mining some for yourself. That means registering for mining or staking service providers and earning virtual currency in the process.
Other options include finding investors directly and exchanging the goods on a peer-to-peer basis. However, the choice of the P2P service provider, in this case, matters a lot.
How Secure is Cryptocurrency Now?
Currently, many exchanges provide their wallets for storing digital money. However, the policies used in the wallet restrict the ownership and availability of your coins in storage. The safety of your digital currency when stored in exchanges is also not guaranteed, since these platforms use online wallets which are prone to hacks.
Similarly, there has been an increase in the number of software and hardware wallets promising excellent crypto storage services. However, most of them are online-based, thus prone to many hacking and phishing attacks.
Over the years, the values of assets lost in exchanges, scams and wallets have increased, thus causing fear in investors. Although every cryptocurrency company promises top security, still their policies like KYC or lack thereof leave the user vulnerable to serious security issues.
However, the choice of platform or types of wallets, be it a software wallet or private wallet will have a direct impact on the level of security for your digital coins. Therefore, you need to do vast research on a cryptocurrency company before choosing their storage services.
The Best Exchanges to Buy Crypto in New Zealand
1 CryptoWallet.com #1 Recommended


Before we start, we’d like to highlight our top pick — CryptoWallet.com.
CryptoWallet.com is much more than an exchange. Users can buy and sell crypto, spend it in stores using a crypto debit card, pay bills from their own unique international bank account number (IBAN), and even earn ongoing passive income with our referral program.
Interested? Check out CryptoWallet.com here!



2 Swyftx

Swyftx is an Australian cryptocurrency exchange network based in Australia but operating in multiple countries. This platform offers its users a highly user-friendly and intuitive interface.
When using this platform, you can pay for assets using bank transfer, credit cards, cryptocurrencies, debit cards, payID, and OSko. Swyftx supports over 257 cryptocurrencies and only one fiat money, i.e. AUD.
When it comes to trading fees, this platform charges as low as 0.6% as trading fees. For deposits or withdrawals of AUD worth less than $200, the platform charges $2, while for crypto assets, only the standard crypto changes apply. Accordingly, the minimum order size as of the time of writing is $25.
Generally, the platform works to offer super fast settlements. For instance, it only takes about 5 minutes to record withdrawals on the blockchain. However, in some cases, settlements may take up to 1 day to complete.
3 eToro

Another strong exchange network whose services are available in New Zealand is eToro. This platform has built itself a great name in the investment business in financial markets both in fiat money and crypto.
Etoro accepts many payment methods, including PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, and more. According to their web page, when you purchase crypto assets on the platform, you own the assets immediately.
The platform only asks for trading fees in the form of spreads which differ depending on the asset you trade. For instance, the trading fee for BTC is 0.75% and 1.9% for ETH.
Currently, eToro supports the purchase of multiple crypto assets, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tron, XRP, BCH, ADA, EOS, NEO etc. Accordingly, the minimum trade size of crypto in eToro stands at $25 currently.
eToro can take up to 5 business days to complete any transfer requests when it comes to settlement, and a minimum deposit of $500 USD is required to begin trading.
4 Independent Reserve

Independent Reserve is an Australian-based crypto exchange platform boasting a 24/7 service provision. According to their website, the platform was voted the number 1 crypto exchange in Australia.
The general deposit payment modes include EFT, SWIFT payment, PayID, OSKO, and the deposit currencies include USD, AUD, NZD, SGD. Trading fees adjust based on the monthly trading volume, with the minimum trading fee standing at 0.02% for trades worth 20 million AUD and above. However, deposits from Australian banks are free on this platform thus proving an even cheaper solution to Australian bank account holders.
Depending on the choice of asset and method of payment, the settlements could take from 10 minutes up to three days. There are no minimum deposits, but withdrawals depend on the asset, i.e., 0.001 BTC, 0.01 ETH, 0.001BCH, 0.01 LTC, 22 XRP and $50 minimum for fiat.
Accessing Bitcoin on Independent Reserve is relatively easy due to the easy access and the user interface. However, this platform is not a great option for first-time investors.
5 Coinmama

Coinmama is a world-class crypto exchange platform providing services to about 2.7 million people all over the world. This platform was launched in 2013 and since then has proven highly reliable to crypto users.
Currently, the platform supports multiple payment modes, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, Apple Ray, Swift, and Sepa. All these options are given for the user’s convenience.
Coinmama provides services at a fast rate compared to other exchange platforms, sending your coins in 1 hour.
Accordingly, Coinmama supports a few major cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, BCH, ETC, ADA, XTZ, and LTC.
When purchasing, the fee charged depends on your loyalty level and mode of payment. And sell rates are calculated on the XBT index average. Minimums in Coinmama are a bit high, with the lowest being 100 USD for deposits and 200 USD for withdrawals.
6 Kraken

Kraken also fits as one of the best crypto exchange platforms in the crypto sphere today, and fortunately, its services are available in New Zealand.
It offers trading options at favourable fees, with investors being charged 0.9% for Stablecoins and 1.5% for crypto instant buy. However, there are other options like spot trading, where the fees are relatively low. These fees also differ depending on the payment method.
There are multiple payment methods accepted, including SWIFT payment, Sepa, wire transfer, bank transfer, etc. The processing time depends on the choice of payment mode and may take up to 5 days for deposit.
For trading, the minimum order size accepted in Kraken is different for every asset and includes 0.005 for ETH, 0.0002 for XBT, 5EUR, 10 USD, 5 GBP, 10 AUD etc.
The platform currently supports over 50 crypto assets and is working to include others soon.
7 LocalBitcoins

LocalBitcoins is a Helsinki-based P2P bitcoin exchange platform that operates in many countries, including New Zealand. Local bitcoin offers a peer-to-peer bitcoin network eradicating the need for middlemen.
According to their website, this platform does not charge transaction fees to buyers. Instead, it imposes a 1% transaction charge for sellers advertising on the platform.
Accordingly, the platform sets its minimums to 0.4BTC for sell adverts, but the sellers can set their adjustable minimums. This platform’s simplicity makes it the best for bitcoin’s first-time buyers.
Due to the recent surge of bitcoin prices, many investors are buying bitcoin adding it to their investment portfolios. Therefore, LocalBitcoin is an excellent tool to use since it only supports bitcoin purchases and sales. Credits and Debit cards, bank transfers, and mobile money payments.
Since transactions are peer to peer, settlement is done nearly instantly after the seller receives their amount, the buyer receives the assets. LocalBitcoin by itself provides an escrow service to ensure the users remain safe.
8 Paybis

Paybis, launched in the UK, in 2014 stands out as one of the best crypto exchanges today. It offers crypto to fiat trading options for around nine major cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, USDT, BCH, XLM, TRX, BNB.
There are vast options for payment, including debit/credit cards, Skrill, Neteller, bank transfer, BTC. The platform has minimum order sizes of $60 for debit and credit cards, $50 Skrill, $50 for Neteller, $200 for Bank transfers, $50 for BTC purchase.
Transaction settlement takes an average of 1-5 days, all depending on the value, payment, and asset choice. The fee charged for credit card transactions is 2.49%, but the fee changes depending on the amounts spent and the choice of payment.
9 Kiwi Coin

Kiwi coin is a New Zealand bitcoin exchange platform founded around seven years ago. Generally, this platform focuses on exchanging Bitcoin only and offers user-friendly attributes for the investor.
Using POLi or ANZ bank transfers, you can pay for the BTC you purchase in New Zealand’s currency NZD. The fee charged for withdrawals is a standard NZD 10 and zero for deposits of the NZD currency. When it comes to XT withdrawal, the most standard withdrawal fee is 0.00001 XBT and zero deposit fee.
The minimum order in the platform is capped at NZD 10k per day or 50k per month.
Before settlement, your account details have to be verified by KYC policies. Afterwards, the settlement could take a day.
10 BitPrime

BitPrime is a full-service cryptocurrency retailer offering personalised services for users. It boasts a highly user-friendly user interface to the investor’s advantage. Accordingly, it has over 150 crypto assets available thus can help users create a vast portfolio.
This platform has multiple payment options, including Retail internet banking, credit card, Account2Account, and POLi.
The fee charged is based on the choice of payment option and the amount transacted. For instance, there is a 2.9% charge for retail internet banking for orders ranging from $100-$20k and 2.0% for amounts more than that. If you choose credit card payments, 5% is charged for all transactions above $100. The minimum order size is $100.
For persons using POLi and Account2Account as payment tools, their settlement will take between 5 and 15 minutes. However, depending on the processing, either manual or autonomous the settlement may take longer in Account2Account.
11 Easy Crypto

Easy crypto is another top crypto exchange platform designed to provide top services for several countries, including New Zealand. The platform offers services 24/7, guaranteeing users a transaction completion of 2 minutes.
This network provides over 109 coins, with top currencies like Bitcoin, ETH, and XRP being among the commonly used ones. For all these coins, Easy Crypto charges between a 0.5-2.5% transaction fee, which is included in the order price.
Additionally, Easy Crypto provides various payment methods, including POLi Pay, bank transfers, and Account2Account. The minimum order in the network is set at 40 NZD, applicable to buy and sell orders. It’s easy to access bitcoin on EasyCrypto and enjoy the vast benefits of the coin.
12 Binance

Binance is probably the best crypto exchange today, followed closely by Coinbase providing top exchange services to people globally. This platform currently has over 150 crypto coins supported, including the top assets like BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, and LTC.
As far as payment options are concerned, Binance provides many options, like bank deposits, credit/debit cards, phone number-based payments, and many more. The payment options change depending on the jurisdiction, but the best for Zealanders is credit and debit cards and bank deposits.
The platform offers good services and a 0.1% fee for every transaction. In Binance, the minimum transaction orders depend on the asset and market involved, i.e., 0.0001 for BTC, 0.005 ETH, 0.05 BNB.
After requesting a transaction, it takes almost 1 hour to receive a Transaction ID and even longer for a complete settlement to be done.
13 Bittrex Global

Launched in 2014, Bittrex Global is a crypto exchange platform offering vast crypto services with a user-friendly interface. The platform provides the best price in the crypto trading space, with a minimum fee of 0.25% for both deposits and withdrawals.
The minimum trade size in the platform stands at 100k Satoshis, an equivalent of 0.001 BTC. The platform has the widest selection of coins supporting over 250 digital currencies, including BTC and ETH, and aims to foster super fast settlement of transactions.
The minimum trade size in the platform stands at 100k Satoshis, an equivalent of 0.001 BTC. The platform has the widest selection of coins supporting over 250 digital currencies, including BTC and ETH, and aims to foster super fast settlement of transactions.
New Zealand Crypto Exchanges FAQs
How do I get Cryptocurrency in NZ?
Getting Cryptocurrency in New Zealand is relatively easy. You’ll need to own a crypto wallet, then identify the right exchange platform offering the best services and favourable charges. Buying digital assets also means scouring in exchanges to find the assets at the lowest rates.
Is Cryptocurrency legal in New Zealand?
Cryptocurrency is legal in New Zealand, and even merchants can use it as a mode of payment. Moreover, crypto is considered property for tax the country, although not a legal tender.
Is there a Bitcoin ATM in New Zealand?
Currently, there is no known crypto or bitcoin ATM present in New Zealand.
How much tax do I pay on Cryptocurrency?
Although there is some level of uncertainty on taxing different kinds of crypto incomes, there are guidelines set to tax users once they sell crypto assets. Generally, the tax treatment is similar to taxing other products, but soon more regulations will be introduced. You need to closely follow the tax payment instructions as per the inland revenue guidelines.
Is it safe to use online crypto wallets?
Generally, online wallets are prone to many hacking and attack threats that may cripple them entirely. However, CryptoWallet.com ensures all user funds through BitGo, a world leader in digital asset custody and protection. Users can also implement two-factor authentication or 2FA, a security measure that adds an additional layer of protection to your funds.