VALR is the best day-to-day exchange for South African traders and businesses who want seamless ZAR banking, low maker/taker fees, TradingView-powered charts, perpetual futures with 0% maker, and independently attested reserves. Coin variety isn’t as vast as the largest global platforms and some regions are restricted, but for South Africans, VALR is a superb primary account.
What Makes VALR Stand Out
ZAR-Native Banking
- Instant EFT deposits/withdrawals in ZAR for low friction on-/off-ramps
- VALR Pay for fast, free ZAR/crypto transfers to contacts or QR codes
- Card deposits available (card fees apply)
Low, Maker-Friendly Pricing
- Spot crypto-to-crypto: maker often 0%, taker typically low (tier-based)
- ZAR spot pairs: common maker rebate (-0.01%), low taker fee
- Perpetual futures: 0% maker, competitive taker, with VIP discounts for high volume
Tip: Use the Exchange (order-book) interface for the tightest pricing; the Simple Buy/Sell channel prioritizes convenience over best execution.
Independent Proof-of-Reserves
- Public Proof-of-Reserves confirming client assets are fully backed 1:1+
- Clear help-center documentation on how reserves and liabilities are verified
Trading Experience That Scales
- TradingView charts with depth, indicators, and multiple order types
- Perpetual futures (USDT- and ZAR-margined), with transparent funding mechanics
- Margin on selected spot pairs
- Sub-accounts for strategy separation and treasury control
Yield & Treasury Tools
- On-exchange lending/earning via hourly auctions (set your target APR, rewards accrue hourly)
- Flexible for passive deployment of treasury or idle balances
Mobile Apps
- iOS & Android mirror core web features, including order-book trading, portfolio, and transfers
Quick Specs
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Platforms: Web + Mobile (iOS/Android), TradingView charts
- Tradable instruments: Spot, Margin (selected pairs), Perpetual futures, Earn/Lend
- Account currencies: ZAR primary; USD/EUR via wire; broad crypto support
- Payments: ZAR EFT, card deposits, crypto deposits/withdrawals, VALR Pay
- Availability: Services restricted in several jurisdictions (e.g., US)
Fees Snapshot (Typical)
| Activity | Typical Fee Guidance |
|---|---|
| Spot (crypto↔crypto) | Maker 0%; Taker low tiered |
| Spot (ZAR pairs) | Maker rebate (-0.01%); Taker ~0.10% |
| Perpetual futures | Maker 0%; Taker ~0.04% (VIPs lower) |
| ZAR deposit (EFT) | Free |
| ZAR deposit (Card) | Card fee applies (commonly shown in-app) |
| Crypto deposits | Free (network confirmations) |
Fees vary by pair, tier, and campaign. Always confirm the live schedule in-app before trading.
Products & Features
1) Buy/Sell & Auto-Buy
- One-tap purchases and recurring buys (DCA)
- Ideal for beginners and long-term accumulators
2) Exchange (Order-Book)
- Pro trading with limit/market/stop orders
- Level-2 depth, OHLC candles, indicators, drawings (TradingView)
- Maker incentives on many pairs
3) Futures (Perpetuals)
- USDT- and ZAR-margined perps
- 0% maker, competitive taker, funding-rate guardrails
- Additional address verification required; trade from sub-accounts for risk isolation
4) Earn/Lend
- Hourly lending auctions on selected assets
- You set a target APR; rewards accrue hourly
- Flexible access to funds (note: exchange risk applies)
5) VALR Pay
- Send/receive ZAR or crypto via contact or QR
- Useful for payrolls, reimbursements, or peer-to-peer transfers
Security & Account Protection
- Proof-of-Reserves with 1:1+ client asset coverage
- Cold-storage practices and multi-sig controls
- 2FA (strongly recommended), withdrawal confirmations, device management
- Strict KYC/AML with liveness checks
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class for South African users: ZAR rails, low friction, local focus
- Maker-friendly fees (rebates on ZAR pairs, 0% on many markets)
- Perps with 0% maker and clear funding mechanics
- Proof-of-Reserves and detailed security docs
- TradingView interface and robust mobile apps
- VALR Pay for fast local transfers
Cons
- Simple Buy/Sell can cost more than the order-book route
- Coin list smaller than mega-exchanges (altcoin hunters may want a secondary venue)
- Regional restrictions (e.g., US not supported)
Who VALR Is Best For?
- Everyday South African traders who want reliable ZAR deposits/withdrawals, strong liquidity on majors, and maker-leaning fees
- SMEs and corporate treasuries that need sub-accounts, predictable fees, and hourly accrual lending for idle balances
- Security-conscious users who value attested reserves and clear operational safeguards
Getting Started (5 Steps)
- Create an account (email, strong password, 2FA)
- Verify ID (KYC + quick liveness/selfie)
- Deposit ZAR via instant EFT (or crypto transfer)
- Choose interface: Simple Buy/Sell for convenience or Exchange for best pricing
- Level up: Explore perps, maker rebates, and VALR Pay for day-to-day transfers
FAQs
Is VALR safe?
Yes. It maintains 1:1+ reserves with independent attestation, cold-storage practices, 2FA, and strict KYC/AML.
Are fees low?
Yes. Makers often pay 0% (or earn a small rebate on ZAR pairs), takers are competitive, and perps are 0% maker with low taker fees.
Does VALR support ZAR?
Seamlessly. ZAR EFT is free; withdrawals are fast. Card deposits are supported (card fees apply).
Can I earn yield?
Yes. On-exchange lending pays hourly rewards, and flexible staking/earning options may be available for selected assets.
Is VALR available worldwide?
Not everywhere. Services are restricted in several countries (notably the US). Check eligibility during signup.
Final Word
For South Africans, VALR is the most complete, practical, and trustworthy “everyday” exchange: ZAR-native banking, attested reserves, maker-friendly fees, and a clean, TradingView-powered experience. Keep a secondary global venue if you chase esoteric altcoins—but for regular ZAR crypto, make VALR your primary.
