In this guide, we go over the best cryptocurrency exchanges in Singapore. Cryptocurrencies have been getting more and more popular in recent years. If you want to buy some crypto before it gets mainstream…read on.
We also wrote an extensive guide on how to buy bitcoin in Singapore.
Best Cryptocurrency Platform in Singapore 2023
There are many options, but here is our shortlist of the best crypto trading platforms in Singapore.
- AvaTrade – Best Crypto Broker Singapore Overall
- Coinbase – One of The Biggest Crypto Brokers Singapore
- Kraken – Best Crypto Trading Platform Singapore
- Crypto.com – Good Cryptocurrency Trading Platform Singapore
- Gemini
- Binance.sg
SGD and USD Trading
If the exchange offers SGD as the base currency and offers SGD/BTC trading pair, that is an added plus. Buying crypto with SGD is straightforward and doesn’t require SGD/USD currency conversion. On the other hand, USD cryptocurrency pairs usually have lower fees and more pairs available.
Fees
Different exchanges have different trading fees. Most of the time, trading platforms offer different account types. Depending on the account type, different fees apply. We recommend top-tier accounts, as these are associated with lower trading fees. An added benefit of top tier accounts is also a better UI of the platform, with more tools, research and overall trading experience.
For example, let's say that exchange 1 has a 0.25% trading fee and exchange 2 has a 0.45% trading fee. At first, that doesn’t seem like much but adds up in the long run.
If you buy S$10,000 worth of crypto:
- 0.25% fee is S$25
- 0.45% fee is S$45
Now multiply that by a few trades or higher trade value, and fees add up.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Deposits and withdrawals of your crypto are subject to fees. The percentage you pay depends on which cryptocurrency you are transferring and the type of transfer. Crypto to wallet, cash conversion, or transfer to another exchange have different fees.
SGD Supported Crypto Exchanges
Not all exchanges support SGD for crypto purchases. Here are the ones that do:
| Exchange | Crypto offered | Fees | SGD Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | 17 | Spread | No |
| Coinbase | 3000+ | 2.49% | No |
| Kraken | 69 | 0.9% – 3.75% | No |
| Crypto.com | 100+ | 0.1% – 0.4% | Yes |
| Gemini | 40+ | 0.25% | Yes |
| Binance.sg | 8 | 0.6% | Yes |
Regulation of Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Singapore
MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) does not consider cryptocurrency as legal tender or securities. MAS calls crypto DPT (digital payment tokens) and does not regulate them.
There is no legal protection if you buy or sell cryptocurrencies and something goes wrong. MAS states that they will not be able to help you if you lose money dealing with digital tokens. Further, they state that even if you deal with an entity regulated by MAS, the digital token is still not regulated.
Under the Payment Services Act 2019 cryptocurrencies or persons that buy, sell, or facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrencies, MAS regulates these activities only for money laundering terrorism financing risk. There is no obligation for protecting your cryptocurrency or ensuring all transactions are processed properly.
A full list of DPT providers in Singapore can be found here.
Currently, only one broker received a green light from MAS for trading cryptocurrencies in Singapore – Independent Reserve exchange from Australia.
Security
Not your keys, not your coins. That is a popular saying in the crypto space and it means that if you don’t own the private keys to your coins, you are handing over the control to a third party. For example, if you hold your coins on an exchange, the private keys are in the hand of that exchange.
The safest way to store your crypto is by transferring it to a cold wallet where you are in complete control of your private keys.
How to pick a crypto exchange?
There are a few key factors to consider when picking an exchange. Fees, security, number of coins offered are just a few.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind, before choosing a cryptocurrency exchange such as:
- Do they offer SGD as base currency?
- Is the exchange regulated?
- Does the exchange have a good track record?
- Deposit and withdrawal fees
- Trading fees on a maximum S$30,000 yearly limit set by MAS
1. AvaTrade – Tight Spreads for Crypto Trading
- Ultra Low Spreads and Fees
- Major Cryptocurrencies Offered
- Well Regulated
- One of the best Mobile Apps
- Top Trading Tools
- AvaSocial – Copy Trading
2. Coinbase – Biggest Exchange Specializing in Crypto Only
- Specializes in Crypto Only
- Secure Storage
- Industry Best Practices
- Insurance Available
3. Kraken- Specializing in Crypto Only
- Specializes in Crypto Only
- 24/7 Support
- Great Security
- 50+ Cryptocurrencies Available
4. Crypto.com
- 10m+ Users Worldwide
- Crypto.com Visa Card with up to 8% cash back
- Low Fees
- Fast and Secure
- Earn Rewards
5. Gemini
- Variety of tools to buy, sell and store crypto
- High Level Security
- Insurance Coverage
- SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified crypto exchange
6. Binance.sg
- Secure and Reliable
- Easy to Use
- 24/7 Support
