VALR Crypto Exchange Review: Fees, Security & Best Use Cases in 2026
Introduction
If you're searching for a VALR review, you've come to the right place. VALR is a South African cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 by Farzam Ehsani, Badi Sudhakaran, and Theo Bohnen. It's become one of Africa's top platforms, serving over 1.5 million users globally. With a focus on making crypto trading simple and secure, VALR aims to bridge traditional finance and digital assets. But does it live up to the hype? Let's break it down.
What VALR Offers
VALR gives you access to 75 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. They also offer something unique: xStocks. These are tokenized versions of traditional stocks like Apple or Tesla. You can trade them just like crypto, without needing a separate stock broker. The platform supports spot trading, futures, margin trading, staking, and lending. One standout feature is VALR Pay. It lets you send cash or crypto to anyone via mobile number or QR code. Imagine sending money to a friend in seconds-no bank account needed. That's handy for everyday transactions.
Clear and Competitive Fees
VALR's fee structure is one of its biggest strengths. For spot trading, makers pay 0% fees while takers pay just 0.05%. Futures trading fees are even lower at 0% for makers and 0.04% for takers. Compare that to Binance's standard 0.1% fees or Coinbase's 0.6%. If you refer friends, you can save up to 15% on trading fees. For example, a $1,000 trade as a taker would cost only $0.50. That's way cheaper than many competitors. Plus, they don't charge deposit fees for EFT, SEPA, or wire transfers. Withdrawals are also low-cost, though international users face some restrictions.
Security You Can Trust
Security is a top priority at VALR. Most user funds are stored in cold storage-offline wallets that hackers can't access. They also use two-factor authentication (2FA) and SSL encryption to protect your account. The exchange partners with Bittrex for additional security layers. However, VALR doesn't hold licenses from major regulators like the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) or SEC. This might worry some users, but they've got backing from top investors like Pantera Capital and Coinbase Ventures. These firms have strict due diligence processes, which adds credibility to VALR's security measures.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Before deciding if VALR is right for you, here's a quick summary of what works and what doesn't:
- Pros: Low fees (0% maker fees), easy-to-use interface, VALR Pay for instant transfers, strong security measures, hourly staking rewards on select assets.
- Cons: Limited to 75 cryptocurrencies, no US or Canadian users, lacks educational resources for beginners, South African banking requirements for fiat transactions, no major regulatory licenses.
User Experience: What Real Users Say
VALR's mobile app has a 4.3-star rating on Google Play with over 14,500 reviews. Users love how simple it is to sign up-less than five minutes-and how fast withdrawals go through. One reviewer wrote, "The platform is smooth and easy to use and they never under promise. If you are looking to invest in Crypto then VALR is one of the best SA platforms to risk on." But there are complaints too. Many new users say there's not enough learning material. If you're new to crypto, you might need external guides to understand trading strategies. Also, international users can't deposit via their local banks. Only South African EFT and some SEPA transfers work for fiat, which limits accessibility.
How VALR Compares to Binance and Coinbase
Let's see how VALR stacks up against two major global exchanges:
| Feature | VALR | Binance | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | 75 (including xStocks) | 300+ | 100+ |
| Spot Trading Fees | 0% maker, 0.05% taker | 0.1% both | 0.6% both |
| Deposit Methods | EFT, SEPA, wire, credit cards (SA) | Bank transfers, crypto, credit cards | Bank transfers, credit cards |
| Regulatory Status | No major licenses | Licensed in some regions | US-regulated |
| Regional Availability | Africa-focused, restricted in US, Canada | Global (except US) | US and global |
VALR excels in fees and simplicity for African users but falls short on cryptocurrency variety and global access. Binance and Coinbase offer more coins and wider availability but charge higher fees. If you're in South Africa or another supported African country, VALR's low fees and easy interface make it a top choice. For global traders, Binance or Coinbase might be better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VALR safe to use?
Yes, VALR uses strong security measures like cold storage, two-factor authentication, and SSL encryption. Most user funds are kept offline to prevent hacking. They also partner with Bittrex for extra security. However, VALR doesn't have licenses from major regulators like the SEC or FSCA. While this might concern some users, the platform is backed by reputable investors like Pantera Capital and Coinbase Ventures, which adds credibility.
Can I use VALR in the United States?
No, VALR does not operate in the United States. The platform is restricted in several countries including the US, Canada, India, Iran, and others. If you're in the US, you'll need to use a different exchange like Coinbase or Binance.US.
What are the trading fees on VALR?
VALR has very competitive fees. For spot trading, makers pay 0% fees while takers pay 0.05%. Futures trading fees are 0% for makers and 0.04% for takers. There are no deposit fees for EFT, SEPA, or wire transfers. If you refer friends through their program, you can get up to 15% off trading fees. For example, a $1,000 trade as a taker would cost just $0.50 in fees.
Does VALR offer staking rewards?
Yes, VALR offers staking rewards on select cryptocurrencies. You earn rewards hourly, which is more frequent than many exchanges that pay daily or weekly. This makes it a great option for passive income. Simply deposit supported assets into your VALR wallet and start earning immediately.
Why can't I deposit from my local bank?
VALR primarily supports South African banks for fiat deposits via EFT. International users can use SEPA transfers or wire transfers, but these are limited. This is because VALR is based in South Africa and focuses on the African market. Their banking infrastructure is built around South African financial systems, which makes it hard to support global bank accounts. If you're outside South Africa, you might need to use crypto-only deposits or check if your country is supported.
What is xStocks on VALR?
xStocks are tokenized versions of traditional stocks like Apple, Tesla, or Microsoft. They let you trade shares of real companies on the VALR platform without needing a separate stock broker. Each xStock represents ownership in the underlying company, and prices mirror the actual stock market. This is a great feature for crypto users who want exposure to traditional markets without leaving the crypto ecosystem.
