Crypto.com App

- Buy and sell BTC and 50+ other cryptos
- Pay by bank transfer, credit or debit card
- Take advantage of a wide range of extra features
Want to trade bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but don’t know where to start? One of the first things you’ll need to do is find a cryptocurrency exchange where you can buy and sell the digital currency you’re looking for.
There’s a huge range of platforms available, so read on to find out how to compare your options and choose the crypto exchange that’s right for you.
A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where you can buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies.
Some exchanges allow you to trade through fiat currencies, such as New Zealand or US dollars, while others allow you to buy cryptos using another digital currency like bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH).
There are exchanges designed to suit novice traders or those new to the world of cryptocurrency, as well as platforms designed for institutions and full-time traders.
Because not every exchange supports every available digital coin and token, you may need to use multiple crypto trading platforms to buy and sell the currencies you want.
The term “exchange” can be used to refer to a variety of crypto trading platforms:
If you’re researching peer-to-peer exchanges, you’ll also come across the concept of decentralised crypto exchanges. Many (but not all) peer-to-peer exchanges can also be as decentralised.
Decentralised exchanges (DEXs) are hosted on a network of distributed nodes and allow you to trade cryptocurrency directly with other users. The absence of centralisation means there’s no single point of failure for hackers to target, and server downtime is no longer an issue.
And because trades are executed using smart contracts, you can trade straight from your wallet. This ensures that you don’t have to transfer any of your coins and tokens onto an exchange, allowing you to retain control of your cryptocurrency at all times.
With more than 200 exchanges to choose from and more launching all the time, how can you find the best cryptocurrency exchange for your needs? The most important thing to do is to research a wide range of platforms and compare the pros and cons of each option.
When comparing crypto exchanges in New Zealand, make sure you consider the following factors:
So how do cryptocurrency exchanges work? And how exactly can you buy and sell crypto on an exchange? Read on for step-by-step instructions on what you need to do.
For the sake of our example, let’s assume that you have NZ$500 that you want to use to buy bitcoin.
In this scenario, let’s assume that you have 1 BTC that you want to exchange for ETH. Here’s what you need to do if placing a trade on a centralised crypto exchange:
However, if you’re using a decentralised crypto exchange, the process is a little different. You’ll typically be required to link your wallet to your account, but you’ll then be able to trade directly from wallet to wallet, with no requirement to deposit any funds on the exchange.
If you want to sell cryptocurrency on an exchange – let’s say bitcoin for the purposes of this example – you’ll need to follow these steps:
It’s now time to withdraw those funds from your exchange account, but the exact process you’ll need to follow depends on whether you’ve purchased crypto or fiat currency:
Crypto exchanges accept all sorts of deposit methods, including:
However, not all exchanges accept all payment options. To make things more complicated, some exchanges might accept one payment method for withdrawals, but not for deposits.
Processing times, fees and limits can all vary depending on the payment method you choose, so read the fine print to learn the ins and outs of each payment option. For example, while credit card deposits might be processed quickly, they usually attract high fees. Meanwhile, bank transfer deposits may not attract any fees, but they can take 1-2 business days to process.
Before you buy or sell cryptocurrency on any exchange, you’ll need to be fully aware of any fees that apply. Fees vary between platforms and may include:
For more on cryptocurrency exchange fees, check out our in-depth guide.
When you buy cryptocurrency on an exchange, those digital coins are typically deposited straight into your exchange wallet. If you want to keep your coins in this wallet, you can.
However, using an exchange for long-term storage is not recommended. This is due to the fact that the exchange controls the private key to your wallet, so you effectively don’t have total control of your funds. And with exchanges regularly (and sometimes successfully) targeted by hackers, storing bitcoin or any other crypto on an exchange long-term is very risky.
A much safer option is to transfer your coins off the exchange and into a secure wallet that lets you control your private key.
Get more information on comparing and choosing a reliable cryptocurrency wallet.
While regulators are gradually implementing laws and guidelines to help protect consumers against fraud, there are still plenty of dodgy exchange operators out there. Falling victim to theft is a major concern for any crypto buyer, so what can you do to protect yourself against scam crypto exchanges?
There are several simple steps you can take:
For more info on how to stay safe when buying and selling cryptocurrency, check out our guide to bitcoin scams.
Not all crypto exchanges are created equal, and not all crypto buyers and sellers have the same trading needs. The best exchange for one person might not necessarily be the right choice for someone else, so it’s essential that you do your own research.
Check out our reviews of a range of leading cryptocurrency exchanges in New Zealand and around the world. Compare the features, fees, and pros and cons of each exchange and consider how they align with your trading requirements.
This will help you find the best crypto exchange for your needs.
Learn more about the Crypto.com platform in our complete review.
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