Cryptocurrency Background

About cryptocurrency in Australia

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Five things to do before investing in Bitcoin

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How to choose a cryptocurrency exchange

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How to buy Bitcoin in Australia

Australian Cryptocurrency Exchanges March 2024

The table below displays some of our referral partners’ Cryptocurrency Exchanges.

This information does not reflect any ranking, rating, recommendation or endorsement by Canstar of cryptocurrency or any specific provider. Canstar is providing factual information supplied by providers. Not all providers or products are shown. Canstar will earn a fee from the providers displayed in the table, and the fee levels determine placement in the table. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and can involve significant risks. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances.

Provider Fiat currencies  AUSTRAC Fees per Trade Number of Currencies Year Established
Sponsored
CoinSpot
go-to-site AUD Yes 0.1% 250+ 2013
Sponsored
eToro
go-to-site AUD, USD, GBP Yes 1% 80 2007
Sponsored
Coinstash
go-to-site AUD Yes 0.85% 1000+ 2017

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cryptocurrency

A cryptocurrency is a digital currency that is nearly impossible to replicate, spend twice or counterfeit. Each digital token has value, just like a $2 coin is a physical token that has an attributed value worth $2. The difference is that the digital token exists online on a network that is distributed across a large number of computers. This is made possible by blockchain technology, with the most popular innovation known as Bitcoin blockchain.

Blockchain technology is an essential part of most cryptocurrencies. This allows for cryptocurrencies to be decentralised, meaning it is not issued by a central authority, allowing it to exist outside of government or centralised control. The word “cryptocurrency” comes from the way the digital tokens are encrypted to secure the network.

Bitcoin was the first blockchain-based cryptocurrency and to this day, it remains the most valuable and popular. At the time of writing, there are thousands of alternative cryptocurrencies on the market all with their own functions and purpose. Some are similar to Bitcoin and others are entirely new currencies that have been built from scratch. As Investopedia reports, November 2021, “the aggregate value of all the cryptocurrencies in existence had reached over $2.1 trillion—Bitcoin represented approximately 41% of that total value” Other types of cryptocurrencies include Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple and Stablecoin.

Getting started in investing in cryptocurrency can be as easy as setting up a new online bank account. Many people who invest in cryptocurrency use an online exchange where dollars are traded for their choice in crypto.

To get started, the investor chooses a cryptocurrency. Most Investors start with Bitcoin or Ethereum before exchanging other types of cryptocurrency. Once you’ve decided on the crypto that’s right for you, the next step is to find an exchange to buy it. Most commonly beginners exchange fiat currency (for example, Australian Dollars) for the chosen cryptocurrency. The next time you buy cryptocurrency, you might trade crypto for crypto. After you purchase your cryptocurrency, you can choose how to store it. Some choose to store it on an exchange but it is generally more secure to store it in a crypto wallet.

Check out our guide on How to Buy Bitcoin in Australia

The crypto exchange allows the investor to exchange one cryptocurrency for another, the buying and selling of coins, and the exchange of fiat money into crypto. Crypto exchanges set the rate of the currencies — both coins and tokens much like how the stock exchange works. Investors can keep their crypto on the exchange but it is generally more secure to keep your own crypto wallet.

A crypto wallet is a place to store, send and receive cryptocurrencies which is generally more secure as it often uses two-factor authentication.

Where can I buy cryptocurrency in Australia?

Cryptocurrency exchanges are the interface between fiat currencies such as the Aussie or US dollar and a selection of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum or Ripple.

Disclaimers and Important Information

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Important information

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This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.

This information does not reflect any ranking, rating, recommendation or endorsement by Canstar of cryptocurrency or any specific provider. Canstar is providing factual information. Not all providers or products are shown. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and can involve significant risks. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance; unit prices and the value of your investment may fall as well as rise.

Any advice on this page is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this general financial advice is right for your personal circumstances. You may need financial advice from a qualified adviser. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances. It’s important you check product information directly with the provider. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD), before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the TMD. For more information, read our Detailed Disclosure.

Canstar may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it’s an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. Payment of fees for ads does not influence our Star Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.