What is the Best Crypto App in South Africa? Key Features to Consider

Most crypto apps treat your digital assets like they're meant to stay digital forever. They'll let you buy, sell, and maybe stake your coins, but that's where the story ends.

The best crypto apps bridge the gap between your crypto portfolio and your everyday life.

Want to pay for groceries with Bitcoin? Send ZAR to a friend using your crypto balance? Earn yield while you sleep? These features separate the truly useful platforms from the basic trading apps that leave you wondering what to actually do with your crypto once you've bought it.

So what should you look for when choosing a crypto app in South Africa?

Factors to Consider in a Crypto App

Don't settle for an app that doesn't have:

1. Security
   The security of your funds is non-negotiable. A crypto app should have robust protection mechanisms in place to safeguard your investments. Look for apps that are regulated by local authorities, like the FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) in South Africa, and offer two-factor authentication (2FA) and encryption to keep your funds secure.

2. User Interface
   Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, the app should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The easier it is to navigate, the better your overall experience will be.

3. Supported Crypto Assets
   Make sure the app supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies that suit your trading or investment strategy. If you’re interested in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or any other major altcoins, ensure that the platform has these assets readily available.

4. Trading Features
   The best crypto apps offer a variety of trading options. Look for apps that allow you to trade on spot markets, margin, futures, and more advanced trading options, catering to both beginners and experienced traders.

5. Earning Opportunities
   Crypto is not just about buying and holding. Apps that allow you to stake your assets, lend them for yield, or earn rewards can significantly enhance your portfolio over time.

6. Payment Features
   The app should not only allow you to trade crypto but also offer practical real-world utility. Features like paying for goods and services with crypto at major retailers make it easy to incorporate cryptocurrency into your daily life.

7. Customer Support
   Exceptional customer service is crucial, especially if you're new to crypto. Look for apps that offer responsive customer support through various channels to help you with any issues you may encounter.

Take VALR, for Example

If you’re looking for a crypto app that checks all of these boxes, consider VALR.

1. Over 100 Crypto Assets to Trade
   VALR offers access to over 100 cryptocurrencies, including popular assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), TRON (TRX), and Avalanche (AVAX). You can trade these assets easily via Simple Buy/Sell or explore more advanced trading options for greater exposure.

2. Crypto Staking
   Want to earn rewards for holding your crypto? VALR allows you to stake popular assets like Solana (SOL), TRON (TRX), and Avalanche (AVAX) and earn staking rewards. This feature is ideal for users looking to make their assets work for them.

3. Crypto Lending and Yield
   VALR goes beyond just buying and selling. You can lend your crypto (such as USDT, USDC, BTC, and XRP) and earn yield. It’s a simple way to earn interest on your idle crypto.

4. Pay with Crypto at Pick n Pay
   VALR’s enables you to pay with your crypto (BTC, USDT, SOL & more) using VALR Pay at any Pick n Pay store (Clothing & Liquor) across South Africa. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, utilities, or even clothing, you can use your crypto to make everyday purchases seamlessly.

5. Send and Receive ZAR or Crypto with VALR Pay
   With VALR Pay, you can send and receive South African rands (ZAR) or crypto for free to anyone with a VALR Pay ID, email address, or phone number. This makes it easy to send funds quickly and conveniently to friends, family, or anyone in your network, all without transaction fees.

6. Trade on Spot, Margin, Futures, and OTC Markets
   VALR offers comprehensive trading options for all types of traders. Whether you're just getting started with spot trading, or you're an advanced trader looking to leverage margin or futures markets, VALR has you covered. You can even access OTC (Over-the-Counter) trading for large-volume transactions.

7. Easy-to-Use Interface
   With a simple, intuitive design, VALR ensures a seamless experience for all users. Whether you're buying your first cryptocurrency or managing a portfolio of assets, the app is designed to make your experience as smooth as possible.

8. Regulated and Secure
   VALR is a regulated platform, licensed by the FSCA in South Africa. The app employs advanced security features, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), ensuring that your funds remain safe from potential threats.

Is VALR the Right Crypto App for You?

When it comes to choosing the right crypto app, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, if you’re looking for an app with a wide range of features like the ability to trade over 100 cryptocurrencies, stake and lend assets, make real-world purchases with your crypto, and send/receive ZAR or crypto for free via VALR Pay, then VALR might be the best crypto app in South Africa for you.

10,000+ reviews from real people on Google Play and Apple App Store rate VALR an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Ready to start your crypto journey? If these features align with your needs, VALR could be the app for you to explore.

Risk Disclosure

Trading or investing in crypto assets is risky and may result in the loss of capital as the value may fluctuate.

VALR (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider (FSP #53308).

Futures trading is provided by VALR DAM Pty Ltd as a Juristic Representative of CAEP Asset Managers Pty Ltd (FSP number: 33933) an authorised financial services provider.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are the personal views of the author and should not form the basis for making investment decisions, nor be construed as a recommendation or advice to engage in investment transactions.