What is VALR?
VALR is a cryptocurrency exchange based in South Africa that has been operational since March 2019. With nearly 100,000 users, it positions itself as one of the largest trading platforms in the country. The exchange caters to a diverse user base, accommodating both novice and experienced traders.
User Eligibility: US Investors Not Allowed
VALR does not permit US investors on its platform due to regulatory constraints imposed by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). This restriction is a common practice among exchanges to comply with US regulations.
Trading Fees at VALR
Taker and Maker Distinction: VALR differentiates between takers and makers in its fee structure. Takers, who execute existing orders, are charged 0.10% of the order value.
Competitive Fees: The taker fee of 0.10% at VALR is below the global industry averages for centralized exchanges, which historically ranged from 0.20-0.25%. The latest industry averages are around 0.10%-0.15%.
Unique Offering: VALR stands out by offering negative maker fees (-0.01%), meaning makers receive a payment for creating new buy or sell orders in the order book.
Withdrawal Fees
Zero Exchange Withdrawal Fees: VALR does not impose any withdrawal fees on cryptocurrency withdrawals. Users only need to cover network fees paid to miners, which vary based on network conditions.
Global Industry Comparison: Paying only network fees positions VALR below the global industry average for cryptocurrency withdrawal fees.
Deposit Methods
Cryptocurrency and Fiat Support: VALR accepts both cryptocurrency and fiat currency deposits. Initially, only wire transfers were supported, but as of May 2022, the exchange added support for deposits in South African Rand (ZAR) via credit/debit cards issued in South Africa.
Entry-Level Exchange: With support for fiat deposits, VALR is considered an "entry-level exchange," making it accessible for new crypto investors.
Security Features
Secure Custody: VALR emphasizes secure custody of user assets.
Layered Security: The exchange employs layered security measures to safeguard user accounts and transactions.
Regulatory Compliance: VALR adheres to top-level regulatory compliance standards, ensuring a secure and compliant trading environment.
What are the trading fees on VALR?
Withdrawal Fee 0.000079
Taker Fee 0.10%
Maker Fee -0.01%
Does VALR offer leverage trading?
VALR provides futures trading.
