VALR
VALR
VALR is the number-one exchange for the South African rand, with a −0.01% maker rebate, the VALR Pay network accepted in over 31,000 stores and backers such as Pantera and Fidelity. Regulated by the FSCA, it is currently focused on South Africa, with international expansion into Dubai, India and Zambia still underway.
Data & conditions
| Maker / Taker fee | 0.1% / 0.2% |
|---|---|
| Markets | Spot + Derivatives |
| Max leverage | 20× |
| Supported assets | 140+ |
| Trading pairs | 77+ |
| 24h volume | $21.9M |
| Fiat on-ramp | Yes |
| Deposit methods | Bonifico/EFT in ZAR, Carta di credito/debito (Visa/Mastercard), Apple Pay / Google Pay (Checkout.com), SWIFT, SEPA, Deposito crypto |
| Geo restrictions | US, CA, CU, IR, KP, KZ, RU, SO, SD, SS, SY, UA, IN |
| Staking / Earn | Staking SOL/AVAX/TRX up to 6% APY; lending up to 67% APR |
| Fund custody | Custodial (platform holds funds) |
| KYC | Full |
| Supported countries | AFRICA · 1+ countries |
| Regulator | FSCA |
| OAM Italy registration | No |
| Segment | B2C |
| MiCA / License status | FSCA South Africa FSCA (SA FSP 53308); ODP derivati |
Strengths
- Exchange #1 ZAR; maker rebate −0,01%; VALR Pay 31K+ negozi; Pantera+Fidelity.
- No notable sovereignty advantage documented.
Weaknesses
- Focus South Africa; espansione global in corso.
- Custodial: the platform holds your funds and can freeze or lose them.
- Full KYC required: verified identity, zero pseudonymity.
- Subject to regulation (FSCA (SA FSP 53308); ODP derivati): reporting to authorities and freezes on order.
- Geographic restrictions (US, CA, CU, IR, KP, KZ, RU, SO, SD, SS, SY, UA, IN).
Verdict
VALR is the reference exchange for the South African rand, regulated by the FSCA, with a rare −0.01% maker rebate, 0.2% taker fees, the VALR Pay network accepted in over 31,000 stores and backers like Pantera and Fidelity: a profile that places it at the top of its tier. It is held back by its focus on South Africa, with expansion into Dubai, India and Zambia still underway and not yet consolidated.
VALR offers derivatives with up to 20x leverage but remains custodial with full KYC, so leverage risk compounds the fact that the user never holds the keys. FSCA regulation and the integrated payment network, strengths for the consumer, are markers of centralization here. With no self-custody or privacy, the verdict through this lens stays low.
Promp's editorial rating based on real fees and net annual cost. Promp reviews third-party products independently.
"Sovereignty" rating: score computed on privacy/anonymity (30%), fund control (20%), censorship resistance (20%), trustless/auditability (20%) and costs (10%). Same data, different weights.
FAQ
What are VALR's fees?
On VALR, spot fees are maker 0.1% / taker 0.2%. They drop with monthly volume and VIP tier.
Is VALR regulated in Europe?
Regulatory status of VALR: FSCA (SA FSP 53308); ODP derivati. Licence: FSCA South Africa (ZA).
Does VALR publish Proof of Reserves?
Proof of Reserves publication is not documented for VALR. No third-party reserve audit is documented. Reserve transparency is a critical factor after the FTX collapse.
Can I send transfers to third-party IBANs from VALR?
No, VALR is an exchange and does not allow transfers to third-party IBANs: fiat withdrawals return to a bank account in your own name.
Does VALR support derivatives and futures?
VALR offers derivatives trading, with up to 20x leverage.
Sources
- Official service page Maker/taker fees · Regulatory framework · Derivatives · OAM Italy registry · +1 Data verified on Jun 15, 2026
- bitdegree.org Founders · Trading pairs · Geographic availability Data verified on Jun 15, 2026
- blofin.com Valuation Data verified on Jun 15, 2026
- chainwire.org Third-party audit · Proof-of-Reserves Data verified on Jun 15, 2026
Show 7 more sources
- coindesk.com Company type · Stock ticker · Stock listing · IPO date · +3 Data verified on Jun 15, 2026
- coingecko.com 24h volume · Volume data Data verified on Jun 15, 2026
- sashares.co.za Staking & Earn · Deposit methods Data verified on Jun 15, 2026
- tradingfinder.com Bug bounty · Geo restrictions · Legal name Data verified on Jun 15, 2026
- businessmodelcanvastemplate.com Past incidents Data verified on Jun 13, 2026
- disruptafrica.com Proof-of-Reserves Data verified on Jun 13, 2026
- trustpilot.com Trustpilot reviews Data verified on Jun 13, 2026