Comparison of Ascendex vs Valr [ 2024 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Ascendex vs Valr comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

altcoin trader

Ascendex

  • Threenvest valuation: 3,8/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,6/5
  • Mobile App: Yes
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

VALR

Valr

  • Threenvest valuation: 3,8/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,6/5
  • Mobile App: No
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,10% /0,20%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5
-0,01%/0,10%

Fees

No

Earns

4/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

No

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.1 – Low trading fees with discounts for token holders.
4.0 – Competitive fees with strong local support in South Africa.

Level

0,10% /0,20%
-0,01%/0,10%

Brief explanation

Altcoin Trader’s commission structure is designed with simplicity in mind, aligning with its overall user-friendly approach to cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges a flat fee of 0.25% on all trades, whether you are buying or selling. This rate is quite competitive within the industry, particularly for an exchange that prioritizes ease of use for beginners. The straightforward fee model eliminates any confusion about variable rates that can affect the cost of transactions, making it easier for new traders to understand exactly how much they will be paying per trade. This transparency in fees is part of what makes Altcoin Trader a preferred choice for those new to the crypto markets.
VALR’s commission structure is designed to be competitive and attractive to both novice and experienced traders. The exchange employs a tiered fee system where the trading fees decrease as the user’s monthly trading volume increases. This incentivizes higher trading volumes while maintaining affordability for smaller traders. Fees for typical trades start relatively low, with further reductions possible depending on the trade volume and currency pairs being traded. Additionally, VALR occasionally runs promotions that temporarily reduce fees or offer rebates, enhancing the trading experience.

Ascendex

altcoin trader
Read ascendex review
  • Year Founded: Established in 2015, Altcoin Trader has been in operation for several years, allowing it to develop a deep understanding of the market dynamics and user needs. This longevity in the volatile crypto market underscores its resilience and adaptability.
  • Security Methods: Altcoin Trader employs robust security measures, including cold storage for the majority of the assets, which significantly reduces the risk of hacks and unauthorized access. This focus on securing user funds is a critical factor in building trust.
  • Reputation and Reviews: The platform has built a strong reputation within the South African cryptocurrency community. User reviews often highlight the reliability of the service, the responsiveness of customer support, and the ease of use of the platform.
  • Transparency: Altcoin Trader is known for its transparent operational practices, including clear communication about fees and any changes to the trading environment. This transparency helps build trust and ensures users feel secure in their trading decisions.
  • Customer Service: The exchange has a dedicated customer service team that is accessible and responsive. This service ensures that users can receive quick and helpful responses to their inquiries or issues, which is crucial for both new and experienced traders.
  • Pros
  • Supports direct ZAR deposits.
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Offers a wide range of altcoins.
  • Cons
  • imited advanced trading features.
  • Lower trading volume than competitors

Read ascendex review

Valr

VALR
Read ascendex review
  • Strong Security Measures: VALR employs robust security protocols including cold storage of assets, two-factor authentication, and secure encryption technologies to ensure user funds are protected against unauthorized access.
  • Compliance with Local Regulations: As a South African exchange, VALR adheres to local financial regulations and guidelines, which bolsters its credibility and reliability as a trustworthy platform in the eyes of both users and regulators.
  • High Trading Volume and Liquidity: VALR supports a high trading volume and offers substantial liquidity, making it easier for users to enter and exit positions, which is especially beneficial for traders looking to execute large volume trades.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Since its launch, VALR has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive user reviews often highlight its user-friendly interface, range of supported cryptocurrencies, and responsive customer support.
  • Year Founded: Established in 2018, VALR has rapidly grown to become one of the leading exchanges in South Africa, demonstrating strong market resilience and continuous adaptation to user needs and technological advancements.
  • Pros
  • Wide range of cryptocurrencies
  • Competitive trading fees
  • Strong security measures
  • Cons
  • Limited global fiat options
  • Slow customer support response

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Product selection

Native token

Token ASD
No

Earns

Yes
No

NFT marketplace

Yes
No

Cripto/debit card

Yes
No

Company information

Full name

AscendEX (formerly BitMax)
VALR Pty Ltd.

Regulation

Not regulated
Regulated in Sudáfrica

Year founded

2018
2019

Founder

George Cao and Ariel Ling
Farzam Ehsani

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

Yes
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
Yes

Card

Yes
Yes

Comparative table

Ascendex FEATURES Valr
The minimum trade amount is reasonable, accommodating both small and larger investors.
Minimum Trade
VALR allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start trading without requiring large initial investments.
Fees are competitive but could be improved to match or undercut major competitors.
Trading and Transaction Fees
One of VALR’s strongest features is its competitive fee structure, which ranks among the lowest in the industry, benefiting all types of traders.
Offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies, though not as extensive as larger global exchanges.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
The exchange offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, providing ample opportunities for diversification.
Limited to more common pairs, lacking the extensive options found on larger platforms.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
VALR supports a broad range of trading pairs, allowing users to trade directly between various cryptocurrencies without needing to convert to fiat.
The website provides clear and straightforward information on fees, policies, and trading options.
Website Transparency
While VALR generally provides clear information, some users might find details regarding certain policies and operational procedures could be better highlighted.
Altcoin Trader lacks a branded exchange card, limiting the versatility of funds access and usage beyond the digital platform.
Credit/Debit Card
The VALR card integrates seamlessly with the exchange, providing convenient access to funds and attractive rewards, enhancing the overall utility of the platform for everyday transactions.
Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring a high level of security for stored assets.
Storage Offering
VALR offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for stored digital assets.
Limited options for staking and rewards, not as competitive as other exchanges offering these services.
Staking and Rewards
The platform provides competitive staking options and rewards, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Offers functional mobile and desktop platforms, though they lack some advanced features.
Mobile App and Desktop
VALR offers both mobile and desktop platforms that are user-friendly and feature-rich, facilitating trading on-the-go as well as from a desktop setup.
Responsive and helpful customer service, providing support through multiple channels.
Customer Service
While available, customer service response times can be slow, which might frustrate users, especially those needing urgent support.
Efficient processes for deposits and withdrawals, though mainly catering to local (South African) users.
Deposit and Withdraw
Deposits and withdrawals are facilitated smoothly, but improvements can be made in terms of speed and the variety of supported currencies and methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

Technical analysis tools, charting
Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes
No

Security

High 4,6/5
High 4,6/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures contracts, staking, AscendEX Earn program
Staking, fiat on/off ramps, VALR Earn, institutional services

Anonymity

No
No

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

150+
50+

User-friendliness

AscendEX offers a well-designed and user-friendly platform that caters to both novice and experienced traders. The interface is intuitive, and the platform provides helpful resources to guide users through the trading process.
VALR offers a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The interface is designed to facilitate a smooth trading experience with all necessary features easily accessible.

Value for money

Provides good value for money, offering low trading fees and access to a variety of trading tools and features.
Offers good value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in South Africa, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore
South Africa

Best for

Great for both novice and experienced traders who want access to a variety of trading tools, low trading fees, and advanced features.
Suitable for South African investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, USDT
ZAR, BTC

Account

Trading

Ascendex, formerly known as BitMax, offers comprehensive trading options including spot, margin, and futures trading. Its advanced trading tools are beneficial for seasoned traders. However, new users might find the platform’s complexity challenging initially.
VALR is a popular exchange in South Africa, offering a user-friendly platform and easy fiat integration. It supports a good range of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees but lacks some advanced trading tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

Ascendex offers diverse deposit and withdrawal methods including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed quickly, typically within 24 hours. Fees are competitive.
VALR is popular in South Africa, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

Ascendex’s account opening is fully digital and quick. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is streamlined and user-friendly, allowing for account approval typically within a day.
VALR provides a seamless and fully digital account registration process. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is quick and usually takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes
Yes

Customer Service

Ascendex offers customer support through email, live chat, and a comprehensive FAQ section. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, ensuring users can get help whenever needed.
VALR provides customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a limitation for some users.

Security

Ascendex ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. While the platform is secure, it is not regulated by top-tier authorities, which might be a concern for some users.
VALR employs robust security features, including 2FA and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I recommend Altcoin Trader for South African users new to the cryptocurrency market, given its user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While it offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies and straightforward deposit and withdrawal processes, potential users should be aware of its limited crypto-to-crypto trading pairs and the absence of credit/debit card support. For those starting out or primarily trading in major cryptocurrencies, Altcoin Trader provides a solid platform to begin your investment journey securely.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert reviewer on our website, I highly recommend VALR for anyone entering the cryptocurrency market in South Africa. The platform’s wide array of cryptocurrencies paired with some of the most competitive fees in the market makes it a top choice. However, if you’re trading from outside of South Africa or require swift customer support, you might want to consider these aspects before deciding.

View all comparisons against Ascendex

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

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