Comparison of Independent Reserve vs Switchere [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

independent reserve

Independent Reserve

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

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

switchere

Switchere

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

Main points

Fees

≤0,50%

Earns

No

Customer service

4/5
only card 3.60%

Fees

No

Earns

3/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

No

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

3.9 – Reasonable fees with strong local support in Australia and New Zealand.
3.9 – Reasonable fees with additional benefits for instant purchases.

Level

≤0,50%
only card 3.60%

Brief explanation

Independent Reserve operates with a tiered fee structure that incentivizes higher trading volumes with progressively lower fees. The standard trading fee starts at 0.50% and can decrease to as low as 0.02% depending on the user’s 30-day trading volume. For deposits, there are no fees for electronic fund transfers (EFT) over AUD 100, and SWIFT transfers are free for amounts over AUD 5,000. Withdrawals to Australian bank accounts are free, while international withdrawals incur a fee of AUD 20. Cryptocurrency withdrawal fees are competitive, with a fee of 0.0003 BTC for Bitcoin, which is significantly lower than the global industry average​​.
Switchere’s fee structure is designed with simplicity in mind, catering to users who value straightforward transactions. The exchange primarily charges a fee on the conversion of fiat to crypto, and this fee is transparently incorporated into the exchange rate displayed at the time of purchase. The typical transaction fee ranges from 1% to 2%, depending on the payment method and the specific currencies involved. This simplicity allows users, especially beginners, to easily understand the costs associated with their transactions without worrying about additional hidden charges.

Independent Reserve

independent reserve
Go exchange
  • Year Founded: Independent Reserve was established in 2013, making it one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia. Its longevity in the market is a testament to its reliability and stability​​.
  • Reputation and Reviews: With over a decade of operation, Independent Reserve has built a strong reputation among users for its reliability and customer service. It has consistently received positive reviews and high ratings for its security, user experience, and customer support​​.
  • Regulation and Compliance: The exchange is registered with AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) and complies with stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations. This regulatory adherence ensures a high level of trust and security for users​​.
  • Customer Service: Independent Reserve offers comprehensive customer support through various channels including email, support tickets, and a well-resourced help center. This ensures that users can get timely assistance for any issues they encounter​​.
  • Security Methods: Independent Reserve employs robust security measures including two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption of sensitive data, and cold storage for the majority of its cryptocurrency holdings. The exchange also conducts regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities​​.
  • Pros
  • Strong adherence to regulatory standards.
  • High level of platform security.
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Cons
  • Limited selection of cryptocurrencies.
  • No margin trading available.

Switchere

switchere
Go exchange
  • Year Founded: Switchere was established under Estonia's progressive and stringent regulatory framework, enhancing its credibility as a trustworthy platform.
  • Security Methods: Adhering to rigorous security protocols required by Estonian law, Switchere ensures that user data and funds are protected through advanced security measures, including SSL encryption and compliance with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Switchere has built a positive reputation among its users for its ease of use and reliable customer service. This is reflected in consistently good reviews across various consumer feedback platforms.
  • Transparency: The platform maintains high transparency in transaction fees and exchange rates. It discloses all costs upfront, ensuring users are not met with unexpected charges.
  • Customer Service: Switchere offers robust support with quick response times, providing users with a dependable resource for resolving issues and inquiries, which is essential for new entrants in the crypto market.
  • Pros
  • Easy for beginners
  • No registration for small buys
  • Instant card purchases
  • Cons
  • Limited cryptocurrency options
  • Higher transaction fees

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Product selection

Native token

No
No

Earns

No
No

NFT marketplace

No
No

Cripto/debit card

No
No

Company information

Full name

Independent Reserve Pty. Ltd.
Unknown

Regulation

Regulated in Australia
Not regulated

Year founded

2013
2019

Founder

Adam Tepper
Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

No
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
No

Card

No
Yes

Comparative table

Independent Reserve FEATURES Switchere
Minimum trade amounts at Independent Reserve are relatively low, making it accessible for new investors.
Minimum Trade
Switchere offers a low minimum trade amount, making it accessible for beginners or those looking to experiment with small transactions.
Fees are moderate compared to other exchanges, but some users might find them slightly higher for smaller trades.
Trading and Transaction Fees
The fees are relatively high compared to industry standards, which might deter frequent traders or those dealing in larger volumes.
Independent Reserve supports a decent range of popular cryptocurrencies, providing enough options for most investors.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Switchere supports a limited but essential selection of cryptocurrencies, suitable for those new to crypto but restrictive for diverse portfolios.
The exchange offers a fair selection of crypto-to-crypto pairs, though not as extensive as some larger platforms.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Offers basic trading pairs; however, it lacks the variety provided by larger exchanges, limiting strategic trading options.
The website is user-friendly and transparent about fees, regulations, and available services.
Website Transparency
The website clearly outlines fees, processes, and security measures, providing users with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Independent Reserve does not offer a card for in-store purchases.
Credit/Debit Card
Switchere focuses on direct cryptocurrency purchases with fiat and does not provide additional financial tools like a branded exchange card.
Offers secure storage options, including insurance for stored assets, enhancing user confidence in the platform’s safety.
Storage Offering
Offers secure storage solutions, though it might lack some advanced security features available on more specialized platforms.
Independent Reserve does not have extensive staking or rewards programs compared to some other exchanges.
Staking and Rewards
Limited options for staking and rewards, which could be expanded to encourage longer-term investments and user retention.
Both mobile and desktop platforms are well-designed, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
Mobile App and Desktop
Both mobile and desktop platforms are user-friendly and reliable, though they may lack some functionalities expected by advanced users.
Customer service is responsive, though there is room for improvement in speed and availability during peak times.
Customer Service
Generally responsive and helpful, but some users may experience delays during peak times.
Deposits and withdrawals are processed efficiently, with multiple options available, although some methods might incur fees.
Deposit and Withdraw
The process is straightforward, but the high fees for some operations and limited methods for withdrawal can be a drawback.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools
No significant tools, mainly a buying platform

Mobile APP

No
No

Security

High 4,6/5
High 4/5

Additional features

OTC trading, SMSF services, staking, insurance options
Instant crypto purchases, staking, Switchere wallet, educational resources

Anonymity

No
No

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

20+
10+

User-friendliness

Independent Reserve 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.
Switchere provides a straightforward and easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and execute trades.

Value for money

Delivers good value for money with competitive fees and strong security features, suitable for Australian and New Zealand users.
Provides decent value for money with competitive fees and a user-friendly interface, though it may lack some advanced features.

Countries of operation

Australia, New Zealand, Singapore
Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

Best for Australian and New Zealand investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong security.
Ideal for traders seeking a user-friendly platform with competitive fees and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

AUD, NZD, USD, BTC
EUR, USD, BTC

Account

Trading

Independent Reserve is a popular exchange in Australia and New Zealand, offering a user-friendly platform and easy fiat integration. It supports a decent range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees.
Switchere provides a secure platform with easy fiat integration and a decent range of cryptocurrencies. It offers competitive fees but lacks advanced trading tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

Independent Reserve is popular in Australia and New Zealand, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.
Switchere supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with low fees.

Account opening process

Independent Reserve provides an easy and user-friendly account opening process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is efficient and usually takes less than a day to complete.
Switchere offers a straightforward and user-friendly account registration process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is efficient and typically takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes
Yes

Customer Service

Independent Reserve provides extensive customer support via email, live chat, and phone. The support team is responsive and available 24/7, making it reliable for users globally.
Switchere offers customer support via email and live chat. The response time is quick, but the support team is not available 24/7, which may be a drawback for some users.

Security

Independent Reserve employs comprehensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Australian authorities, ensuring high security for investors.
Switchere employs robust security features, including 2FA and encryption. 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 in cryptocurrency exchanges, I can confidently recommend Independent Reserve for several reasons. This platform excels in security and regulatory compliance, ensuring that your investments are protected. It supports multiple fiat currencies, making it accessible for users in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. While its selection of cryptocurrencies is somewhat limited, it offers a user-friendly interface and excellent customer support, making it ideal for beginners. For those prioritizing safety and reliability in their crypto trading experience, Independent Reserve is a solid choice.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As a cryptocurrency expert reviewing various platforms, I find Switchere to be a notably accessible exchange for newcomers to the cryptocurrency market. The platform’s straightforward design eliminates the usual complexities associated with crypto transactions, making it exceptionally user-friendly. For anyone looking to start their journey into cryptocurrencies with minimal hassle, Switchere’s ability to process direct purchases through credit and debit cards offers a significant convenience. However, while it’s ideal for beginners due to its simplicity, more experienced traders might find the limited selection of cryptocurrencies and higher transaction fees a bit restrictive. Therefore, I recommend Switchere for those new to the space or for casual users not looking to engage in more complex trading activities.

Read Independent Reserve review

View all comparisons against Independent Reserve

Read switchere review

View all comparisons against Switchere

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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