Comparison of Valr vs Luno [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

VALR

Valr

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

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

luno

Luno

  • Threenvest valuation: 3,6/5
  • US legal: Yes
  • Security: High 4,5/5
  • Mobile App: Yes
Go exchange

Main points

Fees

-0,01%/0,10%

Earns

No

Customer service

4/5
≤0,10%

Fees

No

Earns

4/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

No

Trading

No

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.0 – Competitive fees with strong local support in South Africa.
3.8 – Reasonable fees with strong local support in emerging markets.

Level

-0,01%/0,10%
≤0,10%

Brief explanation

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.
Luno operates with a transparent and competitive commission structure that varies based on the type of transaction and the user’s activity level. For trading, Luno typically charges a tiered fee, which decreases as the user’s monthly trading volume increases, incentivizing high-frequency traders with lower rates. The fees for buying and selling cryptocurrencies are calculated either as a percentage of the transaction amount or as a flat rate, depending on the currency and payment method used. Deposit fees vary by payment method, with options like bank transfers often being free, while credit or debit card transactions may incur higher fees. Withdrawal fees also vary, generally depending on the network fees of the cryptocurrency being withdrawn and the urgency of the transaction. This fee structure is designed to be straightforward, allowing users to easily understand the costs associated with their trading and financial movements on the platform.

Valr

VALR
Go exchange
  • 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

Luno

luno
Go exchange
  • Year Founded: Since its inception in 2013, Luno has built a long-standing reputation in the cryptocurrency market. This longevity serves as a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.
  • Security Methods: Luno prioritizes the security of its users' assets through robust security protocols, including state-of-the-art encryption and secure storage measures. These efforts ensure that users' investments are protected from external threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Possible Regulation: Luno’s commitment to regulatory compliance in each market it operates in reinforces its reputation as a trustworthy platform. By adhering to local financial regulations and guidelines, Luno provides a secure trading environment that aligns with legal standards.
  • Reputation and Reviews: The platform has garnered positive feedback from users globally, reflected in its favorable reviews across various consumer platforms. This positive reputation highlights user satisfaction with Luno's services and its effectiveness in meeting trader needs.
  • Trading Volume and Liquidity: Luno maintains a healthy trading volume and liquidity, ensuring that users can execute trades efficiently without significant price slippage. This reliability in trading performance makes Luno a preferred option for many traders looking to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
  • Pros
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Strong security protocols enhance safety.
  • Supports a variety of cryptocurrencies.
  • Cons
  • Limited global reach.
  • Fewer advanced trading features.

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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

VALR Pty Ltd.
Luno Pte Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in Sudáfrica
Regulated in Singapur y Sudáfrica

Year founded

2019
2013

Founder

Farzam Ehsani
Marcus Swanepoel

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

Yes
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
No

Card

Yes
Yes

Comparative table

Valr FEATURES Luno
VALR allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start trading without requiring large initial investments.
Minimum Trade
Luno allows small minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start with lower amounts.
One of VALR’s strongest features is its competitive fee structure, which ranks among the lowest in the industry, benefiting all types of traders.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Luno’s fees are competitive but can vary by region and payment method, which may impact cost efficiency for some users.
The exchange offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, providing ample opportunities for diversification.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Luno offers a selection of the most popular cryptocurrencies but has a more limited range compared to larger exchanges.
VALR supports a broad range of trading pairs, allowing users to trade directly between various cryptocurrencies without needing to convert to fiat.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Luno provides a few crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, focusing more on fiat to crypto transactions which limits trading strategies.
While VALR generally provides clear information, some users might find details regarding certain policies and operational procedures could be better highlighted.
Website Transparency
The Luno website provides clear information on fees, policies, and company details, although some users may seek more depth in certain areas.
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.
Credit/Debit Card
The Luno card effectively integrates with their service offering, providing convenience and accessibility for in-store purchases while also facilitating easy conversion from crypto to fiat. This feature enhances user experience by expanding the usability of cryptocurrencies in everyday life. However, availability may vary by region, which is why it doesn’t achieve a perfect score.
VALR offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for stored digital assets.
Storage Offering
Luno excels in secure cryptocurrency storage solutions, offering integrated wallets with advanced security measures.
The platform provides competitive staking options and rewards, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Staking and Rewards
Currently, Luno has limited options for staking and rewards, which could be an area for future development to enhance user returns.
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.
Mobile App and Desktop
Luno’s mobile app and desktop platform are highly user-friendly, offering intuitive navigation and robust functionality for all user levels.
While available, customer service response times can be slow, which might frustrate users, especially those needing urgent support.
Customer Service
Luno provides competent customer service with multiple channels for support, though response times can occasionally extend during high demand periods.
Deposits and withdrawals are facilitated smoothly, but improvements can be made in terms of speed and the variety of supported currencies and methods.
Deposit and Withdraw
Deposits and withdrawals are generally smooth with Luno, supporting various methods, though some users might face delays depending on their region.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools
Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

No
No

Security

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

Additional features

Staking, fiat on/off ramps, VALR Earn, institutional services
Savings wallets, fiat on/off ramps, staking, educational resources

Anonymity

No
No

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

50+
10+

User-friendliness

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.
Luno 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

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in South Africa, making it a good choice for regional users.
Provides decent value for money with competitive fees and a user-friendly platform, making it a good choice for beginners and emerging market users.

Countries of operation

South Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Europe

Best for

Suitable for South African investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.
Ideal for beginners and emerging market users looking for a user-friendly platform with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

ZAR, BTC
ZAR, NGN, MYR, IDR, EUR, BTC

Account

Trading

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.
Luno is a user-friendly exchange popular in emerging markets, offering easy fiat integration and a decent range of cryptocurrencies. It has competitive fees but lacks advanced trading tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

VALR is popular in South Africa, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.
Luno is user-friendly, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

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.
Luno offers an easy and quick account registration process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes
Yes

Customer Service

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.
Luno offers support through email and live chat. The response time is quick, and the support team is available 24/7, making it reliable for users needing immediate help.

Security

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.
Luno ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, providing a secure environment for investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

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.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I recommend Luno for newcomers venturing into the world of cryptocurrencies. Its user-friendly interface and robust educational resources make it an excellent starting point. However, more experienced traders might find the platform’s limited advanced trading features and crypto-to-crypto pairs a bit restrictive. If you’re just getting started or prefer a straightforward, secure trading environment, Luno is a solid choice to consider.

Read VALR review

View all comparisons against Valr

Read luno review

View all comparisons against Luno

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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