Comparison of Valr vs Switchere [ 2024 ]

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

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

switchere

Switchere

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

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

-0,01%/0,10%

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

4.0 – Competitive fees with strong local support in South Africa.
3.9 – Reasonable fees with additional benefits for instant purchases.

Level

-0,01%/0,10%
only card 3.60%

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.
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.

Valr

VALR
Read VALR 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

Read VALR review

Switchere

switchere
Read VALR review
  • 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

VALR Pty Ltd.
Unknown

Regulation

Regulated in Sudáfrica
Not regulated

Year founded

2019
2019

Founder

Farzam Ehsani
Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

Yes
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
No

Card

Yes
Yes

Comparative table

Valr FEATURES Switchere
VALR allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start trading without requiring large initial investments.
Minimum Trade
Switchere offers a low minimum trade amount, making it accessible for beginners or those looking to experiment with small transactions.
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
The fees are relatively high compared to industry standards, which might deter frequent traders or those dealing in larger volumes.
The exchange offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, providing ample opportunities for diversification.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Switchere supports a limited but essential selection of cryptocurrencies, suitable for those new to crypto but restrictive for diverse portfolios.
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
Offers basic trading pairs; however, it lacks the variety provided by larger exchanges, limiting strategic trading options.
While VALR generally provides clear information, some users might find details regarding certain policies and operational procedures could be better highlighted.
Website Transparency
The website clearly outlines fees, processes, and security measures, providing users with the information they need to make informed decisions.
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
Switchere focuses on direct cryptocurrency purchases with fiat and does not provide additional financial tools like a branded exchange card.
VALR offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for stored digital assets.
Storage Offering
Offers secure storage solutions, though it might lack some advanced security features available on more specialized platforms.
The platform provides competitive staking options and rewards, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Staking and Rewards
Limited options for staking and rewards, which could be expanded to encourage longer-term investments and user retention.
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
Both mobile and desktop platforms are user-friendly and reliable, though they may lack some functionalities expected by advanced users.
While available, customer service response times can be slow, which might frustrate users, especially those needing urgent support.
Customer Service
Generally responsive and helpful, but some users may experience delays during peak times.
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
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

Staking, fiat on/off ramps, VALR Earn, institutional services
Instant crypto purchases, staking, Switchere wallet, 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.
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

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 interface, though it may lack some advanced features.

Countries of operation

South Africa
Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

Suitable for South African investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.
Ideal for traders seeking a user-friendly platform with competitive fees and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

ZAR, BTC
EUR, USD, 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.
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

VALR is popular in South Africa, 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

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.
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

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.
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

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.
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 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 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.

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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.

More comparatives Valr and Switchere