CoinJar Crypto Exchange Review 2025 - Fees, Security & Usability

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CoinJar Fee Comparison
Feature Basic App Exchange
Spot Trade Fee 1.0% 0.10% - 0.02%
Card Purchase Fee 2.0% Not applicable
Deposit Fee Free Free
Withdrawal Fee Free Free up to tier limits
Recurring Purchase Fee 1.0% 0.5%

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Quick Take

  • Founded in 2013, CoinJar targets beginners and intermediate traders in Australia and 47 other markets.
  • Security: 90% of assets in cold storage, partnered with BitGo and Fireblocks.
  • Fees: Basic platform - 1% spot, 2% card; Exchange - 0.1%‑0.02% maker‑taker.
  • Supported fiat: AUD, EUR, GBP, USD; 60+ crypto assets (focus on major coins).
  • Pros: Simple UI, free AUD/EUR/GBP deposits, Australian regulatory compliance. Cons: Limited altcoins, no margin/futures, liquidity can lag for big orders.

If you’ve searched for a CoinJar review that tells you whether the platform lives up to its “most trusted exchange” claim, you’re in the right spot. Below we walk through what the service actually offers, how its fee and security model stacks up, and who will benefit most from signing up.

What Is CoinJar?

CoinJar is an Australian‑founded cryptocurrency exchange launched in May2013 by Asher Tan (CEO) and Ryan Zhou (COO). The company runs two linked products: a beginner‑friendly app called “CoinJar” and a more feature‑rich platform named “CoinJar Exchange”. Together they support over 60 cryptocurrencies, with a strong emphasis on established tokens like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The service is available in 48 countries, primarily Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

How CoinJar Works - Two Tiers, One Account

When you sign up, you create a single account that can toggle between the “basic” interface and the “exchange” view. The basic side lets you buy crypto instantly with a bank transfer, PayID or a credit/debit card. The exchange side unlocks order‑book trading, three daily auction windows, and API access for developers.

Key platform differences:

  • CoinJar (basic): Simple buy‑sell flow, no order‑type selection, 1% spot fee, free AUD/EUR/GBP deposits.
  • CoinJar Exchange: Limit/market orders, customizable charts, maker‑taker fees starting at 0.1%, higher withdrawal limits after extra verification.

The fiat side works with four currencies - AUD, EUR, GBP, USD - using the Australian‑based PayID system for instant transfers and SEPA for Euro deposits. Card deposits (Visa/Mastercard) incur a 2% surcharge.

Security & Regulatory Compliance

Security is a top selling point. Approximately 90% of customer balances sit in offline, hardware‑wallet cold storage. The remaining 10% is kept in hot wallets that are protected by multi‑signature controls and real‑time monitoring. BitGo and Fireblocks provide the institutional‑grade custody layer.

On the regulatory front, CoinJar is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC Australia’s financial services regulator) and holds an Australian Digital Currency Exchange (ADCE) licence. This means the platform must follow AML/KYC rules, keep client funds segregated, and undergo regular audits. For users outside Australia, the same compliance framework applies because the exchange only operates in jurisdictions that recognise the ADCE licence.

Fee Structure - What You’ll Actually Pay

Fee Structure - What You’ll Actually Pay

CoinJar splits its pricing into two buckets. The basic app uses a flat‑rate model, while the exchange uses a tiered maker‑taker schedule that rewards higher volume.

CoinJar fee comparison - Basic app vs Exchange
Feature Basic App CoinJar Exchange
Spot trade fee 1.0% (flat) 0.10% - 0.02% (maker‑taker, volume‑based)
Card purchase fee 2.0% Not applicable (exchange requires bank transfer)
Deposit fee (AUD/EUR/GBP) Free Free
Withdrawal fee (AUD/EUR/GBP) Free via PayID or bank Free up to tier limits, then $5 per transaction
Recurring purchase fee 1.0% 0.5% (if set on Exchange)

For a casual user buying $500 worth of Bitcoin via the basic app, the total cost is roughly $5 (1%). A high‑frequency trader moving $10,000 daily on the exchange could see fees dip below $2 if they qualify for the 0.02% tier.

User Experience - Onboarding, Mobile, and Support

The sign‑up flow consists of four verification levels. Level1 asks for name, email and a photo ID; Level2 adds proof of address; Level3 and4 require source‑of‑funds documentation for higher limits. Most users finish Level2 in under an hour, while Level4 can take a few business days.

Both iOS and Android apps mirror the web experience. The iOS version enjoys a 4.8‑star rating, praised for its clean layout and fast load times. Android users report occasional lag during the auction‑window updates - a point to watch if you plan to trade on the go.

Customer support runs via ticket and email from 9AM to 2AM Australian Eastern Time, Monday‑Friday. There is no phone or live‑chat option, which can be frustrating for users in different time zones. Response times average 4‑6hours for standard queries, but complex KYC issues can stretch to 48hours.

Pros & Cons - At a Glance

  • Pros
    • Strong regulatory backing (ASIC‑licensed).
    • 90% cold‑storage protects most funds.
    • Free AUD/EUR/GBP deposits and withdrawals.
    • Simple UI for beginners; Exchange adds depth for intermediates.
    • Transparent fee schedule, competitive maker‑taker rates.
  • Cons
    • Only ~60 cryptocurrencies - no speculative altcoins, DeFi tokens, or NFTs.
    • No margin, futures, or advanced order types.
    • Liquidity can be thin on large‑volume trades.
    • Support limited to email/ticket and business‑hour windows.
    • Android app performance issues reported by some users.

Is CoinJar Right for You?

Deciding whether to open an account hinges on three questions:

  1. What’s your trading style? If you’re buying a few BTC or ETH to hold, the basic app’s 1% fee and instant fiat links are perfect. If you plan to day‑trade or use API bots, the Exchange’s lower maker‑taker fees and three daily auction windows will save you money.
  2. Do you need a wide range of coins? Traders chasing the newest DeFi projects will feel restricted. For stable, high‑cap assets, CoinJar’s 60‑coin roster is sufficient.
  3. Is regulatory certainty a priority? Australian users (and anyone who values an ASIC‑licensed platform) will appreciate the compliance layer, especially as global regulators tighten rules.

In short, Australian residents, newcomers, and mid‑level traders looking for a secure, regulated home will find CoinJar a solid fit. Institutional or high‑frequency traders who need deep liquidity and exotic pairs should look at larger global exchanges.

Final Verdict

CoinJar has survived a decade of market turbulence by doubling down on security, compliance, and a stripped‑down user experience. Its fee model is transparent, its mobile apps are generally reliable, and its Australian licence gives peace of mind. The trade‑off is a narrower coin selection and the absence of advanced derivatives tools. If your priority is a trustworthy, beginner‑friendly platform with low‑cost spot trading, CoinJar checks the boxes. If you need the full toolbox of a global exchange, you’ll probably outgrow it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CoinJar available in the United States?

No. CoinJar’s licensing restricts service to 48 countries, and the United States is not on the approved list. US residents need to use a platform that holds a BitLicense or similar registration.

Can I link a PayPal account for deposits?

PayPal is not supported. Deposits must be made via bank transfer, PayID (AU), or Visa/Mastercard.

What’s the maximum daily withdrawal limit?

Limits depend on verification level. Level4 users can withdraw up to AUD50,000 (or equivalent) per day after completing source‑of‑funds documentation.

Does CoinJar offer staking services?

As of October2025, CoinJar does not provide native staking. Users must move assets to external wallets or staking platforms.

How does the CoinJar Mastercard work?

The Mastercard draws from the user’s crypto balance, converting assets to fiat at the point of sale. It incurs a 2% transaction fee and can be used wherever Visa is accepted.

18 Responses

Kate Nicholls
  • Kate Nicholls
  • October 11, 2024 AT 06:05

The fee structure is decent, but the limited coin list hurts its appeal.

Jacob Anderson
  • Jacob Anderson
  • October 17, 2024 AT 00:58

Sure, pay a flat 1% on the basic app and pretend you’re getting a fancy service, while the exchange’s 0.02% tier sounds like a secret club you’ll never join because of the thin liquidity. The Australian regulators are great if you love paperwork, but the lack of margin trading makes it feel like a kiddie pool. Oh, and that Mastercard? Another 2% fee for the thrill of converting crypto at the checkout.

Amie Wilensky
  • Amie Wilensky
  • October 22, 2024 AT 19:52

Reading through the CoinJar review feels like flipping through a modern‑day ledger of promises and constraints; each paragraph is a tiny snapshot of what regulators, security firms, and market dynamics have conspired to produce. The author notes a 90% cold‑storage ratio, which, on paper, suggests a defensive posture against hacks; however, the remaining 10% hot‑wallet exposure still leaves a non‑trivial attack surface. The tiered maker‑taker fees, descending from 0.10% to 0.02%, are mathematically appealing for volume traders, yet the liquidity‑thin warnings imply that real‑world execution may deviate from the advertised spread. Moreover, the review points out that only about 60 cryptocurrencies are supported, a number that pales in comparison to the hundreds listed on global exchanges. This limited selection reinforces the platform’s branding as beginner‑friendly rather than a playground for DeFi enthusiasts. The fee calculator example, while illustrative, contains a code bug where the volume comparison uses a single equals sign, an oversight that could mislead inexperienced users. The author also mentions that card purchases incur a 2% surcharge, a cost that stacks with network fees and can erode small‑scale investment returns. On the compliance side, registration with ASIC grants a veneer of legitimacy, yet the same licensing dictates that only 48 jurisdictions may access the service, excluding the United States altogether. The review’s discussion of verification levels is thorough, highlighting that Level 4 can take days, which may frustrate users seeking rapid onboarding. Customer support, limited to email and ticketing during Australian business hours, lacks the immediacy that many traders now expect, especially those operating across time zones. The mobile app scores high on iOS but receives occasional lag reports on Android, a platform‑specific inconsistency that could affect trade timing. While the author praises the “strong regulatory backing”, the absence of margin, futures, or advanced order types forces traders to look elsewhere for sophisticated strategies. In essence, the review paints CoinJar as a solid, secure entry point for newcomers, but also delineates clear boundaries where it falls short for power users. The concluding verdict, that the platform is “trustworthy yet limited”, succinctly captures the duality of its market positioning. Finally, the FAQ section clarifies that US residents are barred, PayPal is unsupported, and staking services are absent, reinforcing the platform’s narrowly defined niche.

Charles Banks Jr.
  • Charles Banks Jr.
  • October 28, 2024 AT 14:45

CoinJar tries to be everything for everyone, but ends up being a bland sandwich. You get the basic app for simple buys, and the exchange for the "serious" crowd, yet both feel a bit undercooked.

Ben Dwyer
  • Ben Dwyer
  • November 3, 2024 AT 09:38

If you’re just starting out, the free fiat deposits and simple UI are a solid foundation. Once you’re comfortable, the lower maker‑taker rates on the exchange become a useful tool for scaling up.

Oreoluwa Towoju
  • Oreoluwa Towoju
  • November 9, 2024 AT 04:32

Security looks good with most funds cold‑stored, and the regulatory licence adds peace of mind.

Lindsay Miller
  • Lindsay Miller
  • November 14, 2024 AT 23:25

CoinJar is easy to use and the fees are clear, which helps new users feel safe.

Waynne Kilian
  • Waynne Kilian
  • November 20, 2024 AT 18:18

I think the platform is good but there is a small issue with the android app lagging sometimes, its not a big deal but can be frustating.

Naomi Snelling
  • Naomi Snelling
  • November 26, 2024 AT 13:12

They say it’s regulated, but who’s really watching? Probably some shadowy cabal that likes to keep the crypto world under a veil of compliance.

april harper
  • april harper
  • December 2, 2024 AT 08:05

Even though the review is thorough, the platform feels like a half‑baked promise-solid on safety, hollow on innovation.

Rajini N
  • Rajini N
  • December 8, 2024 AT 02:58

From a technical standpoint, the cold‑storage ratio and the use of BitGo/Fireblocks are industry‑standard practices that mitigate a large portion of custodial risk.

MD Razu
  • MD Razu
  • December 13, 2024 AT 21:52

When you read the fee schedule, you notice that the tiered maker‑taker model theoretically rewards high‑volume traders, yet the platform’s limited liquidity could cause slippage that negates any nominal savings; furthermore, the absence of advanced order types such as stop‑limit or trailing stops restricts risk management options; on top of that, the lack of margin and futures contracts means that speculative strategies must be pursued elsewhere; nevertheless, the free fiat deposits and withdrawals are a welcome feature for newcomers, and the regulatory backing provides a layer of consumer protection that many offshore exchanges simply cannot claim; the Android app’s occasional lag, while a minor inconvenience, may still impact traders who depend on timely execution; overall, the platform occupies a niche between pure‑play beginner wallets and full‑service exchanges, and users should assess whether its trade‑off aligns with their personal goals.

VICKIE MALBRUE
  • VICKIE MALBRUE
  • December 19, 2024 AT 16:45

Great for beginners; solid security; clear fees.

Michael Wilkinson
  • Michael Wilkinson
  • December 25, 2024 AT 11:38

The platform’s lack of depth is a glaring flaw, especially for anyone wanting serious market exposure.

Billy Krzemien
  • Billy Krzemien
  • December 31, 2024 AT 06:32

CoinJar’s compliance framework is commendable, and the UI simplicity helps users focus on the crypto itself rather than getting lost in configuration.

Clint Barnett
  • Clint Barnett
  • January 6, 2025 AT 01:25

Picture this: you’ve just stumbled onto a platform that promises both the innocence of a beginner’s sandbox and the thrill of a professional exchange. The UI greets you with bright, friendly colors, while the back‑end quietly whispers about cold‑storage vaults and ASIC licences. Yet, as you delve deeper, the menu reveals only a modest selection of 60‑odd coins-hardly the sprawling jungle of tokens you might have imagined. The fee calculator, with its neat sliders, tempts you to crunch numbers, but a hidden bug in the code could send you down the wrong path. Still, the 0.02% maker‑taker tier is tantalizing for high‑volume traders, provided you can ignore the occasional liquidity hiccup. And let’s not forget the prepaid Mastercard, a glossy card that converts crypto on the fly-just remember the 2% surcharge that silently eats into every purchase. All in all, CoinJar feels like a well‑polished storefront on a quiet street, perfect for the cautious wanderer, but perhaps too modest for the daredevil explorer seeking the bustling market square.

Carl Robertson
  • Carl Robertson
  • January 11, 2025 AT 20:18

The sarcasm in the earlier post about fee tiers is spot‑on; honestly, who needs a 0.02% fee when you can’t even fill a $10k order without hitting the price wall?

Kate Roberge
  • Kate Roberge
  • January 17, 2025 AT 15:12

While the review praises the regulator backing, anyone who’s tried the support knows it’s like shouting into a void-especially after the weekend.

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