Singapore has firmly established itself as one of Asia’s leading cryptocurrency hubs, thanks to its robust regulatory framework, proactive government support for digital asset innovation, and rising adoption among both retail and institutional investors.
As interest in digital assets continues to grow, more Singaporeans are exploring cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset class—whether for long-term investment, active trading, or portfolio diversification.
However, with opportunity comes risk. In 2024 alone, scammers stole over S$230 million worth of cryptocurrency in Singapore. This alarming figure underscores the importance of choosing secure, regulated platforms for buying and trading digital assets.
This comprehensive guide highlights the best crypto exchanges in Singapore, focusing on MAS-regulated platforms that offer strong security, low fees, and user-friendly features tailored to beginners and experienced traders alike.
Why Trade on a Licensed Cryptocurrency Exchange in Singapore?
In Singapore, all crypto exchanges and wallet providers dealing with Digital Payment Tokens (DPTs)—such as Bitcoin or Ethereum—must be licensed under the Payment Services Act (PSA). As of April 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has granted licenses to 33 major payment institutions for DPT services.
This regulation ensures that platforms adhere to strict standards in:
- Anti-money laundering (AML)
- Counter-terrorism financing (CTF)
- Technology risk management
- Customer fund protection
👉 Discover how top-tier exchanges meet MAS compliance standards.
Trading on a MAS-regulated exchange gives investors peace of mind. These platforms undergo regular audits, maintain transparent operations, and implement consumer safeguards. While MAS does not guarantee against losses, regulation significantly reduces the risk of fraud or platform failure.
Top MAS-Regulated Crypto Exchanges in Singapore
Here are some of the most trusted and fully licensed crypto exchanges operating in Singapore:
Coinhako
- Trading Fees: 0.6%
- Cryptocurrencies: 130+
- Trading Type: Spot only
- Purchase Methods: PayNow, FAST
Ideal for beginners seeking simplicity and local banking integration.
Independent Reserve
- Trading Fees: 0.5%
- Cryptocurrencies: 25+
- Trading Type: Spot only
- Purchase Methods: PayNow, FAST, SWIFT
Known for strong security and institutional-grade compliance.
Crypto.com
- Trading Fees: Up to 0.25% (maker), 0.5% (taker)
- Cryptocurrencies: 250+
- Trading Type: Spot and derivatives
- Purchase Methods: Bank transfer, credit/debit cards, crypto
Offers a full ecosystem including wallets, cards, and staking.
Coinbase
- Trading Fees: Up to 0.45%
- Cryptocurrencies: 210+
- Trading Type: Spot only
- Purchase Methods: Debit card, FAST, SWIFT
User-friendly interface with strong global reputation.
Upbit
- Trading Fees: 0.2% – 0.25%
- Cryptocurrencies: 150+
- Trading Type: Spot only
- Purchase Methods: PayNow, FAST
Backed by South Korea’s Kakao, with deep liquidity.
OKX
- Trading Fees: 0.1% (maker and taker)
- Cryptocurrencies: 100+
- Trading Type: Spot and derivatives
- Purchase Methods: PayNow, FAST, credit/debit cards
One of the lowest fee structures with advanced trading tools.
👉 Start trading with zero withdrawal fees on a top-tier platform.
Bitrue
- Trading Fees: 0.098%
- Cryptocurrencies: 700+
- Trading Type: Spot and derivatives
- Purchase Methods: Credit/debit cards, bank transfers
Offers one of the widest altcoin selections in the region.
Non-Exchange Platforms for Buying Crypto in Singapore
Some investors prefer buying crypto through non-exchange financial platforms:
| Platform | Trading Fees | Supported Cryptos |
|---|---|---|
| Revolut | 1.49% (free) or 0.99% (paid) | 130+ |
| Moomoo | 0.3% | BTC, ETH, BCH, XRP, DOT, ADA |
| DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) | Accredited/institutional only | BTC, ETH, BCH, XRP, DOT, ADA |
While convenient—especially for users already within these ecosystems—they come with trade-offs:
✅ Pros:
- Seamless integration with existing banking apps
- Perceived higher trust due to institutional backing
- Ideal for accredited investors seeking custody solutions
❌ Cons:
- Limited crypto selection
- Higher fees than dedicated exchanges
- No external wallet withdrawals (e.g., Revolut)
Understanding Crypto Trading Fees
Every transaction costs something. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Trading Fees: Maker vs. Taker
- Maker fees apply when you place a limit order that adds liquidity.
- Taker fees apply when you fill an existing order immediately.
Tip: Use limit orders to benefit from lower maker fees.
2. Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
Most platforms offer free SGD deposits via FAST or PayNow—a major advantage for local users.
However:
- Some charge fiat withdrawal fees (e.g., S$1.5 on Independent Reserve)
- OKX stands out by offering zero withdrawal fees
Credit/debit card deposits often carry high fees (3%–4%)—avoid them when possible.
👉 Compare real-time fee structures across top exchanges.
Additional costs include:
- Stablecoin conversion fees (e.g., USDC to SGD)
- Inactivity fees (rare)
- Gas fees (on decentralized networks)
Spot vs. Derivatives Trading: What’s the Difference?
Spot Trading
Buy and own actual cryptocurrency at market price. No leverage. Ideal for long-term holders.
Example: Buying BTC today to hold for years.
Derivatives Trading
Speculate on price movements using futures or perpetual contracts. No ownership. Often involves leverage.
Higher risk—but also higher potential returns.
⚠️ Note: Not all MAS-regulated exchanges offer derivatives trading.
Types of Cryptocurrencies You Should Know
The market extends far beyond Bitcoin. Key categories include:
1. Payment & Store-of-Value Coins
- Bitcoin (BTC) – Digital gold
- Litecoin (LTC) – Fast payments
- Stablecoins (USDT, USDC) – Price-stable tokens
2. Infrastructure Coins
Power blockchain networks:
- Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX)
- Scaling solutions: Optimism, Arbitrum
- Cross-chain tools: Chainlink (LINK), LayerZero (ZRO)
3. Financial (DeFi) Tokens
Fuel decentralized finance:
- DEXs: Uniswap (UNI), Curve (CRV)
- Lending: Aave (AAVE), Compound (COMP)
- Yield: Yearn Finance, Beefy
- Liquid staking: Lido (LDO)
4. Service Tokens
Support real-world use cases:
- File storage: Filecoin (FIL)
- Computing: Render (RNDR), Akash (AKT)
- Data: The Graph (GRT), Ocean Protocol (OCEAN)
5. Media & Entertainment Tokens
NFTs: BAYC, CryptoPunks
Metaverse: Decentraland (MANA), Sandbox (SAND)
Gaming: Axie Infinity (AXS), Enjin (ENJ)
Bitcoin vs. Altcoins vs. Memecoins vs. Stablecoins
| Type | Purpose | Volatility | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | Store of value | High | BTC |
| Altcoins | Smart contracts, DeFi | Medium-High | ETH, SOL |
| Memecoins | Community-driven speculation | Very High | DOGE, PEPE |
| Stablecoins | Price stability | Low | USDT, USDC |
Each serves a different role in a balanced portfolio.
Is Crypto Right for You?
Cryptocurrency is a high-risk, high-reward asset class with no government backing. Prices are driven purely by supply, demand, and adoption.
Bitcoin lost nearly 65% of its value in 2022, illustrating extreme volatility.
MAS does not recognize crypto as legal tender, nor does it provide deposit insurance. If your funds are lost due to hacks or fraud, recovery is unlikely.
Ask yourself:
- Can you afford to lose your investment?
- Do you understand market volatility?
- Is your core portfolio diversified?
If yes, allocating 1–5% of your portfolio to crypto may be reasonable for long-term growth.
Safety Tips for Crypto Investors in Singapore
✅ Use only MAS-regulated exchanges
✅ Avoid unregulated P2P trading—higher fraud risk
✅ Be cautious with DEXs—no KYC, no protection
✅ CEXs offer better security and dispute resolution
🔒 Secure your assets:
- Enable 2FA
- Use withdrawal whitelisting
- Store long-term holdings in hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger)
- Watch out for phishing scams—always verify URLs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is cryptocurrency legal in Singapore?
Yes. Crypto is legal but not legal tender. All DPT service providers must be licensed under the PSA and regulated by MAS.
Are crypto gains taxable?
No capital gains tax for individuals. However, frequent trading as a business may attract income tax.
Can I use non-MAS-regulated platforms?
Yes—but at your own risk. Global platforms like Binance are not licensed in Singapore and may face banking restrictions.
What are typical trading fees?
Fees range from 0.1% to 1.49%, depending on the platform and trade type.
How do I keep my crypto safe?
Use MAS-approved exchanges, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and store large amounts in cold wallets.
What if my exchange loses its MAS license?
It may cease operations. MAS advises users to withdraw funds promptly in such cases.
By choosing a regulated exchange with low fees, strong security, and local banking support, you can confidently navigate Singapore’s growing crypto landscape—safely and effectively.