AltCoinTrader is a cryptocurrency exchange primarily serving South African users, offering straightforward trading capabilities with a focus on simplicity and accessibility. With a TU Overall Score of 3.11 out of 10, it presents a mix of advantages and limitations that traders should carefully consider before engaging. This in-depth review explores the platformβs features, security, fees, supported assets, and usability to help you determine if AltCoinTrader aligns with your trading goals.
Key Features at a Glance
- Trading Platform: TradingView Basic
- Account Currency: ZAR, cryptocurrencies
- Minimum Deposit: $1 equivalent (100 ZAR or 0.00001 BTC)
- Trading Fees: Flat 0.1% spot fee
- Mobile Support: Android, iOS, Huawei
- Security: 2FA, cold wallet storage, Tier-1 regulation
- Supported Coins: 24 major cryptocurrencies
π Discover a more versatile trading experience with advanced tools and global access.
Security & Regulation
AltCoinTrader earns an impressive 9.75/10 for security and regulatory compliance. The exchange is government-regulated and holds Tier-1 licensing, specifically authorized in New Zealand, ensuring adherence to strict financial standards. This contributes to strong user protection and operational transparency.
Security Highlights
- β Cold wallet storage for asset protection
- β Two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled
- β No history of successful hacks
- β Encrypted data transmission via SSL
- β DDoS attack protection
Despite these strengths, there are notable gaps:
- β Not regulated in the U.S.
- β No investor protection fund
- β Facial recognition not implemented
Is KYC required? Yes β full verification (KYC) is mandatory to activate an account and access trading services.
Is AltCoinTrader available in the U.S.? No. Due to regulatory restrictions, the platform does not serve U.S. residents. However, several highly rated alternatives like OKX, Kraken, and Crypto.com are accessible to American traders.
Supported Countries & Restrictions
AltCoinTrader operates globally but complies with international sanctions. It is unavailable in the following regions: Bahrain, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Zambia, Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Brunei, Nepal, Serbia, Somalia, Cameroon, Rwanda, Slovenia, Eswatini, Croatia, Mongolia, Burma, Montenegro, Cambodia, Taiwan, Mozambique, Madagascar, Dominican Republic, Albania, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, CΓ΄te d'Ivoire, Laos, North Macedonia, Papua New Guinea, Costa Rica, Luxembourg, Malta, Ecuador, Bahamas, and Haiti.
Always confirm availability directly through official channels for the most up-to-date information.
Trading Fees & Cost Structure
AltCoinTrader scores 7.75/10 for its fee model β competitive but not the lowest in the market.
Fee Breakdown
- Spot Trading Fee: 0.1% (taker and maker), fixed regardless of volume
- Deposit Fee: 0% β no charges for fiat or crypto deposits
- Withdrawal Fee: Varies by asset; e.g., 0.00017 BTC for Bitcoin withdrawals
- P2P Trading: Not supported
- Fiat Deposit Costs: While trading fees are low, fiat deposits via card or bank transfer may incur high processing fees
π Compare low-fee platforms with broader fiat support and dynamic pricing models.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
Rated 8.5/10, AltCoinTrader offers fast and diverse funding methods:
Supported Payment Methods
- Bank Wire
- Credit/Debit Cards (instant deposits)
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- Cryptocurrency wallets
There is no minimum deposit requirement beyond the functional threshold of 100 ZAR (~$5.40)** or **0.00001 BTC**. The minimum trade size starts at **4 ZAR (~$0.30).
While the variety of options enhances convenience, the lack of P2P functionality limits peer-to-peer flexibility compared to leading exchanges.
Supported Cryptocurrencies & Markets
AltCoinTrader receives a modest 3/10 in this category due to limited asset diversity.
Available Assets
The platform supports 24 major cryptocurrencies, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Tether (USDT)
- Bitcoin Gold (BTG)
Missing Features
- β No futures or perpetual contracts
- β No options trading
- β NFT marketplace not available
Although staking is offered β a rare plus for passive income β there are no yield farming or copy-trading options.
Trading Tools & User Experience
With a score of 6.05/10, AltCoinTrader provides reliable but basic tools suitable for beginners and active spot traders.
Platform Features
- TradingView Integration: Full access to advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and multi-timeframe analysis
- Mobile Apps: Stable applications for Android, iOS, and Huawei devices with average ratings of 3.0 (App Store) and 3.1 (Google Play)
- API Access: Available for automated trading strategies
- No Desktop App: Accessible only via web browser
Limitations
- β No advanced order types (e.g., stop-loss, take-profit)
- β No trading bots or algorithmic execution
- β No standalone desktop application
The interface is simple and intuitive β ideal for new users β but lacks depth for experienced traders seeking sophisticated tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is AltCoinTrader safe to use?
A: Yes. It uses industry-standard security practices like cold storage, 2FA, and SSL encryption. It has no record of security breaches and operates under Tier-1 regulation in New Zealand.
Q: Can I trade with USD on AltCoinTrader?
A: No. The only supported fiat currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). International users must convert funds accordingly.
Q: Does AltCoinTrader offer leverage or margin trading?
A: No. All trades are executed at 1:1 leverage using your own capital.
Q: Is there a referral program?
A: No. The platform does not offer an affiliate or referral system.
Q: Can I stake cryptocurrencies on AltCoinTrader?
A: Yes. Staking is available for select coins, allowing users to earn passive income directly on the platform.
Q: How do I contact customer support?
A: Support is available via email and phone during business hours. Response times may vary.
π Explore platforms with staking rewards, leverage options, and multi-currency support.
Final Verdict
AltCoinTrader is a solid choice for South African traders seeking a simple, secure platform for spot trading with low fees and mobile convenience. Its strengths lie in regulatory compliance, ease of use, and quick transaction processing.
However, its narrow fiat support (ZAR only), limited coin selection (24 assets), absence of advanced trading tools, and unavailability in key markets like the U.S. make it less appealing for global or advanced traders.
Who Should Use AltCoinTrader?
β
Beginners in South Africa looking for an easy entry into crypto
β
Traders who prioritize security and fast mobile access
β
Users focused on spot trading without leverage
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
β Traders needing USD or EUR support
β Investors seeking staking variety or yield farming
β Advanced traders wanting futures, options, or algorithmic tools
While AltCoinTrader fills a niche role effectively, those seeking broader functionality should consider more comprehensive exchanges with global reach and richer feature sets.