Comparison of Independent Reserve vs Pointpay [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

independent reserve

Independent Reserve

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

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

pointpay

Pointpay

  • Threenvest valuation: 3,7/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,6/5
  • Mobile App: No
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

≤0,50%

Earns

No

Customer service

4/5
0.05%

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

3.9 – Reasonable fees with strong local support in Australia and New Zealand.
3.9 – Reasonable fees with additional benefits for crypto banking.

Level

≤0,50%
0.05%

Brief explanation

Independent Reserve operates with a tiered fee structure that incentivizes higher trading volumes with progressively lower fees. The standard trading fee starts at 0.50% and can decrease to as low as 0.02% depending on the user’s 30-day trading volume. For deposits, there are no fees for electronic fund transfers (EFT) over AUD 100, and SWIFT transfers are free for amounts over AUD 5,000. Withdrawals to Australian bank accounts are free, while international withdrawals incur a fee of AUD 20. Cryptocurrency withdrawal fees are competitive, with a fee of 0.0003 BTC for Bitcoin, which is significantly lower than the global industry average​​.
PointPay’s commission structure is designed to be competitive and accessible for traders of all levels. The platform primarily operates on a flat fee model for trading, charging fees that are generally considered lower than the industry average. For instance, PointPay charges a trading fee of 0.05% for both makers and takers, which is appealing because it is below the typical rates found at many other exchanges. This low fee structure is particularly advantageous for active traders who perform frequent transactions, as it helps to keep trading costs down and maximize potential profits. Moreover, the absence of different fees for makers and takers simplifies the trading process, making it easier for beginners to understand and calculate their trading costs upfront without surprises.

Independent Reserve

independent reserve
Read Independent Reserve review
  • Year Founded: Independent Reserve was established in 2013, making it one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia. Its longevity in the market is a testament to its reliability and stability​​.
  • Reputation and Reviews: With over a decade of operation, Independent Reserve has built a strong reputation among users for its reliability and customer service. It has consistently received positive reviews and high ratings for its security, user experience, and customer support​​.
  • Regulation and Compliance: The exchange is registered with AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) and complies with stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations. This regulatory adherence ensures a high level of trust and security for users​​.
  • Customer Service: Independent Reserve offers comprehensive customer support through various channels including email, support tickets, and a well-resourced help center. This ensures that users can get timely assistance for any issues they encounter​​.
  • Security Methods: Independent Reserve employs robust security measures including two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption of sensitive data, and cold storage for the majority of its cryptocurrency holdings. The exchange also conducts regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities​​.
  • Pros
  • Strong adherence to regulatory standards.
  • High level of platform security.
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Cons
  • Limited selection of cryptocurrencies.
  • No margin trading available.

Read Independent Reserve review

Pointpay

pointpay
Read Independent Reserve review
  • Regulation Compliance: PointPay operates under the cryptocurrency laws of the UK and Estonia, providing a regulated environment which enhances user trust and security.
  • Security Features: The platform employs robust security measures, including two-factor authentication and encrypted communication, to protect user data and funds.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Since its launch, PointPay has maintained a positive reputation in the cryptocurrency community, supported by favorable user reviews that often highlight its reliability and user-friendly interface.
  • Customer Service: PointPay offers comprehensive customer support with multiple channels including live chat, ensuring users can get assistance whenever needed.
  • Innovative Financial Products: The integration of various financial services such as a crypto bank, a multi-currency wallet, and options for crypto-backed loans provides users with a versatile and comprehensive trading and banking experience.
  • Pros
  • Integrated crypto bank services
  • Low trading fees
  • User-friendly interface
  • Cons
  • Limited cryptocurrency options
  • Inflexible lending rates

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Product selection

Native token

No
No

Earns

No
Yes

NFT marketplace

No
No

Cripto/debit card

No
No

Company information

Full name

Independent Reserve Pty. Ltd.
Point Pay Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in Australia
Not regulated

Year founded

2013
2018

Founder

Adam Tepper
Andrey Svyatov

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
No

Mastercard

No
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
No

Card

No
Yes

Comparative table

Independent Reserve FEATURES Pointpay
Minimum trade amounts at Independent Reserve are relatively low, making it accessible for new investors.
Minimum Trade
PointPay allows users to start trading with relatively low minimums, making it accessible for beginners.
Fees are moderate compared to other exchanges, but some users might find them slightly higher for smaller trades.
Trading and Transaction Fees
PointPay offers competitive trading fees which are lower than many other platforms, making it cost-effective for traders.
Independent Reserve supports a decent range of popular cryptocurrencies, providing enough options for most investors.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
While PointPay supports popular cryptocurrencies, its range is narrower compared to larger exchanges. More variety could enhance trading opportunities.
The exchange offers a fair selection of crypto-to-crypto pairs, though not as extensive as some larger platforms.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
The platform provides several trading pairs, but the selection is less extensive than what is found on more established exchanges.
The website is user-friendly and transparent about fees, regulations, and available services.
Website Transparency
PointPay maintains high transparency regarding fees, services, and operational procedures, which helps built trust among users.
Independent Reserve does not offer a card for in-store purchases.
Credit/Debit Card
This absence could be a significant drawback for users who seek the convenience of directly spending their crypto holdings in a traditional manner, such as through point-of-sale transactions or online shopping using a card linked directly to their cryptocurrency accounts.
Offers secure storage options, including insurance for stored assets, enhancing user confidence in the platform’s safety.
Storage Offering
PointPay offers secure storage solutions, including a multi-currency wallet that supports various cryptocurrencies.
Independent Reserve does not have extensive staking or rewards programs compared to some other exchanges.
Staking and Rewards
The platform offers staking options, but the benefits and yields are less competitive compared to leading platforms focused on staking.
Both mobile and desktop platforms are well-designed, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
Mobile App and Desktop
PointPay provides both mobile and desktop applications that are user-friendly and feature-rich, though some users may find the mobile app lacks certain advanced features.
Customer service is responsive, though there is room for improvement in speed and availability during peak times.
Customer Service
PointPay has a responsive customer service team accessible through multiple channels, although response times can vary during peak times.
Deposits and withdrawals are processed efficiently, with multiple options available, although some methods might incur fees.
Deposit and Withdraw
Deposits and withdrawals are handled efficiently, but the options for fiat transactions are limited, which could be inconvenient for some users.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools
Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

No
No

Security

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

Additional features

OTC trading, SMSF services, staking, insurance options
Crypto banking, staking, PointPay token (PXP) rewards

Anonymity

No
Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

20+
50+

User-friendliness

Independent Reserve 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.
PointPay features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a seamless trading experience.

Value for money

Delivers good value for money with competitive fees and strong security features, suitable for Australian and New Zealand users.
Delivers reasonable value for money with competitive fees and a user-friendly interface, though it may lack some advanced features.

Countries of operation

Australia, New Zealand, Singapore
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore

Best for

Best for Australian and New Zealand investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong security.
Best for traders seeking a user-friendly platform with competitive fees and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

AUD, NZD, USD, BTC
USD, BTC

Account

Trading

Independent Reserve is a popular exchange in Australia and New Zealand, offering a user-friendly platform and easy fiat integration. It supports a decent range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees.
PointPay provides a secure platform with a decent range of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees. It offers additional services like staking and loans but lacks advanced trading tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

Independent Reserve is popular in Australia and New Zealand, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.
PointPay supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with low fees.

Account opening process

Independent Reserve provides an easy and user-friendly account opening process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is efficient and usually takes less than a day to complete.
PointPay offers an easy and quick account registration process. Users need to provide personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes
Yes

Customer Service

Independent Reserve provides extensive customer support via email, live chat, and phone. The support team is responsive and available 24/7, making it reliable for users globally.
PointPay offers support through 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

Independent Reserve employs comprehensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Australian authorities, ensuring high security for investors.
PointPay ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. Despite its strong security measures, the platform is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which could be a concern for some investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

As an expert in cryptocurrency exchanges, I can confidently recommend Independent Reserve for several reasons. This platform excels in security and regulatory compliance, ensuring that your investments are protected. It supports multiple fiat currencies, making it accessible for users in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. While its selection of cryptocurrencies is somewhat limited, it offers a user-friendly interface and excellent customer support, making it ideal for beginners. For those prioritizing safety and reliability in their crypto trading experience, Independent Reserve is a solid choice.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As a cryptocurrency analyst who has extensively reviewed various platforms, I highly recommend PointPay for both newcomers and seasoned traders. Its all-in-one platform is especially beneficial for users looking to manage multiple crypto activities from a single account. The ease of use, combined with robust security measures and a regulated environment, makes PointPay a trustworthy choice. Whether you’re interested in trading, staking, or simply managing a diverse portfolio, PointPay offers a user-friendly and comprehensive solution that caters to all your cryptocurrency needs.

View all comparisons against Independent Reserve

View all comparisons against Pointpay

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 Independent Reserve and Pointpay