Comparison of Valr vs Blocktrade [ 2024 ]

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

blocktrade

Blocktrade

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

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

-0,01%/0,10%

Earns

No

Customer service

4/5
0,30%

Fees

No

Earns

3/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

Yes
No

Beginners

No

Trading

No

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.0 – Competitive fees with strong local support in South Africa.
3.9 – Competitive fees with additional benefits for European traders.

Level

-0,01%/0,10%
0,30%

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.
Blocktrade employs a competitive and transparent fee structure that aligns well with industry standards, making it a cost-effective choice for traders. The platform charges a flat trading fee which is comparable to, if not slightly below, the average fees charged by other exchanges. This straightforward approach ensures that traders can engage in transactions without worrying about variable costs based on the type of trade or the asset being traded. Additionally, Blocktrade does not impose high withdrawal fees, keeping them reasonable and ensuring that users retain most of their earnings. This fee structure is particularly advantageous for frequent traders and those dealing in smaller amounts, as it minimizes the impact of fees on overall investment returns. The clarity and fairness of the fee system at Blocktrade contribute significantly to its attractiveness as a trading platform, especially for those new to the cryptocurrency markets or looking for a cost-effective trading solution.

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

Blocktrade

blocktrade
Read VALR review
  • Possible Regulation: Blocktrade operates under the regulatory oversight of the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit and has a legal entity registered in Luxembourg. This adherence to stringent European financial laws ensures a high level of operational integrity and compliance, making it a trustworthy platform for traders.
  • Security Methods: The platform employs advanced security measures to protect user assets and data. These include the use of secure servers, encryption protocols, and a robust internal security framework. The commitment to security is crucial in gaining and maintaining the trust of users.
  • Transparency: Blocktrade is known for its clear and transparent operational practices. This includes straightforward disclosures about trading fees and the risks associated with trading cryptocurrencies. Such transparency is essential for building trust with users who value clear and honest communication.
  • Customer Service: Blocktrade offers dedicated customer support, providing users with timely and helpful assistance on a range of issues, from technical support to transaction inquiries. Good customer service is instrumental in building trust, as it ensures users that the exchange is responsive and attentive to their needs.
  • Trading Volume and Liquidity: While not among the largest, Blocktrade maintains a healthy trading volume and liquidity, which indicates a stable trading environment. This liquidity is vital for users to execute trades efficiently without significant price slippage, further enhancing trust in the platform’s capabilities.
  • Pros
  • Regulated by EU authority.
  • Supports fiat and cryptocurrency deposits.
  • Offers mobile trading applications.
  • Cons
  • Limited cryptocurrency selection.
  • No passive income features.

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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.
Blocktrade S.A.

Regulation

Regulated in Sudáfrica
Regulated in the UE

Year founded

2019
2018

Founder

Farzam Ehsani
Luka Gubo

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
No

Mastercard

Yes
No

Wire transfer

Yes
No

Card

Yes
No

Comparative table

Valr FEATURES Blocktrade
VALR allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start trading without requiring large initial investments.
Minimum Trade
Blocktrade allows users to start trading with as little as 1 USD for cryptocurrencies and 3 EUR for fiat, making it accessible for beginners and those testing the platform.
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
Fees are competitive within the industry, typically aligning with or slightly better than average, which benefits frequent traders.
The exchange offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, providing ample opportunities for diversification.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Currently supports only 8 cryptocurrencies, which may be limiting for those looking to diversify beyond the most common coins.
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 a basic range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, sufficient for new traders but less so for advanced users.
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 provides clear information about trading conditions and fees, though some users might seek more detailed data on security practices.
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
Lacking a dedicated exchange card, Blocktrade misses an opportunity to provide additional convenience and value to its users through card-linked benefits.
VALR offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for stored digital assets.
Storage Offering
Offers secure cold storage options, but lacks some of the more advanced custody solutions available on other platforms.
The platform provides competitive staking options and rewards, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Staking and Rewards
Does not currently offer staking or other passive income/reward programs, which could detract from its appeal to long-term investors.
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 the mobile app and desktop platform are user-friendly and well-designed, making trading accessible for all user levels.
While available, customer service response times can be slow, which might frustrate users, especially those needing urgent support.
Customer Service
Generally responsive customer service with multiple channels available, though peak times can see delayed responses.
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
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods including EUR transactions, but the options for other fiat currencies are limited.

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

Staking, fiat on/off ramps, VALR Earn, institutional services
Staking, Blocktrade Earn program, advanced trading tools, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

No
Yes

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.
Blocktrade provides a straightforward and easy-to-use platform, 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 focus on European markets, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

South Africa
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, France

Best for

Suitable for South African investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.
Ideal for European investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and a focus on security.

Base currencies available

ZAR, BTC
EUR, 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.
Blocktrade offers a straightforward trading experience with a limited selection of cryptocurrencies. It focuses on security and ease of use, making it suitable for beginners.

Deposit and withdrawal

VALR is popular in South Africa, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.
Blocktrade provides standard deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and crypto deposits. Withdrawal times are moderate, and fees are generally low.

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.
Blocktrade’s account opening process is simple and fully digital. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is quick and typically takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes
No

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.
Blocktrade provides support via email and live chat. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive, but the lack of 24/7 support 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.
Blocktrade ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which might be a concern for some users.

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 an expert reviewer on our website, I highly recommend Blocktrade for traders seeking a secure and regulatory-compliant platform. Its strong adherence to European financial regulations ensures a secure trading environment, which is crucial given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. If you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable exchange with competitive fees and solid customer support, Blocktrade should definitely be on your radar.

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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 Blocktrade