In this Independent Reserve review, we focus on how the exchange fits the needs of traders in Australia, New Zealand, and some other markets. The aim is to help you understand what the platform offers, how it handles the basics, and what you might expect when you start using it.
To help you get a quick sense of the platform, let’s take a look at the next section, which gives you a quick snapshot of the main points at a glance.
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Our verdict on Independent Reserve
Independent Reserve is a crypto exchange that sits between a simple ‘Buy Bitcoin’ app and a full-equipped professional trading platform. It works really well for traders who want something familiar and flexible.
On the trust side, it feels like a solid fit if you care more about regulation. We like that the platform operates under AUSTRAC in Australia and holds a Major Payment Institution licence in Singapore, on top of ISO 27001 certification for information security.
In practice, our tests consistently met our expectations. Account setup and KYC took only a few minutes. PayID and FAST deposits appeared quickly, and placing spot orders through the main buy and sell screens felt smooth.
It may not be the best match if you’re looking for hundreds of altcoins, but if you want a platform that keeps things stable, regulated and easy to manage while still giving you room to scale your trading, Independent Reserve fits that role well.
Receive $20 worth of free Bitcoin when you sign up and trade
Pros & cons of Independent Reserve
Pros
- Regulated in Australia and Singaporewith ISO 27001 certification and regular audits to support 1:1 reserves.
- Offers spot trading, margin up to 5x and an OTC desk, plus tools like AutoTrader and API access.
- Supports multiple fiat currencies (AUD, NZD, SGD and USD) with fast local deposits via PayID, FAST and bank transfer.
- Provides a range of account types, including personal, joint, SMSF, trust, company and institutional accounts.
- Uses a transparent tiered fee model, so trading costs fall as your monthly volume increases.
Cons
- Coin selection is relatively small, with around 30 supported assets and fewer emerging altcoins.
- Customer support is email-based only, with no live chat for urgent queries.
- The platform is not available to users based in the United States.
- Fees can feel high for low-volume traders and smaller international withdrawals.
What is Independent Reserve?
Independent Reserve is an Australian cryptocurrency exchange designed to bridge the gap between simple brokerage services and professional trading tools.
It aims to make buying and selling crypto feel as familiar as online banking, while still offering features like order‑book markets and margin trading for advanced users.
About Independent Reserve
Founded in Sydney in 2013, Independent Reserve set out to provide Australians with a safe and user‑friendly way to access Bitcoin and other digital assets. The company is led by CEO Adrian Przelozny and, over the years, has secured licenses from regulators in multiple jurisdictions, operating under strict anti-money laundering standards.
In September 2025, Independent Reserve was acquired by IG Group Holdings plc, a publicly listed financial services company in London. The deal valued the exchange at A$178 million, and with this additional backing, the crypto exchange aims to accelerate its expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.
Supported countries and fiat currencies
Independent Reserve focuses on traders in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, and also accepts residents from more than 30 other countries across Europe, Asia, and a few different regions, subject to local rules. U.S. residents cannot currently open an account, so the exchange is not available to people based in the United States.
Regarding supported currencies, you can hold and fund your account in four fiat currencies: Australian dollars (AUD), New Zealand dollars (NZD), Singapore dollars (SGD), and U.S. dollars (USD).
Supported cryptocurrencies
Independent Reserve supports more than 30 coins and tokens, including:
- Top coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL)
- Well-known altcoins like Cardano (ADA), Litecoin (LTC), and Ripple (XRP)
- Stablecoins like Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and Dai (DAI)
- Meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Pepe (PEPE)
- Trendy tokens like dogwifhat (WIF), Bonk (BONK), and Official Trump (TRUMP)
Independent Reserve fees
Independent Reserve employs a straightforward fee structure comprising three components: deposit fees, withdrawal fees, and trading fees. The tables below give you a clear overview of what you can expect when moving funds or placing trades.
Deposit fees
| Currency | Method | Fee |
| AUD | Bank transfer | Free |
| Card | 1% (Australian cards), 3.5% (international cards) | |
| PayPal | 1% | |
| NZD | SWIFT | Free from NZD 5,000, NZD 15 below that |
| Debit card | 3.5% | |
| USD | SWIFT | Free from USD 5,000, USD 15 below that |
| SGD | PayNow | Free |
| FAST | Free from SGD 1,000, SGD 2.50 below that | |
| TT | SGD 15 | |
| Crypto | Free |
Withdrawal fees
| Currency | Method | Fee |
| AUD | Bank transfer (EFT) | Free |
| PayID fast withdrawal | AUD 1.50 | |
| USD | SWIFT | USD 20 standard, USD 25 for Singapore customers, USD 1.50 to DBS accounts |
| NZD | Bank transfer | NZD 29 |
| SGD | FAST | SGD 1.50 |
| TT | SGD 25 | |
| Transfers above SGD 200,000 | SGD 20 | |
| Crypto | Fixed fee for each asset* |
*Independent Reserve keeps the full list of crypto withdrawal fees inside your account. Checking the live fee for your selected cryptocurrency is the most reliable way to see the current cost.
Trading fees
Independent Reserve uses a maker‑taker model with a tiered schedule based on your 30‑day trading volume. Fees start at about 0.5% and decrease to as low as 0.02% for very high volumes. Maker and taker fees are identical, and the same schedule applies to margin trades.
| 30-day trading volume (AUD equivalent) | Fee |
| 0 to 50,000 | 0.50% |
| 50,000 to 100,000 | 0.48% |
| 100,000 to 500,000 | 0.46% |
| 500,000 to 1,000,000 | 0.38% |
| 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 | 0.32% |
| Above 5,000,000 | From 0.10% down to 0.02% |
Borrowed funds in margin positions incur a small daily interest charge (around 0.1%), and there is a 1% fee if your position is liquidated.
Receive $20 worth of free Bitcoin when you sign up and trade
Independent Reserve trading products
The exchange keeps its trading setup simple, giving users a clear path to place orders and manage activity without any clutter. The following options cover the main ways you can trade on the platform.
Buy and sell cryptocurrency
Independent Reserve gives you access to spot trading for more than 30 established cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and a mix of other altcoins and tokens. You can place market or limit orders on a simple order screen, or switch to the advanced view for more detailed charts and order-book data.
During testing, placing an order was straightforward, prices were updated in real-time, trades were settled quickly, and the interface remained clear even when switching between different markets. You can also choose the fiat currency you want to trade against.
Margin trading (leveraged)
For those looking to amplify their positions, Independent Reserve offers features similar to other margin trading platforms, with leverage available on selected major pairs. You can borrow funds to trade with up to 5× leverage and pay a small daily interest on the borrowed amount.
While this feature can potentially boost gains, it also increases risk and is best suited for experienced traders who understand how leverage works.
Over‑the‑counter (OTC) trading
Independent Reserve operates an OTC desk for high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and companies that want to execute large block trades without affecting the public order book. The service offers personalised quotes and settlement support for trades starting around AUD 50,000 and can handle deals up to tens of millions.
Top Independent Reserve features
The crypto platform includes several built‑in tools that simplify account management and help users move from basic buying to responsible crypto ownership. These are the most relevant ones:
| Feature | What it offers |
| Multi-currency wallets | Support for AUD, NZD, SGD, and USD balances, alongside storage for more than 30 supported cryptocurrencies. |
| Recurring buy & AutoTrader | Automated buying options that can run recurring purchases or spread incoming deposits across selected coins. |
| Trading interface | TradingView charts with custom indicators and real-time price data for clear market tracking. |
| Tax & portfolio reports | Exportable histories and portfolio summaries that work smoothly with common tax and accounting tools. |
| APIs & integrations | REST API access for connecting trading bots, portfolio software and external tools. |
| Educational resources | REST API access for connecting trading bots, portfolio software, and external tools. |
Independent Reserve account types
The platform offers the following account options to fit the different type of user and their needs:
Individual account
This is the standard option for everyday traders. It allows you to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies in your own name after completing a simple identity verification process. Ideal for individuals seeking a straightforward and secure way to manage their digital assets.
Joint account
A joint account lets two people share access to a single profile. Each user can view balances and transact according to permissions set during signup. This is useful for couples or partners who want to manage their crypto investments together without juggling separate logins.
SMSF and trust accounts
Independent Reserve supports self‑managed superannuation funds and discretionary trusts. Setting up this account type involves providing documentation, such as the trust deed and fund details, which allows trustees to hold crypto within a regulated framework. It’s a good fit for Australians integrating digital assets into their retirement or estate planning strategies.
Company account
Businesses can open a company account to buy, sell, or hold crypto under their corporate name. Verification requires company registration documents and the details of the directors. This option is designed for firms that want exposure to digital assets for treasury management or to accept crypto payments.
Institutional account
For large trading desks, hedge funds, and other professional clients, Independent Reserve offers tailored onboarding and OTC services. Institutional accounts come with dedicated support, higher deposit and withdrawal limits, and flexible fee tiers based on trading volume.
Is Independent Reserve safe? Security & regulation explained
Independent Reserve takes security and regulation seriously, which is why it appeals to Australian investors who value safety and transparency.
The company stores most client crypto in cold wallets, which are distributed across multiple locations and kept offline. Cash deposits are held in segregated trust accounts with partner banks, and the exchange backs every customer balance 1:1. These safeguards mean your assets aren’t mingled with company funds and remain entirely yours.
On the regulatory front, Independent Reserve is registered in Australia with AUSTRAC as a digital currency exchange and holds a Major Payment Institution licence in Singapore. It also maintains ISO 27001 certification for information security and submits to regular external audits. These approvals reflect the exchange’s commitment to compliance and best‑practice standards.
From a user perspective, accounts are protected by mandatory identity verification and two‑factor authentication. All data is encrypted at rest and in transit, and withdrawals require both password and 2FA confirmations.
To date, Independent Reserve has not reported any significant security incidents, giving users confidence in its infrastructure.
Payment methods and ways to fund your account
The crypto exchange supports multiple methods for transferring money in and out of your account. The options below cover the primary methods available to users across different regions.
- Bank transfers – Bank transfers are available for users in Australia and New Zealand. Deposits usually clear quickly, and you can withdraw funds back to your bank account using the same method.
- PayID, OSKO, and FAST – These methods enable near-instant deposits from local banks, offering faster crediting times compared to standard bank transfers. This helps when you want to fund your account without waiting for a complete banking cycle.
- International SWIFT transfers – If you prefer funding your account with USD, NZD, or SGD, you can use SWIFT. This method is slower than local transfers, but it allows users in supported countries to move larger sums securely across borders.
- Cryptocurrencies – You can send crypto directly to your Independent Reserve wallet. Deposits follow the confirmation rules of each blockchain, and withdrawals require a network transaction before they appear in your personal wallet. Each asset has its own processing time, and the platform clearly displays all details before you complete the transfer.
Receive $20 worth of free Bitcoin when you sign up and trade
Reputation and user experience
Before choosing among the best cryptocurrency exchanges, it’s worth seeing what other customers and reviewers have experienced. We examined ratings across app stores and review sites, and reviewed real customer feedback to understand what using Independent Reserve actually feels like.
Ratings
- Trustpilot: 3.4/5 from 140 reviews
- ProductReview.com.au: 4.3/5 from 97 reviews
- Apple App Store: 4.7/5 from 435 reviews
- Google Play: 4.1/5 from 1,495 reviews
Reviews
Users often mention that they find the platform reliable for daily operations. On ProductReview.com.au, one long-time customer said Independent Reserve had “earned my trust over many years of solid service.” Another reviewer described it as “easy to use, reliable, and trustworthy,” which reflects much of the general sentiment on the platform.
Not all experiences are positive. Another user who had an address flagged described the process as “extremely stressful,” adding that the support “did not help at all.”
Overall, feedback shows a mix of confidence in the platform’s stability and a few concerns related to account reviews or support timing.
Customer support
Independent Reserve handles support through email tickets, which you can open from your account dashboard. Response times vary by issue, but simple requests are usually answered within a few hours on business days. Users who need help with account verification or deposits often note that replies arrive the same day, while more complex cases can take longer.
There is no live chat or phone line; therefore, all communication remains within the ticket system. The platform also keeps an updated help centre with guides on banking methods, account checks, and trading tools, which can be helpful for quick questions.
Learning resources
Independent Reserve offers a learning hub with clear guides on account setup, funding methods, and basic order types. The platform also publishes concise explainers on core topics, such as blockchain, Bitcoin, and stablecoins, along with updates that cover regulatory changes in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
The material is written in simple language and provides new users with sufficient background to transition smoothly from their first deposit to their first trade.
Independent Reserve mobile app
Independent Reserve’s mobile app for iOS and Android mirrors almost all the desktop platform’s functionality. You can create an account, complete identity verification, deposit and withdraw funds, trade across all supported markets, and monitor your portfolio from anywhere. The interface is clean and intuitive, with real‑time charts and market data built in.
You can enable Face ID or fingerprint login for quick access and set up price alerts and order notifications to receive them as push notifications. In our testing, the app demonstrated responsive performance and offered the same reliability as the web platform, making it a convenient way to manage your account on the go.
How to start trading crypto on Independent Reserve: Step-by-step guide
If you are just getting started on Independent Reserve, the steps below walk you through the process in a way that feels smooth and easy to follow.
Create your account
Go to the Independent Reserve website and click “Sign up.” Enter a username, your email and a password, add a referral code if you have one and accept the terms. You will then be asked to choose the type of account you want to use, such as Personal or Company.
Confirm your email
An activation message is sent to your inbox with a button like “Activate my account.” Click it to confirm your email and return to the platform. If the message does not appear immediately, check your spam or junk folder and request another email if necessary.
Complete kyc verification
After activating your email, choose your country of residence and continue to the identity section. Here, you enter your name, address, and date of birth, then upload a valid passport, driver’s license, or similar identification. For most supported regions, this verification step is completed relatively quickly.
Deposit fiat or crypto
Once your identity is verified, open the “Accounts” or “Deposit” page and pick the currency you want to fund, such as AUD, NZD, SGD or USD. Follow the instructions for bank transfers, PayID, OSKO, FAST or SWIFT. If you are funding with crypto, choose an asset, generate a deposit address and transfer the coins from your external wallet.
Make your first buy or trade
When your balance arrives, head to the Buy/Sell or Trade screen. If you have deposited fiat, select the cryptocurrency you want, enter the amount, and confirm the order. If you funded your account with crypto, you can trade it into supported fiat markets or move it into another digital asset where pairs are available.
Final thoughts
After testing Independent Reserve in depth, it’s clear this platform succeeds in what it sets out to do: offer a secure, regulated crypto trading experience with features that scale from casual buying to institutional block trades.
Account setup and KYC were quick, deposits via PayID and FAST arrived within minutes, and placing orders on the order book felt smooth and reliable. Margin trading services were available when needed, and automation tools, such as AutoTrader, added convenience.
The platform doesn’t offer live chat support or hundreds of altcoins to trade. Still, it does provide multiple features, account options, and trading products, which make it one of the top choices, especially for residents of Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Receive $20 worth of free Bitcoin when you sign up and trade
Methodology
How We Rate Cryptocurrency Exchanges
We manually review the crypto exchanges on our list. Below are the key metrics we check before listing a crypto exchange on the website. For further details, you can also take a look at our cryptocurrency exchanges rating guide, featured on ValueWalk.
