Ethereum is a decentralised platform that allows developers to create and deploy applications. It is similar to Bitcoin, but it offers a few key advantages over Bitcoin, such as the ability to create smart contracts.
Ether, the native cryptocurrency of Ethereum, is mined through a Proof of Work (PoW) consensus algorithm (like Bitcoin). Ethereum’s blockchain rewards miners with Ether for verifying transactions. This PoW mining algorithm is known as a hash.
Decentralisation means there is no single point of control or failure. So, if one part of the network goes down, the whole thing doesn’t crash.
Proof of Work consensus algorithms requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems to add new blocks of transaction data to the blockchain. In return for their work, miners receive rewards such as Ether.
If you’re looking to buy Ethereum in South Africa, a few different options are available. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best places to buy Ethereum in South Africa, and we’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to get started.
Ways To Buy Ethereum In South Africa
You can buy Ethereum in South Africa through a few different ways. The most common method to buy Ethereum in South Africa is to use a cryptocurrency exchange. Cryptocurrency exchanges are online platforms where you can buy, sell or trade cryptocurrencies for other digital assets or traditional currencies like US dollars or euros.
Another way to buy Ethereum is through a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace. P2P marketplaces connect buyers and sellers directly and allow them to trade directly with each other. This method may be more convenient than crypto exchanges, though it also comes with its own risks.
Later on, we will list the best cryptocurrency exchanges and P2P marketplaces in South Africa where you can buy Ethereum, along with some tips on how to choose the right one for you.
Why Buy Ethereum In South Africa?
In South Africa and around the world, people understand the value of buying Ethereum and adding it to their portfolio. Here are some of the reasons why Ethereum might be a good investment for you:
1. Smart Contract Technology
The inherent security and cost-effectiveness of smart contracts are well known. Ethereum’s smart contract technology can help many firms operate more efficiently.
They are innovative, focusing on logic and facts to expedite contract execution. As a result, there is no need for a third party or middleman.
For example, when seeking to buy a house, a smart contract might be created to automatically disburse funds for the property exchange after the parties sign the agreement.
Second, smart contracts are established on the blockchain, making them unreachable to hackers after being recorded. This gives them the appearance of being safer than other intermediaries or banks.
As a result, if you want to buy Ethereum in South Africa, you’re getting into the upcoming world of smart contracts technology. Many people believe Ethereum will gain in value in the future as more sectors implement this innovation.
2. Ethereum Cryptocurrency Is Growing In Value
Ethereum has grown in value by leaps and bounds, gaining over 2,000% in 2017. Many cryptocurrency experts believe that Ethereum will continue to grow as more people become aware of the innovative features it offers.
In addition, Ethereum’s platform also allows developers to create their own decentralised applications (Dapps). This may be another reason why many investors are seeking to buy Ether in South Africa.
3. The Potential To Make Money Trading Ether Online
Ether is relatively easy to trade online, thanks to platforms like eToro and Plus500. These platforms allow users to easily execute trades without all the stress associated with trading cryptocurrencies on an exchange or P2P marketplace.
If you want to know how to make money trading Ethereum, you can read our guide on the subject.
4. Security
Ethereum uses a Proof of Work consensus algorithm to verify transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. This means that miners need to solve complex mathematical problems in order to add new blocks of transaction data to the blockchain.
Then, miners are rewarded with Ether in return for their work. As a result, people have an incentive to keep the network secure.
5. Decentralised Applications (Dapps)
As we mentioned before, one of the reasons Ethereum is gaining popularity is the decentralised applications (Dapps) that can be built on top of its platform.
Dapps are similar to regular apps, but they’re decentralised, which means that no single company or entity controls them.
Instead, Dapps are open-source and run on the blockchain. This makes them more secure and transparent than traditional apps.
6. It’s Supported By A Strong Community
The Ethereum community is made up of developers and enthusiasts who are constantly working on improving the platform.
This is important because it shows that there is a lot of interest in Ethereum and that people are willing to invest their time and resources into making it better.
7. Ethereum Is Here To Stay
Even though Ethereum is still a relatively new technology, it has already established itself as a leading cryptocurrency. This is evident by the fact that Ethereum’s market capitalisation is second only to Bitcoin.
As more people discover Ethereum’s potential and its many benefits, it will continue to grow in popularity.
8. It’s Quick And Easy To Buy Ether Online
Thanks to the growing number of exchanges that support Ethereum, like Coinbase, buying Ether online is quite easy. You can use a credit card or a digital wallet to deposit funds into your trading account on one of these platforms and then start trading!
If you’re new to cryptocurrency investing, we recommend using an exchange like eToro that makes it easy for beginners to purchase cryptocurrencies like Ethereum without any technical knowledge.
Payment Methods For Buying Ethereum In
If you want to buy Ethereum in South Africa, your options will vary depending on which exchange or platform you use. However, most platforms accept debit and credit cards for payment. You can also use digital wallets like PayPal or Skrill if you prefer not to provide your personal banking details.
Also, you don’t have to worry about the security when using your cards or having your payment wired, as the process is done online over a secure connection.
How To Buy – Step By Step
Although it’s possible to buy Ethereum directly through a cryptocurrency exchange or P2P marketplace, most users first purchase Bitcoin and then trade their Bitcoin for Ethereum.
This is because, when purchasing directly from these platforms, users must deposit funds into their accounts before they can start trading.
To convert your Bitcoin into Ethereum, all you have to do is transfer your Bitcoin to a wallet that supports buying and selling Ether. Transferring BTC to another wallet typically takes only a few minutes.
Then, you can use your Bitcoin to buy Ethereum from an exchange or P2P marketplace that also supports the buying and selling of BTC.
Same as payment methods, the process of buying Ethereum in South Africa can be different depending on your choice of exchange. However, here is the general process of buying Ethereum:
- Create An Account. First, you have to create an account with your choice of exchange, which only takes a few minutes. This step may require some personal information aside from your email address and country of residence.
- Deposit Funds. Next, you will need to deposit funds by either using your credit card or wire transfer. In most cases, the minimum deposit is $100, but this may vary depending on the exchange that you choose.
- Go To The Ethereum Page And Click ‘Trade.’ Once you have deposited funds into your account, go back to the homepage and click on the ETH tab to view the ETH page. From there, click on the ‘Trade’ button next to Ethereum to start buying and selling the cryptocurrency.
- Choose The Amount Of Ether You Want To Buy Or Sell. In this step, you can choose how much of your portfolio you want to invest in Ethereum by adjusting the size graph at the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. You can also type in a specific dollar amount if you already have a fixed investment strategy or target amount in mind that you want to invest in Ethereum.
- Confirm And Submit Your Order. Once you are ready with your transaction details, click the ‘Buy/Sell’ button at the top right-hand corner of your screen and then confirm your order by clicking ‘Submit.’ This will complete your trade, and you will have successfully bought or sold Ethereum.
Where To Buy Ethereum
1. Capital.com
The Capital.com platform is possibly the greatest place to trade Ethereum in South Africa. Capital.com’s trading tools, low spreads, and zero commissions will be extremely valuable in most situations. In addition, the hurdles to admission are minimal since creating an account is quick and straightforward.
Capital.com is one of the greatest FX trading platforms and an easy-to-use platform for buying and selling Ethereum and other cryptos. Stocks, commodities, and indices are among the other instruments available.
If you’re new to buying cryptocurrencies and would like to learn how and where to purchase Ethereum in South Africa, Capital.com offers a free demo account. Then, you may start trading and familiarising yourself with the platform using the demo account without risking any real money. After that, you’ll move to the live account when you’re ready to purchase Ethereum with real money.
Buy Ethereum using a credit card, debit card, wire transfer, and other methods on Capital.com. The platform’s minimum deposit is $20.
Key Features:
- Charting Tools: Capital.com aids users in their technical analysis with multiple charting tools.
- Economic Calendar: The platform helps users keep up to date with the latest economic news releases that may impact their trading strategy.
- Leverage of Up To 1:500: Capital.com offers one of the highest leverages in the industry, which can amplify both gains and losses.
Fees:
- Trading fee: Spread, 100 pips for Ethereum/USD
- Inactivity fee: Free
- Withdrawal fee: Free
2. Binance
The Binance platform, which offers over 500 cryptocurrencies and virtual tokens, is a wonderful place to discover how to purchase Ethereum in South Africa.
Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange focused on the Chinese market and other Chinese coins. It has been operating since 2017 and has grown to become one of the largest exchanges in the world.
As one of the largest centralised crypto exchanges, Binance also provides a fantastic crypto wallet for Ethereum investors. The platform features a highly sophisticated interface ideal for day trading Ethereum with high leverage.
Buying ETH on Binance is very simple. Users can register on the website and then deposit funds into their accounts. They can then use these funds to buy Ethereum at current market rates.
If you want to buy Ethereum using Bitcoin, you may do it via Binance’s peer-to-peer crypto exchange or through the ETH/BTC crypto pair. For Visa or Mastercard, the minimum purchase amount for Ethereum on Binance (through Simplex) is 500 ZAR.
Binance also offers an intuitive mobile app, making it easy for users to buy Ethereum. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Take note that recently, Binance will no longer offer derivative trading (Margins, Leverage, Futures, etc.) to SA traders. This is in line with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa‘s imposed restriction.
Key Features:
- Crypto Savings Account: Up to 8% p.a. on your average account balance
- Staking and Lending: Up to 20% return on investment (ROI) per year
- Spot Trading: Easily close and open positions with minimal fees
Fees:
- Trading fee: 0.1%
- Inactivity fee: Free
- Withdrawal fee: 7.50 ZAR
3. Coinbase
Coinbase is one of the oldest, most popular, and most secure exchanges available today, founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. The company is based in San Francisco, California, USA, and serves over 30 countries worldwide, including South Africa.
Coinbase has earned a reputation as one of the most popular and secure exchanges available today. The company is backed by some of the largest venture capital firms in the world, such as Andreessen Horowitz, Ribbit Capital, Union Square Ventures, and more.
Coinbase allows users to buy Ethereum with a credit card or bank transfer. After signing up on the site, users can deposit funds into their accounts. Then, with these funds, they can purchase Ethereum at the current market price.
Coinbase also offers a user-friendly mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices.
Key Features:
- Coinbase Wallet: Supporting over 4,000 currencies, you can easily store, receive, and send your crypto holdings.
- Security: 2-factor authentication (2FA) is available for additional security.
- Customer Support: 24/7 customer support is available via email or live chat.
Fees:
- Trading fee: 0.5%
- Inactivity fee: Free
- Withdrawal fee: 1.49%
4. Luno
For those looking to buy Ethereum in South Africa, Luno is the ideal option. The crypto exchange, which has a South African office, has come a long way in becoming a regulated financial services organisation in the nation. With this platform, your funds are protected because the site is registered with the South African Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
Luno offers a user-friendly platform and a wide variety of payment methods. The exchange also allows you to trade your rands for Ethereum, eliminating the need for currency conversions to USD or other currencies. The minimum purchase amount for Ethereum is 100 ZAR.
Key Features:
- Regulated by the South African Financial Intelligence Centre: Luno is a regulated financial services organisation, providing added security for your funds.
- User-Friendly Platform: Luno offers a user-friendly platform, making it easy to buy Ethereum.
- Wide Variety of Payment Methods: Luno accepts various payment methods, making it easy to purchase Ethereum.
Fees:
- Trading fee: 0% for Maker and 0.1% for Taker
- Inactivity fee: Free
- Withdrawal fee: Free for Standard Withdrawal/ .20 ZAR for Express
5. Crypto.com
Crypto.com is one of the most popular and well-known cryptocurrency exchanges, and for a good reason. Crypto.com has positioned itself well for the future by integrating nicely with decentralised financing (DeFi), a developing trend in the crypto world.
Crypto.com has the correct marketplaces and amazing pricing for buying cryptocurrencies like ETH. It’s also worth noting that the company is one of the safest cryptocurrency exchanges, making it ideal for those looking to buy Ethereum in South Africa.
Crypto.com also provides futures trading, which allows you to leverage your crypto investments.
At Crypto.com, the minimum transaction investment is one dollar. Apart from buying Ethereum with fiat currency, Crypto.com also allows you to convert another cryptocurrency for Ethereum.
Key Features:
- Excellent liquidity and pricing: With a 24-hour trading volume of over $1.5 million, you’re sure to get a good price on Ethereum.
- Futures Trading: This allows you to leverage your investment and multiply your profits.
- Excellent customer service: The Crypto.com team is always available to help with any questions or concerns.
Fees:
- Trading fee: 0.4% for Maker/Taker
- Inactivity fee: Free
- Withdrawal fee: 0.0004 ETH
FAQ
1. Is it safe to buy Ethereum in South Africa?
There are a number of different platforms that can be used for buying Ethereum in South Africa. These platforms have various levels of security and customer support, so it is important to research them carefully before making a purchase. However, if you choose an established, reputable platform such as Binance or Coinbase, then you should be able to buy Ethereum safely and securely.
2. How do I get started with buying Ethereum?
To buy ETH, the first step is to create an account on a cryptocurrency exchange that offers Ethereum. Once you have created your account and verified your identity (if required), you can deposit funds into your account using either a credit card or bank transfer. You can then use these funds to buy Ethereum at current market rates on the exchange.
3. What is the best way to buy Ethereum in South Africa?
There is no single answer to this question as different people will have different preferences. Some may prefer to use a credit card to buy Ethereum, while others may opt for a bank transfer. However, if you want a secure and user-friendly platform, then Coinbase would be a good option.
4. How can I store my Ethereum after I purchase it?
Keep in mind that storing your digital assets on a cryptocurrency exchange puts them at risk of being stolen or hacked. Therefore, we recommend using a secure and reputable wallet whenever possible. We recommend using either the Coinbase Wallet or the Binance Wallet, as these wallets are both highly secure and user-friendly. You can also store your Ethereum on an offline hardware wallet for extra security.
5. How to choose the right exchange?
There are many different cryptocurrency exchanges available today, and it can be difficult to choose the right one. It is important to consider factors such as security, fees, payment methods, and customer support when choosing an exchange. Coinbase is a good option for those looking for a user-friendly platform with competitive rates. However, there are other reputable exchanges available, such as Binance and Luno. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which exchange is the best fit for your needs.