Swyftx vs Coinbase

Choosing between Swyftx and Coinbase can be tricky if you’re an Australian crypto investor.

While Coinbase is one of the world’s largest exchanges, some of its features are restricted in Australia. On the other hand, Swyftx is a homegrown platform built for locals, with support for AUD deposits, SMSFs, and lower trading fees.

In this guide, we’ll compare both side by side so you can decide which exchange fits your trading needs.

Round 1: Vital statistics

Finder Score	Not rated yet	Not rated yet
Trading fee	0.1 – 0.6%	Maker fee: 0.40%Taker fee: 0.60%
Deposit method	Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card	Bank transfer, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, PayPal
Withdrawal Fees	AUD: $0 Cryptocurrency: $0 (network fees apply)	AUD: None Cryptocurrency: Fees vary
24/7 support?	Yes
App available?	Yes	Yes
	Go to site	Go to site

Swyftx is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, and has a dedicated customer support team. On the flipside, Coinbase operates as a remote-first company, but it also maintains physical offices in various locations.

As an Australian exchange, Swyftx is registered with the local regulatory body AUSTRAC. This means it complies with anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF) and know your customer (KYC) laws. Coinbase Australia Pty Ltd is registered and enrolled with AUSTRAC. You can sell cryptocurrency on Coinbase, although cashing out to a local payment method can vary by country and region. Coinbase offers earning opportunities on multiple cryptocurrency assets, including staking on supported tokens and rewards on USDC (where available). Each exchange also comes with a multi-token wallet, although Coinbase's is an application independent of the exchange platform. Swyftx has in-built support for a demo mode, which lets cryptocurrency newcomers try out trading without risking any assets. The platform offers features such as demo trading and recurring orders.

Coinbase's global platform hosts a range of features that are not available to Australian residents, including a debit/credit card that comes with a suite of rewards.

Round 2: Supported coins

Number of tradeable crypto assets	430	388
	Go to site	Go to site

Swyftx supports a substantially greater number of assets than Coinbase, with Swyftx listing hundreds of coins, while Coinbase supports hundreds of assets across its platforms (with Coinbase Prime supporting over 275).

Most investors will find the assets they're looking for on either exchange, however Coinbase does have some conspicuous coins missing. This includes popular prominent stablecoin Tether (USDT).

Round 3: Supported fiat currencies

Number of supported fiat currencies	3	7

Coinbase serves a global customer-base and therefore supports a wide range of fiat currencies for deposit. Notably for Australian users, this now includes Australian dollars.

Swyftx operates out of Australia and supports AUD deposits, with some card deposit flows processed via third parties and arriving as USD.

Round 4: Costs

Minimum deposits	$0	$2
Deposit Fees	Bank transfer: $0 Card: $0 PayID: $0 Cryptocurrency: $0	AUD: None using bank transfer or PayID Cryptocurrency: None
Trading fee	0.1 – 0.6%	Maker fee: 0.40%Taker fee: 0.60%
Withdrawal Fees	AUD: $0 Cryptocurrency: $0 (network fees apply)	AUD: None Cryptocurrency: Fees vary
	Go to site	Go to site

Swyftx charges 0.6% per trade for standard users, which can be higher than some other Australian exchanges. It also promises tight "spreads" – the difference between the buy and sell price of a crypto asset. It's fee structure on spreads is tiered, meaning the more you trade, the lower your spreads. Spreads vary by asset and market conditions, and some Australian alternatives can be around 3%.

Coinbase's fees are similar to Swyftx, though its fee structure is less transparent. Fees for card purchases can vary, and Coinbase typically includes a spread in the price to buy or sell cryptocurrencies. Coinbase's spreads are a bit lower than Swyftx's, with an average of 0.5% per trade.

Round 5: Deposit methods

Deposit methods	Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card	Bank transfer, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, PayPal
	Go to site	Go to site

Swyftx supports a range of popular Australian transfer options, including free and near-instant Osko and PayID deposits. Swyftx also offers "instant" cryptocurrency purchases using a credit card. While Swyftx itself doesn't charge for credit card deposits, its third-party provider may charge a spread of up to 3.5% for Australian customers. Coinbase's deposit and withdrawal methods vary by region, and in APAC it supports options such as bank transfers (availability depends on your location). Like Swyftx, the platform is now registered with AUSTRAC, which means Coinbase can also accept AUD deposits and withdrawals. Fees can apply depending on the method you use (for example, some wire transfers attract a fee).

Winner: Swyftx

Swyftx edges out Coinbase thanks to its local focus and transparent fee structure. The Brisbane-based exchange offers free AUD deposits and withdrawals via PayID, SMSF support, and a local customer service team, making it a solid choice for Aussies who want a straightforward trading experience.

Coinbase, on the other hand, has made major strides in Australia. It’s now AUSTRAC-registered, supports AUD deposits and withdrawals, and lets users trade directly in AUD on a growing number of pairs. However, Coinbase’s fees remain higher overall, especially on simple buy and sell orders, and its platform can still feel more tailored to a global audience than a local one.

Both exchanges are reputable and regulated, but for now, Swyftx’s local edge and lower costs make it the more attractive option for most Australian investors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Coinbase good in Australia?

  Yes, Coinbase offers a secure platform, a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies. However, its fees are higher compared to local options like Swyftx.

• Is Swyftx a good trading platform?

  Swyftx is a good trading platform for Australian users, offering low fees, a wide range of cryptocurrencies and local customer support. It is especially appealing for beginners due to its intuitive interface and educational resources.

• Can you withdraw from Coinbase in Australia?

  Yes, you can withdraw from Coinbase in Australia. However, the withdrawal process can involve higher fees and longer processing times compared to local exchanges like Swyftx.

Written by

Ben Knight

Writer

Ben Knight was a contributing cryptocurrency writer for Finder. Having written for Alternative Assets, PianoDreamers and YeahAustralia in the past, his passion for language and creativity with words drives his work. Ben has a master’s degree in writing, editing and publishing, and a bachelor’s degree in creative writing. See full bio

Co-written by

Kylie Purcell

Investments Analyst

Kylie Purcell is an experienced investments analyst and finance journalist with over a decade of expertise in a wide range of financial products, including online trading platforms, robo-advisors, stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. She is a sought-after commentator and regularly shares her insights on the AFR, Yahoo Finance, The Motley Fool, SBS and News.com.au. Kylie hosts the Investment Finder video series and actively contributes to the investment community as a judge and panellist. She holds a Master of Arts in International Journalism, a Graduate Diploma in Economics, and ASIC-recognised certifications in securities and managed investments. See full bio

Kylie's expertise

Kylie has written 188 Finder guides across topics including:

• Investment strategies
• Financial platforms
• Stockbrokers
• Robo advisors
• Exchange traded funds (ETFs)
• Ethical investing
• ASX stocks
• Stock and forex markets