Independent Reserve Fee Calculator
Maker Fee
0.50%
For placing limit orders
Taker Fee
0.60%
For executing market orders
Deposit Fee
Free
For AUD deposits over $100
Withdrawal Fee
0.0002 BTC / 0.005 ETH
Network fee + fixed amount
Fee Tier Information
Based on your trading volume, you qualify for:
- Maker Fee: 0.50%
- Taker Fee: 0.60%
Volume tiers: $0-$1,000 (0.50%/0.60%) → $250,000+ (0.02%/0.03%)
Key Takeaways
- Independent Reserve is Australia’s longest‑running regulated crypto exchange, backed by ASIC and AUSTRAC.
- Security includes ISO 27001 certification, 1:1 reserves, cold‑storage and insurance coverage.
- Tiered trading fees start at 0.50% and fall to 0.02% for high‑volume traders.
- OTC desk handles orders from A$50,000 up to A$50million with same‑day settlement.
- Mobile apps are praised for ease of use, but the coin list (32 tokens) lags behind global rivals.
When you hear the name Independent Reserve is an Australian‑registered cryptocurrency exchange that has been operating since 2013, offering fiat‑to‑crypto trading for AUD, NZD, SGD and USD users, you instantly picture a platform built for both retail and institutional traders. It sits under the watchful eye of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and is listed with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). That regulatory backdrop makes it a safe choice for anyone in Australia or NewZealand looking to dip their toes into crypto without worrying about rogue operators.
Regulatory Backbone & Security Guarantees
Regulation isn’t just a badge - it shapes every security layer the exchange rolls out. Independent Reserve boasts ISO 27001 certification, the international standard for information security management. In practice, that means the firm runs regular audits, isolates customer funds in segregated accounts and stores the bulk of its crypto in cold wallets. The exchange also provides a unique insurance policy that covers digital assets against theft, a first for Australian exchanges.
Another selling point is the 1:1 reserve model. For every crypto token listed, Independent Reserve holds an equivalent amount in cold storage, verified by third‑party auditors. This transparency is frequently highlighted in industry reviews, including the Deloitte Tech Fast 50 and the Financial Times High‑Growth Companies list.
Fee Structure - What You’ll Actually Pay
Fees are a major decision factor for traders. Independent Reserve uses a tiered maker‑taker model that starts at 0.50% for volumes under A$1,000 daily and drops to a rock‑bottom 0.02% once you cross A$250,000 in daily turnover. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Maker fee: 0.50% → 0.02% (volume‑based)
- Taker fee: 0.60% → 0.03% (same volume brackets)
- AUD deposits above A$100 are free; smaller deposits cost A$0.99.
- Card, PayPal or instant PayID deposits carry a 1% surcharge.
- Crypto withdrawals: 0.0002BTC, 0.005ETH, other assets follow network‑fee‑plus‑0.0005unit rule.
If you trade heavily, the fee schedule becomes competitive with global players. For casual investors, the entry‑level 0.50% may feel steep compared with Binance’s 0.10% flat fee, but the price of regulatory peace of mind often outweighs that difference.
Trading Features - From Basic to Institutional
Beyond spot trading, Independent Reserve offers a handful of tools that cater to serious traders:
- Leverage: Up to 5× on selected pairs, with real‑time margin monitoring.
- OTC Desk: Handles trades from A$50,000 up to A$50million, complete with a personal broker and same‑day settlement. This service is especially popular with small hedge funds and family offices.
- AutoTrader: A rule‑based bot that executes limit orders automatically based on user‑defined parameters.
- Order Types: Market, limit, stop‑limit, fill‑or‑kill and iceberg orders are all available on the desktop UI.
Unfortunately, the platform does not yet offer futures or options, which puts it behind giants like Binance that provide a full derivatives suite. If you need those products, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Supported Assets - Quality Over Quantity?
Independent Reserve lists 32 cryptocurrencies, including the heavyweights Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as popular altcoins like Solana, Cardano and Polygon. While the selection is modest compared with Binance’s 1,200‑plus pairs, the exchange focuses on assets with strong liquidity and regulatory clarity. This strategy reduces the risk of thin order books and sudden delistings.
Mobile & Desktop Experience
The iOS and Android apps mirror the desktop layout, delivering a clean UI that even first‑time crypto users find intuitive. Features such as biometric login, instant PayID deposits and one‑click withdraws are praised in user reviews. The desktop platform adds advanced charting tools (via TradingView integration) and a customizable dashboard for tracking multiple accounts.
Customer support is a standout: a 24/7 ticket system, live chat during Australian business hours, and a reputation for quick Sunday responses. Users regularly quote “excellent customer service” and “fast resolution” in app store reviews.
How It Stacks Up Against Local Competitors
| Feature | Independent Reserve | Coinbase Australia | Binance Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory status | ASIC & AUSTRAC licensed, insurance covered | ASIC regulated, no insurance | AUSTRAC registered, no ASIC licence |
| Supported fiat | AUD, NZD, SGD, USD (direct banking) | AUD, USD (bank transfer only) | AUD via PayID, limited USD |
| Number of crypto assets | 32 | 45 | 1,200+ |
| Base trading fee (maker) | 0.50% → 0.02% | 0.40% → 0.10% | 0.10% flat |
| Leverage | Up to 5× | None | Up to 125× (futures) |
| OTC desk | Yes (A$50K-A$50M) | No | No |
| Mobile app rating (global avg) | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
The table shows why Independent Reserve shines for Australians who value regulatory certainty and local banking integration, while Binance remains the go‑to for sheer variety and low fees. Coinbase offers a middle ground but lacks the OTC service that institutional traders crave.
Pros & Cons - A Quick Reference
- Pros
- Full ASIC & AUSTRAC licensing, plus insurance coverage.
- Institution‑grade security (ISO 27001, 1:1 reserves, cold storage).
- Robust OTC desk for large‑scale trades.
- Seamless AUD banking via PayID.
- Highly rated mobile app and responsive support.
- Cons
- Limited crypto selection (32 tokens).
- Entry‑level trading fees higher than global rivals.
- No futures, options, or advanced derivatives.
- Leverage capped at 5×.
User Sentiment & Community Feedback
Across more than 2,000 reviews on the App Store, Google Play and Google Reviews, Independent Reserve averages a 4.6‑star rating. Users repeatedly mention the platform’s trustworthiness - “I’ve trusted Independent Reserve for 5 years” - and praise the “easy to use” mobile interface. Customer service wins accolades for “quick Sunday support”. The few criticisms focus on the narrower coin list and missing futures market.
Who Should Choose Independent Reserve?
If you’re an Australian or NewZealand resident who values regulatory compliance, institutional‑grade security, and a reliable OTC desk, Independent Reserve is a solid pick. It also fits beginners who want a straightforward onboarding process and a mobile app that feels familiar. On the flip side, high‑frequency traders seeking deep liquidity across hundreds of altcoins or futures contracts may look toward Binance or a dedicated derivatives platform.
Final Verdict
Independent Reserve has built a reputation on safety, local banking convenience, and a growing suite of institutional tools. While its asset roster and derivative offerings lag behind the global giants, the exchange’s regulatory footing and insurance shield make it a compelling choice for anyone who puts security first. As Australia’s crypto adoption continues to rise - the 2025 IRCI index jumped to 54 - Independent Reserve is well‑positioned to remain a cornerstone of the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Independent Reserve regulated in Australia?
Yes. The exchange is licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and registered with AUSTRAC, making it one of the few fully regulated crypto platforms in the country.
What security certifications does Independent Reserve hold?
It has ISO 27001 certification, employs a 1:1 reserve model, stores the majority of assets in cold wallets, and carries an insurance policy that covers digital‑asset theft.
How does the OTC desk work?
Clients can trade between A$50,000 and A$50million with a dedicated broker. Orders are settled on the same day, and the desk provides private pricing and no‑slippage execution.
What are the fees for a casual trader?
For volumes under A$1,000 per day, makers pay 0.50% and takers 0.60%. Deposit fees are free above A$100, while smaller deposits cost A$0.99. Crypto withdrawals incur network‑plus‑fixed fees.
Can I trade futures or options on Independent Reserve?
No. The platform currently offers spot trading, up to 5× leverage, and an OTC desk, but it does not provide futures, options, or other derivatives.
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