Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx - Which one is best for you?
Read, learn, and compare Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx with help from MoneyHub's financial experts. Let us help you pick the best crypto platform for your needs
Updated 31 May 2022
Please note as of 12 May 2022, BitPrime is no longer taking orders due to trading conditions - you can read more here. We will update this guide when the situation becomes more clear.
Summary
If you’re comparing New Zealand-operated Easy Crypto and BitPrime with Australian-based newcomer Swyftx, our guide walks you through the differences that matter. We explain:
Please note as of 12 May 2022, BitPrime is no longer taking orders due to trading conditions - you can read more here. We will update this guide when the situation becomes more clear.
Summary
- Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx are three trusted platforms that let New Zealanders buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrency.
- All three platforms are secure and safe to use.
- Swyftx provides a digital wallet, whereas Easy Crypto and BitPrime do not.
- Although all three platforms are popular, Easy Crypto stands out for its ease of use, education resources and low fees.
- A comprehensive fee review suggests Swyftx is the cheapest overall platform.
- None of the platforms pays interest on deposits.
- We evaluated the three platforms on supported currencies, fees, unique features, security and ease of use.
If you’re comparing New Zealand-operated Easy Crypto and BitPrime with Australian-based newcomer Swyftx, our guide walks you through the differences that matter. We explain:
Easy Crypto
Pros
Cons
|
Swyftx
Pros
Cons
|
BitPrime
BitPrime is no longer taking orders due to trading conditions - you can read more here. We will update this guide when the situation becomes more clear.
|
What is Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx?
We briefly explain each platform's background and special features:
Easy Crypto
BitPrime
Swyftx
Easy Crypto
- Easy Crypto was established in 2018 and is owned by a group of local investors. We believe it to be New Zealand's most established and popular crypto platform, which has become popular by making buying and selling cryptocurrencies easy and fast.
- Easy Crypto offers 100+ coins from the well-known to the altcoins. Unlike some other platforms, Easy Crypto does not store the customer's funds or private keys on their platform.
- The platform has simplified fees by charging an 'all-inclusive' buy and sell price when trading - the fee range is 0.70% to 0.90%, with a minimum $100 trade. In October 2021, Easy Crypto raised $17m to expand the platform locally and internationally.
BitPrime
- BitPrime takes a slightly different approach to Easy Crypto and arguably focuses on larger-volume customers. The Christchurch-based platform is locally owned and has been operating since 2018.
- It focuses on everyday retail customers who use its live trade system.
- For serious investors, BitPrime also offers serious investors a low-fee over-the-counter (OTC) service, where it acts as a broker between buyer and seller. It states that these transactions are in the region of $50,000 to $500,000.
- BitPrime's fees depend on how you pay and has the highest number of payment method options when compared to Easy Crypto and Swyftx.
Swyftx
- Launched its dedicated New Zealand platform in August 2021 with a focus on low fees, minimal spreads and a wide choice of coins.
- The platform is based in Australia and started operations. The website and app have more features than Easy Crypto and Bitprime (specifically demo accounts, charting, tax reports and the widest selection of coins) and allow automated investing.
- Swyftx is a low-fee crypto platform (the 0.6% trade fee and low spreads are standout features), and customers have the option to store crypto on the platform rather than in their online or offline wallet. Online storage is not offered by Easy Crypto or BitPrime.
Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx - What platform is best?
- Our ongoing cryptocurrency research highlighted several platforms for trading, but few are as simple to use as Easy Crypto and Swyftx.
- Both platforms are popular with everyday New Zealanders and are free to join. You can fund trades from any New Zealand bank account, and Easy Crypto offers a New Zealand-based support team.
- We believe low fees and ease of use are important for beginners. Easy Crypto and Swyftx lead with low fees. We suggest anyone considers Easy Crypto and Swyftx in that order.
- Advertising Disclosure: We may earn a referral bonus for anyone that clicks on some of the below links - see our Advertising Policy for more details.
Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx: The Similarities
- All platforms allow funding from your NZD bank account. Easy Crypto and Swyftx offer this for free, whereas BitPrime charges a fee.
- All platforms are registered as 'Financial Service Providers' by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA), as outlined here.
- All platforms offer Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and dozens upon dozens of common currencies.
- All platforms focus on security - Easy Crypto and BitPrime don't hold crypto on their servers, so there is less risk than Swyftx. However, Swyftx, like all three platforms, has a comprehensive approach to general security.
- All platforms are easy to join and use, with Easy Crypto most favoured by beginner investors.
Who Offers the Most Features? Easy Crypto, BitPrime or Swyftx?
The biggest difference between the platforms comes down to cost. Easy Crypto and Swyftx simplify everything with fixed low fees for trades and 0% commission when funding your account. On the other hand, BitPrime offers the most funding options and charges accordingly.
If you're making a low-volume trade, for example, $100 worth of Bitcoin, busing Easy Crypto Swyftx will cost less than $1. On the other hand, BitPrime will cost around $4, but it's cheaper (as a percentage) as you make larger trades.
If you're making a low-volume trade, for example, $100 worth of Bitcoin, busing Easy Crypto Swyftx will cost less than $1. On the other hand, BitPrime will cost around $4, but it's cheaper (as a percentage) as you make larger trades.
The Differences
Beyond the cost of trading are features - Swyftx offers the most; our table below compares what's important and what platforms currently offer to help you better understand each platform:
Features |
Easy Crypto |
BitPrime |
Swyftx |
Maximum Trading Fees |
0.90% |
5% |
0.60% |
Currencies |
150+ |
100+ |
297 |
Security |
Password and session expiry |
Password and session expiry |
Password, session expiry, 2FA and JWT tokens |
Wallet |
Not offered |
Not offered |
Offered |
Transactions Supported |
Buy, sell and withdraw |
Buy, sell and withdraw |
Buy, sell, send, receive, withdraw, and exchange |
Payment Methods |
Account2Account Bank Transfers POLi Pay |
Bank Transfer Account2Account POLi Credit Card |
|
Maximum Trade |
$100 |
$100 |
Around $1.05 |
Demo Account Offered |
No |
No |
Yes |
App Available |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Headquarters |
Auckland & Wellington |
Christchurch |
Sydney (Australia) |
Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx: Security
Neither Easy Crypto nor BitPrime stores your funds or crypto-asset private keys on their platform, and orders placed with BitPrime and Easy Crypto are sent directly into your wallet. Easy Crypto also offers a 100% funds safety guarantee on all orders.
Swyftx holds cryptocurrency on behalf of its customers, so the biggest risk is whether or not its customer's crypto-assets can be hacked and stolen. To provide comfort to its customers, Swyftx clarifies by confirming that "our storage of your Assets is a mixture of cold hot and wallet storage means to protect your assets". Their security protocols also include using JWT tokens and session expiry, 2FA account protection and a range of other measures. You can read more about their approach to wallets and general security here.
Swyftx holds cryptocurrency on behalf of its customers, so the biggest risk is whether or not its customer's crypto-assets can be hacked and stolen. To provide comfort to its customers, Swyftx clarifies by confirming that "our storage of your Assets is a mixture of cold hot and wallet storage means to protect your assets". Their security protocols also include using JWT tokens and session expiry, 2FA account protection and a range of other measures. You can read more about their approach to wallets and general security here.
Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx: Currencies
Swyftx supports 290+ cryptocurrencies, whereas Easy Crypto offers around 150 and BitPrime around 100. All of the platforms support coin fractions meaning you can buy 0.0000001 of one Bitcoin or 0.0005 of one Ethereum etc. In addition, all platforms support several altcoins, including Dogecoin.
Fees: Who is Cheaper - Easy Crypto, BitPrime or Swyftx?
There are three main fees to be aware of when using any cryptocurrency platform - deposit, trading, and withdrawal. What you'll pay depends on how you fund your purchase, how much you trade and what cryptocurrency you're buying. The best platform is one that keeps costs low and is transparent about its fees.
Funding your account/making a crypto purchase:
Selling your cryptocurrency:
Our view: Easy Crypto and Swyftx both offer free transfers from your bank account which is far more competitive than BitPrime, which charges higher-than-average fees for small-scale trading.
Funding your account/making a crypto purchase:
- Easy Crypto - Account2Account and Bank transfers are both free. The POLi Pay charges a 1% fee, with a maximum fee of $3.
- BitPrime - Bank transfer, Account2Account and POLi payments incur fees of 2.90% ($100 – $20,000), 2.00% ($20,000 – $50,000 + 2.0%) or 5% (for any amount over $100).
- Swyftx - Bank transfers are free. No other payment methods are currently offered.
Selling your cryptocurrency:
- Easy Crypto - The “Instant Buy & Sell” button allows users to enter what cryptocurrency is being sold and the volume. Users then confirm their bank account details to receive the proceeds in New Zealand dollars. Once done, Easy Crypto will generate a wallet address to send the coins. Once received, the seller will receive NZD in their bank account within 24 working hours.
- BitPrime - The “Sell Crypto” button lets users choose the coin and quantity to be sold. Once submitted, a quote will come via email. If accepted, the user is shown the wallet address to send the coins and is asked to email BitPrime when they're transferred. Once received and verified, bank transfers are processed at 5 pm on weekdays.
- Swyftx - Users needs to click the "Buy/Sell" button. An estimated price will be shown, calculated on the quantity and current market price. Once confirmed, the money received is added to your account. If you withdraw it into NZD, there is a NZ$30 minimum withdrawal and a NZ$10 withdrawal fee if you wish to cash out your holdings into a New Zealand bank account.
Our view: Easy Crypto and Swyftx both offer free transfers from your bank account which is far more competitive than BitPrime, which charges higher-than-average fees for small-scale trading.
Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx - What platform is best?
- Our ongoing cryptocurrency research highlighted several platforms for trading, but few are as simple to use as Easy Crypto and Swyftx.
- Both platforms are popular with everyday New Zealanders and are free to join. You can fund trades from any New Zealand bank account, and Easy Crypto offers a New Zealand-based support team.
- We believe low fees and ease of use are important for beginners. Easy Crypto and Swyftx lead with low fees. We suggest anyone considers Easy Crypto and Swyftx in that order.
- Advertising Disclosure: We may earn a referral bonus for anyone that clicks on some of the below links - see our Advertising Policy for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx?
Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx are crypto exchange platforms. They give New Zealanders the ability to buy and sell popular (and lesser-known) cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, from their computer. Anyone using a platform can fund a purchase by transferring money from their bank account or, in some cases, using a credit card.
All three platforms are popular options for people wanting to invest in cryptocurrency with a trusted New Zealand or Australian provider.
All three platforms are popular options for people wanting to invest in cryptocurrency with a trusted New Zealand or Australian provider.
How do Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx work?
Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx also ask for identity verification when signing up for an account. Once all the checks are done, investors can deposit money and purchase cryptocurrency. All three platforms are intuitive, easy to use, and trades happen quickly.All three platforms require investors to decide how much to purchase. Once confirmed, you'll see the fees before the trade is finalised.
What is the cheapest way to buy cryptocurrency?
Based on the comparisons in this guide, we believe that a platform that doesn't charge transfer fees from your bank account and has low trade fees will be the cheapest. As it stands, we believe Easy Crypto and Swyftx provide the best value.
Are Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx safe?
Yes, Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx use security measures that meet industry standards. Added security comes from the fact that Easy Crypto and BitPrime are based in New Zealand, and Swyftx is based in Australia. All three exchanges are well regarded in space and proactively avoid potential security issues.
Who Should Use Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx?
We would argue that first-time traders unfamiliar with crypto terminology may find Easy Crypto the most suitable for their needs. It's a platform that is educational and intuitive to use.
However, if you have a basic understanding of cryptocurrency and want to trade with the widest number of currencies, Swyftx may be worth considering. It offers the lowest fees and has an educational focus too.
However, if you have a basic understanding of cryptocurrency and want to trade with the widest number of currencies, Swyftx may be worth considering. It offers the lowest fees and has an educational focus too.
Final Thoughts - Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx and Next Steps
- We believe the most suitable platform is one that you trust and enjoy using. Our ongoing cryptocurrency research is extensive, and we have published dozens of guides to highlight the risks posed by non-New Zealand/Australian platforms.
- While Swyftx offers lower fees, many New Zealanders regularly use Easy Crypto and find it safe, convenient and logical. It is also our 2021 Editor's Choice Favourite Crypto Retailer.
- Beyond Easy Crypto, Swyftx and BitPrime both have unique features and enjoy a unique customer base.
- Overall, We believe low fees and ease of use are important for beginners and therefore suggest anyone considering joining a platform consider Easy Crypto, Swyftx and BitPrime in that order.
Research Methodology
Our research team evaluated Easy Crypto, BitPrime and Swyftx on several factors:
Important: We advise caution when it comes to cryptocurrencies. We strongly suggest that anyone considering making a purchase learn the basics of investing first - our Beginner's Guide to Cryptocurrencies guide has further information.
- Ease of use (signup, funding, overall website experience and app functionality)
- Trading options (specifically the number of cryptocurrencies available for New Zealand investors)
- Fees (funding an account, buying and selling and withdrawing money)
- Security features
- Unique features on all platforms
Important: We advise caution when it comes to cryptocurrencies. We strongly suggest that anyone considering making a purchase learn the basics of investing first - our Beginner's Guide to Cryptocurrencies guide has further information.
Easy Crypto vs BitPrime vs Swyftx - What platform is best?
- Our ongoing cryptocurrency research highlighted several platforms for trading, but few are as simple to use as Easy Crypto and Swyftx.
- Both platforms are popular with everyday New Zealanders and are free to join. You can fund trades from any New Zealand bank account, and Easy Crypto offers a New Zealand-based support team.
- We believe low fees and ease of use are important for beginners. Easy Crypto and Swyftx lead with low fees. We suggest anyone considers Easy Crypto and Swyftx in that order.
- Advertising Disclosure: We may earn a referral bonus for anyone that clicks on some of the below links - see our Advertising Policy for more details.
