CoinJar Crypto Exchange Review: Best for Beginners, Limited for Pros
If you’re new to cryptocurrency and want to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum without getting lost in a maze of charts and complex order types, CoinJar might be the easiest place to start. Launched in 2013 in Melbourne, Australia, it’s one of the oldest regulated crypto platforms in the world. But if you’re an active trader looking for altcoins, margin trading, or low-latency execution, you’ll quickly hit walls. This isn’t a platform that tries to be everything. It’s built for one thing: making crypto simple and safe for regular people.
Over 100,000 people have downloaded the iOS app. Trustpilot has over 1,000 five-star reviews. That’s not accidental. CoinJar doesn’t chase hype. It focuses on what works: clear UI, strong security, and no surprises in fees. But that simplicity comes at a cost. Let’s break down what you actually get - and what you don’t.
What You Can Buy on CoinJar
CoinJar supports 60+ cryptocurrencies. That sounds like a lot - until you compare it to Binance, Kraken, or Coinbase, which list 500+.
What’s missing? Most DeFi tokens, meme coins, and newer altcoins. You won’t find Shiba Inu, Solana-based projects like Jupiter, or niche Layer 2 tokens. CoinJar sticks to the big names: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Cardano, Polkadot, Chainlink, and a few others. If you’re buying crypto to hold long-term, this is fine. If you’re chasing quick gains on new launches, you’re out of luck.
The platform intentionally limits options. It’s not a flaw - it’s a design choice. Less choice means less risk of users accidentally buying worthless tokens. For beginners, that’s a relief. For experienced traders, it’s frustrating.
How Much Does CoinJar Cost?
Fees are where CoinJar gets tricky - because it has two separate systems.
The main CoinJar app (for buying crypto instantly) charges 1% for spot trades and 2% if you use a credit or debit card. That’s high compared to exchanges like Kraken or Bybit. But here’s the catch: deposits and withdrawals in AUD, EUR, or GBP are free. No fees for bank transfers via PayID or SEPA. That’s rare. Most platforms charge $5-$15 to move money in or out.
Then there’s CoinJar Exchange, a separate interface for more serious users. Here, trading fees start at 0.1% and drop to 0.02% if you trade over $10,000 per month. That’s competitive with top global exchanges. But you have to switch platforms - it’s not built into the simple app. Most new users never even find it.
Recurring buys (like setting up a weekly $50 Bitcoin purchase) cost 1%. That’s standard. No hidden fees. No surprise charges. You know exactly what you’re paying.
Security: How Safe Is Your Money?
CoinJar’s biggest strength isn’t its interface - it’s how it protects your assets.
90% of customer funds are stored in offline, hardware cold wallets. The rest is kept in hot wallets for quick withdrawals, but it’s insured. The platform uses multi-factor authentication, machine learning to flag suspicious logins, and partners with BitGo and Fireblocks - two of the most trusted names in crypto security.
There’s never been a major breach. Not in over a decade. That’s unheard of in crypto. Even big exchanges like Coinbase and Binance have had security incidents. CoinJar’s track record is clean.
It’s also regulated in Australia by AUSTRAC and complies with KYC/AML rules across all 48 countries it serves. That means your identity is verified, and your funds are legally protected. If you care about legal backing - not just tech security - this matters.
Mobile App and User Experience
The iOS app is polished. Clean design. Fast loading. No clutter. You tap ‘Buy’, pick Bitcoin, enter your amount, and confirm. Done in under a minute.
The Android app? Less consistent. Users report crashes, slow loading, and occasional bugs. Google Play has a 3.8-star average. Apple App Store sits at 4.7. That gap isn’t random. It’s a sign of uneven development.
The web version is solid. Dark mode, light mode, customizable layouts. But the real win is the simplicity. No confusing tabs. No 10-step processes. Even someone who’s never used crypto before can buy their first Bitcoin in 10 minutes.
What’s Missing? The Big Limitations
CoinJar doesn’t offer:
- Margin trading
- Futures or derivatives
- Stop-loss or limit orders (on the basic app)
- Live chat support
- 24/7 customer service
- Staking rewards
- Decentralized wallet integration
That’s not a bug - it’s a feature. But if you want to trade like a pro, you’ll need another platform. CoinJar is a bank, not a trading floor.
Customer support is email-only. No phone. No chat. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 2 AM Australian Eastern Time. If you’re in Europe or the U.S., you’ll be waiting hours - sometimes days - for a reply. Urgent issues? You’re out of luck.
And while CoinJar offers a Mastercard to spend crypto directly, it’s only available in Australia and the UK. No U.S. users. No Canada. No Asia. Geographic restrictions are tight.
Who Is CoinJar Really For?
It’s perfect if you:
- Live in Australia, the UK, or Ireland
- Want to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum without stress
- Prefer free bank transfers over low trading fees
- Don’t understand candlestick charts or leverage
- Value security and regulation over trading options
It’s a bad fit if you:
- Trade daily or want to short crypto
- Need access to hundreds of altcoins
- Want 24/7 live support
- Are based in the U.S., India, or most of Asia
- Want to stake your crypto for passive income
Think of CoinJar like a savings account for crypto. You don’t get high returns. You don’t get fancy tools. But your money is safe, and you won’t accidentally lose it.
How Does It Compare to Other Exchanges?
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Feature | CoinJar | Coinbase | Kraken | Binance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrencies | 60+ | 200+ | 250+ | 500+ |
| Basic trading fee | 1% | 0.5%-1.5% | 0.16%-0.26% | 0.1% (maker) |
| Free fiat deposits | AUD, EUR, GBP | Only bank transfer (US) | AUD, EUR, GBP, USD | No |
| Advanced trading | No | Yes (Pro) | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app rating | 4.7 (iOS), 3.8 (Android) | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| 24/7 support | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Staking | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CoinJar wins on simplicity and free bank transfers. It loses on everything else. If you’re not trading often, it’s a great choice. If you are, you’ll outgrow it fast.
Final Verdict: Should You Use CoinJar?
Yes - if you’re a beginner, live in Australia or the UK, and want to buy crypto without stress.
No - if you’re looking to trade, speculate, or need advanced tools.
CoinJar isn’t trying to beat Binance. It’s trying to make crypto feel like using a bank app. And for millions of people, that’s exactly what they need. It’s not flashy. It’s not the cheapest. But it’s reliable, secure, and doesn’t trick you with hidden fees.
Start here if you’re new. Move to Kraken or Coinbase later if you outgrow it. That’s the smart path.
Is CoinJar safe to use?
Yes. CoinJar stores 90% of customer funds in offline cold wallets, uses multi-factor authentication, and partners with security firms like BitGo and Fireblocks. It’s regulated in Australia and has operated since 2013 without a major security breach. It’s one of the safest exchanges for beginners.
Can I use CoinJar in the United States?
No. CoinJar is only available in 48 countries, including Australia, the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe. The U.S., Canada, India, and most of Asia are not supported. If you’re in the U.S., try Coinbase or Kraken instead.
Does CoinJar charge fees for deposits?
Deposits in AUD, EUR, or GBP via bank transfer (PayID or SEPA) are free. Deposits via credit or debit card cost 2%. Withdrawals are free for AUD, EUR, and GBP. Only card withdrawals have a fee.
Can I trade altcoins on CoinJar?
You can trade over 60 cryptocurrencies, but only major ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano. Most new or speculative altcoins - like meme coins or DeFi tokens - are not listed. If you want access to hundreds of altcoins, use Binance or Kraken.
Does CoinJar offer staking or earn interest?
No. CoinJar does not offer staking, yield farming, or interest-bearing accounts. If you want to earn passive income on your crypto, you’ll need to use another platform like Coinbase or Kraken.
How long does it take to verify my CoinJar account?
Basic verification takes under 10 minutes. To unlock higher limits or access CoinJar Exchange, you may need to upload ID documents and proof of address. This can take 1-3 business days. The process is straightforward but slower than instant-verify platforms.
Is there a CoinJar mobile app?
Yes. The iOS app is highly rated (4.7 stars) with smooth performance. The Android app has mixed reviews (3.8 stars), with users reporting crashes and slow loading. Both apps let you buy, sell, and store crypto, but the iOS version is more reliable.
Can I withdraw crypto from CoinJar to another wallet?
Yes. You can withdraw any supported cryptocurrency to an external wallet. Minimum withdrawal amounts vary by coin - for example, $20 AUD for Bitcoin. Network fees apply and are paid by the user.
Gavin Francis
February 1, 2026 AT 01:30mary irons
February 1, 2026 AT 19:12Gary Gately
February 2, 2026 AT 08:39