Best Crypto Exchanges in Singapore 2025 | MAS Licensed Platforms

Fee structures vary significantly by platform and volume. Gemini ActiveTrader platform offers 0.25-0.40% maker/taker for advanced users. Coinbase spread-based pricing starts at ~0.50% plus variable fees, but Coinbase Advanced offers 0.40% taker/0.60% maker declining with volume. Bitstamp offers 0.50% maker/taker fees declining to 0.30% with monthly volume exceeding $20M. For SGD deposits, PayNow is free across Coinbase, Coinhako, and Crypto.com, while bank transfers incur SGD 10-30. Withdrawal fees critical: Bitcoin withdrawals cost ~SGD 20 on Coinhako versus ~SGD 5-10 on Gemini and Bitstamp. Calculate total cost: trading fee + withdrawal + FX spread.

Since January 2020, all crypto service providers must obtain Payment Services Act (PSA) licenses from MAS to operate legally in Singapore. 4 of 5 reviewed exchanges (80%) hold MAS approval: Coinbase (Major Payment Institution), Gemini (in-principle approval), Bitstamp (licensed), Coinhako (Digital Payment Token license), Crypto.com (in-principle approval). Licensed exchanges implement mandatory KYC (identity verification), maintain customer fund segregation from company operating funds, undergo regular compliance audits, and follow AML/CFT regulations. Always verify platform's MAS license status on MAS website before depositing—unlicensed platforms lack regulatory protections and legal recourse.

No, cryptocurrency purchases are explicitly prohibited under both CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) and Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS). MAS classifies cryptocurrencies as high-risk speculative assets with extreme volatility (Bitcoin historically experiences 20-30% monthly swings) unsuitable for retirement funds designed for capital preservation. CPF/SRS restrictions aim to protect retirement savings, limiting investments to approved lower-risk instruments: blue-chip stocks, investment-grade bonds, unit trusts, equity ETFs, REITs, and gold. All crypto trading must occur through separate cash accounts funded by discretionary savings outside retirement schemes. Consider crypto allocation as 5-10% of overall investment portfolio maximum.

Verified accounts typically allow daily withdrawals of SGD 50,000-500,000 depending on platform and account tier. Coinbase permits up to $500,000 daily for fully verified Level 3 users (government ID + address proof + selfie verification). Gemini implements $5,000-$500,000 daily limits based on verification: Individual ($50,000), Enhanced ($100,000), Institutional ($500,000+). Cryptocurrency withdrawals limited by asset: typically 10-100 BTC daily (worth $400,000-$4M at current prices). Enhanced verification unlocks higher limits: submit additional ID documents, proof of funds (bank statements), source of wealth declarations. VIP institutional accounts with $1M+ AUM access custom limits via relationship managers. Withdrawal processing: crypto 10-30 minutes, SGD 1-3 business days.

As of 2025, Binance operates globally but does NOT hold MAS Payment Services Act (PSA) license required for crypto service providers in Singapore. MAS issued public warnings in 2021 about unauthorized platforms. While not illegal for Singaporeans to use Binance.com, funds lack regulatory protections of MAS-licensed exchanges: no guaranteed fund segregation (your funds may be commingled with Binance operating capital), no MAS audit oversight, no local legal recourse in disputes, potential account freezing if MAS intensifies enforcement. Binance operates under offshore regulations (Cayman Islands, Malta) with varying standards. Consider whether offshore regulatory exposure justifies access to wider altcoin selection versus using MAS-licensed platforms (Coinbase, Gemini, Bitstamp, Coinhako, Crypto.com) with clear Singapore legal standing.

Singapore does not impose capital gains tax on cryptocurrency trading profits for individuals, making crypto speculation tax-free. This applies to both short-term trading (days-weeks) and long-term holdings (years) of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins. However, if crypto trading constitutes your trade or business (assessed by frequency, sophistication, systematic approach, profit-seeking intent as primary income), IRAS may classify profits as business income subject to income tax up to 24%. IRAS evaluates: trading frequency (daily algorithmic vs quarterly rebalancing), sophistication (leverage, derivatives, arbitrage vs spot buy-hold), main livelihood (sole income vs side investment), organized record-keeping. Receiving crypto as payment for goods/services constitutes taxable income at fair market value when received. Most casual investors enjoy tax-free appreciation.

Security varies significantly—prioritize platforms with institutional-grade custody. Coinbase: Stores 98% of assets in cold storage (offline, air-gapped hardware wallets) with $320 million crime insurance (Lloyd's of London policy) covering hot wallet breaches, plus SOC 2 Type 2 certification and regular third-party audits. Gemini: Maintains 95%+ cold storage, operates as New York Trust Company under NYDFS regulation (strictest US crypto oversight), provides FDIC insurance on USD balances ($250,000), and uses enterprise-grade custody. For maximum security beyond exchange custody, withdraw to personal hardware wallets (Ledger Nano X, Trezor Model T) accepting self-custody responsibility.

Yes, but options vary by platform. 4 of 5 exchanges offer staking or earn programs. Coinbase staking: Ethereum (3.8% APY), Solana (4.6%), Cardano (2.6%), Polygon (2.9%)—rewards auto-compound, no lock-up on most assets. Bitstamp staking: Ethereum (up to 4%), Solana, Tezos—competitive rates with transparent terms. Crypto.com: Flexible and fixed-term staking with up to 6% APY. Important: Staking carries risks—your crypto is locked (7-21 days unbonding for some networks), platform counterparty risk (if exchange fails, staked assets at risk as seen with Celsius, BlockFi collapses in 2022). For maximum control and higher yields, consider self-custody staking through wallets (MetaMask + Lido for Ethereum liquid staking) or DeFi protocols (5-15% yields), accepting smart contract risks and technical complexity.

All 5 exchanges require $0 minimum deposit—open accounts free. Practical minimums vary by platform: Coinhako allows Bitcoin purchases from SGD 10, while Coinbase and Gemini support trades from ~SGD 2-5 equivalent (depends on crypto and current prices). However, factor in withdrawal fees: Bitcoin network fees average SGD 5-30 depending on blockchain congestion (high during bull markets, low in bear markets). Starting with SGD 500-1,000 provides meaningful exposure while minimizing proportional fee impact (SGD 20 withdrawal on SGD 100 = 20% cost vs 2% on SGD 1,000). For smaller amounts (SGD 50-200 monthly), accumulate funds on-exchange before withdrawing to private wallets quarterly, reducing fee drag on dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategies.

PayNow instant transfers dominate Singapore crypto on-ramps, with platforms crediting funds within 5-30 minutes during business hours (some 24/7). Coinbase via third-party partners (Xfers), Coinhako, and Crypto.com support PayNow—transfer from your bank app, funds appear almost instantly. Bank transfers (FAST/GIRO) typically credit in 1-3 business hours during banking hours (9 AM-5 PM Mon-Fri), taking longer on weekends. International USD deposits via wire transfer take 1-5 business days and incur bank fees SGD 20-40 plus potential intermediary bank charges. For instant trading to capitalize on market volatility, prioritize exchanges supporting PayNow or maintain SGD balance on-platform. Crypto deposits (transferring Bitcoin from another wallet) confirm in 10-60 minutes depending on network (Ethereum: 12 minutes, Bitcoin: 10-60 minutes with 2-3 confirmations required).