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How to Sell Cryptocurrency in NZ (2023)

Nic Turnbull

Nic Turnbull

Harry Saotshi

Harry Saotshi

The safest, fastest, and easiest way to sell Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrency in New Zealand is through a Kiwi crypto retailer like Easy Crypto NZ or Binance New Zealand.

Where to buy Ledger Hardware wallet

Best Places to Sell Bitcoin & Cryptocurrencies in NZ

Easy Crypto NZ

Best Way for Beginners to Sell Crypto

Easy Crypto NZ is New Zealand’s most popular crypto retailer, making it safe, fast, and easy for Kiwis to buy and sell over 110+ cryptocurrencies in minutes – including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Dogecoin & XRP.

Cryptocurrency NZ Recommendation  

Website: www.easycrypto.ai/nz

Here at Cryptocurrency NZ, we’ve used Easy Crypto without any issues for over 5 years. 

They’ve helped mainline hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders into the cryptocurrency markets. 

Easy Crypto is a reputable, reliable and Kiwi focused crypto retailer who without a doubt achieves their mission of making it safe, fast and easy for Kiwis to buy and sell Bitcoin and 160+ other coins in NZ.

EC typically provide rapid order speeds through their simple interface and are well suited to first time crypto investors.

Our biggest critique would be EC’s excessive compliance program, requiring users to jump through increasingly heavier identity and source of funds verification steps for users seeking to acquire privacy coins such as Monero (XMR).

For privacy focused users, non-KYC’ed options such as the NZ P2P Crypto Marketplace may be better suited. 

Pros of Easy Crypto NZ

✔️ Beginner friendly: Easy Crypto’s interface is well suited to first time or casual investors. 

✔️ Near instant KYC: you can typically create an account, verify your ID and trade within minutes. 

✔️ Non-custodial: crypto is sent directly to your own private wallet, Easy Crypto doesn’t store it for you. 

✔️ Transparent fee structure: When you place an order, you can see the exact numbers of how much you’ll receive.  

✔️ Local customer support: when you need help, EC provides high quality one-on-one assistance.  

Cons of Easy Crypto NZ

❌ Limited features: day traders are better suited to live exchanges like Binance NZ or Kiwicoin

❌ Excessive compliance: You can’t buy privacy coins like Monero without proving the source of your funds. 

 No on-site wallet: users must have a secure wallet already set up to buy and sell through Easy Crypto. 

❌ Slippage: There’s sometimes a difference in prices between when you locked in your fees vs current prices.

❌ KYC: You have to verify your identity in order to actually buy or sell. This data is then passed on to the government. 

 

Easy Crypto NZ is a homegrown, non-custodial crypto retailer with a strong reputation in the NZ crypto community.

They have a strong presence in the domestic crypto industry , sponsoring Cryptocurrency NZ’s meetups and are known to actively engage in New Zealand’s various community forums, groups and events.

Since launching in 2018, ECNZ has generated over 200,000+ users in New Zealand alone and has processed over 2 Billion NZD in order volume – securing their title as New Zealand’s crypto heavy weight.

Janine Grainger, EC’s co-founder and other members of EC’s exec team are active members in financial technology and blockchain lobbying bodies across NZ such as Blockchain NZ and Fintech NZ

Pay It Now (PIN)

Best Way to Buy / Sell for NZD Users

Pay It Now – PIN is the largest crypto payment network in NZ, with 300+ Kiwi businesses already using their payment system. They have done an incredible job at simplifying the process of accepting BitcoinEthereumPest Free Token.

Website: www.payitnow.io/ 

Cryptocurrency NZ has enthusiastically opted for Pay it Now (PIN), and for good reason.

With its New Zealand origins, PIN perfectly aligns with the local values that Cryptocurrency NZ holds dear. Unlike simple on/off ramps, PIN offers a holistic ecosystem that extends well beyond basic transaction facilitation. By bridging merchants with its extensive user base, PIN empowers businesses throughout New Zealand to effortlessly access the realm of crypto.

Pros Of Pay it Now (PIN)

✔️ PIN Scan Block Explorer: The dedicated block explorer, PIN Scan, enhances transparency by allowing users to easily track and monitor transactions on the PIN Network, fostering trust.

✔️ Wallet-Less Crypto Transactions with PIN Swap: The wallet-less connection process through PIN Swap offers a user-friendly and secure method for transferring crypto assets directly into users’ wallets, simplifying the interaction with smart contracts.

✔️ Point of Sale (PoS) Integration: The integration of PIN Payments with prominent Point of Sale providers like Sipo PoS, Todays Software, Lightspeed X, and Salespoint streamlines crypto payments for merchants, potentially increasing the adoption of cryptocurrencies.

✔️ In-App Functionality for Users: The PIN Network App’s user-centric features, such as in-app buying, bridging tokens, gas-less swaps, and instant peer-to-peer transactions, create a convenient and seamless experience for users engaging with digital assets.

✔️ Cross-Border Payments: The ability to send and receive digital currency instantly among PIN Network App users facilitates cross-border transactions, potentially reducing traditional financial barriers.

✔️ Staking and Rewards: The in-app staking functionality offers users the opportunity to earn staking rewards and bonuses, providing an additional incentive within the PIN ecosystem.

 

Cons of Pay it Now (PIN) 

❌ Integration Challenges: While the PoS integration is designed to be user-friendly, potential integration challenges with different PoS providers might arise.

❌ Limited Cryptocurrency Compatibility: The availability of supported tokens for bridging and swapping might be limited, potentially limiting user choices.

❌ Security Considerations: Introducing wallet-less transactions and sensitive data handling within the app necessitates robust security measures to protect user assets and information.

❌ Regulatory Challenges: The integration of cryptocurrencies and payment solutions could subject the project to regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements in different jurisdictions.

PIN implements a fee structure that comprises two distinct types of fees. The first involves un-bridging transactions, in which a fee of 4% is applicable. However, it’s noteworthy that PIN doesn’t impose gas fees on its users. Instead, for bridge transactions, there’s a fixed fee of $0.40 USD, offering users a straightforward and predictable cost for their transactions.

Binance NZ

Best Exchange for Advanced Traders

Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, is a highly popular platform for Kiwis interested in crypto trading in NZ. 
Binance offers over 1400 trading pairs, such as NZD to BTC, with some of the lowest fees in the industry.

Cryptocurrency NZ Recommendation 

Website: www.binance.com/nz

Here at Cryptocurrency NZ, we have used Binance for over 4 years without any issues. 

Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange, accounting for over 40% of the total crypto market’s trade volume. They have world class platform, access to liquidity, a plethora of coins to trade and are known to be reliable and secure.

They are however still a centralized exchange and the age old ‘not your keys, not your crypto’ still applies. We don’t recommend storing large amounts of coin long term on exchanges and instead recommend using a hardware wallet

If you’re a day trader, looking to swing trade or practice technical analysis and chart drawing, Binance is very solid. 

Pros of Binance NZ

✔️Plethora of coins: Humongous selection of cryptocurrencies available for trading.

✔️ Competitive Rates: Famously low trading fees, especially for high-volume traders and those who hold BNB. 

✔️ SAFU Fund: Binance has a “SAFU’ fund to protect users in the event of a security breach or hack. Learn more.

✔️ Registered in NZ: Binance is a registered Financial Service Provider in NZ.  

✔️ Advanced Features: Offers world class trading tools and charts.

✔️ IOS & Android: Mobile apps available for trading on-the-go.

Cons of Binance NZ

❌ Regulatory exposure: Ongoing regulatory scrutiny and potential for government restrictions.

Mixed Reviews: Some negative user reviews and complaints about poor customer service.

❌ High withdrawal fees: Withdrawing some coins can be higher than fifty dollars, depending on market prices.

 Customer Support: Limited customer support during high-traffic periods 

 Centralized Exchange: Potential for hacking or security breaches. 

❌ KYC: You have to verify your identity in order to buy or sell. This data is then passed on to the government. 

 

Binance has has over 6,000 staff globally, and since registering in Zealand in September 2022 as a Financial Services Provider, they have invested heavily into marketing, complying with NZ regulations and developing an NZ based team. 

Ben Rose, Binance’s CEO is a member on the Blockchain NZ council, and many of the Binance NZ team are public. 

Binance is an international exchange, headed and founded by Changpeng Zhao (CZ), one of the most well known and trusted crypto developers and entrepreneurs in the world. Binance NZ is in it’s early days, but is gearing for the long haul.

NZ P2P Crypto Marketplace

Best Way to Buy / Sell for Privacy

The NZ P2P Crypto Marketplace was established in 2021 by CNZ’s Harry Satoshi to make it easier for Kiwis to discover and communicate with peer-to-peer crypto traders in NZ. 

It’s NZ’s best way to locate crypto traders who won’t require you to hand over your personal information or perform KYC.

Following the inception of the Bitcoin revolution, igniting back in 2008 when Satoshi Nakamoto released his whitepaper ‘Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System‘; governments, unelected transnational conglomerates and both global and local financial watchdogs have been monitoring the emerging crypto market in aims to better understand the world’s shifting financial power dynamics – and the threats posed to the existing matrix by crypto such as Bitcoin and Monero.

Following the conclusion that governments can’t effectively ban or censor Bitcoin directly, due to it’s decentralized nature, (despite many high profile calls for it), regulators have instead pursued another strategy of control whereby all regulated fiat-to-crypto on and off ramp services must follow particular guidelines, such as reporting all wallet and transaction activity to the government at the expense of individual privacy and in the favour of the surveillance state.

In response to this, many New Zealanders have chosen to obtain cryptocurrency via P2P, essentially buying and selling from other civilians, to negate the requirement to provide their personal information, which by doing so leads to increased capabilities of authorities or private entities to monitor your financial activity.

It is after all, not illegal to trade crypto peer to peer, with P2P being the 2FA that will secure the crypto revolution.

Pros of P2P

 

✔️ Privacy: P2P trading can offer greater privacy compared to centralized exchanges since users are not required to provide extensive KYC information.

✔️ Decentralized: P2P trading is decentralized, meaning that transactions occur directly between buyers and sellers without the need for intermediaries like banks.

✔️Accessibility: P2P trading can be more accessible to users in regions where centralized exchanges may not be available due to regulatory or infrastructure issues.

✔️ Lower fees: P2P can have lower fees compared to centralized exchanges, as there are no middlemen to charge fees for transactions. However you will often encounter traders selling at a markup.

✔️ More options: P2P trading can offer more payment options, including cash or bank transfers, or swapping other assets, reducing limits for what constitutes crypto trading.

Cons of P2P

 

Risk of scams: P2P trading poses serious risk of scams, as users may be vulnerable to fraudsters who misrepresent themselves or their offers.

Limited liquidity: P2P trading may have limited liquidity compared to a cex, meaning that it can be more difficult to find buyers or sellers for certain crypto or at certain prices.

No order book: P2P trading does not have an order book, which can make it more difficult for users to determine market prices.

Limited dispute resolution: P2P trading has near zero dispute resolution options compared to centralized exchanges, which have more resources and procedures for handling disputes.

Security risks: P2P trading can pose security risks to users if they do not take proper precautions to protect their private keys and personal information.

5 dollar wrench attacks: if you meet up to execute P2P trades in the flesh, this can pose serious danger. Read more.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading is the act of buying or selling crypto like Bitcoin directly between two individuals, (one seller / one buyer), without the use of a middleman to facilitate the transaction process and execution. 

P2P comes with a much higher risk as there are many scams and scammers in the P2P world, but successful trades offer unparalleled privacy for acquiring digital assets in NZ.

P2P is one of the the most private ways to acquire crypto in the world, negating the use of a middleman or central authority, who are often required by law to track your activity.

You have the freedom to voluntarily enter P2P trades with whoever you deem trustworthy, like buying or selling an item from users on Facebook Marketplace.

You can choose whether or not you want to provide your ID, whereas on regulated crypto exchanges and retailers, KYC / providing your personal info is mandatory.

The two individuals (peers) can decide on their own price, terms, process and action plan to execute the transaction. Both traders are solely responsible for it’s execution.

They may sound extreme but following them is your most sure way to not get scammed. 

  • Always verify the real life identity of your trader, essentially performing your own KYC due diligence background check. If they don’t feel comfortable with this, there are other traders who are willing to do so. It ensures you can follow up if the trade goes sour.

  • Always assume by default your P2P counterpart is a scammer, unless proven otherwise. Assume 2/3 ‘hey want to P2P trade’ messages you receive will be scams.

  • Use secure payment methods that can not be reversed, i.e. cash or crypto.

  • It’s very easy for scammers to photoshop / fabricate a ‘payment sent’ screenshot, or a bank statement. Even if it arrives in your account, it can still be reversed. Bank account P2P traders are some of the most common scam methods in the NZ P2P scam game.

  • Use a Kiwi based P2P trader, always assume overseas ‘NZ’ P2P traders are scammers.

  • Meet your seller in the flesh, either on trade day or beforehand, in a public place like a library or outside a police station. P2P is legal, do it in the day time at a secure location.

  • Always read the rules of P2P groups / platforms to prevent getting an unnecessary ban.

  • If you’re given any reason to be suspicious, use your intuition and find another trader.

  • Explore the P2P platform you are using, see who’s making confirmed trades. Ask for vouches from other members. Remember that an anonymous ‘good‘ trader can suddenly go bad if presented with an exit opportunity, forging reputation for money.

  • Converse with other P2P traders in NZ to learn from their experiences and lessons.

  • Keep a record of your trades for reasons such as tax documentation. P2P traders are still expected to fulfil tax obligations and so forth. NZ Crypto Tax Guide coming soon.

  • It’s not a bad idea to test a potential P2P buyer or seller with $100, without overstating you want to purchase more. This will allow you to scam test a prospect trader, but also keep in mind scammers are willing to wait months before they close their trap and bail.

SwyftX

SwyftX is a Australian / New Zealand based crypto retailer providing secure and reliable NZD trading between 260 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin.

Founded in 2018 and expanding to NZ in 2021, SwyftX dominates the Australia crypto markets due to it’s ease of use, friendly staff and low fees. 

Website: www.swyftx.com/nz

Need Further Assistants with selling your Crypto in NZ?

Crypto Consulting NZ

Still a bit crypto confused and wish you had someone to help walk you through? Whether you’re stuck on a technical issue or looking for guidance we’re here to help.

Meet the team: Sarn, Nic, and Harry, three passionate crypto enthusiasts with years of experience and a commitment to simplifying the complexities of crypto for you. From wallet recoveries to educational consultations, our expertise covers a wide range.

Sell Cryptocurrency NZ

How To Safely Sell Cryptocurrency in NZ

Safely selling cryptocurrency in New Zealand is of paramount importance to protect your assets and personal information from potential risks and scams. Whether you’re using a crypto exchange or engaging in P2P, employing proper security measures is crucial.

  • Choose a reputable and secure cryptocurrency exchange: Select a trusted exchange platform that has a solid reputation for security and user protection. Look for exchanges that employ robust security measures, such as two-factor authentication.

  • Set up strong security measures: Safeguard your cryptocurrency and accounts by implementing strong security measures. Enable 2FA, use complex and unique passwords, and consider using hardware wallets for enhanced security.

  • Research and verify buyers/sellers: When engaging in peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, thoroughly research and verify the credibility of the buyer/seller. Check their reputation, transaction history, and feedback from other users. Consider using P2P platforms that offer escrow services to mitigate the risk of fraudulent transactions.

  • Use secure wallets for storing proceeds: Once you have sold your cryptocurrency, transfer the proceeds to secure wallets. Hardware wallets, such as Ledger or Trezor, provide offline storage and added security against online threats.

  • Seek professional advice if needed: If you’re unsure about any aspect of selling cryptocurrency, consider heading over to Cryptocurrency Consulting NZ.

What are the fees for selling Cryptocurrency & Bitcoin?

The charges for selling bitcoin vary based on the payment method and platform utilized. For instance, if you’re selling to a friend and completing the transaction with cash, you’ll only have to account for the ‘network fee’ for transferring the bitcoin from your digital wallet to theirs.

If you’re receiving payment via bank transfer, you’ll need to include the applicable fees.

Additionally, exchange services impose fees for managing trades, which encompass operational expenses and a slight markup.

How to Sell Cryptocurrencies Using Easy Crypto NZ

Create your account

A) Head to the Easy Crypto NZ website – https://easycrypto.ai/nz

C) Select your sign up method

Create an account with EC NZ

D) Provide Easy Crypto NZ with your email address and create a password

Signing up with email EC NZ

E) Click ‘Verify account’

Congrats, you’ve just completed the first step 👏

Account created with Easy Crypto Bitcoin exchange

Verify your account

In New Zealand, all regulated Bitcoin exchanges are required to collect and document their user’s data and information, to comply with NZ anti-money laundering laws.

This means whenever you use a regulated NZ Bitcoin exchange to buy and sell Bitcoin, your account and identity need to be verified in order for you to trade on your chosen exchange.

Easy Crypto makes this easy, making it possible to have your account automatically verified in 5 minutes or less.

A) Provide Easy Crypto with your basic details

Basic account details

B) Provide Easy Crypto with your home address

Home address

C) Inform Easy Crypto about your source of funds

Source of funds Easy Crypto NZ

D) Click ‘Automated Verification’

Automatic verification EC NZ

You are now at the cross roads between verifying manually or with ECNZ’s automatic verification system.

We’d highly recommend going with automatic verification, as this is the system that will allow you to verify your account in less than three minutes.

ECNZ’s automatic verification is famously easy, and it includes a walk-through guide on the inside, which we’ll let you discover yourself. 🙂

Once you’ve completed it, continue below to learn how to sell Bitcoin in NZ with your verified Easy Crypto account.

Create your Bitcoin order

It’s now time to create your order to sell your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

For many people, making an order to sell Bitcoin can feel very unfamiliar and a little scary at first. From my personal experience, this is universal, and it’s expected you’ll feel some sort of fear or stress selling Bitcoin for the first time.

But don’t worry, I’m right here to walk you through.

A) Head back to the Easy Crypto NZ homepage and navigate to the exchange widget

Easy Crypto home page

B) Insert the NZD dollar amount of how much Bitcoin you wish to sell, and click ‘Sell Now’

Easy Crypto NZ Bitcoin Exchange Widget

C) Provide Easy Crypto with your Bitcoin wallet address, and click ‘Next Step’

Note – It is extremely important to put the correct wallet address that EC provides.

Wait for your NZD to arrive

Now that you’ve sent your bitcoin your order is complete. The final step is to hold tight while Easy Crypto NZ delivers your NZD to your bank account. This usually takes up to 1 day, so check back with your Bank Account shortly, it is on its way!

If you don’t receive your NZD within the day, you can reach out to the Easy Crypto helpdesk to discover the status of your order, which you can also find on your ‘My Orders’ page under ‘My Account’.

Recommended Cryptocurrency Wallets

Trezor Model T

Purchase Cost: $219

Cloud Storage: No

Cold Storage: Yes

At Cryptocurrency NZ, we endorse the Model T as our preferred hardware wallet for several reasons, with security being at the forefront. The Model T offers robust security features, including offline storage of private keys and the availability of a physical security key, which provides an extra layer of protection against threats. 

Pros of Trezor Model T: 

✔️ Versatile Crypto Support: Trezor stands out for its compatibility with a array of currencies, enabling users to store multiple assets in one wallet.

✔️ Available Touch Screen: The presence of a touch screen on certain models of Trezor enhances user interaction and navigation. This feature contributes to a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

✔️ Highly Secure: Trezor is renowned for its robust security measures. By storing private keys offline in the hardware wallet, it provides optimal protection against online threats such as phishing attacks and malware. 

Cons of Trezor Model T:

❌ Security key exclusive to Model T: While the Trezor Model T offers the added security of a physical security key, other Trezor models lack this feature.   

❌ Relatively High Cost: Compared to some software wallets, Trezor hardware wallets are relatively more expensive. The investment in hardware security might deter budget-conscious users or those with smaller crypto holdings.

❌ Not Beginner-Friendly: Trezor’s advanced security features and configuration options may overwhelm beginners new to crypto. The setup process to operate the hardware wallet effectively may require some technical knowledge.

The Trezor Model T Wallet is a cutting-edge hardware wallet designed to provide top-notch security for managing cryptocurrency assets. With its sleek design and user-friendly touch screen, the Model T stands out as a versatile solution.

One of its distinguishing features is the availability of a security key, which further enhances the protection of your private keys and sensitive information. This hardware-based security approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. For New Zealanders seeking a secure and efficient way to safeguard their digital assets, such as their Bitcoin the Trezor Model T Wallet is an excellent choice.

To learn more about the features and benefits of Trezor Wallet, we recommend checking out our comprehensive guide,What is Trezor Hardware Wallet NZ.

Exodus

Exodus Desktop

Purchase Cost: Free

Cloud Storage: No

Cold Storage: No

Cryptocurrency NZ Chooses Exodus as the best Bitcoin wallet for beginners due to its exceptional features. Being a free wallet, it offers an accessible entry point for newcomers. Additionally, Exodus provides great customer support.

Pros Of Exodus Wallet:

  • ✔️ Built-in Exchange: Exodus offers the convenience of a built-in exchange, allowing users to easily trade between supported cryptocurrencies without leaving the wallet interface.

  • ✔️ Good Customer Support: With responsive and helpful customer support, Exodus ensures that users receive assistance promptly, enhancing their overall wallet experience.

  • ✔️ Easy Setup Process: Exodus boasts a user-friendly and straightforward setup process, making it an ideal choice for beginners entering the world of cryptocurrency.

Cons Of Exodus Wallet :

  • Closed Source Software: The closed-source nature of Exodus’s software may raise concerns for security-conscious users, as they have limited visibility into the codebase and potential vulnerabilities.

  • Lacks 2FA Security Protection: Unfortunately, Exodus currently lacks Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which is an additional layer of security desired by some users to protect their accounts from unauthorized access.

Exodus is a user-friendly desktop and mobile wallet known for its straightforward interface and built-in exchange. With the ability to swap between over 250 cryptocurrencies, it offers great versatility for users. Beginners appreciate its simplicity and excellent customer support, making it an ideal entry point into the world of crypto.

However, more advanced users might find it lacking due to its closed-source nature, raising potential security concerns. Despite this, Exodus allows custom fee settings and ensures prompt transaction completion, adding to its appeal for users seeking cost-effective and efficient transactions.

FAQs About Selling Cryptocurrency in NZ

What is the price of Bitcoin in New Zealand?

Bitcoin’s value experiences daily fluctuations, making its price subject to constant change.

Are there any requirements to sell crypto in NZ?

To sell cryptocurrency in New Zealand, there are a few important requirements to keep in mind. First, you need to be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into financial transactions. When selling cryptocurrency, you will typically need to create an account on a reputable New Zealand-based cryptocurrency exchange or cryptocurrency retailer, which involves providing personal information like your name, address, and ID.

What fees are typically associated with selling cryptocurrency in New Zealand?

When selling cryptocurrency in New Zealand, it’s important to be aware of the fees involved. Typically, you can expect to encounter trading fees, withdrawal fees and network fees. To make informed decisions, it’s recommended to review the fee structure of platform or network