Quick answer: Start with VALR and check whether the altcoin is available directly with ZAR. VALR is our first recommendation because a direct purchase avoids an extra trade and blockchain transfer. Use Binance Spot as the second option when you need a broader selection. Luno is the third option for supported coins.
What are altcoins?
“Altcoin” describes any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. The category includes major networks such as Ethereum and Solana, stablecoins such as USDT, utility and governance tokens, and thousands of small or experimental projects.
The label says nothing about quality. Some altcoins support active networks; others have thin trading, concentrated ownership or little evidence of real use. A large selection is useful only if you have a process for rejecting weak assets.
Where to buy altcoins
| Platform | Our view | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| VALR | Our #1 recommendation | Direct ZAR funding and a useful range of assets | The coin or desired network may not be listed |
| Binance Spot | Second option for broader selection | Broad spot-market access and many crypto-to-crypto pairs | Availability depends on location and account; avoid Futures and leverage when your goal is simply to buy the coin |
| Luno | Third option | Direct ZAR purchases for supported coins | Smaller selection than a large global exchange |
Check VALR first. A direct ZAR purchase removes one trade and one blockchain transfer. Use Binance Spot when the asset or market you need is not available on VALR and Binance confirms it is available to your account. Check Luno third.
How to buy an altcoin using ZAR
- Verify that the exact asset ticker, project name and contract address are legitimate.
- Check VALR first using invite code VAURZWMT, then check Luno, for a direct ZAR market.
- If not, deposit ZAR on a local platform and buy USDT.
- Open your verified Binance Spot account and locate its USDT deposit screen.
- Select a transfer network supported by both platforms. Confirm the address and network, then send a small test.
- When the USDT arrives, open Spot, search for the correct ALTCOIN/USDT pair and place the order.
- Review the amount, fee and asset before confirming. Do not switch to Margin or Futures.
Each trade and transfer adds cost. For a small purchase, buying directly with ZAR—even at a slightly different quoted price—may be cheaper than paying for multiple steps.
A five-question altcoin check
Before buying, answer these questions from primary sources:
- What does the token do? A token should have a clear role beyond price speculation.
- Who controls supply? Check circulating supply, future unlocks and insider allocations.
- Is there real activity? Look for users, transactions, developers or revenue—not follower counts alone.
- Can you exit? Thin order books and low liquidity can make selling expensive or impossible.
- What can break? Consider smart-contract bugs, bridge failures, regulatory restrictions and loss of team funding.
If you cannot verify the contract address or understand the token's purpose, do not buy it.
Spot versus Futures
On Spot, you buy the asset itself. Futures are derivatives that can use leverage and may liquidate the position. A Futures balance is not a shortcut for owning an altcoin. This guide recommends Spot purchases only.
Before you buy
- Confirm Binance currently serves your location and offers the chosen asset.
- Type the official address yourself or use a saved bookmark; fake exchange and token pages are common.
- Verify the token ticker and contract address from the project's official documentation.
- Enable two-factor authentication and withdrawal security controls.
- Test every first-time blockchain transfer with a small amount.
- Avoid borrowing to buy and ignore guaranteed-return or “next 100x” claims.
- Decide your maximum loss before entering a thin or highly speculative market.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy altcoins directly with rands?
Yes, when a South African platform lists the asset or a ZAR pair. Otherwise, buyers often convert ZAR to USDT and use a crypto-to-crypto Spot market. Compare the total cost of both routes.
When should I use Binance for altcoins?
Use Binance Spot as the second option when the coin you want is not available directly from VALR. Its broader Spot marketplace can make it easier to find established and newer assets in one account. A listing is not an endorsement, and availability can vary by country and user.
Which altcoin should I buy?
There is no single answer suitable for everyone. Start with the asset's purpose, supply, liquidity, custody and downside. If the decision depends mainly on a price prediction or influencer, the research is incomplete.
Sources
- VALR: how to buy or sell cryptocurrencies
- VALR crypto deposit and network checks
- Binance risk warning
- Luno's supported cryptocurrencies and networks
Information checked on 1 September 2026. Platform eligibility, fees, networks and asset availability can change.
Compare South African buying options
Compare ZAR deposits, withdrawals, costs and provider evidence before opening an account.
COMPARE EXCHANGES
