Quick Verdict
CoinSpot may suit you if you want 530+ coins, crypto bundles, an NFT marketplace, debit card, and 24/7 Australian support.
Visit CoinSpot →Affiliate link. Crypto is volatile — you may lose money. Not financial advice.
Digital Surge may suit you if you want simple 0.5% fees, SMSF support, built-in tax reports, and recurring buys.
Visit Digital Surge →Affiliate link. Crypto is volatile — you may lose money. Not financial advice.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 (Melbourne) | 2017 (Brisbane) |
| AUSTRAC Registered | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | 530+ | 300+ |
| Trading Fee | 0.1% market / 1% instant | 0.5% flat |
| AUD Deposits | PayID, Bank, Card, Cash | PayID, Bank, BPAY |
| Deposit Fees | Free (PayID/Bank) | Free (PayID/Bank) |
| Mobile App | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| SMSF Support | Yes | Yes (dedicated) |
| Tax Reports | Basic | Built-in tax reports |
| Recurring Buys | Yes | Yes |
| NFT Marketplace | Yes | No |
| Crypto Bundles | Yes (Top 10, etc.) | No |
| Debit Card | Yes | No |
| Security Certification | ISO 27001 | Industry standard |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Australian-based | Australian-based |
Highlighted cells reflect our editorial opinion on relative advantages. All figures should be verified directly with each exchange as fees and features may change.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 530+ cryptocurrencies available
- Lower market order fees (0.1%)
- 24/7 Australian customer support
- Unique crypto bundles for diversification
- Built-in NFT marketplace
- ISO 27001 security certified
- CoinSpot debit card available
- Multiple deposit methods including cash
Cons
- 1% instant buy fee higher than Digital Surge
- Basic tax reporting features
- No margin trading
Pros
- Simple 0.5% flat fee structure
- Built-in tax reports for ATO
- Dedicated SMSF support
- Recurring buy feature
- Brisbane-based Australian company
- Clean, simple interface
- BPAY deposits accepted
Cons
- Fewer cryptocurrencies (300+ vs 530+)
- 0.5% fee higher than CoinSpot's 0.1%
- No NFT marketplace
- No debit card
- No crypto bundles
Fees Comparison
Both exchanges have different fee structures that suit different users:
CoinSpot charges 1% for instant buys and 0.1% for market orders on their exchange. If you're comfortable using the market order system, CoinSpot is significantly cheaper.
Digital Surge charges a simple 0.5% flat fee on all trades. This is easier to understand and may be more appealing for users who prefer simplicity over potentially lower fees.
Both platforms offer free AUD deposits via PayID and bank transfer. Digital Surge also accepts BPAY, while CoinSpot offers cash deposits at newsagents.
Cryptocurrency Selection
CoinSpot offers a wider selection with 530+ cryptocurrencies, making it suitable for those who want access to smaller altcoins. Digital Surge offers around 300+ cryptocurrencies, which is still a substantial selection covering most popular coins.
CoinSpot also offers unique "crypto bundles" that let you invest in a basket of coins (like the "Top 10" bundle) with a single purchase — great for diversification without the hassle.
Tax & SMSF Features
This is where Digital Surge shines. It offers:
- Built-in tax reports that integrate with the ATO
- Dedicated SMSF account support
- Easy export of transaction history
CoinSpot offers basic transaction history exports, but doesn't have the same level of integrated tax reporting. If tax compliance is a priority, Digital Surge may be more convenient.
Unique Features
CoinSpot offers several features Digital Surge doesn't have:
- NFT marketplace built into the platform
- Crypto bundles for easy diversification
- CoinSpot debit card for spending crypto
- OTC desk for large trades
- Cash deposits at newsagents
Digital Surge keeps things simpler but offers practical features like BPAY deposits and superior tax reporting tools.
Security & Trust
Both exchanges are Australian-based and AUSTRAC registered:
CoinSpot is ISO 27001 certified (the international gold standard for information security) and has been operating since 2013 with over 2.5 million Australian users. They store the majority of funds in cold storage.
Digital Surge is a Brisbane-based company operating since 2017. They use industry-standard security practices including cold storage and 2FA, though they don't have ISO 27001 certification.
Both platforms offer 2FA and other account security features.
Affiliate links. Crypto is volatile — you may lose money. Not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CoinSpot or Digital Surge better for beginners?
Which exchange has lower fees?
Which is better for SMSF?
Which exchange has more cryptocurrencies?
Does Digital Surge have an NFT marketplace?
Are both exchanges Australian-owned?
