Where Can You Buy and Sell Cryptocurrencies 

When trading cryptocurrencies in Singapore, it’s best to start with compliant and trusted providers. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) requires crypto service providers to adhere to a defined framework through the Payment Services Act 2019 (PSA). Under this act, crypto exchanges must be licensed to provide digital payment token and other payment services in Singapore. 

Here are a few options for you to consider:

Cryptocurrency Exchanges

are the most popular platforms for buying and selling Using compliant exchanges can provide peace of mind since they are expected to meet strict compliance standards. For example, compliant crypto exchanges in Singapore implement processes such as Know Your Customer (KYC). This helps to ensure a high level of transparency, legal clarity, and user protection. 

If you purchase crypto on a (CEX), then your crypto is in an , where the exchange controls your . You can also choose to withdraw your crypto to a non-. 

While typically facilitate faster trades, they are more vulnerable to hackers because they’re always online. In contrast, funds in a cold wallet remain offline, greatly reducing exposure to malware, phishing, and other remote attacks. Many exchanges store the majority of customer funds in offline cold storage and keep only a small hot-wallet balance for liquidity and withdrawals.

Mobile Apps 

Mobile apps, such as the , are ideal for crypto trading on the go. Many crypto trading apps also bundle portfolio tracking, price alerts, and educational content. Some offer extra features, but availability depends on local rules, so always check what’s permitted in Singapore.

In-Person Meetups 

Following , in-person meetups were the most popular method for crypto trading. Meetups and cash trades still exist today, but they involve higher risks. 

In Singapore, private transfers between individuals aren’t directly regulated as a service, provided no other laws are broken, yet MAS steers retail users toward regulated platforms for crypto trading rather than informal meetups. MAS also restricts public promotion of crypto services and, in 2022, those rules saw physical crypto ATMs pulled from public spaces.

Futures Exchanges 

Futures are an indirect method of gaining exposure to cryptocurrencies without having to hold any. With futures, you bet on what you think an asset’s price will be on a specific date in the future, usually with a predetermined amount of leverage that is typically between 2x and 150x. 

Crypto futures culminate in the digital delivery of the cryptocurrency at the end of the trading period, giving the investor either a profit or loss depending on the outcome of their bet. 

* offers perpetual futures to eligible customers in select jurisdictions. Access requires an ActiveTrader derivatives account, passing the required checks, and funding with supported collateral (contracts are valued in GUSD).

*Gemini Derivatives in Singapore is offered by Gemini Artemis, Pte. Ltd., which is not regulated by the MAS.

However, if you only need simple exposure to crypto investment in Singapore or plan to dollar cost average (DCA), spot trading on a licensed platform may be the easiest path.

How to Buy and Sell Cryptocurrencies 

How you buy and sell crypto depends on your goals and how you want to handle custody risk. Many long-term holders prefer to keep their crypto assets in self-custody (ideally a or multisig). Active traders usually keep a working balance on a reputable exchange for speed, order types, and liquidity.

If you trade on-chain, use a dedicated hot wallet for (DEXs) and top it up from cold storage (don’t trade from your cold wallet). It's best not to keep a significant amount of long-term funds on exchanges. 

If you’re new, starting on a reputable CEX is usually simplest. Follow these steps to buy and sell your first crypto: 

Create and Verify Your Account

After choosing an exchange that best suits your needs, and complete the KYC process. You will need to submit a government-issued ID (such as your NRIC, driving licence, or passport) and proof of residence (either through a utility bill or bank statement). If you’re a Singapore resident, Gemini makes this process easy with Singpass MyInfo verification, allowing you to skip document uploads and verify your identity in just a few taps.

Fund Your Account

In your account wallet, deposit your funds. Gemini supports both SGD and USD deposits for Singapore customers. You can send SGD through FAST, PayNow, and locally issued debit cards. SGD deposits via FAST are free on Gemini and processed through DBS bank.

Place an Order

Choose your trading pair according to which asset you want to buy. If you want to purchase Bitcoin then choose BTC/SGD. After tapping buy, you’ll have the option to choose whether you want to place a one-time purchase or a recurring buy. Review the fees and confirm your order.

Choose Storage

You can keep your crypto on the exchange (custodial) or move it to a personal wallet (self-custody). 

• On the exchange: The platform manages the private keys on your behalf and you access funds with your account login. For stronger account security, turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and enable a withdrawal address allowlist. 

• Self-custody: Use a cold wallet in the form of a hardware wallet (such as a ), or a non-custodial app like MetaMask (for Ethereum/ERC-20) or Phantom (for Solana). During setup, your wallet generates a 12 or 24-word seed phrase that controls the private keys. Never share your seed phrase because anyone with it can move your funds.

Sell Your Assets 

If your crypto is already on the exchange, you can sell directly into your SGD or USD balance. For assets in self-custody, first deposit them to Gemini. If network fees are high when moving from self-custody back to Gemini, you can wait for lower on-chain fees or choose a supported network with lower costs.

In your Gemini account, the simple Sell or Convert flow gives you an instant quote and executes at the current market price. You can use the advanced trading interface to place a market order (fills immediately at the best available price) or a limit order (fills only at your chosen price). Review estimated fees and slippage before you confirm. 

Withdrawing Assets/Funds

From your exchange, you can choose to withdraw funds to your bank account and funds to your personal wallet. 

Steps to withdraw to your own wallet:

1. First open your destination wallet and copy its receiving address for the exact asset and network you intend to use. For example, if you’re moving BTC to a Ledger, open Ledger Live, choose your Bitcoin account, select Receive, verify the address on the device, and copy it.

2. Then, in Gemini, choose Withdraw, pick the same asset and the matching network, paste your wallet’s receiving address, review the fees and amount, and confirm.

3. If you use Gemini’s allowlist, add the address there first. A security cooldown may apply before your first withdrawal to that address.

On Gemini, Singapore customers can easily if you have available SGD in your account and a verified SGD bank account. 

• Click the Transfer button and select Withdraw cash from the dropdown menu.

• Select the source of funds to withdraw from, then choose your verified SGD bank account as the destination.

• Enter the withdrawal amount, review your withdrawal summary, including the applicable processing fees.

• Click Withdraw to confirm, then approve the transaction.

See our comprehensive guide on for everything you need to place your first order confidently.

A Word About Fees

A trading platform’s fees vary based on the exchange. Some exchanges have a variable fee structure depending on the quantity of assets you purchase. 

Other exchanges charge a service fee plus another fee that’s determined by the of an asset’s price across U.S. crypto exchanges. 

are based on the number of transactions being handled on the blockchain at the time of your trade. The more transactions pending on a blockchain, the higher the fees. For example, during Bitcoin’s meteoric rise in 2017, BTC transaction fees skyrocketed to hundreds of dollars, then dwindled to single digits in the following year.

Is Buying and Selling Crypto Legal in Singapore?

Yes. Individuals in Singapore can buy, sell, and hold crypto through digital payment token service providers, including those that are licensed or approved by MAS. Under this legal framework, cryptocurrencies are classified as Digital Payment Tokens (DPTs). Individuals and businesses are allowed to engage in crypto transactions, while service providers are held accountable for ensuring safety, transparency, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance.

In Singapore, you don't have to worry about paying capital gains tax if you trade crypto for personal investment purposes. However, businesses that engage in crypto trading may have their profits subject to corporate income tax laws.

Whether you are trading for personal or business purposes, keep the following best practices in mind:

• Expect to complete basic compliance steps. MAS rules now require retail traders to pass a short risk awareness assessment before trading. 
  

• Credit cards and leverage are banned for crypto purchases, and promotions to the general public are tightly restricted. This means you’ll typically fund your account via bank transfer, not a Singapore-issued credit card.
  

• Know how your assets are held. Licensed crypto exchanges must keep customer assets separate from their own, and follow strict custody and conduct standards. Retail lending or staking of retail customer assets is also restricted under these rules. 

Start your crypto journey today with Gemini. Check out our for live cryptocurrency prices and build your portfolio with a trusted exchange.

Unlock the future of money on Gemini

Start your crypto journey in minutes on the trusted crypto-native finance platform

Get started