I wrote this Cointree review for Aussies who are new to crypto investing or trading and want a simple, regulated way to buy and sell digital assets in AUD. If you’re weighing the best crypto exchanges in Australia or deciding whether to use an unregulated overseas platform, this review gives you the practical detail you need—without the hype.
TL;DR — My verdict in 60 seconds#
- Beginner-friendly & local: Cointree is an Australian exchange that keeps the basics straightforward: AUD deposits/withdrawals, a clean UI, and simple buy/sell flows.
- Regulation matters: It operates under Australia’s AML/CTF regime (AUSTRAC-registered). That oversight is a big reason I prefer Australian crypto exchanges over offshore options.
- Standout feature: Pay bills with crypto (via BPAY billers). If you already hold crypto, this is a genuinely useful way to use it.
- Fees: Tiered trading fees and $0 AUD deposit/withdraw fees on the exchange side (network fees apply to crypto withdrawals). Always confirm the latest rates before you trade.
- Who it’s for: New investors, long-term DCA-ers, and SMSFs who value local rails, compliant onboarding, and tax-time workflows.
- Who it’s not for: Day traders who need derivatives, complex order types, or pro-grade charting—pair Cointree with a specialist venue if that’s you.
Why I Prefer Australian Regulated Exchanges#
I’m upfront about my bias: if you’re an Australian resident, I think buying and trading through Australian, AUSTRAC-regulated exchanges is safer and simpler than using unregulated overseas platforms. Here’s why:
- Clear rules & oversight: Local exchanges must register, run AML/CTF programs, verify customers (KYC), and file suspicious matter reports on time. That’s not just compliance theatre; it’s a framework that makes abuse harder and accountability easier.
- Practical perks: You get AUD rails (PayID, bank transfer), straightforward withdrawals to an Aussie bank, and support aligned with Australian hours and expectations.
- Tax time is cleaner: Your records are in AUD, and most Australian exchanges provide CSVs or direct integrations for the tools accountants actually use here.
Offshore platforms can look shiny, but when something goes wrong (frozen withdrawals, hacked API keys, vague terms), you’re often “on your own.” I’d rather keep my main on-ramp/on-ramp within Australia’s regulatory perimeter and then decide if I need to pair it with a specialist venue for niche features.
What Is Cointree? A Quick Snapshot#
Established in 2013, Cointree is a long-running Australian crypto exchange with:
- AUD deposits/withdrawals via PayID and online bank transfer (and cash via participating retailers).
- A clean, beginner-friendly interface that gets you from signup to first buy without friction.
- Mobile apps on iOS and Android for quick checks and on-the-go orders.
- A broad range of coins (the exact number changes with listings/delistings).
- A genuinely helpful extra: paying bills with crypto (BPAY).
If your priority is to buy crypto in AUD, DCA over time, and keep your records neat, Cointree is designed for that.
Is Cointree Safe? My Risk Checklist#
I use the same three-part checklist for any exchange review.
1) Regulation & obligations#
- Cointree operates inside Australia’s AML/CTF regime and is AUSTRAC-registered. That means KYC, transaction monitoring, and reporting obligations. It’s table stakes for any Australian exchange, and it matters.
2) Account security controls#
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Turn it on immediately. App-based TOTP (e.g., Authy, Google Authenticator) is fine; if you can add a hardware key (U2F) for phishing-resistant MFA, even better.
- Security reminders: The platform nudges you with good hygiene—check the URL, avoid sharing codes, use strong unique passwords, and set withdrawal confirmations.
Tip: If you can, use a hardware security key for login approvals. It massively reduces the risk from phishing and SIM-swap attacks.
3) Operational history & transparency#
- Longevity counts. Cointree’s been around for years, which—while not a guarantee—does add confidence compared to brand-new, thinly capitalised outfits.
- I also look for plain-English status updates, clear help docs, and a functional support centre. Cointree ticks those boxes.
Fees & Spreads: What You’ll Actually Pay#
Fee structures change, so always confirm the latest numbers before you trade. As a general guide:
- Trading fees: Cointree uses a tiered percentage fee that gets lower with higher 90-day volume (and, at higher tiers, through referrals).
- AUD deposits (PayID/online bank transfer): typically $0 on the exchange side.
- AUD withdrawals: typically $0 on the exchange side.
- Crypto withdrawals: you’ll pay network fees (variable, set by the blockchain).
Spreads: Your total cost is fee + spread. Spreads fluctuate with volatility and liquidity. For occasional buys/DCA, the simplicity can outweigh shaving a few basis points. If you’re high-frequency or spread-sensitive, you’ll likely pair Cointree with a deeper-liquidity venue for active trading (and keep Cointree for AUD on-/off-ramp, bill pay, and tidy records).
My approach: I DCA the core positions on a regulated Aussie exchange. If I want to be more surgical with entries/exits or chase deeper books, I use a specialist trading venue—but keep the bulk of my fiat rails local.
Funding Your Account in Australia#
- PayID (fastest): Near-instant funding from your mobile banking app. I do a small $1 test first to confirm the nickname and reference before larger deposits.
- Online bank transfer: Generally 1–2 business days depending on your bank’s processing windows.
- Cash at retailers: Useful if you prefer cash. There are usually modest third-party processing fees and deposit limits—check the current details in your Cointree account before you go.
Limits: Daily deposit/withdrawal limits exist and can be raised with additional verification. Sort this out early if you plan large transfers.
Mobile App Experience#
Cointree’s iOS and Android apps cover the essentials: identity checks, deposits, buys/sells, price tracking, history, and support links. I like having a simple watchlist and the ability to place a quick order when the market moves, without being tied to a desktop.
Setup tip: On mobile, enable biometric login but keep it layered with 2FA/hardware key for critical actions like withdrawals.
Coins, Orders & Tools#
- Coins supported: The catalogue is broad but curated. The exact count changes as assets are added or delisted (which is good practice when projects fail to meet standards).
- Order types:
- Instant market buys/sells for simplicity.
- Auto-buy / Auto-sell: Triggered orders at a price you set.
- Recurring buys (DCA): Automate your accumulation weekly/fortnightly/monthly.
- Coin-to-coin swaps: You can rotate between assets without converting back to AUD first.
- What you won’t get: No margin or derivatives. If you want perpetuals or option-style exposure, you’ll need a specialist venue (with extra care on risk and jurisdiction).
For beginners: Start with recurring buys on your chosen assets, and keep it boring. Crypto’s volatility will test your emotions; automation helps you stick to plan.
Paying Bills with Crypto (BPAY)#
This is the feature many Aussies don’t know exists until they need it: paying bills with crypto through BPAY-style billers. You enter the biller code and reference, choose the coin, confirm the amount, and send.
When do I use it?
- I’ve used it when I had a surplus in a coin and preferred not to off-ramp to AUD first.
- It’s also handy when timing matters and I want the one-step convenience.
Heads-up: If you’re paying from a volatile asset, the fiat value can swing. Double-check amounts, fees, and confirmation messages before you hit send.
SMSF on Cointree#
Cointree supports Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) with:
- A dedicated SMSF account type and a checklist of required documents (trust deed, ABN, IDs, etc.).
- Clear onboarding guidance that makes it easier for trustees and auditors.
- The same funding/withdrawal options as personal accounts, just with SMSF details.
My advice for trustees:
- Document your investment strategy and why crypto is included.
- Keep a clean paper trail (bank statements, exchange statements, CSV exports).
- Agree on a valuation policy with your accountant well before EOFY.
Tax Time: Reports & Integrations#
Crypto tax in Australia is doable—if you keep good records. Cointree makes it easier with:
- Exportable CSVs for all your transactions (buys, sells, deposits, withdrawals, swaps).
- Integrations with crypto tax software (e.g., Koinly/CoinLedger) to calculate gains, income, and allowable deductions.
- Clear help articles that explain which reports to pull at EOFY.
If you’re mostly trading on Cointree (plus a hardware wallet or two), tax software can reconcile everything quickly. If you spread activity across half a dozen venues, it’s still fine—just be disciplined with wallet labelling and importing every on-chain transfer so the tools can match cost bases correctly.
Support & Community Sentiment#
I look for three things:
- A searchable help centre with straightforward articles (funding, limits, security, tax).
- Responsive support that actually replies and uses plain English.
- Active maintenance of apps and the web platform.
If you run into friction, the combination of a real help centre + local-time support + a minimal feature set usually means issues get resolved faster than on overseas mega-platforms.
Pro tip: Keep screenshots of deposit references and transaction IDs. It speeds up any support ticket, anywhere.
Cointree vs Other Australian Exchanges#
No single exchange wins on everything. Here’s a quick buyer’s-guide comparison to set expectations. (Always confirm the latest features/fees before you decide.)
| Feature / Exchange | Cointree | Independent Reserve | CoinSpot | Swyftx | Digital Surge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation (AUSTRAC) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Funding (AUD) | PayID, bank transfer, cash | PayID, bank transfer | PayID, bank transfer, cash | PayID, bank transfer | PayID, bank transfer |
| Withdrawals (AUD) | Yes (bank) | Yes (bank) | Yes (bank) | Yes (bank) | Yes (bank) |
| Order Types | Spot; auto-buy/sell; recurring | Spot; advanced options vary | Spot; instant & market | Spot; recurring DCA | Spot; recurring DCA |
| Derivatives/Margin | No | No (retail) | No | No | No |
| Bill Pay with Crypto (BPAY) | Yes | No | Limited/No | No | No |
| SMSF Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Who It Suits | Beginners, DCA, SMSFs, bill pay | Long-term buyers, SMSFs | Beginners, large coin catalog | Beginners, everyday traders | Beginners, low-friction DCA |
How I use this matrix:
- If you want simplicity + local rails + bill pay, Cointree stands out.
- If you’re fee- or spread-sensitive and trade often, compare quotes across a couple of Aussie exchanges (and consider pairing with a pro venue for execution).
Who Cointree Is (and Isn’t) For#
Great fit if you:
- Prefer a regulated Australian exchange with PayID deposits, bank withdrawals, and a beginner-friendly interface.
- Want automation (recurring buys) and simple price-trigger orders (auto-buy/sell).
- Run an SMSF and need clear documentation and support.
- Like the option to pay bills with crypto when it suits your cash flow.
Probably not for you if you:
- Need derivatives/margin, advanced routing, or low-latency execution.
- Plan to scalp spreads intraday; you’ll want deeper books and pro tooling.
Step-By-Step: My First Trade on Cointree#
This is the exact flow I share with friends getting started.
- Create your account & verify identity. It’s standard KYC for Australian exchanges. Have ID handy.
- Enable 2FA immediately. If you own a hardware key (U2F), add it. This blocks most phishing and SIM-swap style attacks.
- Deposit AUD. Use PayID for fastest settlement or online bank transfer if that’s easier for your bank.
- Place your first buy. Start small to learn the flow. If you’re DCA-ing, set up a recurring buy on your preferred cadence (weekly/fortnightly/monthly).
- Document everything. Create a yearly folder for statements/CSVs. At EOFY, export transactions and import to your crypto tax tool (or hand to your accountant).
- Optional: Test a bill pay with a small amount so you understand the process before relying on it for a larger bill.
FAQs#
Is Cointree safe and legit in Australia?
Yes—it operates within Australia’s AML/CTF framework and is AUSTRAC-registered. Turn on 2FA/hardware keys, use strong unique passwords, and stay alert to phishing to do your part.
What are Cointree’s fees?
Trading fees are tiered and typically fall within a retail-friendly band, with lower rates at higher volumes. AUD deposits/withdrawals are generally $0 on the exchange side; crypto withdrawals pay network fees. Always check the latest schedule in your account before trading.
How long do deposits take?
PayID is usually near-instant; online bank transfers typically clear in 1–2 business days (bank dependent). Cash at retailers confirms quickly but may carry a third-party processing fee.
Does Cointree have a mobile app?
Yes—iOS and Android. Good for quick checks and placing orders on the go.
Can I pay bills with crypto on Cointree?
Yes. Enter your BPAY biller code and reference, choose the coin, confirm, and pay. If you’re spending a volatile asset, double-check the fiat value before you submit.
Is Cointree good for SMSFs?
Yes. It supports SMSF accounts with clear onboarding and the usual document requirements. Keep your records tidy to make audit time painless.
How many coins are available?
The list is broad and changes over time. Delistings are normal (and healthy) when projects no longer meet standards.
Does Cointree support staking or earn products?
This changes with market conditions and regulation. If you rely on yield, confirm what’s currently available and understand the risks before opting in.
My 2025 Verdict#
If a friend new to crypto asked me, “Where should I start in Australia?”, Cointree would be on my short list. It’s beginner-friendly, operates under Australian regulation, and covers the funding basics—with two practical extras I actually use: recurring DCA and bill pay. For long-term buyers and SMSFs, the combination of local rails and solid documentation makes day-to-day use—and tax time—far less painful.
Will it satisfy a pro day trader or derivatives-heavy strategy? No—and it doesn’t try to. But as a primary AUD on-ramp (and a place to keep your records neat, automate buys, and off-ramp cleanly), Cointree makes solid sense.
Disclaimer#
This article is for education and general information only and is not financial or tax advice. Crypto is volatile and carries risk. Do your own research, verify the latest fees, limits, and features directly with the exchange, and speak with a licensed professional for personal advice. Features and pricing change over time.