Luno is one of the world's most popular cryptocurrency exchanges, known for its simplicity, strong security, and global reach. Whether you're a beginner looking to make your first purchase or an experienced investor exploring new platforms, this guide covers everything you need to know about using Luno — from setting up your account to advanced trading features and safety best practices.
Luno is a global cryptocurrency exchange and digital wallet platform founded in 2013. Headquartered in London, with offices in South Africa, Singapore, and Australia, Luno has grown to serve millions of customers across more than 40 countries.
Luno is designed to make cryptocurrency accessible to everyone. The platform offers a clean, intuitive interface that appeals to beginners, while also providing advanced trading features for more experienced users. Luno is regulated in multiple jurisdictions and is known for its strong focus on security and compliance.
Luno offers a range of features that make it a compelling choice for cryptocurrency users. Here are the most notable ones.
Luno allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrency using a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and region-specific options like mobile money in Africa.
For users who want simplicity, Luno offers an "Instant Buy/Sell" feature that lets you trade at the current market price with just a few clicks — no order book knowledge required.
For more experienced traders, Luno provides a full exchange platform with an order book, limit orders, and advanced charting tools.
Luno's built-in wallet allows you to store your cryptocurrency securely. The wallet supports sending, receiving, and managing multiple cryptocurrencies.
In select regions, Luno offers an interest-earning feature. Users can deposit their crypto to earn passive income on their holdings. Rates vary by region and asset.
Luno provides a wealth of educational content, including articles, videos, and tutorials to help users understand cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
For developers and institutional users, Luno offers a robust API for programmatic trading and integration.
Luno supports a curated selection of cryptocurrencies. Unlike some exchanges that list hundreds of tokens, Luno focuses on major, well-established assets.
The available assets may differ by region. Always check the Luno platform for the current list in your country.
Understanding Luno's fee structure is essential for managing your costs. Luno uses a maker-taker fee model on its exchange, similar to other major platforms.
Like most exchanges, Luno incorporates a spread (the difference between buy and sell prices) into the transaction cost. The spread varies based on market conditions and liquidity.
Luno takes security seriously and has implemented multiple layers of protection to safeguard user funds and data.
The majority of Luno's customer funds are stored in cold wallets — offline storage systems that are not connected to the internet. This significantly reduces the risk of theft via hacking.
Luno requires or strongly recommends 2FA for all user accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone in addition to your password.
Luno engages third-party security firms to conduct regular audits of its systems and infrastructure.
Luno is registered and regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK (FCA), Australia (AUSTRAC), and South Africa (SARB). This regulatory oversight ensures that Luno adheres to strict standards for security, anti-money laundering (AML), and consumer protection.
Luno has obtained insurance coverage for its digital assets, providing an additional layer of protection in the unlikely event of a breach.
Getting started with Luno is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your account and making your first trade.
Download the Luno app or visit the website. Provide your email address and create a strong password. Confirm your email to activate your account.
To comply with regulatory requirements, Luno requires identity verification. You'll need to provide a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, etc.) and a proof of address. This process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours.
Deposit funds using your preferred payment method — bank transfer, credit/debit card, or mobile money (in supported regions). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit.
Once your account is funded, you can buy cryptocurrency. Choose between "Instant Buy" for a simple market order or navigate to the exchange to place a limit order.
Your purchased crypto will appear in your Luno wallet. From here, you can hold it, send it to another wallet, or trade it for other assets.
The table below compares Luno with other leading cryptocurrency exchanges. Fees, features, and availability change frequently — always verify current information on each platform's official website.
| Feature | Luno | Binance | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Friendly | ✅ High | Medium | ✅ High | Medium |
| Supported Countries | 40+ | 100+ | 100+ | 190+ |
| Trading Fees (Maker/Taker) | 0.01% – 0.10% | 0.01% – 0.10% | 0.40% – 0.60% | 0.16% – 0.26% |
| Number of Cryptocurrencies | ~15 | 350+ | 250+ | 200+ |
| Cold Storage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Regulated | Yes (UK, SA, AU) | Yes (multiple) | Yes (US) | Yes (US, EU) |
| Earn Interest | ✅ Yes (select regions) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Mobile App | ✅ High rating | ✅ High rating | ✅ High rating | ✅ High rating |
Use this checklist to ensure you're using Luno safely and effectively.
Scenario: Maria is a Nigerian professional who has heard about Bitcoin and wants to buy her first crypto. She chooses Luno because of its strong presence in Africa and its reputation for being beginner-friendly.
Step 1: Maria downloads the Luno app on her phone and signs up with her email and phone number.
Step 2: She completes KYC verification by uploading her National ID and a utility bill. The process takes about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Maria funds her account using a bank transfer to Luno's local bank account. The funds appear in her account within a few hours.
Step 4: She uses the "Instant Buy" feature to purchase 0.01 BTC at the current market price. The transaction is completed in seconds.
Step 5: Maria's BTC is now in her Luno wallet. She decides to hold it as a long-term investment and explores Luno's educational content to learn more.
Result: Maria successfully made her first cryptocurrency purchase with minimal friction. She feels confident using the platform and plans to continue investing and learning.
🔴 This is not financial, legal, or tax advice. This guide is for educational purposes only. Cryptocurrency investments carry a high level of risk. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Luno is a global cryptocurrency exchange and digital wallet platform that allows users to buy, sell, store, and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It is known for its user-friendly interface, strong security, and availability in over 40 countries.
Luno uses industry-standard security measures including two-factor authentication, cold storage for most customer funds, and regular security audits. It is also regulated in multiple jurisdictions. However, no platform is 100% risk-free, and users should always practice good security hygiene.
Luno is available in over 40 countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Australia, the United Kingdom, and several European nations. It is not available in the United States. Always check Luno's official website for the most current list of supported countries.
Luno supports major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and its own native token Luno (LUNO). The available assets may vary by region. Check the app or website for the full list in your country.
Luno's fee structure includes a maker-taker fee model for trades, with fees ranging from 0.01% to 0.10% depending on trading volume. Deposit fees vary by method (bank transfer, card, etc.), and withdrawal fees depend on the cryptocurrency and network conditions. Always check the latest fee schedule on Luno's website.
Yes, Luno offers an 'Earn' feature in select regions that allows users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings. Rates and availability vary, so check the app for current offers.
You can buy crypto on Luno via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other local payment methods depending on your region. After creating an account and completing identity verification, you can place a buy order at the current market price or set a limit order.
Yes, Luno has a highly rated mobile app available for iOS and Android. The app provides full functionality for trading, deposits, withdrawals, and managing your portfolio on the go.