How to buy Ethereum (ETH) in Australia
The largest smart-contract platform, and the home of most DeFi, stablecoins and NFTs. Its coin, Ether, powers the network. As the second-largest crypto, ETH is available on virtually every AU exchange, and several let you stake it to earn a yield.
Step-by-step
- Choose an AUSTRAC-registered exchange
Pick an Australian exchange that lists ETH and is registered with AUSTRAC. Compare them on our independent Trust Score for fees, security and regulation.
- Create your account and verify your ID
Sign up and complete identity verification (KYC) with your licence or passport — a legal requirement. Turn on two-factor authentication with an authenticator app.
- Deposit Australian dollars
Fund your account with AUD. PayID and bank transfer are usually free and fast; card deposits are quick but carry a premium fee.
- Buy Ethereum
Place an order for ETH. A market order buys instantly at the current price; a limit order lets you set your price. Watch the trading fee and the spread.
- Move it to a wallet you control
For anything beyond a small trading balance, withdraw your ETH to a hardware or software wallet you control. Not your keys, not your coins.
Helpful next steps: our Trust Score ranking, the lowest-fee exchanges, the 60-second finder, and the fee calculator.
Can you stake Ethereum?
Yes — ETH uses proof of stake, so you can typically earn staking rewards, either directly on some exchanges or through a wallet. Rewards aren't free money: they carry price and lock-up risk, and the ATO taxes them as income. See our guide to staking and the staking calculator.
Ethereum and Australian tax
To the ATO, ETH is a CGT asset. Selling it, swapping it for another coin, or spending it is generally a capital gains event, and holding for more than 12 months may qualify an individual for the 50% CGT discount. Estimate your position with the crypto tax calculator, and see the crypto tax guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which Australian exchanges sell Ethereum?
Ethereum (ETH) is available on AUSTRAC-registered Australian exchanges that list it. Compare your options on our Trust Score ranking, and confirm ETH is listed before signing up.
How much does it cost to buy Ethereum?
You'll pay a trading fee (typically a fraction of a percent to around 1%) plus the spread. Our Fee Index shows the average across Australian exchanges, and the fee calculator estimates your exact cost.
Can I stake Ethereum in Australia?
Yes — ETH uses proof of stake and can typically be staked to earn rewards, either on some exchanges or in a wallet. Staking rewards are taxed as income by the ATO.
Do I pay tax on Ethereum in Australia?
Generally yes. The ATO treats ETH as a CGT asset, so selling, swapping or spending it is usually a taxable event. Holding more than 12 months may qualify an individual for the 50% CGT discount.
How to buy other coins
General information only — not financial advice. Ethereum is volatile and high-risk; never invest more than you can afford to lose. Confirm fees, availability and tax treatment with the provider and a professional.