How to Sell Crypto in Australia (2026)
Selling crypto in Australia is the buying process in reverse — but there are a couple of things worth getting right, especially around fees and tax. Here’s how to cash out cleanly.
Step 1 — Get your crypto onto an exchange
If your coins are in a self-custody wallet, you’ll first send them to an AUSTRAC-registered exchange that supports AUD withdrawals. Double-check the deposit address (copy-paste, never type it), and send a small test amount first if it’s a large holding. If your crypto is already on an exchange, you’re ready to go.
Step 2 — Sell on the market screen, not “instant sell”
Just like buying, the way you sell affects what you get. An “instant sell” button bakes a spread into the price on top of any fee. Selling on the exchange’s market or “pro” screen — with a market or limit order — is almost always cheaper. On most Australian exchanges the market fee is a fraction of a percent, versus 1% or more (fee plus spread) for instant sell. See our fees and spreads guide for the full breakdown.
Step 3 — Withdraw AUD to your bank
Once you’ve sold into Australian dollars, withdraw to your linked bank account. On the major AU exchanges, AUD withdrawals are usually free and arrive the same or next business day via PayID/Osko or bank transfer. Your account must be verified (KYC), and the bank account typically needs to be in your own name.
Step 4 — Set aside money for tax
This is the step people forget. In Australia, selling crypto is a capital gains tax event. You’ll make a capital gain (or loss) equal to the difference between what you sold for and your original cost base. If you held the asset for more than 12 months, you may be entitled to the 50% CGT discount. Before you spend the proceeds, estimate the tax with our crypto tax calculator, and read the full rules in our crypto tax guide. Remember the ATO receives transaction data directly from Australian exchanges.
A few tips
Selling into a stablecoin or another crypto is still a taxable disposal — you don’t have to cash out to AUD to trigger CGT. If you’re selling a large amount, consider doing it in parts to reduce the impact of the spread. And keep records of the sale (date, AUD value, fees) for five years.
General information only — not financial or tax advice. Consider a registered tax agent for your circumstances.
General information only — not financial or tax advice. Verified 2026-07-31; details can change.