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Crypto in Australia: everything you need to know
From buying Bitcoin outright to trading crypto CFDs, explore two ways to access cryptocurrency with IG – and understand the opportunities and risks of each.
Get started with crypto: trading and investing
Whether you want to buy and hold cryptocurrency directly or trade on price movements without owning the underlying asset, IG offers both options.
- Investing in crypto1: buy and sell actual cryptocurrency through the IG Markets app. When you buy crypto this way, you hold the underlying asset directly. Your risk is limited to the amount you invest, but the value of your crypto can still fall significantly. This method of investing is often referred to as spot trading, or spot crypto
- Crypto CFD trading: trade on the price of cryptocurrency using contracts for difference (CFDs) through our award-winning2 trading platforms. You don't own the underlying crypto – instead, you speculate on whether prices will rise or fall. Leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses, and losses can exceed your initial deposit
Crypto basics
Crypto investing in Australia
Learn how buying and selling actual cryptocurrency works, and how spot trading differs from CFD trading.
Buying and selling cryptocurrency
A step-by-step guide to buying and selling crypto through IG Markets – from setting up your account to your first investment.
Discover how to purchase and sell Bitcoin through IG Markets, what to consider before investing and managing exposure.
Crypto investing in Australia
Please note: Crypto is unregulated and high risk. Investor protections do not apply. IG Digital Assets Australia Pty Ltd is registered with AUSTRAC.
Please note: Crypto is unregulated and high risk. Investor protections do not apply. IG Digital Assets Australia Pty Ltd is registered with AUSTRAC.
Trading crypto CFDs in Australia
Learn the practical steps to get started with crypto CFD trading, from market analysis to risk management strategies.
Discover short-term trading approaches, including technical analysis, risk management and market considerations.
Explore crypto leverage trading, from amplifying your market exposure to managing the risks that come with it.
Please note: With contracts for difference (CFDs), you can lose more than you deposit, you do not have ownership in the underlying asset and you may be subject to margin close-outs if you do not maintain sufficient margin.
Latest crypto news and analysis
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Bitcoin's path: from record highs to capitulation lows and a tentative rebound
2025-12-10T04:59:32+0000 -
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GameStop Q1 2025 earnings preview: Bitcoin investment adds new dimension to transformation story
2025-06-06T01:25:26+0100 -
FAQs
What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a digital asset secured by cryptography and typically built on blockchain technology. Popular examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum and thousands of alternative coins (altcoins).
What is the difference between crypto CFD trading and spot trading?
With crypto CFD trading, you speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset – leverage is involved and losses can exceed your deposit. With spot trading, you buy and own the actual cryptocurrency. Your risk is limited to your investment, but prices can still fall significantly in value.
How can I start trading or investing in crypto in Australia?
With IG, you can create a live account to trade crypto through CFDs using our trading platforms. To buy and sell crypto directly you can download the IG Markets app and start investing.
What are the risks of trading and investing in crypto?
Crypto carries significant risks regardless of how you access it. High volatility, potential for significant losses and unpredictable price swings apply to both CFD trading and spot trading. With CFDs, leverage can amplify losses beyond your initial deposit. With spot trading, you could lose the full value of your investment if prices fall sharply.
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Footnotes:
1 IG Digital Assets Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 686 210 462) is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange provider. Cryptocurrency trading is highly speculative and volatile. The cryptocurrency market is unregulated and you do not benefit from Investor protections available for regulated financial products. Cryptocurrencies are not covered by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) scheme. You may lose all of your investment. The purpose of this website is solely to display information regarding the products and services available on the IG Markets App. It is not intended to offer access to any of such products and services. You may obtain access to such products and services on the IG Markets App. The information on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether cryptocurrency trading is appropriate for you in light of your circumstances and seek independent financial advice before deciding to trade.
2 Best Finance App, Best Multi-Platform Provider, Best Platform for the Active Trader and Best Online Stockbroker as awarded at the ADVFN International Financial Awards 2025.
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Disclaimers
- CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying asset. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Please consider the Margin Trading Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Risk Disclosure Notice and Target Market Determination before entering into any CFD transaction with us.
- The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs bought through an IG share trading account can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
- Please ensure you fully understand the risks and take care to manage your exposure.
- The information on this website is prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consequently, you should consider the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs.
- This website is operated by IG Australia Pty Ltd. IG Australia Pty Ltd is located on Level 32, Queen & Collins, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. ABN 93 096 585 410, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 515106. Derivatives Issuer Licence in New Zealand FSP No. 684191, NZBN 9429047618251.