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⚡ Quick Answer
Luno is still one of the most beginner-friendly crypto exchanges in Malaysia for 2026, offering a clean interface, Bank Negara-registered status, and support for the most popular coins. It’s not the cheapest for active traders, but for someone just starting out with Bitcoin or Ethereum, it’s hard to beat.
What Is Luno?
Luno is a global cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in London, with a strong presence in Malaysia. It’s been operating locally since around 2014 and holds a Digital Asset Exchange (DAX) licence from the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) — one of only a handful of platforms that do.
This SC registration matters. It means Luno is legally allowed to offer crypto trading to Malaysians, follows local AML/KYC regulations, and has some level of regulatory oversight. Unregistered exchanges operating in Malaysia are technically illegal for retail users.
As of 2026, Luno supports trading in:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- XRP
- Solana (SOL)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- USD Coin (USDC)
- Polygon (MATIC)
- Uniswap (UNI)
It’s not the widest coin selection — platforms like Binance or Coinbase list hundreds more — but for most Malaysians, these 8 cover the essentials.
Luno Malaysia Fees: How Much Does It Cost?
Fees are where Luno gets complicated. There are two ways to trade:
1. Instant Buy/Sell (Simple Mode)
If you use the default “Buy” and “Sell” buttons on the app, Luno uses a spread-based pricing model — no explicit fee, but you’re getting a worse exchange rate than the mid-market price. This spread is typically 1%–1.5%, which is fine for small casual purchases but adds up if you’re buying regularly.
2. Exchange (Advanced Mode)
If you use the Luno Exchange (the order book trading interface), fees are much lower:
| 30-Day Volume | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Below RM 100,000 | 0.00% | 0.10% |
| RM 100,000 – RM 500,000 | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| Above RM 500,000 | 0.00% | 0.06% |
Maker orders (limit orders that sit on the book) are free. Taker orders (market orders that fill immediately) start at 0.10% — competitive for a regulated exchange.
Deposit and withdrawal: Free to deposit MYR via DuitNow or bank transfer. Withdrawing to your Malaysian bank account is also free.
Luno’s Features in 2026
Savings Wallet (Luno Savings)
Luno offers a savings feature where you earn yield on your crypto holdings. Rates vary by asset and market conditions — Bitcoin savings rates have historically hovered around 1%–4% annually, while stablecoin yields can be higher. This is not guaranteed and carries smart contract risk, but it’s a passive way to earn on idle crypto.
Recurring Buys
Luno supports automated recurring purchases — you can set it to buy RM 50 of BTC every week or month. This is the simplest way to dollar-cost average (DCA) into crypto without having to remember to log in and manually buy each time.
Send & Receive Crypto
You can send and receive crypto to/from external wallets. Luno generates a wallet address for each supported coin. Withdrawal fees are network-based (e.g., BTC network fees apply), which is standard across all exchanges.
Mobile App
The app is clean, simple, and very beginner-friendly. It’s available on both iOS and Android. Price charts, buy/sell, and portfolio tracking are all in one place. The Exchange tab (for advanced trading) is accessible but clearly separated from the simple mode — good UX for beginners who don’t need to see the order book.
Security: Is Luno Safe?
Luno uses industry-standard security practices:
- 95%+ of funds held in cold storage — the vast majority of crypto is kept offline in hardware wallets, not on internet-connected servers
- 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) — available via authenticator app or SMS
- Email confirmation for withdrawals — any crypto or fiat withdrawal requires email approval
- SC-registered — subject to Securities Commission Malaysia’s oversight and compliance requirements
No exchange is 100% safe from hacks, but Luno’s cold storage policy and SC registration put it ahead of unregulated alternatives in the local market.
Luno vs Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
Here’s how Luno compares to other SC-registered Malaysian crypto exchanges:
| Platform | SC Registered | Coins Supported | Taker Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luno | ✅ Yes | ~8 | 0.10% | Beginners, BTC/ETH |
| Tokenize | ✅ Yes | ~15+ | 0.10%–0.30% | Mid-range traders |
| MX Global | ✅ Yes | ~10 | 0.20% | Alternative coins |
| Hata | ✅ Yes | ~50+ | 0.10% | Wider coin selection |
If you want to trade coins beyond BTC/ETH/SOL, Hata or Tokenize may serve you better. But for the major coins and pure simplicity, Luno remains the go-to for Malaysian beginners.
What about international exchanges like Binance or Coinbase? They’re not SC-registered for retail Malaysian users. That doesn’t mean they’re impossible to access, but you take on regulatory and fund-recovery risk if something goes wrong. Stick to SC-registered platforms if you’re not an experienced investor.
How to Sign Up on Luno Malaysia
Getting started takes about 10–15 minutes:
- Download the Luno app (iOS or Android)
- Sign up with your email and create a password
- Verify your identity — you’ll need your IC (MyKad) and a selfie
- Verification usually takes a few minutes to a couple of hours
- Deposit MYR via DuitNow or FPX bank transfer
- Start buying crypto
Using a referral code gives you and the person who referred you a reward. Sign up on Luno with code MFUWBE — buy RM 250 of crypto and both of you get RM 75 in BTC. That’s a solid bonus for a purchase you were probably going to make anyway.
Who Should Use Luno?
Luno is a strong choice if you:
- Are new to crypto and want a simple, clean interface
- Only plan to hold BTC, ETH, or a few of the major coins
- Want a platform that’s fully SC-registered and compliant in Malaysia
- Like the idea of automated recurring buys
- Want to earn yield on idle holdings via Luno Savings
Consider alternatives if you:
- Want access to dozens of altcoins (consider Hata)
- Are a high-volume active trader who needs advanced order types
- Need lower fees at scale (exchange mode helps, but Hata is competitive)
Our Recommendation
For most Malaysians dipping their toes into crypto in 2026, Luno is still the best starting point. It’s regulated, simple, and covers the coins that matter most. The spread on instant buys is slightly high, so once you’re comfortable, switch to the Exchange tab to get better rates on your trades.
If you’re ready to start, use referral code MFUWBE when signing up — buy RM 250 of any crypto and you’ll both receive RM 75 in BTC free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Luno legal in Malaysia?
Yes. Luno holds a Digital Asset Exchange (DAX) licence from the Securities Commission Malaysia. It is one of the few crypto exchanges legally permitted to operate for retail Malaysian investors.
What is the minimum deposit on Luno Malaysia?
There is no formal minimum MYR deposit. However, to take advantage of the referral bonus (RM 75 in BTC), you need to buy at least RM 250 worth of crypto.
Can I withdraw MYR from Luno to my Malaysian bank?
Yes. You can sell crypto on Luno and withdraw the MYR balance to your Malaysian bank account via DuitNow. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1–3 business days. There are no withdrawal fees for MYR transfers.
How is crypto taxed in Malaysia?
As of 2026, Malaysia does not impose capital gains tax on crypto profits for individual retail investors. However, if you trade crypto as a business activity (high frequency, systematic), LHDN may treat it as income. Keep records of your transactions just in case the tax framework changes.
Is Luno Savings safe?
Luno Savings earns yield by lending your crypto. This carries smart contract and counterparty risk — it is not the same as a fixed deposit with PIDM protection. Only park what you are comfortable leaving at risk, and understand that returns are variable.
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