Independent broker review · Updated 21 July 2026
Uphold: multi-asset platform (crypto, metals, equities)? My 2026 review
A multi-asset platform (crypto, metals, equities) built on the transparency of its reserves.
The essentials
Uphold at a glance
Key characteristics, verified on 21 July 2026.
Comparison
Uphold vs other brokers
The right choice depends on your profile. Here is how Uphold stands against the brokers we feature.
① The HelloBrokers ranking
overall score /5 · click to read the review
The verdict
The verdict
Uphold is not limited to cryptocurrencies: on a single interface you can buy more than 250 coins, but also precious metals and equities, with the option to move directly from one asset to another. The platform publishes the state of its reserves in near real time, a transparency that is rare in the sector. Registered with FinCEN (United States) and authorised by the FCA (United Kingdom), it serves South African residents as an international platform, with accounts usually denominated in US dollars while the South African rand floats against the dollar. In South Africa, investment and crypto gains are taxable: the South African Revenue Service (SARS) includes 40% of an individual's net capital gain in taxable income at the marginal rate (an effective maximum of around 18%), after an annual exclusion of R40,000, while active traders may be taxed on their gains as ordinary income. This is not tax advice; consult a registered SARS tax practitioner. Fees run through the spread applied to each operation, to be compared per asset. A good choice for the South African investor who wants to bring crypto, gold and a few equities together in one place, while keeping in mind that the loss risk specific to crypto remains intact.
Get started
Open an account at Uphold
✨ Reduced fees via HelloBrokers
Open an account at UpholdSponsored link · we earn a commission when you open an account at Uphold through this link.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ Uphold
Is Uphold reliable?
Yes, Uphold is a platform established since 2015, registered with FinCEN in the United States and authorised by the FCA in the United Kingdom, and known for publishing the state of its reserves in near real time. It does not hold an FSCA licence and serves South African residents as an international platform.
Why choose Uphold?
To bring cryptocurrencies, precious metals and equities together on a single platform, with direct conversion from one asset to another and good transparency on reserves.
What are the fees at Uphold?
Uphold applies pricing built into the spread on each operation, which varies by asset; crypto withdrawals bear network fees. Check the current schedule before moving large amounts.
Who is Uphold for?
The South African investor who wants a versatile platform (crypto, gold, equities) rather than a pure crypto exchange, and who values transparency on reserves.
Is it easy to withdraw from Uphold?
Crypto withdrawals go through the blockchain (network fees); fiat conditions depend on the method. Accounts are usually denominated in US dollars while the South African rand floats against the dollar, so a conversion may apply.
The author of this review
Who wrote this analysis?