Luno has listed two new trading pairs, ZARU/USDT and ZARU/USDC, giving exchange customers a direct route between two of the world's most used US dollar stablecoins and ZARU, the first institutional grade rand backed stablecoin.
Traders in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda will be able to access these trading pairs on Luno.
For a limited time, traders get a fee discount on both pairs. The discount runs for 90 days and ends Tuesday, 3 November 2026, giving traders a window to trade at reduced rates before standard fees apply.
What is changing
Previously, moving between a US dollar stablecoin and rand exposure meant moving off chain into ZAR directly. ZARU/USDT and ZARU/USDC keeps you on chain, always letting traders move directly between the dollar and an institutional grade rand-denominated stablecoin on the same platform, instantly, 24/7.
Professionally managed liquidity on chain via our institutional market maker.
How the fees work
Fees on ZARU/USDT and ZARU/USDC follow a tiered structure. The more you trade in a rolling 30-day window, the lower your taker fee, and makers earn a rebate at every tier.
The table below shows the discounted fees available for the promotional period. These rates apply until Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
Tier | 30 day volume | Maker fee | Taker fee |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | R0 to R20,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
2 | R20,000 to R200,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
3 | R200,000 to R1,000,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
4 | R1,000,000 to R2,000,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
5 | R2,000,000 to R5,000,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
6 | R5,000,000 to R10,000,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
7 | R10,000,000 to R20,000,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
8 | R20,000,000 to R40,000,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
9 | R40,000,000 to R80,000,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
10 | R80,000,000 to R120,000,000 | -0.01% | 0.05% |
11 | R120,000,000 to R160,000,000 | -0.02% | 0.05% |
12 | R160,000,000 to R300,000,000 | -0.02% | 0.05% |
13 | Over R300,000,000 | -0.02% | 0.05% |
A negative maker fee means Luno pays makers a rebate for adding liquidity to the order book, rather than charging a fee.
Why this matters for traders
Having direct ZARU/USDT and ZARU/USDC markets results in less transactional friction, instant ZAR exposure 24/7 and the benefit of being on chain all the time. Active traders who qualify for higher tiers also get access to lower taker fees and larger maker rebates, in line with our existing ZAR stablecoin markets.
The discounted rates only apply for 90 days. After 3 November 2026, standard fees are reinstated, so the tiers above reflect the lowest cost traders will pay on these pairs right now.
For large block trades you can contact our OTC desk for white glove, off exchange execution.
Read more about how ZARU works here.
Investing in Crypto assets may result in the loss of capital. BlockTower SA (Pty) Ltd is an authorised FSP (55172).
Digital assets involve risk and volatility. Stablecoins are not legal tender or guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results. No interest is earned on holdings.
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