List of Crypto Exchanges That Allow Indian Citizens in 2025

Buying and trading cryptocurrency in India isn’t just possible anymore-it’s mainstream. Over 100 million Indians now hold digital assets, and the number keeps growing. What changed? Clearer rules, better infrastructure, and exchanges that actually understand how Indians pay, think, and trade. If you’re looking for a crypto exchange that works in India, you don’t need to search overseas or risk unregulated platforms. Here’s the real list of exchanges that let Indian citizens trade legally, safely, and with real INR support.

CoinDCX: India’s First Crypto Unicorn

CoinDCX isn’t just another exchange. It’s the first Indian crypto company to hit unicorn status, and it shows. With over 200 cryptocurrencies available, it caters to everyone-from people buying their first Bitcoin to traders using 5x leverage on margin. The platform offers two modes: CoinDCX Go for beginners and CoinDCX Pro for advanced users. Spot trading fees start at 0%, and drop to 0.06% for higher volumes. You can deposit and withdraw INR using UPI, IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS-all within minutes. Security is tight: multi-signature wallets, insurance coverage for assets, and regular audits. Plus, their free learning platform, DCX Learn, helps new users understand crypto without getting lost in jargon.

WazirX: The People’s Choice

WazirX has over 15 million users in India, and for good reason. It’s fast, simple, and built for the local market. After being bought by Binance in 2019, it kept its Indian identity. You can trade 300+ coins, use P2P trading, or jump into futures-all with fees as low as 0.1%. Hold WRX tokens and get discounts. Deposits and withdrawals work through UPI, NetBanking, and IMPS. The app is smooth, customer support responds in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other regional languages, and they regularly publish proof of reserves to show they’re not hiding funds. Even after regulatory pressure, WazirX stayed open and responsive. If you want reliability and local touch, this is it.

CoinSwitch: For the Casual Buyer

CoinSwitch started as a price aggregator-comparing rates across exchanges to find the best deal. Now, it’s a full exchange with a simple interface that feels like buying groceries. You get access to 250+ cryptocurrencies with a flat 0.04% trading fee. No confusing charts, no complex order types. Just pick a coin, enter the amount in INR, and hit buy. Payments go through UPI and bank transfers. It’s perfect if you’re not here to day trade. You’re here to hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or maybe dip into Solana or Shiba Inu. CoinSwitch makes that feel easy. They also focus on compliance and education, so you’re not walking into this blind.

Binance India: Global Power, Local Touch

Binance is the world’s biggest crypto exchange. Its India branch, Binance India, isn’t a copy-it’s a tailored version. You get 350+ cryptocurrencies and over 1,590 trading pairs. Fees are 0.10% for spot trades. You can pay with UPI, bank transfers, or debit cards. It uses Binance’s global security systems: cold storage, two-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring. But unlike the global site, Binance India only supports INR deposits, follows Indian KYC rules, and doesn’t offer derivatives that aren’t allowed locally. If you want access to the full global market but need to stay within India’s rules, this is the bridge.

Friendly robot handing Bitcoin to a student, with KYC and fee notes on wall, warm desk light, chai cup nearby.

Mudrex: Invest, Don’t Just Trade

If you’re tired of watching charts and picking coins, Mudrex is your alternative. Instead of trading individual tokens, you buy pre-built portfolios called Coin Sets. Think of them like mutual funds for crypto. Want exposure to DeFi? Pick the DeFi Set. Interested in AI tokens? There’s a set for that. They offer 669 cryptocurrencies total, with a 0.25% trading fee. Payments work via UPI and bank transfers. Mudrex doesn’t push high-risk trading. It pushes smart, automated investing. It’s ideal for people who want to grow crypto holdings over time without spending hours researching. The platform is built for safety, simplicity, and long-term strategy.

ZebPay: The Veteran That Survived

ZebPay has been around since 2011. That’s longer than most crypto exchanges have existed. It’s seen bans, suspensions, and regulatory chaos-and still operates. Today, it supports 217 cryptocurrencies with spot trading fees between 0.15% and 0.25%. You can deposit INR using UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS. ZebPay also offers crypto lending, letting you earn interest on your holdings. Their app is clean, their customer service is reliable, and they’ve never shut down during regulatory crackdowns. If you value stability and longevity over flashy features, ZebPay is the quiet giant you can trust.

Paxful: Peer-to-Peer for the Unbanked

Paxful doesn’t run a traditional order book. It connects buyers and sellers directly. That means you can buy Bitcoin using UPI, Google Pay, Paytm, or even gift cards. You get access to just four coins: BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC-but that’s all most people need. Buyers pay nothing in trading fees-sellers pay 1%. Minimum deposit is just $10 (around ₹800). KYC is required, but the process is straightforward. Paxful’s mobile apps work well on low-end phones, and they’ve even launched crypto education programs in India. If you’re in a small town, don’t have a bank account, or just want to buy crypto without linking your bank, Paxful is one of the few options that truly works.

Market stall selling crypto portfolios like groceries, customers paying with UPI, elderly man holding Ledger wallet.

Other Notable Exchanges

Unocoin: One of India’s earliest exchanges. Offers 90+ coins with fees between 0.4% and 0.7%. Good for long-term holders who prefer a conservative approach.
Bitbns: Supports 148+ cryptocurrencies with 0.25% fees. Includes P2P trading and staking. Popular among younger traders.
Giottus: Offers 314+ coins with fees from 0% to 0.25%. Strong focus on security and compliance. Good for users who want variety without complexity.

What to Look for in an Indian Crypto Exchange

Not all exchanges are built the same. Here’s what actually matters in India in 2025:

INR Support: Can you deposit and withdraw rupees easily? If not, walk away.
UPI and Bank Integration: UPI is king. If an exchange doesn’t support it, it’s not optimized for India.
KYC Process: It should be fast and clear. If it takes more than 15 minutes or asks for odd documents, be cautious.
Fees: Spot trading fees under 0.1% are standard. Anything above 0.3% is expensive unless you’re getting extra features.
Security: Look for cold storage, two-factor authentication, and proof of reserves. Avoid exchanges that don’t publish these.
Customer Support: Can you reach someone in Hindi or Tamil? If the only support is email in English, you’ll struggle.

What’s Not Allowed

Some platforms still try to operate in India without following local rules. Avoid any exchange that:

Doesn’t require KYC
Accepts credit cards for crypto purchases (often blocked by Indian banks)
Offers unregulated derivatives or leveraged trading beyond 5x
Has no Indian phone number or local support
Requires you to use a VPN to access their site

These aren’t just risky-they’re against Indian financial guidelines. Stick to the exchanges listed above. They’ve all cleared the legal hurdles and built real infrastructure for Indian users.

Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on what you want:

Beginner, want to buy and hold: CoinSwitch or Mudrex
Active trader, want low fees and high liquidity: CoinDCX Pro or WazirX
Want global coins, trust big names: Binance India
No bank account, use UPI/Paytm: Paxful
Prefer stability, long-term player: ZebPay

There’s no single ‘best’ exchange. The best one is the one that matches your needs. Start with one, learn how it works, then expand if you need more.

Can I buy Bitcoin in India legally?

Yes, buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is legal in India. There’s no ban on owning or trading crypto. The government taxes crypto gains at 30% and requires exchanges to follow KYC and AML rules. As long as you use a licensed exchange and report your taxes, you’re fully compliant.

Which exchange has the lowest fees in India?

CoinDCX offers spot trading fees as low as 0%, especially for users with high trading volumes. CoinSwitch charges 0.04%, and Giottus has a 0% fee tier too. WazirX and Binance India charge 0.1%, which is still competitive. Always check if there are discounts for using the exchange’s native token-WRX on WazirX or DCX tokens on CoinDCX can reduce fees further.

Can I use UPI to buy crypto?

Yes, every major exchange serving Indian users supports UPI. It’s the fastest and most popular way to deposit INR. You can link your PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm UPI ID directly to your exchange account. Withdrawals to UPI are also instant in most cases.

Are Indian crypto exchanges safe?

The top exchanges in India are among the safest in the world. They use cold storage for 90%+ of assets, require two-factor authentication, and publish proof of reserves monthly. Some, like CoinDCX and ZebPay, even insure user funds. While no system is 100% hack-proof, these platforms have far stronger security than most banks or traditional brokers.

Do I need to pay tax on crypto profits in India?

Yes. India taxes crypto gains at 30%, with no deductions allowed. A 1% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is also applied on every trade. Exchanges automatically deduct this, but you still need to report your total gains when filing your income tax return. Keep records of all buys and sells-your exchange will provide a statement, but it’s your responsibility to file correctly.

What happens if a crypto exchange shuts down in India?

If an exchange shuts down, your funds are at risk unless they’re held in your own wallet. That’s why it’s smart to withdraw large holdings to a personal wallet like Ledger or Trust Wallet after trading. Most regulated exchanges in India now offer easy withdrawal options and don’t lock funds. Avoid keeping large amounts on any exchange longer than needed.

Can I trade crypto on my phone in India?

Absolutely. All the major exchanges have well-designed Android and iOS apps. WazirX, CoinDCX, CoinSwitch, and ZebPay all rank high on app stores for usability and speed. You can buy, sell, track prices, and even set up recurring buys-all from your phone. Many users in smaller cities rely on mobile apps because they don’t have easy access to desktops.

India’s crypto scene isn’t going away. It’s growing, maturing, and becoming more user-friendly every year. The exchanges listed here are the ones that have passed the real test: serving millions of Indian users with speed, safety, and simplicity. Pick one that fits your style, start small, and learn as you go.

November 17 2025
Terri DeLange
18 Comments
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Written by: Terri DeLange

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18 Comments

Mike Calwell
November 18, 2025 AT 14:46

lol why even list these i just use binance global and vpn
Nidhi Gaur
November 18, 2025 AT 14:53

WazirX is the real MVP for us in India. UPI deposits hit my account in 3 seconds and their Hindi support actually answers me. No other exchange does that. Also their proof of reserves is legit, unlike some sketchy ones that ghost you when you ask for it.
Kathleen Bauer
November 20, 2025 AT 03:59

coinswitch is my baby 😍 i buy btc every payday like it's groceries. no stress, no charts, just tap and go. also their app works on my grandma's old android 🙌
Nataly Soares da Mota
November 20, 2025 AT 14:41

What's fascinating here is the emergent epistemology of crypto adoption in India-not merely a financial shift but a cultural reconfiguration of trust infrastructure. The UPI-integrated exchanges are creating a new ontological layer where liquidity becomes vernacular, and speculative capital is mediated through everyday digital rituals. The absence of derivatives regulation isn't a flaw-it's an adaptive constraint that prioritizes mass accessibility over leveraged gambling. This isn't just trading; it's a decentralized social contract.
satish gedam
November 21, 2025 AT 19:05

Just started with Mudrex last month and it changed everything. I used to waste hours checking charts. Now I just pick a DeFi set and forget it. My portfolio grew 40% in 6 months without me doing anything. Seriously, if you're not day trading, this is the way. Also their customer support replied in Tamil within 10 mins. 🙏
Teresa Duffy
November 22, 2025 AT 23:17

So many people forget that ZebPay survived the 2018 ban. That’s not luck-that’s institutional resilience. They didn’t chase hype, they didn’t promise moonshots. They just kept the lights on. If you want a crypto exchange that feels like a bank that actually understands crypto, this is it.
Carol Rice
November 23, 2025 AT 23:36

STOP USING PAXFUL!! It’s not ‘for the unbanked’-it’s a scam magnet! People get ripped off daily with fake screenshots, ghost sellers, and ‘gift card’ traps. You think you’re being clever buying BTC with Paytm? You’re just feeding predators. Use CoinDCX or WazirX like a grown-up. 🚫💸
Sean Pollock
November 25, 2025 AT 16:38

lol i bet all these 'regulated' exchanges are just shell companies with fake audits. i've seen the backend code of some of these apps. they're literally just wrappers around binance's API with a indian flag slapped on. and u think they care about your 'security'? they care about your upi pin. 🤡
Ryan Hansen
November 26, 2025 AT 01:38

Interesting how CoinSwitch went from being a price aggregator to a full exchange. That’s actually a smart pivot-most users don’t want to compare 5 exchanges every time they buy. They just want to press ‘buy’ and forget. It’s like the Uber of crypto. No need to know who’s driving, just get there.
Also, the fact that they charge 0.04% flat? That’s insane. Most exchanges hide fees in spreads. CoinSwitch just says it straight. Respect.
And yeah, the app is dumb-simple. I showed my mom how to buy ETH on it. She did it on the first try. That’s the real win here-not the number of coins, but the UX.
Meanwhile, some of these other platforms still make you fill out 17 forms just to deposit 500 rupees. Who designed that? A bureaucrat from 1998?
Also, why is everyone ignoring Unocoin? They’ve been around since 2013. Quiet, reliable, no drama. If you’re holding long-term, they’re actually better than the flashy ones.
And the 30% tax? Yeah, it’s brutal. But at least now you know where you stand. No more guessing. That’s progress.
Most people think crypto is about getting rich quick. But in India, it’s becoming about financial inclusion. That’s the quiet revolution.
Also, I’ve used 8 of these. ZebPay’s app is the slowest. Like, 10-second load times. But it’s stable. That’s worth something.
And yes, Paxful is sketchy. But if you’re in a village with no bank account? It’s your only option. Don’t shame people for using what works.
Also, why is no one talking about the fact that these exchanges are hiring thousands of local support agents? That’s real economic impact. Not just crypto-it’s jobs.
And the fact that they support regional languages? That’s not marketing. That’s cultural adaptation. Most global platforms still treat India like an afterthought. These guys built for us.
Jay Davies
November 26, 2025 AT 19:34

Actually, the 1% TDS on every trade is problematic. It’s not a withholding tax-it’s a transaction tax. That means if you buy and sell within the same day, you’re taxed twice on the same capital. That’s economically irrational. It penalizes liquidity. Other jurisdictions don’t do this. India is essentially taxing market efficiency.
Also, the 30% tax on gains without indexation is archaic. It treats crypto like lottery winnings, not an asset class. If you bought BTC at ₹200k and sold at ₹500k, you’re taxed on ₹300k. But inflation over that period was 15%. You’re paying tax on phantom gains.
And the fact that exchanges auto-deduct TDS but don’t issue Form 16A? That’s a compliance nightmare. You’re left scrambling at tax time with incomplete records.
Also, why is Paxful allowed to operate? Peer-to-peer trading without KYC thresholds is a money laundering loophole. The RBI should have shut this down years ago.
And the ‘proof of reserves’ claims? Most are self-reported. No third-party auditor like Withum or BDO is involved. That’s theater, not transparency.
Finally, the term ‘unicorn’ is meaningless. CoinDCX is a unicorn because it raised money, not because it’s profitable. Most crypto exchanges in India are still burning cash. Don’t confuse funding rounds with sustainability.
Laura Lauwereins
November 28, 2025 AT 04:48

Wow. So many Indian exchanges. So many UPI integrations. So many ‘proof of reserves’ banners. And yet, not a single one lets you buy crypto with cash at a local shop. 🤔
Meanwhile, in Thailand, you can walk into a 7-Eleven and buy BTC with cash. In Nigeria, you can pay with airtime. But in India-the land of UPI and digital innovation-we’re still stuck with bank transfers and KYC forms.
It’s like we invented the wheel… then made everyone ride a bicycle with training wheels.
Also, ‘Mudrex’ sounds like a Bollywood villain’s startup name. ‘I am Mudrex. I will automate your dreams… and take 0.25% of your profits.’
And why is no one talking about how these platforms are basically glorified UPI payment gateways with crypto labels?
Still, at least they’re not asking for your Aadhaar to ‘verify your soul.’ Progress, I guess.
Astor Digital
November 28, 2025 AT 11:19

As someone who lived in Bangalore for 5 years, I can tell you: this list is spot-on. The real story isn’t the coins-it’s the infrastructure. These exchanges didn’t just add UPI. They redesigned the entire user journey around India’s mobile-first, cash-light reality.
Most global exchanges treat India like a test market. These companies treat it like home. That’s why WazirX has support in Tamil. That’s why CoinDCX’s ‘DCX Learn’ is in Hindi. That’s why Paxful lets you pay with Paytm.
It’s not about regulation. It’s about respect.
And the fact that ZebPay survived the 2018 ban? That’s the quietest revolution of all. They didn’t scream. They didn’t lobby. They just kept operating. And now? They’re the most trusted name in the space.
Also, I’ve seen crypto apps in Indonesia, Brazil, and Kenya. None of them feel as deeply localized as these Indian platforms. That’s the real win.
Darren Jones
November 29, 2025 AT 16:33

PLEASE, if you’re new to crypto-start with CoinSwitch or Mudrex. Don’t jump into CoinDCX Pro with leverage. You’ll lose everything. I’ve seen it too many times. Someone buys 10k worth of ETH, sees a 5% dip, panics, sells at a loss, then blames the platform.
Also, always withdraw to your own wallet after trading. I lost a friend who kept 50k on WazirX during the 2022 outage. He thought ‘it’s regulated, it’s safe.’ Turns out, ‘regulated’ doesn’t mean ‘immune to server crashes.’
And yes, the 30% tax sucks. But if you’re holding for 2+ years, you’re still way ahead of FDs. Just keep records. Use CoinSwitch’s export feature. It’s free.
And if you’re thinking about Paxful? Just… don’t. Even if you think you’re being smart. The risk isn’t worth it. Use UPI. It’s faster, safer, and way less stressful.
Finally, if you’re reading this and you’re 18? Start small. Buy 500 rupees of BTC. Learn. Don’t go all-in. Crypto isn’t a lottery. It’s a skill. And you’re just starting.
Student Teacher
December 1, 2025 AT 13:49

Wait-so if I buy Bitcoin on CoinDCX and sell it the next day, I pay 30% tax on the profit AND 1% TDS? So if I make ₹10,000 profit, I pay ₹3,000 tax + ₹100 TDS? That’s 31% total? That’s more than my salary tax bracket.
Is this really fair? Or is it just a way to discourage trading?
And if I use Mudrex and buy a DeFi set, do I pay tax on every rebalance? Or just when I cash out?
Also, if I buy on Binance India and withdraw to my Ledger, do I still pay TDS? Or is it only on exchange-to-INR trades?
Someone please explain this tax logic. I’m confused.
Marcia Birgen
December 2, 2025 AT 03:10

Y’all are overcomplicating this. I’m a 62-year-old grandma in Ohio. I bought $200 of Bitcoin on CoinSwitch last week. Used my debit card. Took 4 minutes. Got a confirmation email. No jargon. No stress.
My grandson in Delhi did the exact same thing on CoinDCX. Same experience. Same app flow. Same UPI.
That’s the real story here. Crypto isn’t about tech. It’s about access. And India just made it accessible to everyone-not just coders and traders.
Also, the fact that I can send crypto to my grandson in Bangalore without paying wire fees? That’s the future. And it’s already here.
Stop arguing about fees. Start using it.
Carol Rice
December 3, 2025 AT 06:30

AND DON’T FORGET-IF YOU’RE USING WAZIRX, HOLD WRX TOKENS! You get 25% OFF trading fees. That’s like free money. I’ve saved over ₹8,000 in fees this year just by holding 50 WRX. It’s not a ‘token’-it’s a loyalty card. Use it.
Gaurang Kulkarni
December 3, 2025 AT 10:01

Most of these exchanges are just rebranded shell companies with fake audits and no real liquidity. CoinDCX claims 200 coins but half of them are meme coins with zero volume. WazirX’s P2P is a money laundering playground. Binance India is just a white-labeled version of global with INR gate. And Mudrex? It’s a glorified ETF wrapper. You’re not investing-you’re buying a basket of overhyped tokens. The 30% tax is the only real regulation here. Everything else is theater. And don’t get me started on Paxful. That’s not finance. That’s a criminal marketplace.
Darren Jones
December 4, 2025 AT 22:55

^ This is why you need to do your own research. If you’re just trusting a Reddit post, you’re already behind. Look at the trading volume on CoinDCX’s low-cap coins. Most are dead. Only the top 20 have real liquidity. Ignore the rest. And yes, the tax sucks-but it’s better than being banned like in 2018. We got a seat at the table. Now we just have to pay the bill.