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List of Crypto Exchanges That Allow Indian Citizens in 2026

List of Crypto Exchanges That Allow Indian Citizens in 2026

Michael James 2 February 2026 21 Comments

Which crypto exchanges can Indian citizens use in 2026?

India’s crypto scene isn’t shut down-it’s just different now. After years of regulatory uncertainty, the government finally laid down clear rules: exchanges must follow KYC, AML, and tax reporting standards. That wiped out the wild west, but it also cleaned up the space. Today, over a dozen platforms are fully licensed and operational for Indian users. You can buy Bitcoin, trade Ethereum, or invest in altcoins-all with INR deposits via UPI, NetBanking, or IMPS.

CoinDCX: India’s first crypto unicorn

CoinDCX isn’t just another exchange. It’s the first Indian crypto company to hit unicorn status, backed by major global investors. It offers over 200 cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin to obscure DeFi tokens. The platform splits its services into two: CoinDCX Go for beginners who want simple buy/sell buttons, and CoinDCX Pro for traders who need charts, limit orders, and margin trading with up to 5x leverage.

Fees are low: spot trades start at 0% and rarely go above 0.06%. You can deposit INR instantly using UPI, NEFT, or RTGS. Withdrawals are fast, usually under 15 minutes. Security is tight-multi-signature wallets, cold storage, and insurance cover user funds. They also run DCX Learn, a free education hub with videos and quizzes that explain taxes, wallet safety, and market trends.

WazirX: The most popular exchange in India

WazirX has over 15 million users, and it’s easy to see why. It’s simple, fast, and built for India. Founded in 2018 and bought by Binance in 2020, it now offers 300+ cryptocurrencies. Whether you’re buying your first $10 of Dogecoin or trading futures, WazirX has the tools.

Trading fees range from 0.1% to 0.4%, but you can cut those in half by holding WRX, their native token. UPI deposits are instant. The app supports 10 Indian languages, and customer service is available 24/7. They also do regular proof-of-reserves audits, so you can see they actually hold the crypto they claim to. Their P2P marketplace lets you trade directly with other Indians using cash, Paytm, or even Amazon gift cards.

CoinSwitch: Built for first-time buyers

CoinSwitch started as a price aggregator-comparing rates across exchanges. Now, it’s a full exchange with a design made for people who don’t know what a blockchain is. You don’t need to choose a trading pair. Just pick the coin you want, enter the amount in INR, and hit buy. That’s it.

They offer 250+ cryptocurrencies with spot fees at just 0.04%. UPI and bank transfers work seamlessly. The interface is clean, with no confusing charts or technical jargon. It’s perfect for parents, students, or anyone who just wants to hold Bitcoin long-term without getting lost in trading menus. They also have a tax calculator built into the app, so you know exactly how much you owe when filing returns.

A group of Indian teens trading crypto in a café with holographic charts and animated tokens floating around them.

Binance India: Global power, local touch

Binance India is the Indian version of the world’s largest crypto exchange. It lists over 350 cryptocurrencies and supports more than 1,590 trading pairs. If you’re looking for rare tokens or advanced options like futures, this is your go-to.

Fees are 0.10% for spot trades. You can deposit INR via UPI, debit card, or bank transfer. Binance uses the same security systems as its global platform-cold storage, two-factor authentication, and insurance for hot wallets. But here’s the catch: Binance India doesn’t offer the same features as Binance.com. No staking, no leveraged tokens, no margin trading beyond what’s allowed under Indian law. It’s a filtered, compliant version of the global site.

Mudrex: Invest, don’t trade

If you hate watching charts and just want to grow your crypto holdings without stress, Mudrex is built for you. Instead of picking individual coins, you choose pre-built portfolios called Coin Sets. For example, “DeFi Leaders” includes Ethereum, Chainlink, and Aave. “AI & Web3” has Solana, Render, and Fetch.ai.

You set up automatic investments-like a SIP for crypto-and Mudrex rebalances the portfolio monthly. Fees are 0.25% per trade. They support UPI and bank transfers. There’s no margin trading or futures. No complex tools. Just simplicity. It’s ideal for salaried professionals who want to invest ₹500 a week without thinking about it.

ZebPay: The veteran that never left

ZebPay has been around since 2011. That’s older than Bitcoin itself. While others came and went during India’s crypto bans, ZebPay stayed. They never shut down. They adapted. Today, they offer 217 cryptocurrencies with spot fees between 0.15% and 0.25%.

They support all major Indian payment methods: UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS. They also offer crypto lending-deposit your Bitcoin and earn interest in USDT. Their app is reliable, with strong customer support and regular security updates. ZebPay doesn’t try to be flashy. It just works. If you value stability over hype, this is one of the safest bets.

Paxful: Peer-to-peer freedom

Paxful isn’t a traditional exchange. It’s a marketplace where people trade directly with each other. You can buy Bitcoin using UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, Amazon gift cards, or even mobile recharge vouchers. Sellers set their own prices, so you can sometimes find better rates than on centralized exchanges.

Buyers pay nothing-only sellers pay a 1% fee. You can buy as little as $10 (around ₹800). The platform holds your crypto in escrow until you confirm payment. It’s slower than instant buys, but it’s the most flexible option if you don’t have a bank account or want to avoid KYC-heavy platforms. Paxful supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC. It’s not for day traders, but perfect for those who need privacy or alternative payment options.

A professional placing a hardware wallet beside a phone showing a crypto tax calculator under a starry night sky.

Other options worth considering

Unocoin: One of India’s oldest exchanges. Offers 90+ coins with fees between 0.4% and 0.7%. Good for long-term holders who prefer simplicity.
Bitbns: Supports 148+ cryptocurrencies with 0.25% fees. Has a strong P2P section and allows INR deposits via UPI and bank transfer.
Giottus: Offers 314+ cryptocurrencies. Fees range from 0% to 0.25%. Strong mobile app and responsive support team.

What to look for in an Indian crypto exchange

Not all exchanges are equal. Here’s what matters:

INR support: Can you deposit and withdraw rupees instantly? If not, skip it.
Payment methods: UPI is king. If they don’t support it, they’re outdated.
Fees: Spot trading fees under 0.1% are great. Anything above 0.5% is too high for regular trading.
Security: Look for cold storage, two-factor authentication, and proof-of-reserves audits.
Customer support: Can you talk to someone in Hindi or Tamil? If support is only in English, you’ll struggle when things go wrong.
Regulatory compliance: All legal exchanges follow KYC. If they don’t ask for ID, they’re not safe.

What’s not allowed anymore

Some exchanges used to operate in India without KYC. They’re gone now. You won’t find anonymous trading. No offshore platforms like Kraken or KuCoin work reliably for INR deposits. Even if you can access them, you can’t deposit or withdraw rupees legally. Stick to platforms that are registered with India’s financial authorities.

How to get started

Choose one exchange based on your needs (beginner, trader, investor).
Download the app or visit the website.
Complete KYC-upload your Aadhaar and a selfie. Takes under 10 minutes.
Link your UPI ID or bank account.
Deposit INR and buy your first crypto.

Start small. Buy ₹500 of Bitcoin. Learn how the app works. Watch how your portfolio changes. Then scale up. Crypto isn’t a get-rich-quick game-it’s a long-term tool. And in India, you now have the tools to use it safely.

Can I buy Bitcoin legally in India?

Yes, buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is fully legal in India. There’s no ban. Exchanges must follow KYC and tax rules, but trading, holding, and selling crypto is allowed. You must report profits as income and pay 30% tax on gains, plus 1% TDS on every trade.

Which exchange has the lowest fees in India?

CoinDCX offers the lowest spot trading fees at 0% for some users, and rarely exceeds 0.06%. CoinSwitch follows closely at 0.04%. Most others charge between 0.1% and 0.25%. Fees drop if you hold the exchange’s native token, like WRX on WazirX or DCX on CoinDCX.

Can I use UPI to buy crypto in India?

Yes, every major Indian crypto exchange 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. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals usually take under 15 minutes.

Are crypto exchanges in India safe?

The top exchanges are secure. They use cold storage for 95%+ of funds, two-factor authentication, and insurance policies. WazirX and CoinDCX regularly publish proof-of-reserves. But no exchange is 100% hack-proof. Never leave large amounts on an exchange. Use a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor for long-term storage.

Do I need to pay tax on crypto in India?

Yes. India taxes crypto profits at 30%, with no deductions. A 1% TDS is deducted on every trade, regardless of profit. If you sell Bitcoin for more than you bought it, you owe tax. Even if you swap one coin for another, it’s considered a taxable event. Keep records of all transactions for at least 6 years.

Can I trade crypto on my phone in India?

Yes, all major exchanges have mobile apps for Android and iOS. Apps are optimized for Indian users-fast, simple, and available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other languages. You can buy, sell, and track your portfolio from your phone. Many users trade entirely through their mobile apps.

What’s the minimum amount to start trading crypto in India?

You can start with as little as ₹100. Most exchanges allow you to buy fractions of a Bitcoin or Ethereum. CoinSwitch and WazirX let you buy ₹50 worth of crypto in seconds. Paxful requires a minimum of $10 (around ₹800). There’s no barrier to entry-you don’t need a lot of money to begin.