Indian citizens have more options than ever to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies in 2025. After years of regulatory uncertainty, the market has stabilized around a core group of platforms that comply with Indian laws, support INR deposits, and offer real access to digital assets. If you're looking to get into crypto without jumping through hoops or risking your funds, you need to know which exchanges actually work for people in India - not just ones that claim to.
CoinDCX: India’s First Crypto Unicorn
CoinDCX isn’t just another exchange - it’s the first Indian crypto company to hit unicorn status. Launched in 2018, it’s built for both beginners and pros. You can trade over 200 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and lesser-known altcoins. The platform splits its services into two parts: CoinDCX Go for simple, one-click buys, and CoinDCX Pro for advanced traders who want charts, limit orders, and margin trading up to 5x leverage.
What sets CoinDCX apart is how smoothly it connects to Indian banking. You can deposit INR using UPI, IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS - all instant or near-instant. Trading fees start at 0% for high-volume users and go up to 0.06% for regular traders. The exchange also insures its cold storage wallets and regularly publishes proof of reserves so you know your crypto is actually there.
If you’re new, check out DCX Learn, their free educational hub with videos and quizzes. It’s one of the few platforms that actually teaches you how crypto works instead of just pushing trades.
WazirX: The Most Popular Exchange in India
WazirX has over 15 million users in India as of 2025 - more than any other local exchange. That’s because it’s simple, fast, and built for the Indian user. Owned by Binance, it carries over 300 cryptocurrencies and lets you trade spot, futures, and P2P. You can buy crypto in under 60 seconds with UPI or NetBanking.
Fees are straightforward: 0.1% for makers and takers, with discounts if you hold WRX, their native token. The app is clean, supports 10+ Indian languages, and has 24/7 customer service in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and more. Security features include two-factor authentication, encrypted data, and weekly proof-of-reserves updates.
One thing to note: WazirX was hit hard during India’s 2022 crypto crackdown. But it came back stronger, with better compliance and a focus on transparency. Today, it’s the go-to for people who want to trade quickly without getting lost in complex menus.
CoinSwitch: Simple for Beginners, Smart for Everyone
CoinSwitch started as a crypto price aggregator - comparing rates across exchanges to find the best deal. But in 2023, it became a full exchange. Now you can buy, sell, and hold crypto directly on its platform without switching between apps.
It offers over 250 cryptocurrencies with a flat 0.04% trading fee - one of the lowest in the market. Payments are handled through UPI and bank transfers, and the interface is designed like a mobile banking app: clean, intuitive, and clutter-free. There’s no advanced trading here, which is actually a good thing if you’re just starting out.
CoinSwitch doesn’t push leverage or complex products. It focuses on safety, education, and ease of use. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by trading charts and order books, CoinSwitch is your best bet.
Binance India: Global Powerhouse, Localized Experience
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 want access to obscure tokens or want to trade BTC/ETH against lesser-known altcoins, this is your platform.
Fees are 0.10% for spot trades, and you can deposit INR via UPI, bank transfer, or debit card. Binance’s global infrastructure means deep liquidity - prices stay close to global markets, so you’re not paying inflated rates. Security is top-tier: cold storage, multi-sig wallets, and insurance for user funds.
But here’s the catch: Binance India doesn’t offer futures or margin trading to Indian users. That’s because of local regulations. If you’re looking for advanced tools, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Still, for buying Bitcoin or Ethereum with INR and holding long-term, it’s hard to beat.
Mudrex: Invest Like a Pro, Not a Trader
Mudrex isn’t for people who want to day trade. It’s for those who want to invest. Instead of picking individual coins, you choose pre-built portfolios called Coin Sets - like "DeFi Growth" or "Bitcoin & Ethereum Core." These are automatically rebalanced, so you don’t have to monitor markets daily.
The platform supports 669 cryptocurrencies and charges a 0.25% fee on trades. You can fund your account with UPI or bank transfers. Mudrex is ideal if you’re tired of chasing trends or don’t have time to analyze charts. It’s like a mutual fund, but for crypto.
It’s also one of the most regulated platforms in India, with strict KYC and regular audits. If you’re a long-term investor who wants to grow crypto holdings without stress, Mudrex is worth a close look.
ZebPay: The Veteran That Still Wins
ZebPay has been around since 2011 - longer than most Indian crypto users have been alive. It survived the 2018 banking ban, the 2022 tax crackdown, and every regulatory shift since. That’s not luck - it’s discipline.
It offers 217 cryptocurrencies with spot trading fees between 0.15% and 0.25%. Like others, it supports UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS. But ZebPay goes further: it offers crypto lending, where you can earn interest on your holdings, and a simple mobile app designed for older users who aren’t tech-savvy.
ZebPay doesn’t chase flashy features. It focuses on reliability, security, and customer trust. If you want an exchange that’s been tested by time and regulation, ZebPay is the quiet winner.
Paxful: Peer-to-Peer Freedom for Indians
Paxful is different. It’s not a traditional exchange - it’s a P2P marketplace. You buy crypto directly from other people, not from the platform. That means you can pay with almost anything: UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, Amazon gift cards, even cash deposits.
It supports four coins: Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC. Buyers pay nothing in trading fees. Sellers pay 1%. Minimum deposit is just ₹800. It’s perfect for people who can’t use bank transfers or want to avoid KYC-heavy platforms.
But there’s risk. Since you’re dealing with individuals, scams can happen. Paxful has a dispute system and escrow protection, but you still need to check seller ratings and reviews before buying. If you’re tech-savvy and want maximum flexibility, Paxful is powerful. If you want safety and simplicity, stick with CoinDCX or ZebPay.
Other Notable Exchanges
There are a few more platforms worth mentioning:
- Unocoin: One of India’s oldest exchanges, with 90+ coins and fees between 0.4% and 0.7%. Good for long-term holders who prefer a no-frills experience.
- Bitbns: Offers 148+ coins at 0.25% fees, with strong P2P support and a mobile app that works well even on low-end phones.
- Giottus: Supports 314+ cryptocurrencies with fees from 0% to 0.25%. Known for fast withdrawals and a clean interface.
All of them support UPI and bank transfers. The differences come down to coin selection, fee structure, and whether you want advanced tools or simple buys.
What to Look For in an Indian Crypto Exchange
Not all exchanges are made equal. Here’s what actually matters if you’re in India:
- INR support: Can you deposit and withdraw rupees easily? If not, avoid it.
- Payment methods: UPI is king. If an exchange doesn’t support it, it’s not for most Indians.
- KYC process: It’s mandatory. But some platforms make it take 5 minutes. Others take 3 days. Pick the fast ones.
- Fees: Spot trading fees below 0.1% are ideal. Avoid platforms charging 0.5% or more.
- Security: Look for proof of reserves, cold storage, and two-factor authentication. Never use an exchange that doesn’t publish these.
- Customer support: If you get stuck at 2 a.m., can you reach someone who speaks your language? Hindi, Tamil, Telugu support is a huge plus.
Final Advice: Start Small, Stay Safe
There’s no single "best" exchange for everyone. If you’re new, start with CoinSwitch or CoinDCX Go. If you want to invest long-term, try Mudrex. If you need flexibility, Paxful works. If you’re serious about trading, go with WazirX or Binance India.
Never put more money into crypto than you can afford to lose. And never share your private keys or recovery phrases with anyone - not even "support."
The Indian crypto market is no longer a wild west. It’s regulated, growing, and safer than ever. But only if you choose the right platform.
Can I buy Bitcoin legally in India?
Yes, buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is completely legal in India. There is no ban on owning or trading crypto. The government taxes crypto gains at 30% and requires exchanges to collect KYC details, but trading itself is not illegal. All major exchanges listed here operate under Indian law.
Which crypto exchange has the lowest fees in India?
CoinSwitch has the lowest spot trading fee at 0.04%. CoinDCX also offers 0% fees for high-volume traders. Most other exchanges charge between 0.1% and 0.25%. Always check if there are hidden fees for deposits or withdrawals - UPI deposits are usually free.
Do I need to do KYC to use crypto exchanges in India?
Yes, KYC is mandatory on all regulated Indian crypto exchanges. You’ll need to upload a government ID (like Aadhaar or PAN) and a selfie. The process usually takes under 10 minutes on platforms like CoinDCX and WazirX. Unverified accounts can’t deposit INR or withdraw crypto.
Can I use UPI to buy crypto?
Yes, UPI is the most popular and fastest way to deposit INR on Indian crypto exchanges. All major platforms - CoinDCX, WazirX, CoinSwitch, ZebPay, Mudrex, and Binance India - support UPI. You can link your phone number or UPI ID to instantly send money from your bank account.
Are crypto exchanges in India safe?
Regulated exchanges in India are generally safe. They use cold storage, two-factor authentication, and insurance for user funds. Platforms like CoinDCX and ZebPay publish proof of reserves monthly. However, no platform is 100% immune to hacks. Never store large amounts on exchanges - move your crypto to a personal wallet after buying.
Which exchange is best for beginners in India?
CoinSwitch is the best for beginners. It’s simple, has no complex trading tools, and lets you buy crypto with UPI in under a minute. CoinDCX Go and Mudrex are also great for new users who want guided investing instead of active trading.
Can I trade crypto on my phone in India?
Yes, every major Indian crypto exchange has a mobile app for Android and iOS. WazirX, CoinDCX, and CoinSwitch have some of the most user-friendly apps, with clean designs and fast load times. Many users in India trade almost entirely from their phones.