List of Crypto Exchanges That Allow Indian Citizens in 2026

India has one of the largest and fastest-growing cryptocurrency markets in the world, with over 100 million people actively trading or holding digital assets. Despite past regulatory uncertainty, the landscape in 2026 is clear: crypto exchanges are fully operational, regulated, and designed specifically for Indian users. If you're in India and want to buy, sell, or trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins, you have more options than ever - all with INR support, UPI deposits, and full KYC compliance.

Top Crypto Exchanges for Indian Users in 2026

Not all exchanges work equally well in India. Some are global platforms with poor INR support. Others are built from the ground up for Indian users - fast, simple, and legal. Here are the exchanges you can trust right now.

CoinDCX

CoinDCX is India’s first crypto unicorn, launched in 2018. It’s not just popular - it’s trusted. The platform supports over 200 cryptocurrencies and offers two trading modes: CoinDCX Go for beginners and CoinDCX Pro for active traders. Spot trading fees start at 0% and go up to 0.06%, depending on your volume. You can deposit INR instantly via UPI, IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS. Withdrawals are equally fast. Security is strong: multi-signature wallets, insurance coverage for assets, and two-factor authentication are standard. CoinDCX also runs DCX Learn, a free educational hub that helps new users understand blockchain without jargon.

WazirX

Owned by Binance, WazirX has over 15 million users in India. It’s a powerhouse for both beginners and pros. You can trade 300+ cryptocurrencies with fees as low as 0.1% for makers and 0.4% for takers. Hold WRX tokens? You get discounts. The platform supports UPI, NetBanking, and IMPS for deposits - no delays. It also has P2P trading, futures, and a mobile app rated 4.8 on the Play Store. WazirX’s customer support works in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other regional languages. Even after India’s crypto tax rules changed, WazirX stayed fully compliant and kept its services running without disruption.

CoinSwitch

CoinSwitch started as a crypto price aggregator, but now it’s a full exchange. It’s perfect if you hate complicated interfaces. You get access to 250+ coins with a flat 0.04% spot trading fee. Deposits via UPI take seconds. No confusing charts, no overwhelming options - just a clean, simple app. CoinSwitch also offers automated recurring buys, so you can invest small amounts weekly without thinking about it. It’s ideal for students, salaried workers, or anyone who wants to hold crypto without spending hours analyzing charts.

Binance India

Binance India is the local version of the world’s largest crypto exchange. It lists over 350 cryptocurrencies and supports more than 1,590 trading pairs. Fees are 0.10% for spot trades. You can pay using UPI, bank transfers, or debit cards. Binance India uses the same security systems as the global platform - cold storage, real-time monitoring, and proof of reserves. It’s not as localized as CoinDCX or WazirX, but if you want access to the full global market, this is your best bet.

Mudrex

Mudrex doesn’t want you to trade. It wants you to invest. Instead of picking individual coins, you choose pre-built portfolios called Coin Sets. For example, you can buy a “DeFi Bundle” or a “Bitcoin & Ethereum Core” portfolio with one click. It’s like mutual funds, but for crypto. Mudrex supports 669 cryptocurrencies and charges 0.25% per trade. UPI and bank transfers work seamlessly. If you’re tired of trying to time the market, Mudrex’s automated strategies let you grow your holdings without stress.

ZebPay

ZebPay is one of India’s oldest crypto exchanges, dating back to 2011. It’s survived every regulatory storm. Today, it offers 217 cryptocurrencies with spot fees between 0.15% and 0.25%. It supports all major Indian payment methods, including UPI and RTGS. ZebPay also offers crypto lending - you can earn interest on your Bitcoin or USDT holdings. Its app is simple, secure, and has been around long enough that most Indian users already trust it. If you value stability over flashy features, ZebPay is a solid choice.

Paxful

Paxful isn’t a traditional exchange - it’s a peer-to-peer marketplace. You buy directly from other users. It supports only four coins: BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC. But here’s the catch: you can pay with over 350 methods, including UPI, Google Pay, Amazon gift cards, and even cash deposits. Buyers pay nothing - sellers pay 1%. Minimum deposit is just ₹800. Paxful is perfect if you’re in a small town without easy bank access, or if you want to buy crypto using UPI without going through a centralized exchange.

Other Notable Exchanges

There are more options, each with a different angle:

Unocoin: One of the earliest Indian exchanges. Offers 90+ coins. Fees: 0.4%-0.7%. Good for long-term holders.
Bitbns: Focuses on P2P trading and has 148+ coins. Fees at 0.25%. Popular among traders who want flexibility.
Giottus: Supports 314+ cryptocurrencies. Fees range from 0% to 0.25%. Strong mobile app and educational content.

What to Look For in an Indian Crypto Exchange

Not all platforms are equal. Here’s what matters most for Indian users:

INR support: Can you deposit and withdraw Indian Rupees? If not, skip it.
UPI integration: Instant deposits are a game-changer. Avoid exchanges that only allow bank transfers with 2-3 day delays.
KYC process: Legit exchanges require ID proof. If a platform skips KYC, it’s risky - and likely illegal.
Fees: Spot trading fees below 0.1% are common. Anything above 0.5% is too high unless you’re getting unique features.
Security: Look for cold storage, two-factor auth, and proof of reserves. Never use an exchange that doesn’t publish its reserve reports.
Customer support: If you get stuck, can you talk to someone in Hindi or Tamil? This matters more than you think.

A vibrant Indian market where people use UPI to buy crypto from labeled exchange stalls.

Why These Exchanges Work in India

India’s crypto rules changed in 2022. The government introduced a 30% tax on gains and a 1% TDS on every trade. Many exchanges shut down. But the survivors? They adapted. These platforms now comply with all Indian financial regulations. They report transactions to the Income Tax Department. They verify identities. They lock funds in secure wallets. They’re not trying to bypass the system - they’re working within it. That’s why you can use them safely today.

What’s Not Available

Some global platforms like Kraken, Coinbase, and KuCoin don’t support INR deposits. You can’t use them directly from India. Some users try to bypass this with foreign bank accounts or P2P transfers - but that’s risky. You lose consumer protection. You risk account freezes. Stick to exchanges that accept UPI. They’re legal, safe, and built for you.

A magical crypto shield hovers over India, raining digital coins to diverse users.

How to Get Started

Here’s a quick checklist:

Choose one exchange from the list above.
Download the app or visit the website.
Complete KYC - upload your Aadhaar and PAN card.
Link your UPI ID or bank account.
Deposit ₹500 or more.
Buy your first Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Most platforms let you buy as little as ₹100. You don’t need to buy a whole Bitcoin. Start small. Learn. Then scale.

Can I use crypto exchanges in India legally?

Yes. Crypto trading is legal in India. The government taxes gains at 30% and deducts 1% TDS on every trade, but there’s no ban. All major exchanges comply with KYC and AML rules. As long as you use a regulated platform like CoinDCX, WazirX, or ZebPay, you’re fully within the law.

Which exchange has the lowest fees in India?

CoinDCX offers spot trading fees as low as 0%. CoinSwitch charges 0.04%, and Giottus has a 0% fee tier for high-volume traders. For most users, fees below 0.1% are standard. Avoid exchanges charging over 0.5% - they’re overpriced.

Can I buy crypto with UPI on any exchange?

No. Only exchanges built for India support UPI. Global platforms like Coinbase don’t. Stick to CoinDCX, WazirX, CoinSwitch, Mudrex, ZebPay, and Paxful. These all let you deposit instantly via UPI, Google Pay, or PhonePe.

Is it safe to use Indian crypto exchanges?

Yes, if you pick a regulated one. Look for cold storage, two-factor authentication, and public proof of reserves. Avoid exchanges that don’t show their wallet addresses or refuse KYC. CoinDCX, WazirX, and ZebPay have never been hacked. Their security is industry-leading.

Do I need to pay tax on crypto in India?

Yes. Any profit from selling crypto is taxed at 30%. A 1% TDS is deducted automatically on every trade. Exchanges report this to the Income Tax Department. You don’t need to file manually - your exchange does it for you. Keep your trade history for your records.

Next Steps

Start with one exchange. Try CoinSwitch if you want simplicity. Try CoinDCX if you want advanced tools. Try Paxful if you want to buy crypto with UPI without a bank account. Don’t try all of them at once. Master one, then explore others. Crypto isn’t about jumping between platforms - it’s about building a habit. Deposit ₹500. Buy a fraction of Bitcoin. Hold for a month. See how it feels. That’s how most successful investors started.