10 Best Crypto Exchanges in India 2026

Researching cryptocurrency exchanges in India? Our expert team has researched some of the best Indian crypto exchanges to check out in 2026.

What are the best Indian cryptocurrency exchanges?

Looking for the best Indian crypto exchange? With so many available, the right choice depends on your needs and the exchange's track record. We’ve researched 10 reputable crypto exchanges, each suited to different investor needs.

Coinbase

A trusted global crypto exchange, Coinbase, officially launched in India back in 2022 before suspending operations again shortly after. As of 2025, Coinbase has relaunched operations, alongside a new investment in CoinDCX, showing its commitment to growing the Indian crypto market. Coinbase offers a simple app to buy, sell, and hold leading cryptocurrencies and altcoins, with self-custody via Coinbase Wallet, and more advanced trading tools via Coinbase Advanced Trade.

Binance

Binance re-entered India in 2024 after registering with the FIU and resolving earlier compliance issues. As of 2025, it offers spot trading on a large selection of coins and tokens, P2P trading, alongside some helpful other features like auto-invest and Ethereum staking.

KuCoin

KuCoin is a global crypto exchange, launched in 2017, that's highly compliant with Indian regulations, including deducting TDS and being FUI-registered. KuCoin investors gain access to more than 1,000+ cryptocurrencies, both spot and margin trading markets, and earn products, as well as access to a copy trading market and trading bots.

CoinDCX

CoinDCX is one of India’s largest Indian crypto exchanges, trusted by more than 20 million users. Founded in 2018, it offers spot trading on hundreds of coins, margin trading, derivatives, staking, and instant INR deposits, and recently received new investment from Coinbase to help grow India’s crypto market.

Delta Exchange

Delta Exchange, founded in 2018, is an India-based crypto derivatives platform offering futures and options on Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies. It’s designed for advanced traders, with up to 100x leverage, automated trading strategies, and deep liquidity across its markets.

CoinSwitch

Founded in 2017, CoinSwitch is one of India’s largest crypto exchanges, letting Indian investors buy and sell crypto in rupees through a simple mobile app that connects to liquidity from multiple top exchanges for the best available prices. INR deposits are fast, fees are transparent, and it also recently launched CoinSwitch Cares, a recovery initiative to help WazirX users facing withdrawal issues.

Mudrex

Mudrex, launched in 2018, takes a different approach to crypto investing. It helps users build diversified portfolios, as opposed to focusing on short-term day-trading. Through its app, Indian investors can explore curated crypto baskets, automated trading strategies, and passive-income products.

ZebPay

ZebPay, launched in 2014, is one of India’s earliest and most trusted crypto exchanges. Known for its easy INR deposits and clean interface, it supports popular coins, staking, and SIP-style recurring buys for long-term investors.

MEXC

Launched in 2018, MEXC is a global crypto exchange that recently expanded access for Indian investors. Known for its impressive selection of more than 1,000 cryptocurrencies and deep liquidity, the exchange offers spot trading, an expansive futures market, and earn products, catering to both beginners and advanced traders.

Unocoin

Small but mighty, Unocoin was founded in 2013 and is one of India’s oldest crypto exchanges, originally focused on Bitcoin trading. It now supports multiple cryptocurrencies, INR deposits, and recurring buy plans, making it a solid choice for long-term investors.

How to choose an Indian crypto exchange

Choosing the right Indian crypto exchange comes down to more than just popularity; it’s about finding a platform that fits your trading style, goals, and compliance needs. Look for a balance between asset variety, cost, and security, while also checking how each platform handles taxes and TDS.

Start by comparing how many cryptocurrencies are available. Some Indian exchanges only list major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, while others offer hundreds of altcoins and new projects. Fees also make a big difference over time, especially maker and taker fees, which can vary across exchanges and account types.

A simple, reliable app or web platform makes trading easier, whether you’re just getting started or prefer advanced charting tools. If you’re looking to earn passive income, check whether staking or earn programs are available, and confirm they’re supported for Indian users. For those who trade actively, see whether derivatives, futures, or auto-invest features are offered, as these vary by exchange.

Beyond trading, consider what else the platform provides. Some exchanges offer SIP-style investing, lending, NFTs, or even copy-trading tools. Fast INR deposits and withdrawals are also key; the best exchanges make funding and cashing out easy through supported payment methods.

Finally, always check security and compliance. Look for FIU-registered exchanges with multi-layer protection, cold storage, and transparency through proof of reserves. And confirm whether the platform automatically deducts the 1% TDS on trades or if you’ll need to handle it yourself. It’s an important part of staying compliant under Indian tax law.

Why are so many crypto exchanges unable to operate in India?

Many exchanges struggle to operate in India because the compliance burden is high and the rules touch multiple parts of their business at once. Platforms serving Indian users generally need full KYC/AML, FIU registration, strong data and security controls, and clear disclosures, plus they must adapt products to local regulations (for example, restricted access to certain derivatives or staking programs).

As well as this, on the tax side, the 1% TDS on trades and a strict framework add operational complexity (who deducts, how it’s reported) and can reduce trading volumes, making the market less attractive for some global players.

Banking access has also been a recurring pain point. Payment rails (like UPI) and INR on/off-ramps require partner banks and payment providers willing to support crypto, and those partners expect tight compliance and ongoing audits.

Finally, India has asked offshore platforms to meet local obligations or face blocks, removals from app stores, and other enforcement, pushing many exchanges either to pause service, run a pared-back product set, or re-enter only after they’ve rebuilt for local compliance.

What happened to WazirX?

WazirX, one of India’s largest crypto exchanges, suffered a massive hack in July 2024, during which attackers stole roughly USD 234.9 million worth of digital assets. Following the breach, WazirX suspended trading, deposits, and withdrawals to prevent further losses and launched an investigation into the incident. As user funds remained locked, the company’s parent firm, Zettai Pte Ltd, filed for judicial restructuring in Singapore to address creditor claims and rebuild operations.

What happened to Bitbns?

Bitbns is technically still functional in India but has experienced operational issues since late 2021. Users have reported major difficulties withdrawing funds, leading to allegations of fund mismanagement. The exchange has faced multiple legal cases across various Indian jurisdictions, leading to the freezing of their bank accounts by law enforcement agencies. Other reports where users have been able to withdraw funds report that tokens are trading at roughly a 15-30% lower price than on other exchanges. As such, it’s highly advised to avoid using Bitbns for new investments.

Why are so many features restricted in India?

Many features are limited in India because exchanges must tailor products to a tight, still-evolving rule set, with a lot of grey areas.

Derivatives for retail traders, high leverage, and some lending/earn or staking programs can trigger securities, derivatives, or banking laws, so platforms either restrict them or redesign them with strict limits.

Tax rules (notably the 1% TDS on trades and gains taxation) add operational overhead and shape product choices, while FIU registration, full KYC/AML, and ongoing audits raise the bar on how features are built, marketed, and supported.

On-ramp and off-ramp options also depend on partner banks and payment networks (like UPI), which require strong compliance and can withdraw support if standards aren’t met. The result is a more conservative feature set, fewer coins at launch, limited or delayed staking and derivatives, and a heavier focus on basic spot trading and auto-invest tools.

Who regulates crypto exchanges in India?

While India doesn’t yet have a single dedicated crypto regulator, several agencies play a role in overseeing different aspects of the industry:

• Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) registers and monitors exchanges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA); enforces AML/KYC compliance and reporting.

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) oversees payment systems, banking relationships, and INR on/off-ramps; its policies impact UPI, net banking, and overall access to fiat services.

• Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) frames and enforces rules under the PMLA, including the designation of virtual digital asset (VDA) service providers as reporting entities.

• Income Tax Department (IDT) administers crypto taxation, including the 1% TDS on trades and 30% tax on gains.

• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) may regulate certain crypto products (like tokenized securities or derivatives) if classified as securities or investment contracts.

• Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigates potential money laundering, FEMA, or PMLA violations in crypto transactions.

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) oversees data protection and digital asset policies affecting crypto platforms and users.

Do Indian crypto exchanges deduct and report TDS?

Under Indian law, crypto exchanges are supposed to deduct and report 1% TDS on most trades involving virtual digital assets (VDAs) under Section 194S of the Income Tax Act. Registered Indian exchanges like CoinDCX, CoinSwitch, and ZebPay generally comply and automatically deduct the tax at the time of each eligible transaction and report it to the Income Tax Department.

However, many foreign exchanges don’t. Some aren’t yet FIU-registered or haven’t built the infrastructure to collect and remit TDS for Indian users, leaving traders responsible for doing it themselves. Other homegrown exchanges try to circumvent the rule by routing trades through offshore entities, P2P markets, or crypto-to-crypto pairs that fall outside direct INR conversions.

In cases where TDS is not deducted by the exchange, the user remains legally responsible for calculating, deducting, and paying the tax.

Don't forget the tax bill...

Crypto is taxed in India. Learn how to report and pay crypto taxes in India with our simple step-by-step India tax filing guide. Discover how to file your crypto transactions with the Income Tax Department in your ITR-2, including using the new Schedule VDA for reporting crypto gains and income, and sign up to Koinly today to calculate your taxes for free.