How to Buy Bitcoin in India? (9 Ways in 2024)

With the rise of cryptocurrencies across the globe, more and more Indians have started embracing digital assets like Bitcoin. Its popularity and acceptance made it imperative for newcomers to understand the best ways to buy Bitcoin within the country’s regulatory framework.

Unfortunately, India blocked access to most major offshore crypto exchanges in January 2024, limiting access to Binance, Kraken, Coinbase, and other major trading platforms. This decision has limited users to India-based exchanges.

This guide will explore the top 8 most popular platforms to purchase Bitcoin in India and provide handy tips to help you choose the right exchange for your specific needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident making your first crypto transaction and joining the revolution of this new digital financial system.

9 exchange options for Indians starting their crypto adventure

Whether you’re an experienced trader or just starting, choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange is important. Here are 8 of the top exchanges that make it easy for Indian users to purchase cryptocurrencies and start trading:

1. KuCoin – The first FIU-compliant global crypto exchange in India

KuCoin is one of the leading international crypto exchanges, regularly topping $1 billion in 24-hour trading volume. It supports more than 700 cryptocurrencies across more than 1,100 trading pairs, making it one of the best choices for altcoin traders. 

In late March 2024, KuCoin announced that it became the first global exchange to abide by India’s FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) regulations regarding crypto assets. To serve its India-based customer base as best as possible, KuCoin has committed to using localized payment solutions for on-ramping and off-ramping services. To this end, KuCoin is pursuing local partnerships with companies that enable INR payments.

It’s worth noting that KuCoin offers one of the most attractive welcome packages out of all major exchanges. New users can clear up to 8,200 USDT in rewards by completing various trading-related tasks (although it’s worth noting that 7,500 USDT is reserved for futures traders).

KuCoin has its own cryptocurrency, KCS, which allows users to lower their trading fees. KCS holders can slash their trading fees by 20% in spot market trades.

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on KuCoin: 

1. Visit the KuCoin website and sign up for a new account. This will typically involve providing an email address and creating a password. Follow any additional instructions for account verification, which may include submitting identification documents for KYC purposes.
2. Once your account is created, it’s important to secure it. Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. This often involves linking a mobile phone or using an app like Google Authenticator.
3. After securing your account, deposit funds into it. You can do this by navigating to the ‘Assets’ or ‘Deposit’ section of the site. Here, you have the option to deposit either fiat currency (like USD, EUR) or a different cryptocurrency, which you can later use to buy Bitcoin.
4. Go to the trading section of KuCoin. You can use the ‘Spot Trading’ feature for this purpose.
5. In the trading interface, select the appropriate market pair, like BTC/USDT. Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to purchase. You can opt for a market order (buy immediately at the current market price) or a limit order (set a price at which you want to buy Bitcoin).

Visit KuCoin

2. FlitPay – Indian crypto exchange with large selection of crypto assets

FlitPay is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to easily deposit INR to buy Bitcoin and more than 150 other crypto assets in India. FlitPay is registered with the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit), so users can have peace of mind knowing that they are investing in crypto through a registered platform. 

If you want to buy Bitcoin on FlitPay, you can use the exchange’s spot markets or their Quick Buy / Sell feature, which offers one-click transactions.

In addition to cryptocurrency spot trading and Quick Buy/Sell, FlitPay also provides a crypto savings feature which allow users to earn interest on their idle cryptocurrency holdings. The offered APRs vary between different cryptocurrencies, but staking stablecoins tends to provide the highest interest rates.

On top of that, the exchange also allows users to create crypto gift cards or earn extra rewards by inviting their friends to FlitPay.

If you ever encounter any issues while using FlitPay or simply have questions about using the platform, the exchange offers customer support via email, Whatsapp and Telegram. 

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on FlitPay: 

1. Create a FlitPay account by providing basic information such as an email address and a password.
2. Complete a KYC (know your customer) process to verify your identity. 
3. Deposit INR to the FlitPay exchange.
4. Buy Bitcoin using the exchange’s Quick Buy / Sell feature. If you want to fine-tune your Bitcoin purchase with limit orders and other featrures, use FlitPay’s spot markets instead.

Visit FlitPay

3. CoinSwitch – The easiest way for beginners to buy crypto

As one of India’s largest crypto exchanges, CoinSwitch is ideal for beginners due to its simple user interface and support for buying Bitcoin with Indian Rupees. It allows users to purchase BTC for as little as 100 rupees and charges transaction fees as low as 0.1%.

CoinSwitch’s appeal lies in its ease of use. Simply sign up, complete your KYC verification, and you can instantly buy and sell over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. Its ‘Simple Advanced’ trading mode provides valuable order types without overwhelming novice traders with overly complex functions.

Additionally, CoinSwitch offers attractive introductory promotions and educational hubs to help Indians get accustomed to the crypto sphere and learn how to buy Bitcoin in India. For example, the platform recently launched a Rupee-based Crypto Index to help track major digital assets against the local fiat.

While CoinSwitch is missing the margin trading or staking rewards of some rivals, few can rival its beginner-friendliness. For Indians taking their first steps into Bitcoin, it remains a safe port of call.

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on CoinSwitch: 

1. Sign up for a CoinSwitch account by entering your email and creating a password. You’ll also need to verify your phone number and upload identity documents like your PAN card.
2. Deposit Indian Rupees (INR) into your CoinSwitch wallet from your bank. You can send funds via UPI, NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS.
3. Once the funds clear, you’ll see them available in your INR balance on CoinSwitch. Now click “Buy Crypto” and select BTC (Bitcoin).
4. Choose the amount of BTC you want to purchase in INR. CoinSwitch will instantly process the transaction and add the bitcoins to your wallet.
5. That’s it – you now own Bitcoin that you can hold, sell or spend via CoinSwitch. Just be sure to enable extra security with Two-Factor Authentication.

Visit CoinSwitch

4. ZebPay – Established exchange with bank transfer option

As one of India’s oldest crypto exchanges, ZebPay has carved a loyal following thanks to its notable features like lending rewards and intraday trading discounts. The platform provides competitive lending rates of up to 8.5% APY by allowing users to stake Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins.

ZebPay also tries to sweeten trading deals by waiving fees on certain currency pairs during promotional windows. This makes it a cost-effective venue for active speculators trying to profit from short-term market fluctuations. Its mobile app further aids on-the-go cryptocurrency managers.

While ZebPay’s coin selection remains more limited compared to giants like WazirX, it attempts to broaden access through initiatives such as the ‘CryptoPack’ product. This innovation bundles carefully chosen digital assets into easy investment baskets for hands-off portfolio growth.

ZebPay remains a reliable old-guard platform in India with unique features that include lending and occasional trading price breaks. Experienced hands will appreciate its nuanced feature set.

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on ZebPay:

1. Signup is similar to CoinSwitch with KYC and bank account linking required.
2. ZebPay has slightly higher 0.50% trading fees but also offers discounts periodically.
3. You can send INR to ZebPay using NEFT/RTGS/UPI and then buy bitcoin by tapping “Buy Crypto”.
4. Their intuitive mobile apps for Android and iOS allow easy crypto purchasing on the go.
5. ZebPay is also known for features like earning interest by lending your idle cryptos.

Visi ZebPay

5. WazirX – Loaded with features for active traders

As the leading P2P crypto exchange based in India, WazirX has swiftly risen to dominance with over 6 million users thanks to its well-rounded offerings. The platform lets beginners purchase Bitcoin and numerous altcoins with as modest an investment as 100 rupees.

Moreover, WazirX eases transactions by supporting UPI and various banking deposit/withdrawal methods. Its sleek mobile apps further aid on-the-go portfolio monitoring and trades. Advanced charting tools also appeal to more seasoned digital currency veterans.

Speaking of veterans, WazirX deploys solid security practices like multi-signature wallets and 2-factor authentication to protect sizable accounts. An insurance fund further assuages risks from potential exchange hacks or vulnerabilities.

While trading fees on WazirX are slightly steeper than those of some rivals, its vast selection of over 270 coins, robust features across devices, and peerless Indian user base make it exceedingly worthwhile for most new cryptocurrency investors.

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on WazirX:

1. Their registration is fast with options for mobile/email signup as well as Google/Apple single sign-on.
2. Deposits to WazirX are free via bank transfers, UPI, or net banking. You may be charged a small fee for withdrawing fiat Indian Rupees later.
3. For buying bitcoin, tap “Buy Crypto” and select BTC from the list of over 270 coins supported.
4. WazirX uses a maker-taker fee system starting from 0.1% that can be reduced based on your 30-day trading volume.
5. Their apps for Android and iOS offer smooth on-the-go bitcoin buying with order book charts too.

Visit WazirX

6. CoinDCX – Streamlined for beginner and pro traders alike

CoinDCX has steadily established itself as a leader for experienced traders thanks to rich functions such as margin and futures exchanges. The platform’s buying and selling fees of 0.2% also undercut many domestic competitors.

Its mobile apps are packed with analytic widgets and order types beyond basic market and limit orders. CoinDCX thus caters exceedingly well to professionals desiring depth and control over complex crypto exposures.

That said, beginners also have much to appreciate. CoinDCX runs regular educational events and materials to build fundamental understanding. Meanwhile, its INR deposit options and 24/7 customer support smooth initial onboarding.

Security is also a forte, with CoinDCX securing most assets in insured cold storage. Only a small fraction remains liquid to maintain smooth trading operations.

While CoinDCX may appear somewhat technical for novices, its well-rounded feature-set, educational ethos, and robust guarding of funds make it a truly comprehensive platform deserving of consideration across experience levels.

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on CoinDCX:

1. Getting set up takes longer than simpler exchanges due to additional KYC checks like address verification.
2. Bank deposit options include UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS, typically crediting instantly when depositing fiat to buy bitcoin.
3. To purchase BTC, select it from the long list of over 460 plus coins under the “Buy Crypto” tab.
4. CoinDCX charges a flat 0.2% fee per transaction on both market buys and sells of bitcoin.
5. Their well-designed trading terminal caters nicely to professional and active Bitcoin traders.

Visit CoinDCX

7. Mudrex – Automated trading for busy investors

As India’s largest automated cryptocurrency investment app, Mudrex takes the legwork out of portfolio building. The platform utilizes machine learning to curate “CoinSets” of carefully chosen crypto assets optimized for specific strategies and risk profiles.

By enabling simple one-click CoinSet purchases, Mudrex introduces effortless portfolio diversification for hands-off investors. The platform even accepts UPI payments, uncommon among overseas rivals.

Mudrex also emphasizes security with measures like biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and cold storage for assets. User funds are further insured by renowned underwriters. Its revenue model of fixed platform fees rather than frictional trading charges also fosters fair treatment of customers.

While Mudrex’s automated approach lacks the control of manual exchanges, it excels for set-it-and-forget-it cryptocurrency exposure, especially during busy seasons. The steady guidance of expert-selected CoinSets also instills confidence for newcomers. Mudrex carves an important niche for fire-and-forget crypto investment.

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on Murdrex:

1. Sign-up is easy with phone number or email verification requiring basic KYC document uploads.
2. Transfer funds to your Mudrex INR wallet using UPI, IMPS, or other options charging zero deposit fees.
3. Head to the “Buy Bitcoin” page and select the amount of BTC you want to purchase using INR funds in your balance.
4. Mudrex uses a flat 0.25% maker-taker fee per transaction. Plans are available to reduce fees further.
5. Their user-friendly apps let you easily buy Bitcoin on mobile while tracking your portfolio’s performance.

Visit Mudrex

8. Unocoin – India’s original Bitcoin exchange

As one of India’s oldest crypto platforms since 2013, Unocoin holds an august status and reputation. However, rather than targeting professionals or institutions, it focuses on younger Indians exploring crypto out of interest rather than investment obligations.

To that end, Unocoin retains friendly onboarding and empowers try-before-you-buy simulations before real trades. Educational materials are also tailored to an audience still building economic literacy.

Transactionally, Unocoin keeps rates low and accepts various deposit options. Security remains strong through the tried-and-true practices of multi-factor authentication, cold storage, and insurance. The exchange also innovates with products like scheduled buying to automate rupee cost averaging.

While some may view Unocoin’s recreational focus as lacking depth, it possesses immense value for leisurely crypto adoption across student-aged Indians just exploring the technological promise of a cashless future. For generations, Z and Alpha, Unocoin has been a true pioneer.

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on Unocoin:

1. Sign up with just your name, email, and phone, getting verified with OTP codes. KYC is optional.
2. Deposit funds to your Unocoin wallet through various options like UPI, bank transfers, and more.
3. Tap “Buy BTC” and enter the amount of INR you want to convert to Bitcoin at the current exchange rates.
4. Unocoin charges a flat 1% fee on Bitcoin purchases. Selling incurs a 1% fee as well.
5. Their clean interface keeps the process simple, from depositing fiat to purchasing your Bitcoin hassle-free.

Visit Unocoin

9. Bitbns – Low fees with a beginner focus

For cryptocurrency veterans, Bitbns flexes an assortment of advanced trading tools across futures, margin, and derivatives. Its web and app interfaces equip powerful order types and over 140 available cryptocurrencies from major and minor coins.

But what about novices? Thankfully, Bitbns keeps things simple through introductory materials on its blog and mobile apps. The platform also accepts deposits from as low as 100 rupees to initiate exploration. Indian payment options and 24/7 support bolster first-time crypto accessibility.

Security remains bank-grade through measures like Aadhaar-based “Know-Your-Customer” protocols, insured cold storage, and occasional system audits. Regulatory compliance also provides peace of mind to the Indian tax authorities.

While Bitbns caters predominantly to experts, its efforts to shed complexities for newcomers and compliance focus should give confidence to all crypto investors within India’s evolving fiscal environment. Versatility and localization make it a great comprehensive option.

Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin on Bitbns:

1. Go through the standard KYC identity verification using Aadhar, PAN, and other documents.
2. Fund your Bitbns wallet by transferring INR through various banking options, charging zero deposit fees.
3. On the exchange, place a market order on the “Buy BTC/INR” order book at the current best bid price.
4. Bitbns uses a 0.2% maker fee and 0.3% taker fee structure by default based on 30-day volume.
5. The professional-grade trading terminal makes Bitcoin and altcoin futures/”0″>

Visit Bitbns

The verdict: Buying cryptocurrency in India – How to choose?

This overview of leading Indian cryptocurrency exchanges highlighted the top options available depending on your needs as a beginner, casual investor, or experienced trader. Those looking to “buy Bitcoin India” should research the top options to choose an exchange that fits their needs and experience level. Starting small using simple apps like CoinSwitch or ZebPay is ideal for safely getting acquainted with Bitcoin. Then graduate to robust all-in-one hubs such as CoinDCX, WazirX, or Bitbns by prioritizing security, features, and community. Whichever exchange you ultimately choose, always remember to responsibly manage risk.