Cryptocurrency has taken the world by storm, and India is no exception. But amid all the hype, a simple question often arises: Which crypto app is legal in India?
If you’re looking for clarity before diving into crypto trading or investing, you’re in the right place.
🔍 Quick Answer: Yes, Crypto Trading is Legal in India—But Regulated
India hasn’t banned crypto. As of now (2025), cryptocurrency trading is legal, but it is regulated and monitored by the government. You can legally use certain apps and exchanges that comply with Indian laws, KYC norms, and taxation rules.
So, let’s break down the top legal crypto apps in India and what you should know before choosing one.
✅ Top Legal Crypto Apps in India (2025)
Here are the apps that are registered, compliant, and widely trusted in India:
1. WazirX
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Headquartered in Mumbai
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Linked with Binance (one of the world’s largest exchanges)
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Offers over 200+ cryptocurrencies
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Complies with all KYC and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) norms
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Tax reports and TDS tracking built-in
💡 Trivia: WazirX was acquired by Binance in 2019, though regulatory disputes between the two arose in 2022.
2. CoinDCX
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Based in India, and registered with the Registrar of Companies
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Backed by investors like Coinbase and Bain Capital
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ISO-certified platform
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Offers DCX Learn – a free crypto learning hub
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TDS, capital gains tracking, and 24×7 customer support
🛡️ CoinDCX is often favored by beginners due to its insurance-backed wallet.
3. ZebPay
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One of the oldest crypto exchanges in India
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Resumed operations in India post-2019
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Known for zero trading fees on select pairs
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Registered with FIU-IND (Financial Intelligence Unit India)
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Offers interest on crypto holdings
⚖️ ZebPay has a clean track record and strictly adheres to Indian financial regulations.
4. Bitbns
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Launched in 2017
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Offers SIP in crypto
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Compliant with Indian KYC norms
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Known for innovative products like Margin Trading and FIP (Fixed Income Plan)
📈 Bitbns is the first Indian exchange to offer Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in crypto assets.
5. Koinex, Unocoin, and Others
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Unocoin: Legal, focused on Bitcoin, and great for long-term investors
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Koinex: Shut down in 2019, so no longer operational
Always cross-check the app’s FIU-IND compliance and whether it provides Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) documentation, especially after the 2022 crypto tax laws.
📜 What Makes a Crypto App “Legal” in India?
To be legally recognized, an app must:
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Register with Indian financial authorities (like FIU-IND)
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Conduct mandatory KYC verification
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Adhere to Income Tax Act guidelines (1% TDS and 30% flat tax on gains)
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Implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) procedures
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Provide customer grievance redressal
If your app does not comply, you’re putting your investments at legal risk.
🎯 Real-Life Use Case: How Rakesh Chose the Right Crypto App
Rakesh, a 32-year-old IT engineer from Pune, started with a foreign exchange app that didn’t support Indian taxation. He ended up with a ₹50,000 tax notice! He switched to CoinDCX, where he could track capital gains, file taxes with ease, and invest securely.
Moral of the story: Stick to India-compliant apps. Don’t fall for offshore “zero-fee” platforms.
Comparison: Best Legal Crypto Apps in India
| Feature / App | WazirX | CoinDCX | ZebPay | Bitbns | Unocoin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIU-IND Registered | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tax Compliance | Auto TDS + Capital Gains Tracker | Auto Tax Reports | Manual TDS Input | Auto TDS Tracker | Manual Tax Filing |
| Beginner Friendly | ✅ Very | ✅ Extremely | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Simple (BTC-only) |
| Unique Features | Binance integration, Smart Token Fund | DCX Learn, Insurance-backed wallet | Zero fee on select pairs | Crypto SIPs, Margin Trading | Focused BTC platform, Low fees |
| App Rating (Play Store) | ⭐ 4.0+ (10M+ downloads) | ⭐ 4.3+ (5M+ downloads) | ⭐ 4.0+ (1M+ downloads) | ⭐ 4.1+ (1M+ downloads) | ⭐ 4.0+ (500K+ downloads) |
💬 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for education + ease of use, go for CoinDCX. For serious traders, Bitbns and ZebPay offer deeper tools.
❓ FAQ:
1. Is crypto trading legal in India in 2025?
Yes, it’s legal but regulated. The government taxes crypto income and monitors exchanges.
2. Is Binance legal in India?
Not fully. Binance operates globally but isn’t fully compliant with Indian Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. Use with caution.
3. Do I have to pay tax on crypto profits?
Yes. As per the Finance Act 2022, all crypto gains are taxed at 30%, and 1% TDS applies on transactions.
4. Can I use international apps like Coinbase or Kraken?
You can, but they are not India-registered, and you’ll have to manually track and file taxes. It’s safer to use local apps.
Recommended Post: How to Hide Apps Without Deleting Them
🧠 Expert Insight: What the RBI Says
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) doesn’t recognize crypto as legal tender, but the Supreme Court lifted the RBI’s ban in 2020. Since then, regulation, not prohibition, has been the path forward.
💬 “Crypto is not illegal in India. But that doesn’t mean it’s unregulated.” — Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister (2024)
🏁 Final Verdict: Stick With FIU-Registered, Indian-Compliant Apps
If you’re in India and planning to invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any altcoin, do it the right way:
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Use WazirX, CoinDCX, ZebPay, or Bitbns
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Avoid apps that don’t follow Indian financial laws
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Always pay your crypto taxes
🔐 Remember: Crypto is about decentralization, not deregulation.
📌 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
| Feature | Legal in India? |
|---|---|
| Crypto Trading | ✅ Yes |
| Foreign Exchanges | ⚠️ Use with care |
| Indian Crypto Apps | ✅ Fully Legal |
| Tax on Crypto Profits | ✅ 30% + 1% TDS |
| Anonymous Wallets | ❌ Not Recommended |
Need help choosing the right app? Ask in the comments or message us — we’re here to help you invest smart, legally, and safely.
Vikramjeet Singh Rana is a B.Tech graduate in Computer Science from Chandigarh University, with over 9 years of experience in AI applications, web development, and digital marketing. He has worked on a wide range of projects that integrate intelligent technologies with performance-driven digital strategies. Vikramjeet brings a strong foundation in coding and data systems, coupled with a deep understanding of user behavior and marketing trends. His insights are grounded in hands-on experience, making him a reliable source for practical guidance in tech and digital innovation.
