Crypto Trading India: Rules, Platforms, and What You Need to Know in 2025

When it comes to crypto trading India, the practice of buying, selling, and holding digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum by residents of India. Also known as Indian cryptocurrency trading, it’s no longer a gray area—it’s a growing market shaped by court rulings, tax rules, and local exchanges. After the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) tried to ban banks from serving crypto businesses in 2018, traders hit a wall. But in 2020, the Supreme Court overturned that ban, and everything changed. Overnight, platforms like Unocoin, one of India’s oldest and most regulated crypto exchanges, trusted by beginners for simple Bitcoin purchases and CoinDCX, a popular exchange offering low fees, staking, and educational tools for Indian users saw millions sign up. Today, over 15 million Indians trade crypto regularly—not because it’s easy, but because it’s often the only way to access global financial opportunities.

What makes crypto trading in India different? It’s not just about price charts. It’s about navigating crypto regulation India, a patchwork of tax rules, KYC checks, and banking restrictions that still make it harder than in most countries. The government doesn’t ban crypto—it taxes it. A 30% tax on gains, plus a 1% TDS on every trade, means you can’t ignore paperwork. And while you can buy Bitcoin on Unocoin or trade altcoins on CoinDCX, you still can’t link your bank account directly to most global exchanges. That’s why P2P trading is huge here. People use UPI, Paytm, and PhonePe to send rupees to sellers, then get crypto in return. It’s informal, but it works.

There’s no secret playbook. If you’re new, start with a regulated exchange. If you’re experienced, you might explore DeFi or cross-border trading—but always track your taxes. The rules keep shifting, but the demand won’t fade. Below, you’ll find real reviews of Indian exchanges, breakdowns of legal risks, and stories from people who’ve made it work despite the hurdles. No hype. Just what’s actually happening on the ground in 2025.