Step-by-step: Buy Bitcoin in India
1. Choose a registered exchange
Use only FIU-India registered platforms. Top options: WazirX (largest by volume), CoinDCX (best for beginners), Zebpay (one of the oldest, security-focused), Bitbns.
2. Complete KYC verification
Submit your PAN card, Aadhaar, and a selfie. KYC is mandatory under PMLA — exchanges process verification in 5 minutes to 1 hour typically.
3. Deposit INR
Use UPI for instant free deposits (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm). IMPS works too. Some banks restrict crypto-related transfers — UPI is most reliable.
4. Buy Bitcoin
Place a market order (buys at current price) or limit order (buys at your specified price). Fractional purchases start from ₹100 — you don't need to buy a whole Bitcoin.
5. Secure your Bitcoin
For amounts above ₹50,000, withdraw BTC to a hardware wallet (Trezor Safe 3 or Ledger Nano S Plus). "Not your keys, not your coins" — exchange hacks happen.
Top Bitcoin exchanges in India 2026
| Exchange | Best for | Fees (spot) | UPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| WazirX | High volume traders | ~0.2% | ✅ |
| CoinDCX | Beginners, mobile app | ~0.1% | ✅ |
| Zebpay | Long-term holders | ~0.15% | ✅ |
| Bitbns | Indian altcoins | ~0.25% | ✅ |
| Binance (via P2P) | Advanced users | ~0.1% | P2P only |
Bitcoin tax in India 2026
Indian crypto taxation follows Section 115BBH of Income Tax Act:
- 30% flat tax on all crypto gains (no slabs, no deductions)
- 1% TDS deducted automatically on each sale/swap above ₹10,000 (₹50,000 for specified persons)
- No loss offset — crypto losses cannot reduce other income tax
- Report under Schedule VDA of ITR (Income Tax Return)
Consult a chartered accountant for compliance — this is general info, not tax advice.
What to read next
Three steps that make sense in this order.
- Academy — the basics, from zero
- Calculator — see what your money buys
- Glossary — for any term you have not met before
- All pages — the full index