Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Colombia

Colombia’s cryptocurrency market expands as digital assets gain wider acceptance among investors and businesses. While the country awaits definitive crypto legislation, platforms serving Colombian traders adhere to Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia (SFC) guidelines. The following comparison highlights the five most trusted crypto exchanges available in Colombia today.

1. Bybit

Bybit is the best crypto exchange in Colombia, featuring a user-friendly Spanish interface and various COP deposit methods. Launched in 2018, it quickly became a major player globally, now supporting over 66 million users across 160 countries and boasting a daily trading volume of over $30 million across both order books.

The platform specializes in futures and derivatives, offering perpetual contracts, options, and leveraged trading with highly competitive fees and excellent liquidity. Traders can use advanced features such as copy trading, TradeGPT, demo trading, and trading bots, which automate trading through grid and DCA bots. 

Additionally, Bybit Earn offers reliable asset-management tools like staking, liquidity mining, lending and borrowing, and flexible yield-generation products. Security is prioritized with robust account protection, including multi-signature cold wallets, two-factor authentication, and continuous security audits of its reserve holdings.

• Fees: Spot trading fees are 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: Over 1,700 digital currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensed in multiple jurisdictions and is available in Colombia.
• ‍COP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, Movii, Uala, PSE, Samsung Pay, Google Pay and Apple Pay.

2. Uphold

Uphold is a multi-asset investment platform highly valued by Colombian investors due to its ability to trade seamlessly across diverse asset classes. Since launching in 2014, it has grown into a trusted financial hub, currently serving 10 million users globally, including a significant presence in Colombia. 

Thanks to its global accessibility, the interface is available in English and Spanish. Unlike traditional exchanges, Uphold allows users to trade directly between cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and currencies. A standout benefit for Colombian investors is Uphold’s robust staking program, offering yields as high as 17.6%. 

Uphold prioritizes transparency and trust, publishing real-time data of all assets and liabilities publicly every 30 seconds. The platform never loans out client funds, reinforcing security and building user confidence. Users also appreciate the detailed market updates, educational content, and secure asset management tools. 

• Fees: 0% trading fees, but spreads vary from 0.2% - 1.9%.
• Supported Assets: Over 300 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies and 4 precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and available in Colombia.‍
• COP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

3. Gate.io

Gate.io stands out among exchanges available to Colombian investors due to its extensive range of digital assets, offering trading for over 3,700 cryptocurrencies for spot trading and 500+ derivatives contracts. Established in 2013, it has attracted 21 million users globally who value its diverse product offerings. 

Traders appreciate Gate.io’s flexibility, which includes spot and margin trading, perpetual contracts, leveraged ETFs, and copy trading features. With daily transaction volumes consistently in the billions, Gate.io provides Colombian traders deep liquidity, ensuring smooth trades even during market volatility. 

The exchange features advanced multi-signature cold wallets, real-time Proof-of-Reserves audits, and robust data encryption practices. Gate.io also offers a comprehensive crypto ecosystem, including its "Startup Launchpad" for early project access and the "Pilot" tool for showcasing emerging crypto opportunities.

• Fees: 0.1% for maker orders and 0.2% for taker orders.
• Supported Assets: Over 3,700 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Operates offshore in the Seychelles but is available to Colombian investors.
• COP Deposit Methods: Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit cards and credit cards.

4. KuCoin

KuCoin, founded in 2017, is known for offering extensive crypto staking rewards. It is home to over 39 million users in Colombia and 200 other countries. With an impressive selection of over 900 cryptocurrencies, it enables traders to explore emerging tokens and established digital assets alike.

The platform provides versatile trading services, such as spot and margin trading, leveraged tokens, crypto futures, and automated trading bots. KuCoin Earn further expands earning potential by enabling Colombian investors to gain consistent passive income through staking, lending, and yield-generation products.

KuCoin maintains rigorous security practices, including Proof of Reserves (PoR), multi-layer encryption, and industry-leading asset protection protocols. Colombian users benefit from responsive 24/7 customer support, a comprehensive Spanish-language interface, and educational resources.

• Fees: 0.1% fee for spot trades
• Supported Assets: Over 900 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Available in Colombia but not regulated.‍
• COP Deposit Methods: Card payments.

5. Gemini

Gemini is a widely recognized cryptocurrency exchange trusted by Colombian traders for its rigorous security standards and comprehensive compliance practices. Founded in 2014 by the Winklevoss brothers, it has established a strong reputation by prioritizing asset security, transparency, and user trust.

It offers versatile trading services, including simple spot trading, futures contracts and advanced options through its ActiveTrader® platform. The exchange provides unique features such as the Gemini Credit Card, enabling investors to earn crypto rewards effortlessly through daily spending.

Security remains Gemini’s hallmark, exemplified through certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 audits, and strict compliance with GDPR and PCI DSS standards. Colombian investors benefit from Gemini's unmatched transparency, as the platform publicly updates its proof-of-reserves every 30 seconds.

• Fees: Trading fees start at approximately 0.2%, lower for ActiveTrader users.
• Supported Assets: Over 100 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated in the United States and is accessible from Colombia.
• COP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers and debit/credit cards.

Is Crypto Regulated in Colombia?

Colombia currently lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. The Financial Superintendence of Colombia (SFC) has prohibited banks from offering financial services to crypto companies, effectively limiting these firms' access to traditional banking services. Additionally, the Central Bank of Colombia does not recognize digital currencies as legal tender.

Despite these challenges, Colombia has seen significant cryptocurrency adoption, with over six million users as of 2025. In response to this growing market, lawmakers have introduced a bill aiming to regulate Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). The proposed legislation seeks to establish licensing requirements and align Colombia's crypto market with international standards.

Additionally, Colombia has experimented with central bank digital currency (CBDC) solutions, although these remain in early development stages following an initial collaboration with Ripple.

How is Crypto Taxed in Colombia?

In Colombia, the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) classifies cryptocurrencies as intangible assets, and their taxation depends on the nature of the activities involving them. Here's an overview of how cryptocurrency transactions are taxed:

• Occasional Income Tax: If cryptocurrency transactions are sporadic and not part of regular business activities, the profits are considered occasional income and taxed at a rate of 15%. ​
• Ordinary Income Tax: For individuals or entities engaging in frequent cryptocurrency trading as part of their regular business, the profits are treated as ordinary income. Individuals are taxed at progressive rates ranging from 0% to 39%, depending on their total income.
• Corporate Income Tax: Colombia's corporate income tax rate is 35%, which applies to companies involved in crypto-related activities such as trading, mining, or offering crypto services. ​

Please note that tax regulations are subject to change, and it is essential to consult with a tax professional or the relevant authorities for the most current information.

Cryptocurrency Adoption in Colombia

Colombia’s cryptocurrency market continues to expand as more residents actively participate in trading and investment activities. By 2025, the market is forecasted to generate approximately US$385.9 million in revenue. 

The country's user base is projected to rise steadily, with 6.17 million residents currently engaging in digital assets, which equates to 11.72% of the population. Despite ongoing regulatory developments, Colombia remains an attractive destination for crypto investment within Latin America. 

How to Buy Bitcoin in Colombia

Colombian investors looking to buy Bitcoin can easily do so through local or global crypto exchanges that accept Colombian Peso (COP) deposits. Follow these straightforward steps to purchase BTC in Colombia:

1. Select a Trusted Exchange: Choose a secure and established cryptocurrency exchange that offers COP support. Top platforms available to Colombian users include Binance, Bybit, and Bitso, each providing Spanish-language interfaces.
2. Verify Your Identity: After signing up, complete the required Know Your Customer (KYC) verification by uploading official identification documents and proof of your address.
3. Deposit Colombian Pesos (COP): Add funds to your account using a local bank transfer, debit or credit card, or alternative payment methods supported by the exchange.
4. Buy Bitcoin (BTC): Once funded, find the BTC/COP trading pair, enter the desired amount of Bitcoin to purchase, carefully review the transaction summary, and finalize your transaction.

By using reputable exchanges, Colombians can securely buy and manage their Bitcoin holdings, ensuring alignment with financial best practices.

Final Thoughts

As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates in Colombia, investors need trusted platforms that combine security, compliance, and ease of use. 

While regulatory clarity remains pending, choosing exchanges that proactively follow global standards, such as Bybit, Uphold, Gate.io, KuCoin, and Gemini, can help mitigate risks and protect investments.