Best Crypto Exchanges in Colombia

Best Cryptocurrency Exchange Colombia

We thoroughly examined over 20 exchanges to identify the top five options for Colombian investors. Our review focused on regulatory compliance with the Financial Superintendence of Colombia, cryptocurrency trading options, user interface, COP deposit methods, and fee structures. This comparison table helps Colombian investors decide on which exchange is suitable for their crypto investments:

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1. Bybit 

Bybit is the best cryptocurrency trading platform in Colombia, serving over 28 million registered users and providing a multilingual interface available in English and Spanish. This platform offers an extensive portfolio of over 1,100 cryptocurrencies to trade with multiple order types. It integrates localised payment solutions such as bank transfers, credit cards, digital wallets, Uala, and Movii, streamlining the deposit process for Colombians.

The exchange provides diverse trading options, with spot, options and derivatives markets supported, plus futures trading with up to 100x leverage. This versatility caters to a wide range of investment strategies, attracting a diverse user base. It also features an NFT marketplace, lending and borrowing services, a crypto Visa card, copy trading, a demo account, a Launchpad and more.

• Fees: Maker fee is 0.02%, taker fee is 0.055% for futures trading and the spot fee is 0.1%.
• Supported Cryptocurrencies: More than 1,100 digital currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Adheres to global regulatory standards and is accessible from Colombia.‍
• COP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, Uala, Movii, Google Pay and Apple Pay.

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2. MEXC

MEXC is an exchange that appeals to those looking for high-leverage futures trading, with leverage options up to 200x available on over 800 cryptocurrencies. It operates under a robust regulatory umbrella thanks to its Estonian license and Seychelles headquarters, ensuring a secure trading environment for its global user base spanning 10 million.

It meets the diverse needs of Colombian traders with services including spot and margin trading, staking, and a copy trading feature that allows users to mimic the trades of successful investors. The platform's capability to handle over $2 billion in daily trading volume across both order books speaks to its commitment to market flexibility and trustworthiness. As a global exchanges, it can be used in both English and Spanish.

• Fees: Maker fees from 0.02% to 0.06% and taker fees between 0.060% and 0.080%.
• Supported Assets: Over 800 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Operates with an Estonian license and is available in Colombia.‍
• COP Deposit Methods: Credit and debit cards.

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3. Uphold

Uphold is a cryptocurrency exchange that supports several traditional assets, including fiat currencies and precious metals like Gold, Silver and Platinum. This diversity of financial instruments makes it easy for investors to hold and manage all their assets on one platform. There are over 260 digital currencies, including stablecoins and altcoins, plus four precious metals and 27 traditional currencies like the US Dollar and the British Pound. 

The platform operates under strict regulations, ensuring a safe trading environment for users. Known for its commitment to transparency and security, it's one of the few exchanges providing an audited proof-of-reserves, which offers real-time insights into the protection of customer funds, guaranteeing that assets are consistently fully backed on a 1:1 basis. This focus on clarity and accountability positions Uphold as a highly secure and trusted option.

• Fees: 1% trading fee and 1% spread fee.
• Supported Assets: Offers over 260 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies and 4 precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and operational in Colombia.‍
• COP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, online banking, credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

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4. Gate.io

Gate.io is a cryptocurrency trading platform that provides Colombian investors with a wide range of tokens to buy, sell and trade. Its collection of over 1,700 cryptocurrencies consists of popular stablecoins, memecoins, altcoins, Metaverse coins, GameFi coins and Web3 tokens, making it an ideal choice for those keen on trading a diverse range of digital assets. 

It has a substantial 24-hour trading volume of over $11 billion and a user community exceeding 14 million, Gate.io demonstrates its strength and popularity in the global crypto scene. The platform also features distinctive offerings like trading bots, an NFT marketplace, crypto loans, simple earn, copy trading, startup and Gate card, a crypto debit card that allows you to spend any of the supported tokens on real life purchases.

• Fees: 0.1% for maker orders and 0.2% for taker orders.
• Supported Cryptocurrencies: 1,700 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Operates offshore in the Seychelles, not directly licensed in Colombia, but accessible to users.‍
• COP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers and credit cards.

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5. KuCoin

KuCoin is one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges globally, with over 30 million registered users across Colombia and 200 other countries. Boasting a daily trading volume that often exceeds $5 billion across both order books, it has captured a large portion of the global crypto market. It offers a staggering selection of over 700 cryptocurrencies, making it a great option for those interested in emerging digital assets like altcoins.

Security and transparency is important for KuCoin, which is evident by its regular updating of proof-of-reserves, highlighting all assets are backed on a 1:1 basis. Beyond safeguarding funds, it provides diverse trading and investment features, such as copy trading, lending and borrowing, staking, an NFT marketplace called Wonderland, and access to Web3 through its native Halo Wallet and KCC Chain.

• Fees: 0.1% fee for spot trades and maker/taker fees of 0.02%/0.06% for derivatives.
• Supported Cryptocurrencies: Over 700 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Available in Colombia but not regulated in the country.‍
• COP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, digital wallets, and card payments.

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Is Crypto Legal in Colombia?

The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in Colombia is fraught with constraints and unclear legal definitions. The Financial Superintendence of Colombia (SFC) prohibits banks from offering services to cryptocurrency firms, severely restricting their operations. Digital currencies are also not recognized as legal tender, money, currency, or securities under Colombian law.

This legal ambiguity poses significant challenges for crypto businesses. Several companies, including popular exchanges like Colbitex and Buda.com, have been forced to shut down due to these regulatory issues. The SFC's stringent stance and the unclear legal status of digital currencies create a tough environment for the growth and stability of crypto ventures.

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How is Crypto Taxed in Colombia?

Cryptocurrency taxation in Colombia is complex, given the absence of specific laws. Generally, digital currencies are treated as assets for tax purposes. The national tax authority, DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales), views Bitcoin and other digital currencies as material goods.

Profits from selling or exchanging cryptocurrencies incur capital gains tax. This parallels the taxation of profits from other personal assets. The capital gains tax rate in Colombia is typically 10%. This tax approach relies on current interpretations of existing laws, as specific cryptocurrency tax guidelines still need to be developed. 

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Bottom Line

Understanding the cryptocurrency scene in Colombia requires a keen awareness of regulatory compliance and an understanding of local financial protocols. By using top exchanges like Bybit, MEXC, Uphold, Gate.io, and KuCoin, Colombian investors can find reliable, secure, and regulated platforms to start their crypto investment journeys. These exchanges offer a range of features and compliance with local regulations.