Top Crypto Trading Platforms in the Philippines

Filipino investors can choose from various reputable cryptocurrency exchanges regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and compliant with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements. Below, we've compiled key information on the top platforms, highlighting PHP deposit methods, trading fees, security practices, available cryptocurrencies, and features.

1. Bybit

Bybit is becoming the preferred cryptocurrency exchange for traders in the Philippines, offering advanced trading options and a wide variety of digital assets. Established in 2018, the platform has over 74 million users across 160 countries and manages an impressive daily trading volume of over $38 billion.

The exchange stands apart with its diverse trading options, including spot markets, perpetual futures, and leveraged trades with up to 200x leverage. Unique features such as AI-powered TradeGPT deliver valuable market insights, while trading bots and copy trading allow users to follow successful traders.

Bybit regularly updates its proof-of-reserves, which shows all user funds are backed 1:1. Due to its global accessibility, the platform provides a multilingual interface and 24/7 customer support available in Tagalog and English. The ecosystem also includes multiple staking programs under the "Bybit Earn" program. 

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Competitive spot trading fees starting at 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: Over 2,000 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Authorised globally and holds multiple regulatory licenses.
• PHP Deposit Methods: Direct bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay. GCash, PayMaya.

2. Binance

Binance is the top cryptocurrency exchange for traders in the Philippines, recognized globally for its extensive range of crypto assets and competitive trading conditions. Since its launch in 2017, Binance has attracted over 280 million registered users worldwide, spanning more than 180 countries.

The platform offers sophisticated financial instruments including margin trading, perpetual futures, and crypto options contracts. Binance further supports user engagement through its Binance Earn suite, offering flexible staking options, savings products, and high-yield investment opportunities. 

Additionally, Binance provides advanced tools such as automated trading bots, allowing traders to replicate successful strategies effortlessly. With comprehensive security measures, Proof of Reserves transparency, and 24/7 Tagalog-speaking customer support, Binance continues to set industry standards.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Low trading fees starting at 0.1%, with additional discounts available for BNB holders.
• Supported Assets: Over 500 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Globally licensed in 30 regions.
• PHP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards.

3. Coins.ph

Coins.ph is based in Pasig City and is the Philippines' premier digital currency platform, making cryptocurrency transactions fast, simple, and secure for over 16 million local users. Fully regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Coins.ph ensures compliance, security, and reliability.

The platform provides easy-to-use services like Coins Pro, a professional-grade cryptocurrency exchange designed specifically for Filipino traders. With Coins Pro, users can access advanced trading tools powered by TradingView’s state-of-the-art charts, execute unlimited trades, and low transaction fees. 

Coins TradeDesk further serves high-net-worth individuals and businesses, offering deep liquidity, zero slippage, and efficient over-the-counter (OTC) trading for large transactions. In addition to trading, Coins.ph enables users to pay bills, buy mobile load, and convert crypto to PHP instantly. 

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Trading fees start at 0.25% and can get as low as 0.05% on Coins Pro.
• Supported Assets: Over 140 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Fully licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
• PHP Deposit Methods: GCash, PayMaya, 7-Eleven, bank transfers, cash deposits.

4. Gate

Gate has become a popular option among Filipino traders, celebrated for offering one of the industry's broadest selections of digital assets with over 3,600 cryptocurrencies available for trading. Founded in 2013, Gate has earned the trust of more than 33 million traders worldwide.

The platform delivers an extensive range of services, including spot trading, futures contracts, margin trading, and crypto financial tools like structured products and savings plans with attractive yields. Gate also offers the Gate Card, supported by cashback rewards paid directly in multiple coins.

Its commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its implementation of a robust Proof-of-Reserves (PoR) system. Utilizing advanced Merkle Tree technology and zk-SNARK cryptographic proofs, Gate guarantees users that their assets are backed by reserves exceeding 100%.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading fees from as low as 0.2%, reduced further for GT Token holders.
• Supported Assets: Over 3,600 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Complies with global industry standards; currently no specific license from BSP.
• PHP Deposit Methods: Apple Pay, credit cards, debit cards.

5. KuCoin

KuCoin has grown into one of the top cryptocurrency platforms for Filipino investors seeking high staking returns and diverse trading opportunities. Founded in 2017, it is trusted by over 40 million crypto traders across more than 200 countries, generating daily transaction volumes surpassing $7 billion. 

Filipino investors can easily diversify their portfolios with access to over 900 cryptocurrencies for spot and futures trading. The exchange is particularly well-known among Filipinos for its rewarding staking programs, offering potential annual yields as high as 400% APY on over 500 cryptocurrencies. 

The platform maintains rigorous security protocols, secure asset storage, and an independently audited Proof-of-Reserves (PoR) system that confirms all user assets are fully backed 1:1. KuCoin’s intuitive mobile app and responsive 24/7 customer support further reinforce its reputation.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading fees start from just 0.1% per transaction.
• Supported Assets: Over 900 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Globally compliant platform, no direct BSP license yet.
• PHP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, Gcash, digital wallets, debit cards, credit cards.

6. OKX

OKX is favored by traders who prioritize professional-level trading tools and deep market liquidity. Operating globally since 2017, it serves millions of users across more than 180 regions, offering seamless integration with TradingView, a popular charting platform among Filipino traders. 

Filipino investors benefit from OKX’s extensive suite of products, including instant spot trading with zero fees, leveraged perpetual futures, and options trading. The exchange also delivers innovative earning programs, enabling investors to grow their crypto holdings beyond traditional trading.

The exchange maintains a robust platform infrastructure, comprehensive API access, and institutional-grade liquidity suitable for both retail and professional Filipino investors. OKX offers a responsive interface, mobile compatibility, and dedicated 24/7 customer support in Tagalog.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading fees start from 0.08%.
• Supported Assets: Over 350 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensed by BSP.
• PHP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards.

Is Crypto Regulated in the Philippines?

The Philippines maintains one of Southeast Asia’s most evolved cryptocurrency regulatory regimes. It began in 2017 when the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued Circular 944, officially recognizing virtual currencies and requiring exchanges to comply with anti‑money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) rules.

In 2021, BSP updated its Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) framework through Circular 1108, imposing capital thresholds (around ₱50 million), mandatory KYC/AML systems, cybersecurity protocols, and local operational requirements. In May 2022, the BSP paused new VASP applications to reassess market readiness, with the moratorium scheduled to end in mid-2025.

In 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rolled out new CASP Rules and guidelines, establishing the crypto-asset service provider (CASP) framework that mandates dual licensing by the SEC and BSP. Any token sale must be registered with the SEC, publish detailed disclosure documents 30 days before marketing, and ensure legal segregation of customer funds.

How is Crypto Taxed in the Philippines?

Cryptocurrency transactions in the Philippines are taxed under existing tax legislation, as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has not issued separate regulations specifically for digital assets. Crypto-related activities fall under various tax categories depending on the nature and frequency of transactions. Key taxes include:

• Personal Income Tax – Profits from frequent crypto trading, staking rewards, play-to-earn gaming earnings, NFT sales, or receiving crypto as compensation are treated as ordinary income, taxed progressively at rates up to 35%.
• Corporate Income Tax – Companies engaging in cryptocurrency trading or related business activities are subject to the standard corporate tax rate of 25% on net profits.
• Value-Added Tax (VAT) – Crypto transactions exceeding ₱3 million annually, especially those classified as business activities or trading inventory, incur a 12% VAT charge.
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – While the Philippines does not have a specific crypto CGT, gains from long-term holdings (assets held longer than 12 months) are partially taxable for individuals, only half the net gain is taxable at individual income tax rates, resulting in an effective lower rate.

The BIR expects accurate record‑keeping of each transaction: date, type, proceeds, and holding period are critical. Filers must include crypto‑related income in annual forms (e.g. BIR Form 1700, 1701, or 1702) by April 15, with applicable tax remitted through authorized payment channels.

Cryptocurrency Adoption in the Philippines

Cryptocurrency adoption in the Philippines is rapidly gaining traction, driven by increased investor interest, broader institutional participation, and a thriving fintech ecosystem. 

An estimated 10.49% of the population is currently investing in cryptocurrencies in 2025 and that figure is expected to reach nearly 10.86% the following year, totaling around 12.79 million active crypto users. Despite navigating regulatory complexities, local enthusiasm remains strong, with many businesses integrating digital currencies into their payment systems. 

How to Buy Bitcoin in the Philippines

Users looking to buy Bitcoin should choose secure crypto exchanges regulated by the BSP and fully compliant with SEC rules. Follow these clear steps to safely purchase BTC in the Philippines:

1. Choose a Crypto Exchange: Pick an exchange officially registered with the BSP or a reliable international platform authorized to operate locally, such as Coins.ph, or reputable global exchanges like Binance or Kraken.
2. Verify Your Account: Create your account on the selected exchange and complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. You'll typically need valid government-issued identification, such as your passport, Philippine national ID, or driver's license.
3. Deposit Philippine Pesos (PHP): Add funds to your exchange account using popular payment methods available locally, including bank transfers via InstaPay or PESONet, e-wallets like GCash and PayMaya, or debit and credit cards.
4. Purchase Bitcoin (BTC): After funding your account, locate the Bitcoin trading section, enter the amount in PHP you wish to invest or specify how much BTC you would like to purchase, and confirm your transaction.

Once your Bitcoin purchase is complete, promptly transfer your coins to a secure personal wallet. For maximum protection, use a reputable hardware wallet or a trusted software wallet, ensuring full control and security of your cryptocurrency assets.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange in the Philippines comes down to clearly understanding your trading goals, preferred investment methods, and security expectations.

Whether prioritizing advanced trading features like those offered by Bybit and Binance, seeking local integration through Coins.ph, or exploring vast asset variety on Gate, KuCoin, and OKX, it's crucial to select an exchange that aligns closely with your investment strategy.