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Buy crypto in the Philippines: Leading Cryptocurrency Exchanges & Trading Platforms for The Philippines Traders

Author
|Updated July 13, 2022 10:15
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In 2017, the Central Bank of Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), created a regulatory framework requiring crypto exchanges to register as remittance and transfer companies. It has approved over 16 exchanges. As a result, crypto adoption has grown significantly. However, some people are still not well conversant with crypto investment. 

If you are in the Philippines and want to know where and how to buy cryptocurrency, this guide has everything you need. It provides the process of buying crypto in the Philippines and reviews the top Crypto exchanges in the country. Specifically, this article highlights 10+ leading crypto exchanges and trading platforms.


Getting Started

The steps of buying cryptocurrency on each platforms is quite similar. The following is a general guide for investing in cryptocurrency in the Philippines.


Step1. Compare the crypto exchanges: There are many types of cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms. Choose one with appealing features. 


Step2. Create an account: Verify your email, ID information, and financial status. 


Step3. Make a deposit: Fund your account using the payment method that best suits you best.


Step4. Purchase/Trade: buy or sell Bitcoin, or choose your trading method.


Step5. Withdrawal:  You can close the trading position when you attain profit targets. Withdraw Bitcoin to your wallet or use your bank card to withdraw money (It depends on your investment method).


If you are interested to trade bitcoin ( BTCUSD) online, view this article: How to Trade Cryptocurrency Online for Profit?


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Top 10 Crypto Exchanges and Trading Platform in the Philippines 2022

There are many ways to buy cryptos and Bitcoin, such as cryptocurrency exchange, ATMs, and peer-to-peer (P2P) markets. Derivatives crypto trading platforms also provide Bitcoin CFDs, crypto futures, and leveraged tokens.


Below are the leading trusted crypto exchanges and trading platforms in the Philippines from our analysis, based on the critical aspects of regulation, ease of use, and fees.


Top Crypto Exchanges 


Cryptocurrency exchanges are similar to stock exchanges. They allow you to buy or sell cryptocurrencies at the current market prices.


Binance

The world's largest crypto exchange by volume and offers bitcoin and 300+ altcoins.

Houbi

Highly secure crypto storage and exchange platform with an estimated 5 million users. 

Gate.io

Supports a massive variety of cryptocurrencies and has very minimal trading restrictions.

Pancakeswap 

Decentralized Exchange With the Largest Trading Volume

CoinBase

Operates with relatively high liquidity

CoinSpot

One of the most secure crypto exchanges in the Philippines

Swyftx

Feature-rich advanced trading platform  

CoinJar:

Simple crypto exchange for beginners

Bittrex

A highly secure platform offering a wide range of crypto coins


Cryptocurrency Derivatives Trading Platform


Besides cryptocurrency exchanges, you can also buy crypto through trading platforms. They provide derivatives, CFDs, options, futures, volatility products, and leveraged tokens. These platforms allow you to trade crypto with margin and leverage.


Mitrade 

Simple trading platform with low spreads for crytpo CFDs.

IG

Top trading platform for crytpo CFDs.

eToro

Social trading platform for crytpo CFDs.


 Read more 

>>Top Forex Brokers/Trading Platforms for the Philippines

>>How to Day Trade Crypto Like a Pro


Leading Cryptocurrency Exchanges Review

The exchanges mentioned above give you a clear picture of companies to keep on the lookout. Now let’s delve into the comprehensive Philippines crypto exchanges review to help you choose a suitable platform.

#1.  Crypto exchange:  Binance


Leverage: 1:125

Deposits: Banks, credit/debit cards, Simplex

Supports Fiat: Yes

Pros and Cons

  • massive user base

  • rich cryptocurrencies

  • Low trading fee

  • Not beginner-friendly

Best for: Short-term trading, low trading fees, volume trading

Binance has a wide coverage (it's arguably the largest crypto exchange globally) and accepts the Philippine traders, making it appealing to local crypto investors. The platform supports day trading and offers margin facilities for traders with a relatively higher risk appetite.


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Fees

Binance has only two types of fees; the blockchain fee and the trading charge. The former keeps changing depending on the amount of BTC you wish to trade, while the latter is capped at 0.1% of the trading amount.


Safety

While Binance is not licensed or regulated by any ASIC, AUSTRAC, or any other known body, it is regarded as a safe platform by crypto traders. In particular, it credits 10% of all trading fees into Safety Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), which covers users from losses occurring from unforeseen events.


#2.  Crypto exchange:  Houbi


Leverage: 1:5

Deposits: Visa/Mastercard, Simplex

Supports Fiat: No 

Pros and cons

  • a Large number of users

  • Does not support fiat

Best for: margin trading, swaps, spot trading, crypto

Originally based in China, Huobi is one of the most popular Bitcoin exchanges in the Asia-Pacific region. It is currently headquartered in Singapore. Huobi is known for Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, but they host 300+ other digital assets.



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Fees

Initially, Huobi supported Fiat-for-crypto transactions but stopped after a crypto crackdown by the Chinese government. Currently, you can only deposit and withdraw your money in cryptocurrency, which attracts a 0.2% trading fee on top of the blockchain fee.


Safety

Despite leaving China, Huobi holds a license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and its international subsidiaries in countries like Japan and Gibraltar. This means it is legit and duly licensed to operate in these jurisdictions. Additionally, you have open channels to seek legal remedies if you have any concerns or run into problems


#3.  Crypto exchange:  Gate.io.


Regulation: No

Leverage: 1:3

Deposits: Banks, credit/debit cards

Supports Fiat: No

Pros and Cons

  • Large number of cryptos

  • Very few trading restrictions

  • Not regulated

Best for: Spot trading, margin trading


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The Virginia-based Gate.io holds the coveted position of the crypto exchange with the highest number of assets (over 360). The site has relaxed KYC procedures, making it popular among traders who want to open an account, fund it and start trading within the same day.


Fees

Gate.io platform charges 0.2%, which is about the market average. Notably, this does not apply to margin trading, whose charges depend on your trading history.


Safety

While the lack of regulatory approval can be problematic, Gate.io is endowed with top-notch security features to safeguard your digital assets. For one, the site uses 2-Factor Authentication, Login verifications, Blind IP logins, and Anti-phishing code. Of course, none of these methods is infallible, but they certainly provide excellent protection for user holdings.


#4.  Crypto exchange: Pancakeswap

Regulation: No

Leverage: No 

Deposits: MetaMask, WalletConnect, Trust Wallet

Supports Fiat: Yes

Pros and Cons

  • No KYC requirements

  • Low trading fees

  • Too advanced for beginners

  • Does not support fiat purchases

Best for: Passive income, low blockchain fees, fast transactions

Yeah, I know you're here to learn how to buy Bitcoin in the Philippines but hear me out; Pancakeswap is the future of crypto trading. The site, primarily based on the Ethereum blockchain, is technically a Decentralized Exchange (DEX).   But unlike other exchanges, it does more than just connect buyers and sellers.


In essence, investors (can either be owners of fiat or crypto) loan out their assets to the decentralized Pancakeswap liquidity pool in exchange for tokens, which can subsequently be staked to earn more yields. This means you don't need to sell your crypto to earn profits.

Fees

As mentioned earlier, Pancakeswap is an automated matchmaker (AMM) that runs on the BSC blockchain as opposed to the mainstream chains. Consequently, the fees incurred when trading on the platform are way lower than you would get in many crypto exchanges (averaging $0.04-$0.2).


Safety

As a DEX, Pancakeswap is not licensed by any regulatory authority. Nonetheless, the site holds a seal of approval from CertiK- one of the most credible cyber-security firms in the world.



#5.  Crypto exchange:   Coinbase

Regulation: FCA

Leverage: No

Deposits: Debit Card

Supports Fiat: Yes

Pros and Cons

  • Funds are insured

  • Low minimum funding requirements

  • Supports a good range of cryptocurrencies

  • Relatively higher fees

Best for: low minimum trade, asset security

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Widely regarded as the largest crypto exchange in the US, Coinbase offers over 35 crypto and altcoins and allows fiat deposits (albeit in USD). Therefore, it offers plenty of trading options for both sellers and buyers. The exchange has cultivated trust and is used by more than 6 million people.


Fees

All trades completed through Coinbase attract a fee categorized into two: spread and trading fee. The spread is charged to sellers at a flat rate of 0.5. On the other hand, the trading fee charged to buyers varies between $0.99 and $2.99.


Safety

The crypto exchange assures users that all the assets stored in the platform are insured, and users will receive compensation for losses incurred from any security breaches. Further, Coinbase stores only 2% of all user funds in its online servers, with the rest hidden in offline wallets - out of the reach of malicious hackers.


#6.  Crypto exchange:  CoinSpot


Leverage: No

Deposits: Cash, bank transfer, BPAY, and crypto 

Supports Fiat Currency: Yes

Pros and cons


  • Wide range of cryptocurrencies

  • Allows direct Fiat-to-crypto buys

  • Much more expensive

  • Outsourced customer support system

Best for: Convenient deposits and withdrawals, asset security, a large number of cryptocurrencies


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CoinSpot was one of the first Bitcoin exchanges to set up shop and is regarded by many as the best crypto exchange. Its attractive features include supporting multiple payment methods, a large selection of cryptocurrencies, and an AUSTRAC license.

Fees

Trading charges on CoinSpot depend on the type of transaction you wish to undertake. Instant sell and buy, whether fiat-to-crypto or crypto-to-crypto, incur a 1% charge. On the other hand, buying the coins listed in the Market section attracts a 0.1% transaction fee. 

#7.  Crypto exchange:  Swyftx


Regulation: AUSTRAC 

Leverage: No

Deposits: PayID, POLi, OSKO

Support Fiat: Yes

Pros and Cons

  • Very fast verification

  • High number of assets

  • Low trading fees

  • Relatively higher fees

Best for: low spreads, quick verification, asset variety, great user interface

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Swyftx is a cryptocurrency exchange with a focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum. It prides itself in offering low spreads. And although it is not a mainstream exchange yet (it has only 30,000 users), it has gained lots of traction in the recent past due to the easy and convenient trading experience.


Fees

Swyftx charges spread and trading fees. The trading fees can go up to 0.6%, although large transactions attract some discounts. The spreads range between 0.45% (for Bitcoin) and 1.7% lower than the market average.


Safety

As a new entrant to the market, Swyftx has implemented a bunch of security features to assure customers that their funds are safe. These include a security partnership with Chainalysis (the largest blockchain analysis firm in the world), a 2FA feature, and compliance with the stringent AUSTRAC requirements.


#8.  Crypto exchange:  CoinJar


Leverage: No

Deposits:  PayID, BPAY, Blueshift

Support Fiat: Yes

Pros and Cons

  • Very low transaction fees

  • Wide range of crypto assets

  • Not beginner-friendly

Best for: feature-rich user interface, AUD transactions, quick verification

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CoinJar is one of the earliest crypto exchanges. The feature-rich advanced trading platform is quite popular among more experienced traders. The site offers a wallet service, extensible API access, and charges Zero maker fees. Like many of the platforms listed above, CoinJar's primary crypto assets are Bitcoin and Ether.


Fees

There are no charges levied on maker or auction trades at CoinJar. On the other hand, Taker traders are charged 0.1%-0.5% per transaction. Withdrawals and deposits are also free.


Safety

Apart from their compliance and due accreditation by AUSTRAC, CoinJar also implements multiple protocols to ensure the safety of customer funds. These include data encryption, regular security audits, and the integration of Transport Layer Security into the network.


#9.  Crypto exchange:  Bittrex


Leverage: No

Deposits: Digital wallet

Support Fiat: No

Pros and Cons

  • Very good security

  • Allows automated trades

  • Does not provide deposits of Fiat 

  • No leveraged margin trading

Best for: Secure transactions, trading without verification, asset variety

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Although it's based in the United States, Bittrex is an exchange worth consideration by Philippines traders. First, it is a highly secure platform offering a commendable range of crypto coins, including BTC, Ether, and Litecoin.


Fees

There's only one fee associated with Bittrex Exchange - the flat 0.25% trading fee on every transaction. Deposits and withdrawals are free of charge.


Safety

Although it's not regulated in the US, Bittrex is a highly secure and trustworthy site. Its safety features include a multistage wallet that stores 80%-90% of all user funds offline and a mandatory two-factor authentication system covering all withdrawals. Unsurprisingly, the site has never suffered any security breaches in its 7 years of existence.


Cryptocurrency Derivatives Trading Platform Review

Regulation:  (ASIC, CIMA)

Leverage: 1:2

Deposits: Visa/Mastercard, bank transfer, eWallet (Skrill) 

Support Fiat: Yes

Pros and Cons

  • Simple and friendly user interface

  • Low fees

  • Regulated by ASIC and CIMA

  • Offers very few cryptocurrencies

Best For:  Leverage/margin trading, swing, and short-term trading, hedging.

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Mitrade is an award-winning broker focused on online forex and CFD trading. It offers a good choice of trading instruments across different assets, such as forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. 

The brokerage firm has simple & intuitive web and mobile trading platforms, offering fast and reliable executions. Users enjoy competitive spreads, zero commissions, and up to 30X leverage,  suitable for swing and short-term traders. You can buy long or short and make profits regardless of the price direction. 

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Fees:

Mitrade charges 0 commissions on trades and offers free deposits and withdrawals. The only active charges are the buy-sell spread and overnight funding fee, which depend on your trade amounts.


Safety

Mitrade has held an ASIC license since 2011, which is renewed regularly.  It is also regulated by CIMA and FSC.


    Open Account 


How to Choose Your Best Crypto Exchange?

There are different types of crypto exchanges, some listed above. When choosing a suitable platform, the first step is to understand the type of exchange you need. With this information in mind, you can proceed to consider individual platforms. So, here are 4 of the most common categories of crypto exchanges in the market:


Decentralized   Exchange

Centralized   Exchange

Users retain full control over their accounts

The company owning the exchange retains a level of control over user accounts

Stored funds are much safer from hackers as each user stores their funds in their   own wallet

User funds are usually stored centrally, which significantly increases the risk of   hackers getting access to them

Are more of a niche and thereby don't have much liquidity

Entered the market first and thereby are more popular across the board and have more   liquidity

Most decentralized exchanges charge zero fees

Most centralized exchanges charge service or trading fees


Cryptocurrency   Spot

Cryptocurrency   Derivatives

Currencies are directly and immediately exchanged after-sale

Only involve speculating on the underlying asset's price without owning it

Require larger investment even when trading with margins

Minimum trading amounts are usually very low

One can only make money when the price goes up

One can make money even when the asset price goes down

Ensure you choose the best exchange that suits your trading strategy. Find a reputable spot exchange if you plan to long-term investment, such as HODL for 5 years. For example, Binance is a good option. If you want to day trade crypto or only trade for a few days, you'd better choose a derivative trading platform, such as Mitrade, allowing you to enter into crypto markets quickly and without complication.

In addition, you should consider these factors:

  • Established time of the exchange

  • Currency trading volume on exchanges

  • The transactions fees 

  • Number of supported Cryptocurrencies 

FAQ


Q: What are the best Bitcoin Wallets for Phillippines?

Ledger Nano X: Secure wallets for any cryptocurrencies

Zengo: an easy-to-mobile Bitcoin & crypto wallet.

Electrum:  powerful desktop wallet


Q: How do beginners invest in Bitcoins?

As a beginner, you need to have an account with the Bitcoin trading platform. Ensure the crypto exchange is well regulated and lists Bitcoin as one of the trading instruments. One of the platforms that offer Bitcoin trading in the Philippines is Mitrade.


Q: Is bitcoin taxable in the Philippines?

Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoins are taxable in the Philippines. Therefore, if you receive the crypto without incurring any cost, the cryptocurrency is taxable. The digital asset attracts VAT tax if the amount exceeds three million pesos. Less transactions are charged a percentage tax. 


Conclusion

The information above puts you in a better position to choose a suitable Philippines crypto exchange.  If you want to buy Bitcoin or hold Bitcoin for long-term investment, Binance is the best platform. If you like short-term trading Bitcoin or leverage trading, Mitrade is a good option. Open an account and start making profits. 


What Does Mitrade Platform Include?

  • 300+ global markets trading

  • Daily Forex Signals with analysis

  • 0 commission, low spreads

  • 24/7 Customer Support

  • Take Profit, Stop Loss for every Trade

  • Flexible leverage

* The content presented above, whether from a third party or not, is considered as general advice only.  This article should not be construed as containing investment advice, investment recommendations, an offer of or solicitation for any transactions in financial instruments.

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Risk Warning: Trading may result in the loss of your entire capital. Trading OTC derivatives may not be suitable for everyone. Please consider our legal disclosure documents before using our services and ensure that you understand the risks involved. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying assets.

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