Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Philippines - 2024

In the vibrant landscape of cryptocurrency trading, navigating through the myriad of exchanges can be daunting. However, fear not, as we present the definitive guide to the top 5 crypto exchanges in the Philippines for the year 2024. These platforms have been meticulously selected based on their reliability, security, user interface, trading features, and customer support.

Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a newcomer to the crypto world, these exchanges offer a seamless and user-friendly experience, ensuring you can buy, sell, and trade digital assets with confidence.

Cryptocurrency ownership has seen a surge in the Philippines, with many locals showing keen interest in acquiring digital assets. Beyond mainstream choices, Filipinos are also exploring low-cap altcoins, memecoins, and gamefi. Popular tokens like Baby Grok, Innova DeFi, Solidus Ai Tech, BERRY, and Smooth Love Potion (SLP) dominate searches on platforms like CoinGecko, indicating the diverse preferences within the Filipino crypto community.

Despite not being acknowledged as legal tender, cryptocurrency exchange development enjoy legality for trading and possession in the Philippines. The country’s regulations concerning digital assets require financial institutions to enforce robust Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and collaborate with governmental bodies to combat money laundering and investigate crypto-related incidents.

What is Crypto Exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where users can buy, sell, and trade various digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. Similar to traditional stock exchanges, crypto exchanges facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrencies for fiat money (like US dollars or Philippine pesos) or other cryptocurrencies. Users can place orders to buy or sell specific amounts of cryptocurrencies at prevailing market prices or set their own price limits.

These platforms often provide features such as real-time market data, order books, and trading charts to help users make informed decisions. Additionally, they implement security measures to safeguard users’ funds and personal information, including encryption, two-factor authentication, and cold storage solutions.

Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Philippines

Discover the top 5 best crypto exchanges in the Philippines, offering secure and user-friendly platforms for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies. From robust security features to competitive fees and diverse asset selections, these exchanges provide a seamless trading experience for Filipino investors.

Bybit

Bybit, a centralized platform for cryptocurrency trading, provides various services including spot and P2P trading, accessible in more than 100 countries, including the Philippines. Although Bybit does not facilitate trading in Philippine Peso for spot and derivatives trading, it offers Filipino users alternative options like the One-Click Buy feature. This feature enables users to purchase cryptocurrencies using different methods such as bank transfers, credit cards, P2P trading, or third-party applications.

Regarding fiat deposits, Bybit does not directly support the Philippine Peso. Filipino investors are advised to utilize the One-Click Buy feature, third-party applications, or engage in P2P trading for acquiring crypto assets. It’s worth noting that charges for these services vary, with bank transfers typically being the most cost-effective option.

Bybit’s fee structure comprises maker and taker fees for spot trading, along with free P2P trading, distinguishing it from many other platforms. Cryptocurrency deposits are free, while withdrawal fees depend on the specific crypto asset and prevailing network conditions.

Customer support at Bybit is comprehensive, offering various avenues for assistance:

• Social media channels tailored for Filipino users, though caution is advised as some may not be officially managed by Bybit.
• Official support channels, including a platform for raising queries or complaints and a 24/7 automated customer support service.
• Active engagement with users through official Telegram communities and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Regarding safety and security, Bybit provides assurances through:

• Proof of Reserves data, confirming a 1:1 reserve for all user assets.
• Enhanced fund security, with user funds reportedly stored in cold wallets protected by advanced multi-signature security measures.
• KYC compliance, necessitating Filipino users to undergo identity verification and submit personal information. Bybit has defined KYC levels, impacting factors such as withdrawal limits and access to services like the Bybit card (available in limited regions).

Besides trading services, Bybit offers additional features like crypto lending and staking, allowing users to earn extra income by staking or lending their crypto assets. These services enhance the platform’s appeal and usefulness for a diverse range of investors.

Binance

Binance stands as one of the foremost cryptocurrency exchanges globally, boasting a substantial daily trading volume. It holds a significant position in the global crypto landscape, with notable influence in various Asian countries, including the Philippines. Despite its extensive reach, routine spot trading on Binance doesn’t directly support the Philippine Peso (PHP), unlike other major fiat currencies such as the USD, EUR, or NGN. Nevertheless, Filipino investors can leverage a range of services provided by Binance, particularly through its P2P trading platform facilitating transactions involving the Peso.

Filipino users of Binance have multiple options for fiat deposits. They can execute cryptocurrency purchases via direct bank transfers using Binance’s on-ramp services. Additionally, online banking channels and the Transfi wallet serve as alternative methods for fiat deposits.

Binance’s fee structure encompasses various components, including:

• Standard maker and taker fees for spot trading, typically around 0.1%.
• Reduced fees for transactions using Binance’s native token, BNB.
• Introduction of taker fees for P2P trades involving the Philippine Peso.
• Fiat deposit fees in PHP approximately amount to 1.8%, while cryptocurrency deposits remain free.

However, it’s imperative to stay abreast of the regulatory landscape. As of November 29, 2023, Binance encountered regulatory scrutiny in the Philippines for operating without a license, with a potential ban looming three months post-advisory. This underscores the importance for investors to remain informed about Binance’s regulatory standing.

In terms of compliance, Binance mandates KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, necessitating users to submit personal information and documentation for full utilization of its services.

Binance also offers additional features tailored to diverse investor needs, including:

• Passive income opportunities like asset staking and lending.
• Advanced trading options encompassing derivatives such as futures and perpetual contracts.

These features render Binance a versatile platform catering to various investment strategies and levels of investor engagement in the cryptocurrency market.

Coins.ph

Established in 2014, Coins.ph has emerged as a key player in democratizing access to digital assets throughout the Philippines. With a significant user base of over 16 million registered Filipino investors and more than 7 million active users monthly, it has solidified its position in the market. Serving as a primary spot exchange, Coins.ph facilitates trading in a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Small Love Potion (SLP), and stablecoins, all paired with the Philippine Peso (PHP).

The platform offers multiple fiat deposit methods to accommodate diverse user preferences. These options include bank transfers, online banking systems (E-wallets), over-the-counter (OTC) operators, and various remittance centers like Remitly, WorldRemit, and Ria. Coins.ph ensures accessibility of cash-in operations across most banks in the Philippines.

Coins.ph operates on a structured fee model, incorporating:

• Maker and taker fees that fluctuate depending on the transaction value, typically ranging from 0.3% to 0.05%.
• Fiat deposit fees varying by channel, with some reaching up to 2% of the deposited amount. However, certain channels like InstaPay do not levy deposit fees.
• Withdrawal fees differing based on the selected channel. While Pesonet channels offer free withdrawals, others may impose fees ranging from PHP 15 to 1.6% of the withdrawal amount. Crypto withdrawal fees are contingent on the blockchain network and prevailing network conditions.

From a regulatory perspective, Coins.ph operates within the legal framework in the Philippines, holding licenses as a virtual currency exchange, electronic money issuer, and remittance and transfer agent. It’s noteworthy, however, that the platform does not provide Proof of Reserves data.

Moreover, Coins.ph extends its services beyond crypto trading. It facilitates bill payment services, enabling users to settle over 120 different bills directly from their phones. Additionally, the platform facilitates the purchase of mobile network airtime, enhancing its utility as a comprehensive financial service provider in the Philippines.

KuCoin

KuCoin, a global cryptocurrency exchange, serves users in over 180 countries, including the Philippines. Renowned for its spot and P2P trading services, KuCoin particularly caters to Filipino cryptocurrency enthusiasts. While the Philippine Peso (PHP) isn’t directly supported for spot trading on KuCoin, it finds utility on the P2P trading platform, especially when paired with stablecoins, Bitcoin, and Ethereum.

Filipino users seeking to deposit fiat currency won’t find direct PHP trading options on KuCoin. However, they can acquire cryptocurrencies through third-party financial institutions, with fees varying based on the provider. Moreover, Filipinos can utilize PHP for crypto purchases on the KuCoin P2P trading platform.

KuCoin’s fee structure entails:

• Maximum maker and taker fee capped at 0.1% for spot and derivatives trading, with the exact rate possibly fluctuating based on trading volume or the amount of KCS (KuCoin’s native token) held in the account.
• Crypto withdrawal fees determined by the chosen asset and the network involved in the transaction.

Additionally, KuCoin presents various features to its users:

• Passive income avenues through staking programs and promotional incentives.
• Access to an Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) platform, facilitating investments in newly launched projects.
• Other services like crypto lending and derivatives trading, including futures and perpetual contracts.

PDAX

PDAX, in partnership with the Union Bank of the Philippines, is recognized as a government-approved cryptocurrency exchange in the country. Its core focus lies in spot crypto trading, enabling users to pair various cryptocurrencies like LiteCoin, Bitcoin, XRP, and Ethereum with the Philippine Peso (PHP). This feature aligns with PDAX’s mission of enhancing accessibility to digital assets for Filipinos, with the platform facilitating cryptocurrency purchases for as low as PHP 200.

For fiat deposits, PDAX offers several convenient methods:

• Online banking options including InstaPay, Metro Bank, Land Bank, and Union Bank.
• E-wallets such as G-cash, GrabPay, and Maya.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) deposit facilities accessible through institutions like Land Bank and ChinaBank.

In terms of fees, PDAX follows a structured approach:

• The platform typically imposes fees amounting to up to 0.5% of the traded amount, although this rate may vary.
• Depositing cryptocurrencies is free, while withdrawal fees vary depending on the asset and network conditions.
• Fees for PHP deposits and withdrawals are not uniform and depend on the chosen financial service provider.

Wrapping Up

As we conclude our exploration of the top 5 crypto exchanges in the Philippines for 2024, it’s evident that these platforms are at the forefront of enabling seamless and secure cryptocurrency trading experiences. With a commitment to user satisfaction, robust security measures, and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, these exchanges cater to the needs of both seasoned traders and newcomers alike. From intuitive user interfaces to responsive customer support, each platform prioritizes user convenience and satisfaction.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, these exchanges remain steadfast in their dedication to providing Filipino investors with reliable and efficient trading services. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or trade digital assets, these exchanges offer a trusted and accessible gateway to the exciting world of cryptocurrencies in the Philippines.