Looking for the best crypto exchanges in the Philippines? After manually testing 50+ platforms, we’ve selected the top 6 picks. You’ll find pros, cons, and expert-backed tips to guide your decision.
Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bybit | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 519 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
MEXC | 4.6 Read Review | 0.01% / 0% | 1848 | Yes | +3 | No |
Paybis | No Rating Read Review | 4.5% / 4.5% | 0 | No | +6 | Yes |
Bitunix | 3.5 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.08% | 396 | No | Mo KYC Required | |
KuCoin | 4.5 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 996 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Bitget | 4.7 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 686 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Bybit is one of the largest spot and derivatives trading platforms in the industry, with over 75 million users across over 240 regions globally. It is known for its range of trading instruments, wide selection of coins, and high trading volume. Its focus on user experience and security has made it a go-to choice for users in Asia, including the Philippines.
Launched in 2018, MEXC has become a top platform for altcoin trading and low-fee futures. With up to 500x leverage and over 1,800 coins, it’s ideal for fee-conscious and high-leverage traders in the Philippines.
Paybis is a fiat-to-crypto platform launched in 2014 and based in Poland. It’s designed for fast, straightforward crypto purchases using PHP and other local currencies, focusing on transparency and user trust.
Founded in 2021, Bitunix is a crypto exchange targeting emerging markets like the Philippines. It provides spot and derivatives trading and has an active P2P platform for buying crypto with PHP. Although new, it has obtained a US license from FinCEN, ensuring compliance with global regulations.
KuCoin is a global exchange, popular across Southeast Asia. Its support for PHP, beginner tools like leverage tokens, and automated DCA make it perfect for new investors in the Philippines.
Bitget is a Singapore-based exchange that focuses on professional-grade tools. It is one of the largest exchanges in the industry and features the number one copy trading platform. Its robust security measures and high level of trust have made it the go-to choice for professional traders.
In the Philippines, crypto regulation is overseen by both the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The BSP regulates and licenses Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), allowing them to legally offer crypto-to-fiat conversion services and related financial activities. Licensed VASPs must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements under BSP Circular No. 1108.
The SEC is responsible for regulating investment products and securities, including tokenized assets that may fall under the definition of securities. It actively pursues unregistered crypto offerings and has implemented strict compliance measures to protect Filipino investors, especially following updates in 2023 that increased its oversight of digital assets marketed to the public.
In the Philippines, crypto gains are considered taxable income by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Profits from trading, staking, and converting crypto to fiat are subject to income tax, and crypto-related businesses may also be liable for VAT depending on the nature of their services.
Filipino taxpayers must report all crypto transactions as part of their annual income tax filings. This includes: transaction dates, amounts, market value in PHP, and the type of asset involved. Since 2023, the BIR has begun coordinating with local and international exchanges to collect user data, which means failing to declare crypto transactions may lead to penalties or audits.
We suggest looking for the following features when choosing an exchange:
Method | Supported On | Fees | Processing Time | Notes |
Bank Transfer (Direct) | Local exchanges ( | Low / Free | Up to 1 business day | Direct deposits and withdrawals via local banks. |
Bank Card | Most international exchanges | Up to 3-4% | Instant | Supported for purchases only, not withdrawals. |
GCash / Maya | P2P on exchanges like Binance, Bybit | P2P rates | Instant – 15 mins | Available through verified merchants using escrow. |
P2P Bank Transfer | Binance, Bybit, OKX, Bitget | Set by merchant | Instant – 1 hour | Recommended only via exchanges with escrow protection. |
E-wallets (via P2P) | Bybit, OKX, MEXC | Set by merchant | Instant – 1 hour | Includes regional wallets; always use verified P2P merchants. |
Crypto exchanges offer lower base fees starting from 0.10% for maker/taker trades.
Many provide discounts for:
Futures and Derivatives Trading fees are generally lower than spot:
Additional funding rates apply for perpetual contracts.
Yes. Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is one of the most common ways for Filipino users to buy crypto on global platforms. Major exchanges like Bitunox and Bybit offer P2P marketplaces where users can buy and sell crypto directly using Philippine Pesos (PHP) and local payment methods such as GCash, Maya, and bank transfers.
Currently, there are no bans on crypto trading in the Philippines, but the SEC is cracking down on unlicensed exchanges. As a result, some international exchanges restrict features like derivatives trading for users in the country to comply with regulations.
We recommend avoiding exchanges that:
Always check an exchange’s reputation, licensing, and security practices before depositing funds.
Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.