In recent months, cryptocurrency has acquired a lot of traction. The instability in global markets caused by the Corona outbreak has prompted investors to look for a better alternative, and cryptocurrency appears to have piqued their interest.

The cryptocurrency market in India is dominated by 12-15 crypto exchanges, with daily trading volumes ranging from Rs.500 to Rs.1500 crores.

This article will teach you the fundamentals of cryptocurrency trading in India, including how to purchase and sell cryptocurrencies, where to buy them, and the rules and regulations that govern them. Continue reading!

What is Cryptocurrency?

Before we deep dive into the trading process, let’s understand the basics of this new investment opportunity, called cryptocurrency. 

Cryptocurrency is a kind of digital payment used to exchange products or services online. Crypto companies issue ‘Tokens’ that can be bought online and traded for products or services purchased online. Cryptocurrencies do not exist in physical form; they are only in digital form. 

Cryptocurrency runs on a technology called ‘Blockchain’. Blockchain is a form of decentralized technology that stores the information regarding your transactions in encrypted format offering the highest form of security. The idea is to prevent duplication or forgery of your crypto tokens. 

Additional Reading: Investment Talk: Is it Safe to Invest in Cryptos in India?

What are the different Cryptocurrencies available in India?

When we think of "cryptocurrency", it always makes us think of "Bitcoin." Bitcoins were the original and initial type of cryptocurrency, following which various versions such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Dark coin, Dash, and others were introduced.

Since the entire Cryptocurrency transaction is online, almost all cryptocurrencies are available in India. The most popular ones are: 

Coin Name (Code)

Price in INR

Change (24h)

Market Cap

Volume (24h)

Bitcoin (BT)

Rs. 2472251

-3.27%

Rs.46.4T

Rs.22.6B

Ethereum(ETH)

Rs. 151078

-5.40%

Rs.17.6T

Rs.18.1B

Tether(USDT)

Rs. 74.49

-0.12%

Rs.4.6T

Rs.42.3B

Cardano(ADA)

Rs. 97.99

-3.56%

Rs.3.1T

Rs.1.2B

Ripple(XRP)

Rs. 47.32

-2.34%

Rs.2.2T

Rs.16.3B

Dogecoin(DOGE)

Rs. 15.2

-5.53%

Rs.2.0T

Rs.100.4B

Polkadot(DOT)

Rs. 1099.23

-5.31%

Rs.1.1T

Rs.51.1B

Uniswap(UNI)

Rs. 1460.68

-6.92%

Rs.857.3B

Rs.331.3M

Bitcoin Cash(BCH)

Rs. 35880

-4.00%

Rs.674.2B

Rs.2.8B

Litecoin(LTC)

Rs. 9916.52

-3.90%

Rs.662.3B

Rs.1.6B

Chainlink(LINK)

Rs. 1312.76

-4.18%

Rs.575.8B

Rs.5.5B

Stellar(XLM)

Rs. 17.91

-4.02%

Rs.417.4B

Rs.347.3M

TRON(TRX)

Rs. 4.51

-3.06%

Rs.323.2B

Rs.2.7B

EOS(EOS)

Rs. 301.3

-5.67%

Rs.288.4B

Rs.1.5B

Monero(XMR)

Rs. 15735

-1.07%

Rs.282.7B

Rs.1.3B

Shiba Inu(SHIB)

Rs. 0.000552

-6.28%

Rs.218.0B

Rs.4.8B

Data taken on 13th July 2021 at 4PM

How can I buy Cryptocurrencies in India?

You need to have a digital wallet to buy cryptocurrencies. While some cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, can be purchased with US dollars, others require bitcoins or another cryptocurrency to be purchased.

To purchase cryptocurrencies, you'll need a "wallet," which is an internet tool that stores your funds. In general, you open an account on a cryptocurrency exchange and then use real money to purchase cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Step-by-step Guide to Buy Cryptocurrency

It is very simple to buy cryptocurrency on any of the registered and authorized crypto exchange. One can be totally anonymous on these platforms as you only require your email address to create an account. 

Step 1: Download and install one of the crypto exchange apps 

Step 2: Register and create an account giving basic personal and bank details

Step 3: You need to set a 2FA authentication code for carrying out transactions on our crypto wallet

Step 4: Voila! You are all set to start trading in cryptocurrencies. Your app will list all the cryptocurrencies available to trade and their respective prices. You can buy whichever one you want. 

Popular Cryptocurrency Exchanges in India

 

Crypto Exchange Name

Salient Features

Giottus

Giottus is one of the top-rated crypto exchanges in India. 

You can trade 100s of popular crypto pairs including the popular ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash as well as lesser-known cryptos like Stellar, Tether, USDT and several more. 

The simple and hassle-free KYC makes it super-easy for beginners to get started with crypto-trading via Giottus. 

The best part is that Giottus has no minimum trading requirements, meaning you can get started even with sums as low as Rs. 100. 

Binance India

Safely trade and store cryptocurrency with low fees.

With Binance savings accounts, you could even earn cryptocurrency interest.

Participate in advanced options such as trading pairs, futures, and margin trading;

Binance credit cards make it simple to spend cryptocurrency;

WazirX India

Invest with confidence in an Indian-based exchange.

Make P2P deals; conduct quick transactions from any location;

Take advantage of Indian customer service for INR deposits, account creation, and more.

Over 140 coins are available for purchase, including the native WRX token.

Coinbase India

Upon depositing INR, you can safely buy and trade digital assets.

By watching informative films, you can earn cryptocurrency prizes.

Participate in coin staking;

Coinbase vault can be used to store coins in cold storage.

Kraken India

Trade by depositing INR directly into secure accounts; 

Use well-designed charting tools; 

Enjoy 24/7 access to a customer service network; 

And benefit from minimal trading fees

Bitstamp India

Store funds safely offline; 

Conduct transactions quickly on a platform with nearly no downtime; 

Benefit from low flat-rate trading costs on trades under 20,000 US;

For on-the-go trading, use well-designed applications.

Bitfinex India

Select from a variety of advanced trading tools.

Open an account as a professional trader;

Implement a variety of short-term trading tactics;

With minimum slippage, exchange digital assets.

OKEx India

Choose from a variety of ways to invest and earn with crypto; 

Finance projects with crypto-based loans; improve their trading skills with OKEx academy; 

And participate in crypto mining pools.

Additional Reading: Top 10 Affordable but Potential Cryptocurrencies to Invest In 2021

Why has Cryptocurrency become so popular in India?

Cryptocurrencies have occupied a leading role in the Indian finance market with a day to day increase in the investors and the total market cap. Cryptocurrencies are much secure and difficult to defraud or forge. Here are some reasons why investors are seeking cryptocurrencies these days: 

  1. 24/7 Trading Anytime Anywhere – Cryptocurrencies can be traded anytime, anywhere. You just need your crypto exchange app to buy or sell cryptocurrencies. This feature allows you to monitor the exchange rates regularly and affect a trade when the rates are conducive to you. 
  2. Offers high security – Since the entire transaction is based on blockchain, the transactions are completely encrypted to prevent fraud or theft. 
  3. Total transparency – All crypto exchange transactions are monitored and recorded on computer networks around the world, which validate the transactions. The blockchain is a general ledger that is stored across all cryptocurrency mining computers and cannot be modified or edited. It records each transaction in the order in which they occur.

EndNote

Cryptocurrencies are still not regulated in India. Though it is not illegal to buy them, there is some ambiguity regarding its trading and other transactions. However, the government is taking all necessary steps to set up a legal framework relating to this emerging investment opportunity. Cryptocurrencies offer total transparency and higher security compared to other traditional investment avenues. 

FAQs:

  1. Is there a minimum amount I need to buy cryptocurrency?

This generally depends on the exchange and the currency you want to purchase. The exchanges usually set a minimum limit based on the currency you want to use. For INR, the minimum purchase could vary from Rs.500 to Rs.1500. 

  1. How to choose the best cryptocurrency to buy?

There are 1000s of cryptocurrencies in the market. Bitcoin, the highest trading cryptocurrency is currently priced at Rs.24,72,251 for one BTC and has the highest market cap. Buying cryptocurrency is similar to investing in stocks and shares. You need to constantly monitor their performance to decide when to buy or sell. 

  1. Can I buy cryptocurrencies directly without going through an exchange?

Though you can, it is safer to go through an exchange. Cryptocurrencies can be given to you as a gift; you could buy them directly from your friend or other known persons; However, buying them from an exchange is the best method and it is also safe. 

  1. Can I buy cryptocurrency in Indian Rupees (INR)?

Yes, you can use your credit card, IMPS or digital wallets to purchase cryptocurrencies on crypto exchanges. 

  1. How and where do you store cryptocurrencies?

A Blockchain Wallet, like a bank account or Demat account, is used to hold your cryptocurrencies, also known as cryptos. The wallet allows for safe and convenient transactions because all transactions are encrypted.