PDAX vs Coins.ph vs Maya: Best Philippine Crypto Exchange 2026

Choosing the best crypto exchange in the Philippines requires more than just comparing trading fees. With multiple BSP-licensed platforms now available, Filipino investors need to weigh coin selection, deposit convenience, user experience, and how each platform fits their trading style. This comparison of PDAX, Coins.ph, Maya, and GCash GCrypto gives you the complete picture of regulated crypto exchanges in the Philippines as of early 2026.

Whether you're making your first ₱500 investment or trading six figures monthly, understanding the differences between these platforms will save you money and headaches. Let's break down what each exchange offers and who should use them.

How These Four Platforms Compare on Selection and Features

Coins.ph leads the pack with 138 supported cryptocurrencies as of March 2026, making it the most diverse BSP-licensed exchange in the Philippines. You'll find everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum to newer tokens like FARTCOIN, PNUT, and AIXBT. The platform serves over 18 million users and has evolved far beyond its original remittance-focused roots. Coins.ph now offers Coins Pro for active traders, bills payment, mobile load, and even remittance services, making it a true all-in-one financial app.

PDAX takes a more conservative approach with 73 supported cryptocurrencies, focusing on established tokens with proven track records. The platform lists major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, along with stablecoins across multiple networks (USDT on Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, and Tron). PDAX also includes newer additions like Berachain (BERA), Official Trump (TRUMP), and Pudgy Penguins (PENGU), though it avoids the ultra-speculative meme coins you'll find on Coins.ph. Founded in 2018, PDAX positions itself as the professional trader's choice with institutional-grade security and straightforward pricing.

GCash GCrypto operates on PDAX's backend infrastructure, offering approximately 47 cryptocurrencies directly within the GCash super app. With 90 million GCash users already familiar with the interface, GCrypto removes the barrier of downloading another app. You can buy Bitcoin while paying bills or sending money to family, making it the most convenient entry point for casual investors. However, this convenience comes with higher costs, as GCrypto's spread-based pricing typically runs 1.5% to 2.5% compared to explicit trading fees on other platforms. Maya offers the smallest selection, limiting users to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and select major altcoins. The platform integrates crypto into its e-wallet ecosystem with spread-based pricing around 2%, similar to GCrypto. Maya works best for users who want simple exposure to top cryptocurrencies without the complexity of trading interfaces or the temptation of speculative altcoins.

Trading Fees: Where Your Money Actually Goes

Coins.ph implements a tiered VIP system based on your 30-day trading volume, starting at 0.10% maker and 0.15% taker fees for VIP 0 users. As your monthly volume increases, fees drop progressively. At VIP 5, which requires ₱100 million in monthly volume, fees fall to just 0.05% maker and 0.09% taker. The highest tier (VIP 9) offers 0.03% maker and 0.05% taker fees for users trading ₱5 billion monthly. This structure rewards active traders while remaining accessible to beginners.

PDAX keeps fees simple with a flat structure regardless of volume: 0.40% maker and 0.50% taker fees for everyone. New users pay more than they would on Coins.ph at VIP 0, but there's no complexity or need to track volume thresholds. For traders doing moderate monthly volumes between ₱2 million and ₱10 million, PDAX's flat fees might actually cost more than Coins.ph's tiered rates at VIP 2-4 levels.

GCash GCrypto and Maya don't charge explicit maker-taker fees. Instead, they build costs into the spread between buy and sell prices, typically 1.5% to 2.5% for GCrypto and around 2% for Maya. This means a ₱10,000 Bitcoin purchase might actually cost you ₱10,150 to ₱10,250. These spread-based models work fine for infrequent buyers but become expensive for regular traders. Someone buying ₱50,000 of crypto monthly would pay ₱750 to ₱1,250 in GCrypto spreads versus ₱125 to ₱175 in Coins.ph trading fees at VIP 0.

Getting Money In and Out: Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Coins.ph offers the most flexible deposit options among BSP-licensed exchanges. InstaPay and PESONet transfers typically cost ₱10 to ₱25 from your bank, though Coins.ph itself doesn't charge additional fees on top of what your bank charges. Cash deposits through remittance centers like Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier, and Palawan Pawnshop cost ₱25 flat, making them accessible even in rural areas without bank accounts. For withdrawals, InstaPay costs ₱10, PESONet is free for individuals (your bank may charge on their end), and remittance center cash-outs run ₱105 flat for amounts under ₱10,000 or 1.6% above that threshold.

PDAX provides deposits via InstaPay, QRPh, and PESONet with no additional platform fees beyond what your bank charges, but charges fees for e-wallet funding: 3% for GCash, 3% plus ₱15 for Maya, and ₱15 flat for Coins.ph transfers. This makes bank transfers the smart choice for PDAX deposits. Withdrawals cost ₱15 for InstaPay, ₱10 for PESONet, and ₱15 for direct UnionBank transfers. PDAX also accepts over-the-counter deposits at locations like 7-Eleven, SM, and Robinsons stores for ₱20 to ₱25, with maximum amounts reaching ₱200,000 at major retailers.

GCash GCrypto offers the smoothest deposit experience since your peso balance is already in the app. Converting pesos to crypto happens instantly with no deposit fees beyond the built-in spread. Withdrawals convert crypto back to peso balance instantly, which you can then withdraw to your bank account using GCash's standard rates. Maya works similarly, with instant conversions between your Maya peso wallet and crypto holdings.

Security and Regulation: What Actually Protects Your Money

All four platforms hold BSP licenses as Virtual Asset Service Providers, meaning they comply with anti-money laundering rules, customer fund segregation, and regular audits. However, their security implementations differ. PDAX emphasizes institutional-grade security with cold storage for the majority of customer assets and insurance coverage for hot wallet holdings. The platform has operated since 2018 without major security incidents.

Coins.ph, regulated through its parent entities Betur Inc and DCPay Philippines Inc, manages security for 18 million users across multiple services. The platform requires KYC verification and offers two-factor authentication. Its long track record and BSP compliance provide solid protection, though storing large amounts on any exchange long-term isn't recommended.

GCash GCrypto benefits from GCash's existing security infrastructure, including biometric login, transaction PINs, and fraud monitoring systems protecting 90 million users. Since crypto holdings sit alongside your regular peso balance, you get the same security features you already trust for daily transactions. Maya implements similar security measures within its e-wallet ecosystem. For all platforms, enabling two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords remains essential. Consider transferring large holdings to a personal hardware wallet rather than keeping everything on any exchange, regardless of its BSP license.

Your ideal exchange depends on your trading frequency and experience level. Complete beginners who already use GCash should start with GCrypto. The familiar interface and instant access remove friction, though you'll pay higher spreads. Once you understand crypto basics and want better pricing, graduate to Coins.ph or PDAX.

Coins.ph works best for active traders seeking maximum coin selection and progressively lower fees. If you're trading weekly or testing different altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, the 138-token selection and VIP fee tiers make Coins.ph the clear winner. The app's additional features like bills payment and remittances add convenience, letting you manage more of your finances in one place.

PDAX suits moderate-volume traders who value simplicity and security over the lowest possible fees. If you're investing ₱10,000 to ₱50,000 monthly in established cryptocurrencies and prefer straightforward pricing without tracking volume thresholds, PDAX's flat 0.40%/0.50% structure works well. The platform's institutional focus and conservative coin selection also appeal to risk-conscious investors. Maya serves casual investors wanting Bitcoin or Ethereum exposure without leaving their e-wallet. The limited selection actually helps decision paralysis, while integration with Maya's banking features keeps your financial life consolidated. However, the 2% spread means this convenience costs you on every transaction.

Many Filipino crypto investors actually use multiple platforms strategically. Keep your GCash for quick small purchases, use Coins.ph for diverse altcoin trading, and consider PDAX for larger Bitcoin or Ethereum accumulation. All four are BSP-licensed, so spreading holdings across platforms adds security while letting you leverage each platform's strengths. Start with the one matching your current needs, then expand as your crypto journey evolves.

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