How to Buy Bitcoin in the Philippines (2026 Guide)

Buying Bitcoin in the Philippines has never been easier, thanks to BSP-licensed platforms that let you purchase crypto using GCash, bank transfers, and InstaPay. Whether you're investing ₱100 or ₱100,000, this guide walks you through the safest, most cost-effective ways to buy BTC in 2026. We'll cover the four major platforms approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, compare their fees, and show you exactly how to make your first purchase.

Why Use BSP-Licensed Platforms to Buy Bitcoin Philippines

The BSP regulates Virtual Asset Service Providers to protect Filipino consumers and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering laws. When you buy bitcoin Philippines through licensed platforms like Coins.ph, PDAX, GCash GCrypto, or Maya, your funds are protected by government oversight, proper KYC procedures, and security standards.

Think of it like the difference between buying from a DTI-registered store versus a random online seller. Licensed platforms provide customer support, transparent fee structures, and legal recourse if something goes wrong. They're also required to maintain insurance coverage and cold storage for crypto assets. All four platforms covered in this guide hold BSP licenses and support PHP deposits through familiar payment methods Filipinos already use daily.

Where to Buy Bitcoin: Comparing the Four Major Platforms

Coins.ph remains the most popular choice with over 18 million users, and for good reason. You can start with as little as ₱100, making it perfect for beginners who want to test the waters. Deposits through GCash and InstaPay are instant and free, while trading fees on Coins Pro range from 0.10% to 0.15% (maker/taker), and the Coins Convert feature charges no explicit fee but includes a spread in the price. That means a ₱5,000 Bitcoin purchase on Coins Pro costs roughly ₱5 to ₱7.50 in trading fees. Beyond crypto, the app handles bills payment, mobile load, and remittances, turning it into an all-in-one financial tool. The interface feels as familiar as GCash, so even lolas have been known to navigate it successfully.

PDAX targets more serious traders with advanced trading tools and features. Trading fees are 0.40% maker and 0.50% taker for orderbook trades, which means that same ₱5,000 purchase costs around ₱20 to ₱25 in fees. The catch? You need at least ₱1,000 to start, and the platform assumes you understand how limit orders and market orders work. PDAX offers advanced charts, API trading for developers, and recurring buy features for peso-cost averaging strategies. PHP withdrawals are completely free, unlike most competitors. PDAX also powers GCash GCrypto on the backend, making it a cornerstone of Philippine crypto infrastructure. If you're comfortable with trading interfaces and plan to invest regularly, PDAX is a solid choice.

GCash GCrypto brings crypto to the Philippines' most popular e-wallet, with over 90 million users. Powered by PDAX on the backend, it charges no explicit trading fees — instead, costs are embedded in the buy/sell spread, estimated at around 1.5% to 2.5%. The convenience of buying Bitcoin directly from your GCash balance is the main draw. No need to transfer money between apps or wait for bank clearances. You can start with just ₱100, and the interface is simplified for the masa market. The tradeoff is fewer crypto options compared to dedicated exchanges and a wider spread than using PDAX directly. But if you're already living your financial life in GCash, the seamless integration is worth the premium.

Maya (formerly PayMaya) entered the crypto space more recently with approximately 38 million users. Maya charges no published explicit fee — like GCash, costs are built into the buy/sell spread. The platform now supports 33 cryptocurrencies and excels at convenience. If you're already using Maya for bills, online shopping, and QR payments, adding Bitcoin to your portfolio takes just a few taps. The platform supports GCash and bank deposits, though the spread-based pricing means it makes most sense for small, occasional purchases rather than serious investing.

How to Buy BTC PH: Step-by-Step Process

The process is nearly identical across all four platforms, with only minor variations. Here's what you need to know before making your first purchase.

First, download your chosen app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and create an account using your mobile number or email. Every BSP-licensed platform requires KYC verification to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. You'll need to upload a valid government ID (passport, driver's license, UMID, postal ID, or national ID) and take a selfie. Some platforms ask for proof of address or source of funds for larger transactions. Approval typically takes one to three days, though Coins.ph often processes new users within hours.

Once verified, you need to deposit Philippine pesos. The most popular method is GCash transfer, which is instant and free on all platforms. Open your GCash app, select Send Money or Bank Transfer, and enter your exchange's deposit details. Coins.ph and PDAX also accept InstaPay transfers from any Philippine bank, with funds arriving within minutes and zero fees. Traditional bank transfers through PESONet work too, but take one to two business days. Maya users can fund their accounts directly from linked bank accounts, while GCash GCrypto draws from your existing GCash balance without extra steps.

Now comes the actual Bitcoin purchase. On Coins.ph, tap Buy Crypto, select Bitcoin, enter your amount (minimum ₱100), and confirm the transaction at the displayed rate including fees. On PDAX, navigate to the Trade section, select the BTC/PHP pair, and place either a market order (buys immediately at current price) or a limit order (buys only when Bitcoin reaches your target price). Market orders are simpler but may have slightly wider spreads. GCash GCrypto simplifies this further: open the GCrypto tab, choose Bitcoin, enter your peso amount, and tap Buy. Maya follows the same instant-buy approach through its Crypto section.

Your Bitcoin appears in your wallet within seconds for market orders or once your limit order fills. All four platforms let you hold Bitcoin in-app, send it to external wallets, or convert back to pesos whenever you want. Coins.ph even offers a Hold and Earn feature paying up to 10% annual interest on Bitcoin holdings above ₱1,000.

Understanding Fees and Choosing the Cheapest Method

Fees determine how much Bitcoin you actually get for your pesos, so understanding the cost structure matters. When platforms advertise percentage fees, that's usually just the trading fee. You also need to consider deposit fees, withdrawal fees, and the spread (the difference between buy and sell prices). For platforms like GCash and Maya that charge no explicit fee, the spread is where most of your cost hides.

For deposit fees, InstaPay is your best friend. Both Coins.ph and PDAX charge zero fees for InstaPay deposits, while other methods like over-the-counter cash-in or credit cards can cost 2% or more. GCash transfers between users are free, making GCash GCrypto particularly efficient if your money is already in GCash. Avoid credit card purchases unless you're desperate for speed, as the convenience costs you several percentage points.

Trading fees and spreads vary dramatically. Coins.ph wins on explicit trading costs with 0.10% to 0.15% fees on Coins Pro. That's just ₱50 to ₱75 per ₱50,000 invested. PDAX charges 0.40% maker and 0.50% taker fees, or ₱200 to ₱250 on the same ₱50,000. GCash GCrypto and Maya charge no explicit fee, but their spread-based pricing means you effectively pay an estimated 1.5% to 2.5%, which translates to ₱750 to ₱1,250 per ₱50,000. For small purchases under ₱5,000, the convenience of GCash or Coins.ph Convert often outweighs the cost difference. But if you're investing ₱20,000 or more per month, using Coins Pro saves you the most money over time.

Withdrawal fees matter if you plan to move Bitcoin to external wallets or transfer pesos back to your bank. PDAX offers free PHP withdrawals, a huge advantage if you trade frequently. Coins.ph charges ₱15 for PHP withdrawals, reasonable but it adds up. Bitcoin withdrawal fees depend on network congestion and typically range from 0.0004 to 0.0008 BTC, around ₱800 to ₱1,600 at current prices. Most beginners keep their Bitcoin on the platform initially, making this less relevant until you accumulate larger amounts worth moving to cold storage.

Beginner Tips for Filipino Bitcoin Buyers

Start small while you learn. There's no shame in buying ₱500 worth of Bitcoin to understand how the process works before committing serious money. All four platforms support tiny purchases, and the experience you gain is worth more than any immediate profit.

Enable two-factor authentication immediately after creating your account. This adds a security layer requiring both your password and a code from Google Authenticator or SMS. Philippine crypto users have lost money to SIM-swapping attacks, so app-based authenticators like Google Authenticator or Authy are safer than SMS codes. Treat your exchange login like your bank account because that's essentially what it is.

Don't keep large amounts on exchanges long-term. While BSP-licensed platforms are far safer than unlicensed ones, exchanges remain targets for hackers. Once you've accumulated ₱50,000 or more in Bitcoin, consider moving it to a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor. Think of exchanges as your wallet for daily spending and hardware wallets as your safety deposit box.

Understand that Bitcoin prices are volatile. The ₱10,000 you invest today might be ₱8,000 next week or ₱12,000. Only invest money you can afford to leave untouched for months or years. Many successful Filipino Bitcoin investors use peso-cost averaging, buying ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 every payday regardless of price. PDAX's recurring buy feature automates this strategy.

Watch out for scams claiming to multiply your Bitcoin. If someone messages you on Facebook or Telegram promising to double your investment, it's a scam. Period. Legitimate platforms never contact users through social media asking for deposits or private keys. The BSP maintains a list of licensed VASPs on their website, verify any platform before sending money.

Buying Bitcoin in the Philippines is straightforward when you stick to BSP-licensed platforms. Coins.ph offers the easiest entry point for beginners with its ₱100 minimum and familiar interface. PDAX provides advanced tools and free PHP withdrawals for serious traders. GCash GCrypto provides unmatched convenience for the 90 million Filipinos already using GCash. Maya works best for occasional buyers who prioritize simplicity over cost.

The hardest part is starting. Download Coins.ph or PDAX today, complete your KYC verification, and make your first ₱500 purchase. You'll learn more from that experience than from reading a dozen more guides. The Philippines is rapidly embracing cryptocurrency, and BSP regulation means you can participate safely without worrying about scams or unlicensed platforms. Your future self will thank you for taking this step.