Adequate crypto services are an often overlooked luxury in some countries. In Pakistan, it can be difficult for crypto enthusiasts to fully engage in the market securely and easily. This guide covers the best crypto trading platforms for users in Pakistan and how to stay safe while trading digital assets. Here’s what you need to know in 2025.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
➤ Top crypto trading platforms in Pakistan include Binance, Bitget, Bisq, OKX, and Paxful, all of which support P2P trading.
➤ Cryptocurrency in Pakistan exists in a legal gray area, with banks banned from facilitating crypto transactions since 2018.
➤ Traders in the region rely heavily on P2P exchanges and alternative payment methods like JazzCash, Easypaisa, and NayaPay to access crypto markets.
➤ Due to regulatory risks and limited access, you should prioritize safety by using reputable platforms, verified sellers, and escrow services.
Best crypto trading platforms in Pakistan
1. Binance
Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume. It was created in 2018 by Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ. The exchange is popular globally due to its expansive suite of crypto-native features. Binance serves more than 260 million users in 180 countries, making it a popular option for users around the world, including in Pakistan.
- Low fees
- Supports more than 300 payment options
- Educational content
- Proprietary blockchain and BNB token
- Restricted fiat support depending on jurisdiction
2. Bitget
Bitget is a global crypto exchange that operates a platform for buying, selling, and trading digital assets. It was started in 2018 and has since grown to support over 100 million users in 150 countries and billions of dollars in daily trading volume.
• Copy trading and trading bots
• Launchpool
• Spot and futures trading
• Bitget Wallet and Bitget token (BGB)
- Zero fees for P2P
- Low fees
- Welcome bonus
- Trading competitions and events
- Withdrawal fees
3. Bisq
Bisq is a decentralized, open-source, peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchange. The platform lets you buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without any intermediaries, and with built-in privacy preserving features. Bisq requires a minimum deposit that varies by trade size, but the absolute minimum is 0.001 BTC. This deposit acts as a safeguard to ensure both parties fulfill their obligations.
• Multi-signature escrow system for trades
• Runs entirely on your local machine
• Supports fiat
• Supports altcoins
- Never saves your personal data
- Decentralized
- Easy to use
- Bisq DAO for governance
- High minimum purchase
OKX is a global cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017 by Star Xu. It was originally named OKex and created under the OK Group umbrella, which includes OKCoin. OKex was rebranded into OKX in 2022. The platform is known for its extensive range of trading pairs and markets, deep liquidity, and trading bot support.
• X Layer (layer-2 EVM blockchain)
• Spot, futures, and options trading
• OKX Wallet
• Earn products
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies
- Advanced trading features
- Deep liquidity
- Maintains several insurance funds
- Features limited by jurisdiction
5. Paxful
Paxful is a peer-to-peer crypto exchange that was founded in 2015. It serves more than 140 million users in 140 countries, and offers more than 500 payment methods. Paxful supports SadaPay, JazzCash, NayaPay, and Raast, making it an excellent option for users in Pakistan.
• Digital wallet maintained by BitGo
• Paxful Pay merchant services
• Zero fees for buyers, 1% for seller
- Supports a wide range of payment methods
- Escrow system for users
- Global accessibility
- Limited selection of cryptocurrencies
Pakistan trading platforms compared
| Platforms | Fees | Cryptocurrencies | P2P | Min. purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binance | 0.1% | 350+ | Yes | ~$10 |
| Bitget | 0.1% | 500+ | Yes | 1 USDT |
| Bisq | 0.1% (maker) | 0.7% (taker) | Primarily Bitcoin | Yes | N/A |
| OKX | 0.14% (maker) | 0.23% (taker) | 350+ | Yes | Varies |
| Paxful | Zero buyer fees | BTC, ETH, USDC, & USDT | Yes | $10 |
Due to the nature of crypto’s legal status in Pakistan, the aforementioned exchanges were chosen based on their ability to support digital assets as well as their popularity amongst users in the region.
Problems with finding a trading platform in Pakistan
Cryptocurrency is not exactly legal in Pakistan; however, it isn’t illegal either. It exists in a legal gray area. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued a circular in 2018 that prohibited all banks and institutions from processing crypto transactions. This includes:
- Facilitating crypto exchanges
- Providing services to individuals or businesses (e.g., custody)
- Dealing in cryptocurrencies whatsoever
A circular is a directive issued by an organization — often a government agency or regulatory body. The SBP circular is a formal notice sent to banks and financial institutions in April 2018. Circulars are binding for the institutions they’re addressed to.
Despite this fact, individuals are not banned outright from holding crypto; they just have a limited number of ways to purchase or spend it. Banks may freeze accounts if they detect activity linked to crypto, even if you utilize legal means to acquire it.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also cracked down on crypto activity at times, especially when it is linked to money laundering or scams.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is Pakistan’s cybercrime and white-collar crime watchdog. It has previously raided or frozen accounts suspected of being involved in crypto transactions, especially if flagged under anti-money laundering (AML) concerns.
How to choose a crypto platform in Pakistan
If you reside in Pakistan, your options for selecting a crypto trading platform are limited but not non-existent. Many users have found ways to continue purchasing cryptocurrency on crypto exchanges. Here are some tips on how to choose a crypto trading platform.
P2P
Since centralized banks are off-limits for direct crypto payments, you may have to rely on peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges. Pakistani users tend to value reliable on and off-ramps for cryptocurrency services.
Platforms with P2P services allow users to transact amongst each other, bypassing traditional means of settlement. If you decide to look for a P2P exchange, take the necessary precautions to remain safe.
- Do not agree to exchange or engage in any way with someone outside of the P2P exchange on the trading platform.
- Some exchanges offer verified accounts for sellers. Prioritize verified accounts above all.
- Ensure that the platform provides escrow services.
- Do not accept unrealistic prices.
- Only use reputable exchanges.
There’s also a difference between centralized exchanges that offer P2P services (like Binance or OKX) and platforms that are purely peer-to-peer by design, such as Paxful or Bisq. The former often provide more infrastructure and customer support, while the latter lean more heavily into decentralization and privacy.
Payment methods
Since centralized banks are off-limits for direct crypto transactions, Pakistani users often turn to alternative payment methods that are widely accepted on P2P platforms. These include mobile wallets and fintech solutions such as:
- JazzCash
- Easypaisa
- Redot Pay
In addition, platforms that support native Pakistani services, such as NayaPay, SadaPay, and Raast, can offer an edge in convenience and accessibility. When selecting a trading platform, it’s worth checking whether these locally trusted services are supported — they can make your life a lot easier.
Be advised that these platforms aren’t specifically meant for crypto, so users may be at risk of scrutiny from government regulatory bodies.
Pakistan crypto is in legal limbo
Cryptocurrency in Pakistan exists in a legal limbo. While it isn’t illegal, you may face scrutiny for engaging in crypto activities nonetheless. However, if you decide to engage anyway, you should utilize the best crypto trading platforms possible and remain cautious when using them. Always do your own research to avoid any scams, particularly when you are unable to use traditional means to trade crypto.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
Cryptocurrency is neither legal, nor illegal in Pakistan. The Pakistani government does not have any specific laws restricting the holding or interactions with cryptocurrencies or blockchain technology. However, some cryptocurrency users have reported de-banking and federal investigations resulting from utilizing cryptocurrency services.
Yes, you can buy cryptocurrency in Pakistan, although it is extremely difficult. Due to a circular issued in 2018 by the central bank of Pakistan, banks do not service crypto or crypto related businesses. This makes it extremely difficult for residents of Pakistan to access cryptocurrency.
Most people purchase and sell cryptocurrency through peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges. You should take precaution when using P2P exchanges to avoid scams. Though crypto is not illegal in Pakistan, using a P2P exchange to trade can still result in federal investigations or de-banking.
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