Crypto Exchange Basics: How Trading, Fees, and Security Work

For many in India, entering the digital asset market starts with a simple app download. But as we move into 2026, the click and hope strategy is being replaced by a need for technical literacy. A crypto exchange trading platform in India is essentially a high-speed matchmaking engine combined with a digital vault. To trade with confidence, you need to understand the gears turning behind the screen—specifically how your orders are filled, what you are actually paying for, and how your assets stay safe.

How Trades Are Really Executed

When you place an order, you are interacting with an order-matching engine that scans for a counterparty.

• Limit Orders: You set a specific price. Your trade only executes if the market hits that number. This gives you control but no guarantee of speed.
• Market Orders: You buy at the best currently available price. This is near-instant but carries the risk of slippage—the difference between the price you see and the price at which the trade actually settles, especially during high volatility.

A platform’s liquidity is what helps reduce these price swings. If a platform has deep liquidity, your trade is less likely to significantly move the market price.

Understanding Derivatives and Leverage

In 2026, many traders in India are shifting toward Perpetual Futures and Options. Unlike spot trading, these allow you to trade price movements without owning the underlying token.

• Leverage: This allows you to control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital (margin). While leverage can amplify potential outcomes, it also introduces the risk of liquidation, where your position is closed by the platform if your margin falls below the required level.

The Cost of Trading in India

Trading is a service, and the costs in India are shaped by specific regulations. Your total cost usually includes:

• Maker and Taker Fees: These are service charges for using the matching engine. In India, a 18% GST is typically applied to these specific service fees and commissions.

• Transaction and Tax Data: While spot trading involves a 1% TDS (Section 194S) and a 30% tax on gains, derivative trading has its own reporting requirements. A compliant platform provides the factual data you need to ensure your ITR filings are accurate.

Security: Beyond the Password

Security has moved beyond basic passwords. A reliable crypto trading platform in India typically uses institutional-grade safeguards:

• Fund Protection: Platforms like Pi42 maintain user funds in INR within regulated bank accounts, providing a layer of safety that differs from offshore, crypto-only exchanges.

• MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): Using an Authenticator App is the recommended best practice to prevent risks like SIM-swapping.

• FIU-IND Registration: This status confirms that the platform follows the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It is a critical layer of regulatory legitimacy in the Indian market.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake for traders in India is ignoring the “invisible” costs. Forgetting to factor in the 30% tax on gains or the 1% TDS (where applicable) can lead to a shock during tax season. Another error is using excessive leverage without a clear risk-management plan. For better security, always prioritize platforms that offer transparent stop-loss and take-profit triggers to manage your exposure.

Disclaimer: Crypto and crypto derivatives (such as futures and options) involve significant risk and can be highly volatile. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Traders should perform their own research and be aware of the risks of margin and liquidation before trading.