🚀 The Easiest Way to Start Investing in Crypto in the Philippines (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Cryptocurrency is no longer just a buzzword in the Philippines — it’s becoming a real financial tool for millions of Filipinos. With more people looking for flexible and smart ways to grow their money, crypto is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional banks and stock markets.

Why the sudden interest? The answer is simple. Many Filipinos want to escape low savings rates, find new ways to earn online, and take control of their finances. Digital coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum offer these opportunities, especially in a country where mobile internet use is high and fintech apps are everywhere.

Even the government has started supporting crypto adoption. Local platforms like Coins.ph and PDAX are now fully licensed and easy to use. You no longer need to be a tech expert to buy your first crypto. In fact, the process is much simpler than most people think.

But it’s not just about buying. It’s about buying smart. That’s where tools like Atlas AI come in. It’s an automated trading and investment platform that helps users find the best time to buy or sell crypto. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to optimize your strategy, Atlas AI can help you make better decisions with less effort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process — step by step. From choosing a legal platform, verifying your identity, funding your wallet, buying your first coin, to storing it safely. We’ll also show you how to use Atlas AI to make smarter moves without all the stress.

Let’s dive in and help you get started on your crypto journey — the right way.

Is Cryptocurrency Legal in the Philippines?

Yes, cryptocurrency is legal in the Philippines. In fact, the country is one of the most crypto-friendly nations in Southeast Asia. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) — the country’s central bank — officially recognizes the use of digital assets for payments and trading. However, it also has strict rules to protect users and fight financial crimes.

In 2017, the BSP started regulating companies known as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). These are businesses that offer crypto exchanges, wallets, and other related services. If a platform wants to operate legally in the Philippines, it must register with the BSP and follow anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.

As of now, several popular platforms have full licenses. This includes local names like Coins.ph and PDAX, as well as newer fintech apps that let users buy and sell crypto with pesos (PHP). Always check the BSP’s official list to confirm a platform’s legal status.

Note: Some foreign platforms, like Binance, are popular but have faced scrutiny. In 2024, the Philippine SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) ordered access restrictions to Binance due to licensing issues. It’s important to stay updated on such developments and choose platforms that follow local laws.

The BSP’s main goal is to make crypto safer for Filipino users. That’s why all registered VASPs must keep users' funds separate from company funds, maintain strong cybersecurity, and report suspicious transactions.

Buying crypto from an unlicensed platform may be risky. If something goes wrong, you might not get help from local regulators. That’s why using approved platforms — and tools like Atlas AI to analyze prices and trends — gives you a safer and smarter experience.

What You Need Before Buying Crypto

Before you buy your first cryptocurrency in the Philippines, you’ll need a few basic things. Don’t worry — you probably already have most of them. Getting set up is fast, easy, and doesn’t require any special skills.

Here’s what you need:

A smartphone or computer — Most crypto platforms are available as mobile apps and websites. Make sure your device is secure and up to date.
A valid government-issued ID — This is required for identity verification (KYC). You can use a passport, driver’s license, UMID, or national ID.
An active mobile number and email address — You’ll need these to sign up, receive confirmations, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
A PHP funding source — This can be a bank account, e-wallet like Maya or GCash, or even a debit/credit card. These will be used to deposit Philippine pesos into your crypto account.

That’s it. You don’t need to be rich or a tech expert. Many platforms in the Philippines let you start with as little as ₱100. And once you’re set up, you can use platforms like Atlas AI to guide your next steps — from picking the right coin to choosing the best time to buy or sell.

Security tip:

Before signing up, make sure you’re visiting the official website or app. Scammers often create fake versions of real platforms. Enable 2FA for extra protection — this adds another layer of security when logging in or making transactions.

Now that you’re ready, let’s explore how to choose the right platform to start your crypto journey.

Step 1: Choose a Crypto Platform

The first real step in buying cryptocurrency is choosing the right platform. In the Philippines, there are several options — both local and international. But not all of them are equally safe or beginner-friendly. Picking the right one can make your experience much smoother and more secure.

What to look for in a platform:

Is it licensed by the BSP? — This is the most important factor. Always choose platforms registered as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).
Is it easy to use? — Some platforms have simple interfaces perfect for beginners, while others are built for advanced traders.
Are fees low and transparent? — Check how much you’ll be charged for buying, selling, or withdrawing crypto.
Does it support your preferred payment method? — Make sure you can fund your account using your bank, e-wallet, or card.

Top platforms in the Philippines:

Platform	License	Min. Deposit	Key Features
Coins.ph	✔ BSP Licensed	₱5	Beginner-friendly, local support, wallet + bills payment
PDAX	✔ BSP Licensed	₱200	Low fees, wide coin selection, bank integrations
Maya	✔ BSP Licensed	₱1	All-in-one wallet + crypto features
Binance	✘ Not BSP Licensed	₱500 (via P2P)	Global access, advanced tools, P2P market

Using Atlas AI for smart platform decisions

Besides just choosing where to buy crypto, it’s also important to know when to buy. That’s where Atlas AI comes in. It’s an automated crypto investment platform designed to help users find the best moments to trade. Atlas AI tracks real-time market trends, compares prices across platforms, and even alerts you when prices dip or rise suddenly.

With Atlas AI, you don’t have to guess. You get data-backed signals that help you buy smarter and avoid emotional mistakes — especially helpful if you’re just getting started.

Once you’ve chosen your platform, the next step is creating and verifying your account.

Step 2: Create and Verify Your Account

After choosing your crypto platform, the next step is to open an account. This is a simple process that usually takes just a few minutes. However, you’ll also need to go through a quick identity verification (KYC) step to unlock full access to crypto services.

How to register:

Visit the official website or download the mobile app of the platform you’ve chosen (like Coins.ph or PDAX).
Tap “Sign Up” and enter your basic details — name, email address, and mobile number.
Create a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available.

Once your account is created, the platform will ask you to verify your identity. This is required by law in the Philippines under BSP regulations and helps protect you from fraud.

What you’ll need for verification:

A valid government-issued ID (such as a passport, driver’s license, or PhilID).
A clear selfie taken during the process — some apps ask you to blink or nod to prove you're a real person.

After submitting your documents, the review process can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours. Most platforms will notify you by email or in-app once you're verified.

Tips for a smooth KYC process:

Make sure your ID is not expired and is clearly visible.
Use good lighting when taking your selfie to avoid delays.
Double-check that your personal information matches your ID exactly.

Once verified, your account is fully active, and you can deposit funds in PHP to begin buying cryptocurrency.

In the next step, we’ll explain how to add funds to your account — quickly and safely.

Step 3: Deposit Funds in PHP

Now that your account is verified, it’s time to deposit Philippine pesos (PHP) so you can buy crypto. Most platforms in the Philippines offer several funding options, making it easy for you to choose the method that works best for your lifestyle.

Common deposit methods:

Bank Transfer — You can send money directly from your bank account to your crypto wallet. Major banks like BDO, BPI, and UnionBank are usually supported.
Debit or Credit Card — Some platforms, including Binance and Maya, allow instant card payments. Just link your Visa or Mastercard and enter the amount.
E-Wallets — Maya, GCash, and GrabPay can be connected to crypto apps like Coins.ph for easy cash-ins.
Over-the-counter cash deposits — Platforms like PDAX partner with 7-Eleven, Cebuana, and other outlets. Simply present a code and pay in cash.
P2P (peer-to-peer) transactions — You buy PHP credits or crypto from other users. This is popular on Binance but requires extra care to avoid scams.

How to deposit (example with Coins.ph):

Open the Coins.ph app and tap “Cash In.”
Select your preferred method (e.g., GCash or bank).
Enter the amount and follow the payment instructions.
Funds will appear in your wallet within minutes to an hour, depending on the method.

Be aware of deposit fees. Some methods are free, while others charge a small fee (usually ₱10–₱30 or 1–2%). Check the platform’s fee page before choosing.

Speed and security:

Bank and e-wallet transfers are usually instant or same-day. P2P can be fast too, but it’s important to only trade with verified users and double-check payment confirmations.

Once your funds are in, you’re ready to make your first crypto purchase. You can use Atlas AI to see if it’s a good time to buy or if it’s better to wait for a dip. The platform can even notify you when prices hit your target levels.

Let’s now move on to the most exciting part — buying your first cryptocurrency.

Step 4: Buy Your First Cryptocurrency

With your account funded, you’re now ready to buy your first cryptocurrency. This is the part most people get excited about — and for good reason. But it’s important to know how to do it properly, especially if you're new to crypto.

What cryptocurrency should you buy?

Here are a few of the most popular choices for beginners:

Bitcoin (BTC) — The first and most well-known crypto, often seen as “digital gold.”
Ethereum (ETH) — Known for smart contracts and DeFi projects.
USDT or USDC — Stablecoins that are tied to the value of the US dollar, ideal for beginners looking to avoid price volatility.

How to buy (example using PDAX):

Log into your PDAX account and tap “Trade.”
Select the coin you want to buy, like BTC or ETH.
Enter the amount in PHP you want to spend.
Tap “Buy” and confirm the transaction. That’s it!

Most platforms will instantly credit the purchased crypto to your account. You can view your balance in your dashboard or wallet tab.

Things to watch out for:

Minimum purchase amount: Some platforms let you start with as little as ₱50, while others may require ₱200–₱500.
Fees and spreads: The platform may charge a transaction fee (usually 0.25%–1%), and the buy price might be slightly higher than the market rate. This is called the spread.

Pro Tip:

Use Atlas AI to track real-time prices and spot better buying opportunities. For example, if the price of Bitcoin just spiked, Atlas AI might suggest waiting a few hours until it stabilizes. This kind of smart timing can help you save money and increase your profit potential.

Now that you’ve made your first purchase, the next step is to store your crypto safely. Let’s talk about that next.

Step 5: Store Your Cryptocurrency Safely

Buying crypto is only the beginning. To truly protect your investment, you need to store your digital assets in a secure place. Leaving them on a trading platform is convenient, but not always safe — especially if you're holding for the long term.

Why not leave crypto on the exchange?

Crypto exchanges can be hacked. Even major platforms have experienced breaches in the past. If that happens and your assets are still stored on the exchange, they could be lost. That’s why many experts say: “Not your keys, not your coins.”

Types of crypto wallets:

Hot wallets — These are connected to the internet. Mobile apps like Coins.ph or Trust Wallet fall into this category. They’re easy to use and ideal for small amounts or regular transactions.
Cold wallets — These are offline storage devices like Ledger or Trezor. They are the safest option for long-term storage because they’re not exposed to online threats.
Paper wallets — A printed version of your private key and wallet address. Rarely used today but still an option for advanced users.

Basic safety tips:

Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
Back up your recovery phrases in at least two secure locations. Never store them online or share them with anyone.
Keep your cold wallet offline unless you’re actively using it.

If you plan to trade regularly, it’s okay to keep a small amount in your exchange wallet. But for savings, always move your coins to a personal wallet that only you control.

Atlas AI also helps by monitoring wallet activity and alerting you to suspicious trends or sudden market shifts — another way to stay one step ahead and protect your crypto journey.

Next, let’s look at how Atlas AI can help you trade smarter and stay ahead of the crypto curve.

Bonus: How to Use Atlas AI to Monitor Prices and Trends

Crypto moves fast. Prices change every minute, and reacting too slowly can mean missing out on good opportunities — or losing money. That’s where Atlas AI becomes your secret weapon.

Atlas AI is an automated cryptocurrency platform that helps users make smarter investment decisions. It’s not a wallet or an exchange — instead, it works alongside your favorite platforms like Coins.ph, PDAX, or Binance to give you real-time insights and alerts.

What does Atlas AI do?

Tracks live market prices across different exchanges so you can buy where it’s cheapest.
Sends trading signals when it's a good time to buy or sell based on AI-driven technical analysis.
Shows market trends so you understand whether a coin is likely to go up or down.
Compares P2P prices with exchange rates to help you choose the best buying method.

Example use case:

Let’s say you want to buy ₱5,000 worth of Ethereum. Instead of guessing the right time, you log into Atlas AI. The platform shows that ETH has dropped 4% in the last hour, and based on pattern analysis, it may drop another 2%. You wait — and buy later at a better price. That’s the power of trading with intelligence.

Who is Atlas AI for?

It’s great for:

Beginners who don’t want to make emotional decisions
Busy people who don’t have time to watch charts all day
Investors looking for long-term entry points

Atlas AI doesn’t take control of your funds. Instead, it empowers you with the knowledge to act faster and smarter. Whether you're buying your first coin or managing a portfolio, it's a powerful tool that fits right into your crypto strategy.

Let’s wrap it up with a quick recap and your next steps.

Conclusion

Getting started with cryptocurrency in the Philippines has never been easier. Whether you’re looking to invest, trade, or just explore something new, crypto offers exciting opportunities — and you don’t need a lot of money or experience to begin.

Let’s quickly recap the steps:

Choose a BSP-licensed platform like Coins.ph, PDAX, or Maya for safety and convenience.
Register and verify your identity to unlock full access and features.
Deposit PHP using your bank, e-wallet, or card.
Buy your first coin with just a few taps or clicks.
Store it safely using a wallet that suits your needs.
Use Atlas AI to stay ahead of market changes, trade smart, and grow your knowledge with real-time insights.

Remember, crypto is not just for tech experts or full-time traders. With the right tools, even beginners can make smart moves and protect their investments. Atlas AI makes this journey easier by giving you the data and alerts you need — all in one place.

So what are you waiting for? Start small, stay curious, and use technology to your advantage. The future of finance is already here — and you’re just one click away from joining it.