Buying cryptocurrency in India feels like navigating a maze right now. You want the ease of UPI payments and INR trading pairs, but you also need to know your money is safe from the next platform shutdown or regulatory crackdown. ArthBit is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange based in Delhi, India, designed to make crypto accessible through local banking integrations like UPI and low minimum deposits. Launched in January 2021 by ARTHBIT PRIVATE LIMITED, it promises a smooth entry point for retail investors who just want to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum without dealing with complex international wire transfers.
But here is the real question: does being "Indian-made" automatically mean it is trustworthy? The short answer is no. While ArthBit offers convenient features for locals, its status as an "Untracked Listing" on major data aggregators raises some serious eyebrows. Let’s cut through the marketing noise and look at what this platform actually offers, where it falls short, and whether you should trust it with your capital in 2026.
The Core Value Proposition: Accessibility Over Power
ArthBit isn’t trying to compete with Binance or Coinbase on raw volume or advanced derivatives. Its entire strategy revolves around accessibility. If you are a beginner in Mumbai or Delhi who has never touched a blockchain wallet, ArthBit tries to remove every barrier possible.
The biggest draw is the payment infrastructure. Most global exchanges require you to use P2P markets or third-party fiat ramps to convert Rupees to USDT. ArthBit integrates directly with the Indian banking ecosystem. You can fund your account using UPI, Mobile Wallets, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, or even debit and credit cards. This reduces friction significantly. You don’t need to learn how to navigate grey-market crypto payments; you just pay like you would for a grocery bill.
They also lowered the entry threshold drastically. You can start investing with as little as Rs. 100. This targets the massive segment of Indian retail investors who want to dip their toes into crypto but don’t have thousands of dollars to spare. They offer SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) options, allowing you to automate small buys over time, which is a smart psychological tool for long-term holders.
- Minimum Deposit: Rs. 100
- Supported Fiat: INR only
- Payment Methods: UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, Cards
- Target Audience: Beginners and retail investors in India
Coin Selection and Trading Limits
While the onboarding is easy, the selection is modest. ArthBit supports around 43 cryptocurrencies. For a casual investor looking to buy the big names, this is sufficient. You will find Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Ripple (XRP), and Polygon (MATIC).
If you are interested in meme coins or niche altcoins, they have some coverage too, including Dogecoin (DOGE), Tron (TRX), and Decentraland (MANA). They also list their own proprietary token, ARTH. However, if you are a trader looking for obscure DeFi tokens or new launches, you will likely hit a wall quickly. The list is static compared to larger exchanges that add dozens of assets weekly.
Trading functionality is limited to spot trading. There are no futures, margin trading, or leveraged positions available. This is actually a double-edged sword. On one hand, it protects beginners from blowing up their accounts with leverage. On the other hand, it means professional traders will find the platform boring and restrictive. You can only buy low and sell high; there are no short-selling mechanisms.
The Elephant in the Room: Untracked Status
This is the most critical part of this review. If you go to CoinMarketCap, one of the world’s leading crypto data providers, ArthBit holds an "Untracked Listing" status. What does this mean?
It means CoinMarketCap does not verify or monitor ArthBit’s trading volume data. Major exchanges undergo strict verification processes to prove their liquidity is real and not fabricated. When an exchange is untracked, it usually indicates one of three things:
- Low Volume: The exchange doesn’t have enough consistent trading activity to warrant tracking resources.
- Lack of Transparency: The exchange hasn’t provided the necessary API access or documentation to prove its data integrity.
- Newer or Niche Focus: The platform is too small or regional to meet global tracking criteria.
In the context of crypto security, an untracked listing is a red flag for institutional investors. It suggests that the reported volumes might be inflated or that the platform lacks the operational maturity of top-tier competitors. For a user depositing Rs. 100, this might not matter much. But if you plan to move significant capital-say, lakhs or crores of Rupees-this lack of transparency is a risk factor you cannot ignore.
| Feature | ArthBit | Binance / WazirX | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat Integration | Native UPI/INR | P2P / Third-party | Bank Transfer (USD/EUR) |
| Coin Selection | ~43 Coins | 350+ Coins | 200+ Coins |
| Tracking Status | Untracked (CMC) | Tracked & Verified | Tracked & Publicly Listed |
| Advanced Trading | Spot Only | Futures, Margin, Options | Spot & Advanced Trade |
| Regulatory Clarity | Unclear | Varies by Region | Highly Regulated (US) |
Security and Regulatory Posture
Security in crypto is not about promises; it is about architecture and audits. ArthBit claims to use "best-in-industry blockchain-based solutions" and automatic KYC/AML procedures. Automatic KYC is convenient-it speeds up registration-but it doesn’t necessarily mean robust security. It often relies on third-party identity verification APIs.
Here is what is missing: there is no public record of third-party security audits, no bug bounty program disclosure, and no proof of reserves. Proof of reserves is crucial. It allows users to verify that the exchange actually holds the assets it claims to hold. Without this, you are trusting the company’s word that your Bitcoin is sitting in a cold wallet and not being used for something else.
Regarding regulation, ArthBit operates in a grey area. India has tightened its stance on crypto since 2021, imposing a 30% tax on gains and a 1% TDS on transactions. While ArthBit states it complies with KYC/AML laws, it does not advertise any specific license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or other financial authorities. In fact, most crypto exchanges in India operate without direct RBI approval because the central bank has historically been hostile to crypto. This means if something goes wrong legally, you have limited recourse through traditional banking channels.
They mention "asset insurance" through top providers, but they do not name the insurers or the coverage limits. This is vague marketing language. Always ask: who pays if the exchange gets hacked? If the answer isn't clear, assume you bear the full risk.
User Experience and Mobile App
Since most Indians access the internet via smartphones, ArthBit’s mobile-first approach makes sense. The app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store under the name "Arthbit - Buy Crypto & Trading." It is free to download and categorized under Business & Productivity.
The interface is designed for simplicity. Registration requires an email address and password, followed by a standard email verification code. Once logged in, the dashboard is clean, showing live prices for major coins. The UI avoids the cluttered charts and order books found on professional platforms like Kraken or Bybit. Instead, it focuses on large "Buy" and "Sell" buttons.
For a user in a tier-2 city in India who wants to check their portfolio while commuting, the app works well. It provides 24/7 market access. However, power users will miss features like customizable charting tools, technical indicators, and API access for algorithmic trading. The Android version, developed by ARTHBIT PRIVATE LIMITED, has received mixed feedback regarding stability during high-volatility periods, though specific crash reports are not widely documented.
Is ArthBit Right for You?
Let’s break down the decision tree. ArthBit is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It serves a very specific niche.
You should consider ArthBit if:
- You are a complete beginner in India who finds global exchanges confusing.
- You want to use UPI to buy crypto instantly without jumping through P2P hoops.
- You only intend to invest small amounts (under Rs. 50,000) in major coins like BTC and ETH.
- You prefer a simple, mobile-only experience without complex trading interfaces.
You should avoid ArthBit if:
- You are storing significant life savings or large capital amounts.
- You require advanced trading features like leverage, futures, or staking.
- You prioritize transparency and want to trade on an exchange with verified, tracked volume.
- You are concerned about the lack of public security audits or proof of reserves.
The "Untracked Listing" status is the biggest deterrent for serious investors. It signals that the platform has not yet reached the maturity level of global leaders. For small, experimental investments, the convenience of UPI integration might outweigh the risks. But for anything substantial, the lack of transparency is a hard stop.
Final Verdict
ArthBit fills a gap in the Indian market for ultra-simple, locally integrated crypto buying. It removes the technical friction of converting Rupees to crypto, making it easier than ever to get started. However, ease of use does not equal safety. The absence of tracked volume data, unclear insurance details, and limited coin selection keep it firmly in the "caution" zone.
Use it as a gateway if you must, but never treat it as a vault. If you decide to use ArthBit, consider moving your assets to a personal hardware wallet after purchase, rather than leaving them on the exchange. This way, you benefit from their easy onboarding while mitigating the risk of platform failure.
Is ArthBit a legitimate exchange?
ArthBit is a registered entity operated by ARTHBIT PRIVATE LIMITED in Delhi, India. It functions as a legitimate business providing spot trading services. However, "legitimate" does not mean "risk-free." Its status as an untracked listing on CoinMarketCap indicates it lacks the transparency and volume verification of top-tier global exchanges. Users should exercise caution and limit exposure.
Can I use UPI to buy Bitcoin on ArthBit?
Yes, ArthBit integrates directly with UPI (Unified Payments Interface), along with IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS. This allows Indian users to fund their accounts using local bank accounts instantly, avoiding the complexities of P2P trading or international wire transfers.
Why is ArthBit listed as "Untracked" on CoinMarketCap?
An "Untracked Listing" means CoinMarketCap does not verify or monitor the exchange's trading volume data. This usually happens when an exchange has low volume, lacks transparent API access, or has not met the strict verification criteria required for tracked listings. It is a signal to users that the reported trading activity may not be reliable.
What is the minimum amount to invest on ArthBit?
The minimum investment amount on ArthBit is Rs. 100. This low barrier to entry is designed to attract retail investors and beginners who want to start with small capital. The platform also supports SIP (Systematic Investment Plans) for recurring small investments.
Does ArthBit offer leverage or futures trading?
No, ArthBit is strictly a spot trading platform. It does not offer leverage, margin trading, futures contracts, or options. This limits the platform to basic buying and selling of cryptocurrencies, which reduces risk for beginners but offers fewer opportunities for advanced traders.
Is my money insured on ArthBit?
ArthBit claims to partner with "top risk management and asset insurance providers," but it does not disclose specific insurance policies, coverage limits, or provider names. In the absence of clear proof of reserves or detailed insurance terms, users should assume that their funds are not fully protected against hacking or insolvency.
1 Responses
lol another exchange that thinks 'untracked' is a badge of honor instead of a massive red flag đźš©. the whole point of cmc tracking is so you dont get rug pulled by some dude in his moms basement. also why does it take 3 paragraphs to say 'use upi'. just say it.