Bybit Unveils 18% GST for Indian Crypto Users Amid Policy Changes

Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency exchange, has announced that it will start charging an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for Indian users from July 7, 2025. This move is part of the platform’s effort to comply with India’s evolving tax regulations. 

However, it comes at a time when Indian investors are already burdened by strict tax rules. 

Bybit’s New GST Rule Affects a Wide Range of Crypto Trading

The new GST rule will apply to all asset transfers between users and merchants on the trading platform. The tax will be taken directly from the assets users receive when they trade on the platform. 

This means users will receive slightly less cryptocurrency after each transaction, as the GST will be automatically deducted. The GST will be calculated based on the price difference, also known as the spread. Notably, this will be visible in each user’s transaction history along with the trading fees. 

Bybit confirmed that over 310,000 active Indian users will be affected by this update. Also, this new policy will apply to a wide range of trading activities. This includes spot and margin trading, derivatives, fiat purchases using bank cards, and even staking. 

Bybit explained that any service fees or earnings from these products will now be taxed under India’s GST rules.

Bybit To End Key Features for Indian Users

Bybit, which recently launched its decentralized exchange, Byreal, is also making significant changes to its services. Starting July 9, the exchange will remove several popular features for users in India. These include crypto loans, the Bybit fiat card, and trading bots.

This update is part of a broader enhancement to the platform, affecting how users trade and utilize crypto on Bybit. The exchange emphasized that existing crypto loans must be paid back by July 17. Any unpaid balances will be settled automatically. 

The fiat card will be disabled for new transactions by that same date, and new card applications will no longer be accepted. Trading bots will be automatically deactivated starting July 9 as part of the broader service adjustments.

Ongoing Challenges for Indian Crypto Investors

Since 2022, India has introduced strict tax rules on cryptocurrency, including a 30% tax on profits and a 1% TDS on every transaction. These earlier rules have already led to a decline in trading activity. Now, Bybit’s upcoming 18% GST is set to add more pressure. 

Although the impact on crypto use in India is unclear, many traders are likely to feel its effects. While Bybit has complied with local tax laws, these changes may shape how people invest in cryptocurrency as we move forward.