Coinbase Reopens India Access With User Sign-Ups and 2026 Fiat Plans

• Coinbase opens India sign-ups again and starts with simple crypto-only trading access.
• Rupee deposits planned for 2026 could greatly expand India’s digital asset participation.

Coinbase’s decision to reopen sign-ups in India shows a direct move to reestablish itself after its 2023 exit. Users can already trade again, though the service is limited to crypto-to-crypto activity for now. The company has also stated that rupee deposits should arrive in 2026, a development that could unlock far broader access for local users.

Coinbase Eyes a Fresh Start in India

This move is seen as a signal that the company is trying to rebuild its presence after being hampered by issues with the local payment system. Furthermore, the decision to reopen registration appears to be gradual to stay in line with evolving user needs.

The fiat on-ramp service, scheduled for launch in 2026, is seen as a significant milestone, as users will then be able to deposit rupees and purchase digital assets directly without any additional hassle. Even so, the rollout isn’t happening overnight, since the team still needs time to complete the build and fine-tune the technical side.

Furthermore, the company’s re-entry into the Indian market indicates that it sees strong growth potential. India is known for its large, active, and growing crypto community.

In the past, the company’s time in the market has had its share of bumps. Coinbase launched in 2022 with a payment feature that they hoped would simplify crypto purchases. Not long after the launch, the technical backbone faltered, which caused rupee purchases to stop working. With no stable way forward, the company eventually pulled the plug on operations.

At the same time, their update about the 2026 rollout shows they’re aiming to bring back smooth, fully functional fiat transactions.

On December 2, we reported that they added six new assets to the Coinbase 50 Index and removed six more during their quarterly update.

Late last November, we highlighted their statement that 2026 could be the year when companies begin to penetrate the fields of AI, robotics, and RWA perpetuals. They even stated their readiness to actively invest in these areas and are open to collaborations.

It doesn’t stop there, on October 4, we also reported that the company had partnered with Samsung to provide Galaxy users with free access to Coinbase One, complete with direct integration into Samsung Pay that enables crypto trading, staking rewards, and payments without the need for a separate app.