GCrypto is the in-app cryptocurrency feature of GCash, the Philippines' leading mobile wallet. Launched in 2023, it allows users to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrency directly within the GCash app[reference:0][reference:1]. It is powered by PDAX (Philippine Digital Asset Exchange), a BSP-licensed exchange, making it a regulated entry point for crypto in the Philippines[reference:2][reference:3].
Think of GCrypto as a "crypto counter" inside your GCash app. Just as you can use GCash to pay bills or send money, you can now use it to buy and sell digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Your regular GCash wallet holds your pesos, while your GCrypto Trading Wallet is a separate space for your crypto trades[reference:4]. You move funds between these two wallets to buy or sell.
Using GCrypto is straightforward, but understanding the flow of funds is important.
To get started, open the GCash app and navigate to the GInvest section, then select GCrypto[reference:11]. You will be guided through a brief setup process to create your GCrypto account[reference:12]. You need to be a fully verified GCash user to access this feature[reference:13].
The GCrypto Trading Wallet is a separate wallet within the app, distinct from your regular GCash wallet[reference:14]. You cannot buy or send crypto directly from your regular GCash wallet[reference:15]. Instead, you must first cash in — transfer funds from your GCash wallet to your GCrypto Trading Wallet[reference:16]. This separation helps keep your everyday funds and your crypto investments organized.
Once your GCrypto Trading Wallet is funded, you can buy crypto by selecting the asset you want, entering the amount in PHP or crypto, and tapping "Buy"[reference:17]. Selling works in reverse — you sell your crypto, and the proceeds go back to your GCrypto Trading Wallet, which you can then withdraw to your main GCash wallet[reference:18].
GCrypto also allows you to send and receive crypto to and from external wallets and exchanges[reference:19]. To receive, you share your QR code or public key with the sender[reference:20]. To send, you enter the recipient's address and confirm the transaction[reference:21]. Always double-check that you are using the correct blockchain network to avoid loss of funds[reference:22].
GCrypto offers a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies, ranging from major coins to stablecoins and even tokenized gold[reference:23].
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, often pegged to the US dollar. GCrypto supports several:
GCrypto also offers Gold (GOLD), powered by Tether Gold ($XAUT)[reference:31]. Each token represents ownership of one fine troy ounce of physical gold held in secure Swiss vaults[reference:32]. This allows Filipinos to invest in gold for as low as PHP 200[reference:33].
The platform also includes popular tokens like Chainlink (LINK), Uniswap (UNI), Aave (AAVE), Axie Infinity (AXS), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Dogecoin (DOGE), among many others[reference:34]. For a complete and updated list, always check the official GCrypto coins page within the app or on the GCash Help Center[reference:35].
GCrypto is convenient, but it's not free. Understanding the fee structure is essential to avoid surprises.
GCrypto does not charge a separate trading fee like traditional exchanges. Instead, it uses a spread-based pricing model. The price you see when buying is slightly higher than the market price, and the price when selling is slightly lower. This spread is how GCrypto and its partner PDAX generate revenue. Users have reported that this spread can be as high as close to 5% per transaction[reference:36]. This is significantly higher than the 0.1%–0.6% fees typical of major exchanges.
When you send or receive cryptocurrency, you will incur network fees (also known as gas fees)[reference:37]. These are not set by GCrypto but by the blockchain network itself (e.g., Ethereum, Bitcoin). The fees vary depending on network congestion[reference:38]. You can see the exact fee on the Send/Receive page before confirming the transaction[reference:39].
Cashing in (depositing) from your GCash wallet to your GCrypto Trading Wallet is generally free. However, withdrawing crypto to an external wallet incurs network fees[reference:40]. Withdrawing PHP from your GCrypto wallet back to your main GCash wallet is also typically free, but always check for any applicable fees.
Before using GCrypto, it's wise to assess it against your needs and expectations.
GCrypto is powered by PDAX, which is a BSP-licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP)[reference:41][reference:42]. This provides a level of regulatory oversight and consumer protection that unregulated platforms lack. GCash itself is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas[reference:43].
GCrypto is designed for beginners. The process of buying and selling is straightforward and integrated into an app that millions of Filipinos already use daily[reference:44]. An in-app beginner's guide is also available to help new users understand crypto basics[reference:45].
As noted, the spread can be high — potentially up to 5%[reference:46]. This makes GCrypto more expensive for trading compared to dedicated exchanges like Binance or Kraken, but it may still be cost-effective for small, occasional purchases where convenience is paramount.
GCash has faced significant criticism regarding customer support and app stability. On Trustpilot, GCash has a rating of 1.8 out of 5, with users reporting issues like lost money, app crashes, and unhelpful customer service[reference:47][reference:48]. These are important factors to consider, especially if you encounter problems with your crypto transactions.
Like any investment platform, GCrypto comes with its own set of risks.
Cryptocurrencies are known for their extreme price fluctuations[reference:49]. You can experience significant gains or losses in a short period. This is a risk inherent to crypto, not specific to GCrypto.
GCrypto is a custodial wallet, meaning GCash/PDAX holds your private keys[reference:50]. While convenient, this means you are trusting a third party with your assets. If the platform is hacked, experiences insolvency, or freezes your account, you could lose access to your funds.
The spread on GCrypto can be as high as 5%[reference:51]. This means you are paying a significant premium compared to the market price. Over time, this can erode your investment returns, especially if you trade frequently.
Users have reported issues with unauthorized transactions and lost funds[reference:52]. While GCash is a legitimate platform, scammers often target its users through phishing attempts[reference:53]. Never share your private keys or OTPs with anyone, and be wary of unsolicited messages.
GCash has a history of app crashes and performance issues[reference:54]. If the app is down during a volatile market moment, you may not be able to execute trades when you need to.
This table compares GCrypto with other popular options for Filipinos.
| Feature | GCrypto (GCash) | Coins.ph | Binance (via P2P) | PDAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated | ✅ (BSP-licensed via PDAX) | ✅ (BSP-licensed) | ❌ (No BSP license) | ✅ (BSP-licensed) |
| Ease of Use | Very High (integrated in GCash) | High | Medium (P2P can be complex) | Medium |
| Typical Trading Fee | Spread up to ~5%[reference:55] | ~0.5% – 1% | ~0.1% – 0.6% | ~0.5% – 1% |
| Minimum Investment | PHP 200[reference:56] | PHP 50 | Varies (low) | Varies |
| Number of Coins | 40+[reference:57] | ~100[reference:58] | 300+[reference:59] | 40+ |
| Custody | Custodial | Custodial | Non-custodial (if using personal wallet) | Custodial |
| Customer Support | Poor (Trustpilot 1.8/5)[reference:60] | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
Note: Fees and features change frequently. Always verify current details on each platform's official website.
Before you make your first GCrypto purchase, run through this checklist.
User: Maria is a 30-year-old professional in Manila. She has used GCash for years for bills and remittances. She's curious about crypto but intimidated by complex exchanges.
Action: Maria opens her GCash app, navigates to GInvest > GCrypto, and completes the setup. She transfers PHP 1,000 from her GCash wallet to her GCrypto Trading Wallet.
Purchase: She decides to buy Bitcoin. She sees the current buy price (which includes the spread) and buys PHP 500 worth of BTC. The transaction is instant.
Observation: Over the next few weeks, she watches the price of Bitcoin fluctuate. She uses the in-app beginner's guide to learn more about market volatility[reference:63].
Outcome: After a month, the price of Bitcoin has increased by 10%. Maria decides to sell her PHP 500 worth of BTC. She receives the proceeds in her GCrypto wallet and withdraws them to her main GCash wallet. She made a small profit, but she also notes that the spread reduced her overall gain.
This is a fictional scenario for educational illustration. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Cryptocurrency is a high-risk investment. Prices are extremely volatile, and you can lose a significant portion or all of your investment. Never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
Custodial risk: GCrypto is a custodial service. Your assets are held by GCash and PDAX. If the platform experiences security breaches, insolvency, or operational issues, your funds could be at risk. You do not control the private keys.
Fee risk: The spread on GCrypto can be high (up to ~5%)[reference:67]. This can significantly reduce your returns, especially for frequent trades.
Technical and support risks: GCash has a history of app crashes and poor customer support[reference:68][reference:69]. If you encounter issues, you may face delays or difficulties in resolving them.
Regulatory risk: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency in the Philippines is evolving. Future regulations could impact your ability to trade or the tax treatment of your gains.
No personalized advice: This guide is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. All investment decisions are your own responsibility. Consult a qualified financial advisor for guidance tailored to your personal situation.
GCrypto is powered by PDAX, a BSP-licensed exchange, which provides regulatory oversight[reference:70]. However, it is a custodial platform, meaning you do not control your private keys. Users have reported security issues and lost funds[reference:71]. It is considered relatively safe for small amounts, but for larger holdings, consider using a non-custodial wallet.
GCrypto does not charge a separate trading fee but uses a spread-based model. The spread can be as high as close to 5%[reference:72]. There are also network (gas) fees when you send or receive crypto[reference:73].
GCrypto supports over 40 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), stablecoins like USDC and USDT, and even tokenized gold (GOLD)[reference:74][reference:75].
Yes, GCrypto allows you to send crypto to external wallets and exchanges[reference:76]. You will need to pay the applicable network (gas) fees[reference:77].
Open the GCash app, go to GInvest, and select GCrypto[reference:78]. Complete the setup, cash in from your GCash wallet to your GCrypto Trading Wallet, and then you can buy crypto[reference:79].
Yes. GCrypto is powered by PDAX, which is a BSP-licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP)[reference:80][reference:81]. GCash itself is also regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas[reference:82].
You can start investing with as little as PHP 200[reference:83][reference:84].
If GCash were to shut down, your crypto held in the custodial GCrypto wallet could be at risk. This is a key risk of custodial platforms. For long-term holdings, it is generally recommended to withdraw your crypto to a non-custodial wallet where you control the private keys.
These FAQs are for general informational purposes. Always verify details on the official GCash website and consult a financial advisor for your specific situation.