Home 12 Best P2P Crypto Exchanges in 2025

12 Best P2P Crypto Exchanges in 2025

Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading offers an alternative way to purchase crypto.

With P2P crypto exchanges, users can trade, buy, and sell cryptocurrencies without needing help from a third-party authority. This also means buyers can transact with local payment methods, while sellers can set their own prices. 

Read on to discover the best P2P crypto exchanges, learn how they work, and start your first trade in under five minutes. We also discuss the risks of P2P trading and how to avoid them.

P2P Crypto Exchanges List

P2P Exchange P2P Fees Supported Coins
Best Wallet  The overall best P2P exchange for decentralized trading No additional markups from liquidity providers 1,000+ tokens, [Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, and Solana]
Exodus Popular p2p crypto choice, offers P2P trading within a multi-asset wallet. Varies BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, and other ERC-20 tokens
MEXC Fee-free P2P trading for users in Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia None Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and USD Coin
OKX  Popular P2P crypto exchange with zero fees and 900+ payment methods None Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Dai, True USD, and USD Coin
Binance Biggest peer to peer crypto exchange with huge payment options supporting 8 cryptocurrencies 0.1% Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, DAI, TrueUSD, USD Coin, First Digital USD, and BNB
Bybit Crypto P2P exchange, offers to invest with PayPal and Neteller at 0% commission None Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, and Tether
BingX  Reliable crypto P2P platform secure with escrow None Tether
Gemini A secure P2P platform with strong regulatory compliance Varies 70+
KuCoin Among the best P2P crypto exchanges with over 30 Million active users None Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, Tether, and KuCoin Token
Bitget Secure P2P trading with innovative user protection Varies 500+
CoinEX Deposit funds via P2P and access over 1,500 trading markets None Tether
Gate.io  One of the only P2P exchanges to support Dogecoin No fees for buyers but sellers can pay up to 0.2% Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Dogecoin

What Is the Best P2P Crypto Exchange?

Some factors to consider when choosing a P2P exchange include escrow safety, supported coins, accepted payment methods, and average prices. We’ll now review the best P2P Bitcoin exchanges for 2025 in detail.

1. Best Wallet – The Overall Best P2P Crypto Exchange for Decentralized Trading

best wallet- Best P2P Crypto Exchange

Best Wallet is, in our opinion, the best P2P crypto exchange, leveraging smart contracts to execute orders and supporting a number of cryptocurrencies, including the best altcoins.

Technically, Best Wallet is synonymous with a decentralized exchange rather than a P2P platform. This is because it uses liquidity pools rather than P2P mechanisms.

For instance, let’s say you want to swap USDT for BNB. This would require the USDT/BNB liquidity pool, which contains equal amounts of both coins. After typing in your preferences and connecting a wallet, USDT will be swapped for BNB via a smart contract. This means the BNB coins are almost instantly added to the wallet.

Moreover, the exchange rates are determined by real-time factors, such as market depth and volume. Nonetheless, Best Wallet sources the best market prices, as it’s partnered with dozens of liquidity providers.

Moreover, Best Wallet offers one of the best decentralized crypto wallets.

Supported Coins All tokens from the Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Polygon networks
No. Payment Methods Crypto (also has a fiat on-ramp for debit/credit cards)
P2P Fees No additional markups from liquidity providers
Escrow? No, uses smart contracts — which are safer
Top Features Decentralized exchange without escrow risks / Instant wallet delivery via smart contracts / No account registration is required

Pros

  • Buy thousands of cryptos without requiring a seller
  • No requirement for escrow
  • Offers a self-custody wallet with top security features

Cons

  • Doesn’t support Bitcoin (coming soon)

2. Exodus – Popular p2p Crypto Choice, Offers p2p Trading Within a Multi-Asset Wallet

exodus_-_Best_P2P_Crypto_Exchange

Next on our list of top P2P crypto exchanges is Exodus. It offers a built-in P2P exchange service directly within its multi-crypto wallet. Users can swap a wide range of cryptos without registering on a centralized exchange or completing KYC verification.

It supports over 50 blockchains and over 300 assets, so users can simply select their desired trading pair and the amount they wish to exchange. The wallet then facilitates the swap directly between users. This seamless integration makes it particularly convenient for those who prefer to manage all their crypto activities within a single application.

Exodus offers cross-chain swaps through XO Swap, providing access to over 100,000 digital assets. After choosing the trading pair, the exchange rate is displayed. Please note that Exodus automatically matches users for the swap and eliminates the need to browse through individual seller listings.

While Exodus doesn’t show seller ratings or trade history, the wallet’s reputation and built-in security measures give users some trust.

Supported Coins BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, and other ERC-20 tokens
No. Payment Methods Crypto-to-Crypto
P2P Fees Varies
Escrow? Built-in wallet security
Top Features User-friendly interface / No KYC required / Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies

Pros

  • Integrated within a popular multi-cryptocurrency wallet
  • No KYC required for P2P exchanges
  • User-friendly interface ideal for beginners

Cons

  • Higher fees compared to traditional exchanges

3. MEXC – Fee-Free P2P Trading for Users in Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia

MEXC -Best P2P Crypto Exchange

Next on this list of P2P crypto exchanges is MEXC, offering P2P services in Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia. If you’re based in one of these nations, you can buy four different cryptos without paying any P2P fees — namely, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and USD Coin. 

Supported payment methods depend on where you live. Those in Vietnam can use local bank transfers, MoMo, Zalo Pay, and ShopeePay. South Korean residents are limited to bank transfers and KaKAOPAY. Russians can use Payeer or domestic bank wires.  After choosing the preferred payment method, sellers are listed by the exchange rate. 

Each seller has a minimum and maximum purchase amount. MEXC shows the number of previous trades conducted by sellers. Plus, their rating from other buyers. This ensures you’re buying from a legitimate seller. Even so, P2P trades go through the MEXC escrow service.

Supported Coins Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and USD Coin
No. Payment Methods 30+
P2P Fees None
Escrow? Yes
Top Features No fees charged to buyers / Secure escrow system / Some sellers offer rates below the spot price

Pros

  • No commissions are charged to P2P buyers
  • Solid escrow system to protect both parties
  • Trades often take minutes to complete

Cons

  • KYC is required for buyers and sellers

4. OKX – Popular P2P Crypto Exchange With Zero Fees and 900+ Payment Methods

okx - Best P2P Crypto Exchange

OKX is one of the best P2P crypto exchanges on the market supporting sic cryptocurrencies and is compatible with over 900 local payment methods, including local bank transfers and Revolut, Wise, Perfect Money, and Payeer.

With a user-friendly layout and support for some of the best cryptocurrencies, OKX offers users an easy way to manage cryptocurrencies and swap their tokens. Buyers must choose their preferred coin, currency, payment type, and amount. OKX then sorts available P2P sellers based on the ask price. Do note that KYC isn’t required up to the first $5,000. After that, KYC procedures are mandatory.

After sending payment, the seller’s coins are locked in the OKX escrow. Once the seller confirms receiving the funds, they’re released to your OKX wallet. Crucially, although sellers set their rates, OKX doesn’t charge any additional fees.

OKX also offers a traditional crypto exchange that supports hundreds of other coins, ensuring crypto liquidity.

Supported Coins Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Dai, True USD and USD Coin
No. Payment Methods 900+
P2P Fees None
Escrow? Yes
Top Features Supports a huge selection of convenient payment methods / No additional commissions are charged / User-friendly dashboard is ideal for beginners

Pros

  • Top-rated P2P exchange available in most countries
  • Supported coins are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and USD Coin
  • No KYC is needed up to the first $5,000

Cons

  • Some exchange rates are unfavorable

5. Binance – Buy 8 Crypto Coins With 100+ Fiat Currencies in Under 15 Minutes

Binance- Best P2P Crypto Exchange

Binance, the world’s most popular exchange with over 200 million users, also offers P2P trading. This is a good option for Binance traders who aren’t able to deposit fiat currency directly. For instance, while Binance doesn’t accept GBP payments, UK users can use the P2P platform without restrictions.

Binance supports 8 crypto coins — BTC, ETH, USDT, DAI, TUSD, USDC, FDUSD, and BNB. Best of all, more than 800 payment methods and over 100 currencies are accepted. 

Binance P2P exchange is easy to use. Buyers can quickly find deals based on their preferred payment method or fiat currency.

Although Binance lists P2P sellers by the best exchange rate, it doesn’t offer a comparison against spot prices. This means buyers must check exchange rates manually before proceeding. Nonetheless, most P2P trades on Binance are completed within 15 minutes. P2P buyers pay a trading commission of just 0.1% of the purchase amount. 

Supported Coins Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, DAI, TrueUSD, USD Coin, First Digital USD, and BNB
No. Payment Methods 800+
P2P Fees 0.1%
Escrow? Yes
Top Features Backed by the world’s largest exchange / 800+ accepted payment methods / Most P2P trades take under 15 minutes

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • 100+ local currencies are supported
  • Suitable for small and large purchases alike

Cons

  • A small commission to P2P orders and a mandatory KYC completion

6. Bybit – Crypto P2P Exchange, Offers to Invest With PayPal and Neteller at 0% Commission

bybit-Best P2P Crypto Exchange

Bybit is a popular crypto exchange that supports spot trading, perpetual futures, leveraged tokens, and options trading. Its P2P platform is one of the best ways to deposit funds.

More than 60 currencies are supported, and hundreds of convenient payment methods are accepted, including the most popular e-wallets. Bybit is also a great option for U.S. traders wanting to use Cash App or Venmo. That said, only four crypto coins are available on the P2P platform — BTC, ETH, USDC, and USDT.

Like most P2P crypto exchanges, buyers simply need to choose the coin, payment type, and purchase amount.

The most competitively priced sellers are then listed. It’s best to focus on sellers who have completed hundreds of orders with a 100% positive rating.

Bybit uses a secure escrow system and no fees are charged to P2P buyers or sellers. Once the purchase is made, you’ll then have access to one of the largest crypto exchanges around.

Supported Coins Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, and Tether
No. Payment Methods 300+
P2P Fees None
Escrow? Yes
Top Features Buy crypto with 300+ payment types / Some sellers have a 100% rating over hundreds of orders / Crypto exchange rates are often below the spot price

Pros

  • A great option for using e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller
  • Also supports Cash App and Venmo
  • No P2P fees are charged to buyers or sellers

Cons

  • Unlike the main Bybit exchange, KYC is compulsory

7. BingX – Reliable Crypto p2p Platform Secure With Escrow

BingX--Best P2P Crypto Exchange

Next on this list of P2P crypto exchanges is BingX, a popular trading platform with robust security and competitive fees. Its P2P dashboard supports just one crypto asset: Tether. Nonetheless, dozens of fiat currencies are supported, as are the most convenient payment types.

In addition to bank transfers and Wise, it’s also possible to buy Tether with Google Pay, SEPA, Revolut, and Cash App. What’s more, exchange rates are often competitive. For instance, the top USDT/USD rate is currently $1.027 — just slightly above the spot price.

Additionally, BingX doesn’t charge commissions when using the P2P dashboard.

However, do note that KYC at BingX must be completed before completing a P2P trade. This ensures that buyers and sellers can transact without potential scams.

Supported Coins Tether
No. Payment Methods 300+
P2P Fees None
Escrow? Yes
Top Features Buy Tether below market prices / A great option when using local bank transfers or Wise / P2P trades are commission-free

Pros

  • No P2P commissions when buying and selling
  • Some listings are sold below the spot price
  • Doubles up as a spot trading and crypto derivatives platform

Cons

  • Only supports Tether, and some sellers have low purchase limits

8. Gemini – A Secure P2P Platform with Strong Regulatory Compliance

Gemini--Best P2P Crypto Exchange

Gemini’s P2P exchange is another popular choice that offers a secure trading environment for beginner and experienced crypto traders. Focusing on regulatory compliance and strong security measures, Gemini has established itself as a trusted platform in the crypto space and is a popular Binance alternative for those looking for a P2P exchange connected to a CEX.

Gemini’s P2P dashboard primarily supports major cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and its own Gemini Dollar stablecoin. The platform accepts fiat currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, making it accessible to users from different regions. Payment methods include bank transfers, wire transfers, and debit card purchases.

The platform offers two-factor authentication and insurance coverage for digital assets, providing peace of mind for users concerned about fund safety. To further increase transaction safety, all P2P trades go through Gemini’s secure escrow service.

Supported Coins 70+
No. Payment Methods 5+
P2P Fees Varies
Escrow? Yes
Top Features Strong security measures / Regulatory compliance / User-friendly interface / Insurance coverage for digital assets

Pros

  • Highly secure platform with strong safety features
  • Complies to regulations
  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners

Cons

  • Higher fees compared to other P2P platforms

9. KuCoin – A Great Option for Liquidity With Over 30 Million Active Users

KuCoin - Best P2P Crypto Exchange

KuCoin is a tier-one crypto exchange with over 30 million users. It attracts premium liquidity, which is ideal for P2P traders. This ensures competitive market prices and sufficient volumes around the clock. Its P2P dashboard supports five crypto coins — Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, Tether, and KuCoin Token.

More than 30 fiat currencies are accepted, including major currencies such as USD, AUD, and EUR, as well as numerous emerging currencies like THB and VND.KuCoin accepts over 100 payment methods. The fastest option is to perform a local bank transfer — P2P trades should be completed in under five minutes.

Google Pay, Wise, Neteller, Cash App, and Revolut are also supported. P2P minimums often start from just $10, ideal for beginners. The KuCoin P2P platform doesn’t charge fees to buyers or sellers.

Finally, all trades go through a secure escrow network.

Supported Coins Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, Tether, and KuCoin Token
No. Payment Methods 100+
P2P Fees None
Escrow? Yes
Top Features Buy 5 different coins with over 30 local currencies / Buyers and sellers can transact fee-free / P2P trades via local bank transfers take minutes

Pros

  • One of the best P2P crypto exchanges for liquidity
  • Used by more than 30 million traders
  • No trading fees are charged to P2P traders

Cons

  • P2P access is restricted until KYC is completed and it doesn’t accept PayPal

10. Bitget – Secure P2P Trading with Innovative User Protection

bitget-Best P2P Crypto Exchange

Bitget is a popular exchange with a P2P portal that stands out for its strong focus on user security and global accessibility. With its unique P2P Shield feature and ability to work with many traditional currencies, Bitget makes it safe for users to trade cryptos directly with each other.

Bitget users can use the web browser or Bitget mobile app to buy and sell on the peer-to-peer exchange. There is no service fee for using the site, but additional transaction costs may apply based on the chosen payment method.

Bitget supports almost 70 fiat currencies, from major ones like EUR to currencies from emerging markets like NGN and BRL. There are more than 30 ways to pay, ranging from well-known choices like Revolut to local bank transfers. Each listing displays the seller’s completion rate and trading volume, helping buyers make informed decisions.

All trades go through Bitget’s escrow service for added security.

One feature that stands out is the P2P Shield, which adds extra security against scams. This safety measure (backed by a $300 million protection fund) aims to compensate users who fall victim to scams within the platform.

Supported Coins 500+
No. Payment Methods 30+
P2P Fees Varies
Escrow? Yes
Top Features P2P Shield for user protection / Wide range of supported fiat currencies / Multiple payment methods

Pros

  • Innovative P2P Shield for enhanced user protection
  • Supports nearly 70 fiat currencies
  • Over 30 payment methods available

Cons

  • The fee structure is not clearly specified

11. CoinEX – Deposit Funds via P2P and Access Over 1,500 Trading Markets

CoinEX-Best P2P Crypto Exchange

CoinEx is a top-rated exchange with over five million users. It’s a great option if you’re looking to build a diversified portfolio of cryptocurrencies. After all, CoinEx lists over 1,000 coins and 1,500 trading markets. This includes some of the best meme coins, such as Shiba Inu, Pepe, and MAGA.

To fund a CoinEx account, head over to the P2P dashboard and buy Tether. While other P2P options aren’t supported, Tether is paired with most CoinEx markets — so it’s the best crypto to hold in your account. Supported payment methods depend on the currency and country.

For example, those in Vietnam can use ZaloPay, VNPAY, VNPT Money, and local bank transfers. On the other hand, users who come from India can choose from IMPS, Digital eRupee, Paytm, Mobilkik, and Google Pay.

Just select the currency and see what methods are supported. The CoinEx p2p exchange securely holds cryptocurrencies in escrow until both parties confirm the transaction.

Moreover, no P2P trading fees are charged by CoinEx — no matter the volume.

Supported Coins Tether
No. Payment Methods Not stated — depends on the currency and country
P2P Fees None
Escrow? Yes
Top Features Main exchange supports over 1,500 trading pairs / No P2P commissions / Small purchases are welcome

Pros

  • Supports a wide range of local payment methods
  • Large purchase limits are offered by some sellers
  • Its main exchange supports over 1,500 trading pairs

Cons

  • All P2P traders need to upload a government-issued ID  

12. Gate.io – One of the Only P2P Exchanges to Support Dogecoin

gate.io-Best P2P Crypto Exchange

Last on this list of P2P crypto exchanges is Gate.io. Launched in 2013 and used by over 16 million traders, Gate.io offers a great user experience. Its primary exchange lists more than 2,100 coins, including some of the next cryptos to explode. It also offers some of the highest earning yields — top APYs are currently at 499%.

Regarding P2P trading, Gate.io lists 4 coins — Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Dogecoin.

Additionally, Gate.io offers real-time spot prices next to each coin, enabling buyers to assess whether they’re getting a good deal easily. It’s also seamless to filter the most trusted sellers, such as those with a Blue VIP tick.

These are sellers that are certified and vetted. Over 100 payment methods are supported, including e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill. Local bank transfers are available, plus WeChat, Western Union, and Alipay. Gate.io doesn’t charge P2P buyers any fees. However, sellers can pay up to 0.2%, depending on the volume.

Supported Coins Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Dogecoin
No. Payment Methods Not stated — depends on the currency and country
P2P Fees No fees for buyers but sellers can pay up to 0.2%
Escrow? Yes
Top Features An established exchange that launched in 2013 / No P2P fees for buyers / One of the few P2P platforms to support Dogecoin

Pros

  • 4 P2P coins are supported — including Dogecoin
  • Supports e-wallets, local bank transfers, mobile payments, and more
  • P2P trades are protected by the Gate.io escrow service
  • A great option for earning APYs of up to 499%

Cons

  • Sellers’ commissions of up to 0.2% and KYC documents must be approved before trading

How We Ranked These P2P Exchanges

We ranked peer-to-peer exchanges by focusing on the most important factors for traders.

Here’s an overview of our research methods:

  • Supported Coins: We initially assessed which coins each peer-to-peer exchange supports. At a minimum, this should include Tether — which offers access to the broader crypto markets. We also prioritized exchanges supporting Ethereum and Bitcoin.
  • Currencies: P2P exchanges should offer global accessibility, meaning support for many local currencies. This includes not just major currencies like EUR and USD but also those from emerging countries. OKX, for example, supports over 100 currencies.
  • Fees: Crypto exchanges with P2P trading typically don’t charge fees to buyers or sellers. ByBit is free to use, while Binance charges a 0.1% fee. Some platforms charge sellers fees ranging from 0.3% to 2-3%. It’s important to compare transaction fees and watch out for any hidden fees.
  • Payment Methods: Traders should choose a peer-to-peer crypto exchange that accepts various payment methods. This often includes local bank transfers, which is considered the fastest option. E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Google Play are also commonly supported. Not to mention mobile payments and Western Union.
  • KYC: Most P2P crypto exchanges have a mandatory KYC process. This ensures that buyers and sellers can transact safely. That said, we also included exchanges that offer anonymous accounts. For instance, OKX is a P2P crypto exchange no KYC is required up to the first $5,000.
  • Security and Safety: We only considered a peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchange if it offered a secure escrow system. This ensures sellers must deposit their coins into a locked account before the buyer transfers the funds. The escrow only releases the coins once the seller confirms receiving the payment. Moreover, the exchange should have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for enhanced security features for user accounts.
  • Liquidity: Another important factor is liquidity. This ensures sufficient crypto is available for buyers at all times. Otherwise, buyers will be forced to use another platform.
  • Rating System: P2P trading isn’t risk-free — even with an escrow system. As such, the platform should enable buyers to rate and review sellers. This allows other buyers to view the seller’s reputation before entering a trade.

What Is a P2P Crypto Exchange?

Peer-to-peer, or P2P crypto exchanges offer an alternative way to buy and sell coins. In these exchanges, buyers trade directly with sellers, meaning third parties like market makers aren’t required. Nor is there a need for traditional order books. Instead, buyers pay sellers with a local currency, who then transfer the respective coins.

Unlike conventional exchanges, sellers set their own exchange rate, which can be either above or below the spot trading price.

Buyers will often choose sellers with the most competitive rates, although minimums, limits, and payment types are also factored in. Either way, P2P platforms use escrow systems to keep traders safe. This system verifies that the seller owns the coins and that buyers complete the payment before finalizing the trade.

So, is P2P good for crypto?
P2P trading is good for crypto investors as it offers faster trades and more payment options. Moreover, P2P platforms are suitable alternatives to traditional cryptocurrency exchanges since they are more inclusive.

How Do Peer-to-Peer Bitcoin Exchanges Work?

Setting the P2P Requirements

First, the buyer must set their P2P requirements, which require the following information:

  • Crypto coin (e.g. Tether)
  • Fiat currency (e.g. USD)
  • Payment method (e.g. Local bank transfer)
  • Purchase amount (e.g. $500)

The P2P exchange will then list available sellers who meet these requirements. Sellers are usually sorted by the exchange rate — from the most competitive downward.

Entering a P2P Deal and Waiting for Escrow Confirmation

The buyer can choose any P2P seller by accepting their terms. The seller will then send a message, often asking if the buyer wants to proceed. If so, the seller will need to transfer the coins to the escrow wallet. The escrow transfer time depends on the coin. Expect to wait 1-2 minutes if you’re buying Ethereum or Tether. And about 10 minutes when buying Bitcoin.

Fund Transfer and Payment Confirmation

Once the escrow transfer is confirmed — you can complete the payment. The process will depend on the payment method. For example, if you’re making a local bank transfer — just provide the seller’s account details. Importantly, make sure you include the reference number. This will be provided by the seller at the initial stage. Upon making the transfer — mark the payment as complete on the P2P platform.  A notification will then be sent to the seller.

Escrow Release and Trade Finalization

The final step is for the seller to release the coins from the escrow. This will be done once they can see the payment has been received.

Within seconds, the coins will be added to your P2P exchange account, meaning the trade is finalized. You can then trade the coins at the respective exchange. Or withdraw them to a private wallet. Consider leaving the seller a rating and review — this helps other buyers and keeps the P2P exchange safe.

Benefits of P2P Exchanges vs Regular Exchanges

Most crypto investors buy and sell coins on regular exchanges. This section examines some of the benefits offered by P2P exchanges over the regular ones.

Buying Crypto With a Local Currency and Payment Method

The main benefit of using a P2P exchange is that you can use a local currency and payment method. For example, consider a trader based in Thailand. Using a debit/credit card at a regular exchange can be costly. This is because the exchange will likely not support THB — so currency exchange fees will apply.

Instead, that trader can use a P2P exchange and transfer funds via a local bank transfer. The transfer will be processed almost instantly without additional fees. In addition to bank transfers, P2P exchanges often accept mobile payments, e-wallets, and other convenient methods.

P2P Exchange Rates Can Be Lower

Everyone pays the same price when using a regular exchange. Put otherwise, crypto is purchased based on the spot price — which is determined by demand and supply.

In contrast, P2P sellers can set their own prices. These are often below the spot price, meaning buyers get a better deal. The seller might need access to fast cash, so they’re happy to take a lower price.

Global Accessibility

Investors in some countries might find it difficult to enter the crypto market for the first time. This might be because they’re based in a country that bans crypto. Or a country that is commonly prohibited by regular exchanges.

P2P exchanges are a great solution as buyers trade directly with sellers. A simple example is Binance — which no longer allows UK residents to deposit funds with fiat money.

Instead, UK residents can purchase coins via the Binance P2P exchange. And then use those coins to trade on the main Binance platform.

The Potential to Buy Crypto Anonymously

Most P2P crypto exchanges have implemented KYC processes. This means buyers and sellers must verify their identity before they can trade. However, some platforms still offer KYC-free access — usually up to a certain limit.

For example, OKX enables P2P buyers to purchase up to $5,000 worth of crypto without completing KYC. This is a great way for beginners to enter the market without uploading an ID.

A Great Way to Cash Out Crypto to Fiat Currency

Peer-to-peer exchanges are also a solid option for cashing out crypto for fiat money. After all, while regular exchanges often have a fiat on-ramp — many don’t allow cash withdrawals. This can leave investors with unwanted crypto coins.

Conversely, peer-to-peer platforms not only support fiat sales but in the seller’s preferred currency and payment method. For example, a trader in Germany can accept EUR via a local bank transfer. Similarly, a trader in India can accept INR via Paytm.

P2P Exchanges vs OTC Exchanges

P2P and OTC (Over-the-Counter) exchanges both offer alternative ways to trade crypto. Albeit, in different ways:

  • P2P Exchanges: Facilitates crypto trades directly between buyers and sellers. Those selling crypto set their own prices and accepted payment methods. Buyers can choose to deal with their preferred seller based on these metrics. P2P trades go through an escrow system, which protects both parties.
  • OTC Exchanges: Facilitates large crypto orders — often at least $100,000. OTC exchanges are used by institutional clients, such as hedge funds. The OTC provider will ensure that sufficient liquidity is sourced to meet the order value. OTC buyers often get below-market rates as they’re purchasing larger amounts.

Is P2P Crypto Trading Safe?

In general, peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchanges offer a safe experience. This is for two key reasons.

  • KYC: As mentioned, most P2P exchanges now require buyers and sellers to complete the KYC process. While KYC can frustrate some, it keeps the P2P landscape safe. After all, it’s important to buy from accountable sellers. Otherwise, if things don’t go to plan, you won’t know who you completed the trade with.
  • Escrow: Most importantly, leading peer-to-peer crypto exchanges use an escrow system. So, as a buyer, you won’t need to make a payment until the seller transfers the coins to the escrow. At this stage, they’re locked by the exchange. From the seller’s perspective, the coins aren’t released to the buyer until the payment is received.

The Risks of P2P Crypto Exchanges

P2P exchanges aren’t completely risk-free — especially for sellers. One common scam involves buyers sending fraudulent proof of payment to deceive sellers into believing the transaction has been completed. This trickery aims to persuade the seller to release the coins from escrow. This is why sellers must check the payment manually rather than relying on a receipt or slip.

Another scam is when the P2P seller asks the buyer to cancel the trade after the payment has been made. This action will release the cryptocurrency from escrow and return it to the seller while they keep the amount the buyer has paid.

Issues can also arise if the seller claims they haven’t received the payment. This will trigger a dispute resolution process, which can drag on for several days or weeks. In the meantime, the buyer is left without the crypto they paid for. Some sellers will ask for KYC. While this can be standard procedure, it can also be used in identity theft. If a seller asks for KYC, check if they are also KYC verified. You can also request that they provide verification.

How to Start P2P Crypto Trading

You can trade crypto on P2P platforms in the following way:

  • Step 1: Download Best Wallet and create an account. 
  • Step 2: Fund your wallet with fiat or crypto. Make sure to leave enough funds to cover gas fees.
  • Step 3: Log into your account and tap the P2P button.
  • Step 4: Set your P2P requirements, such as the purchase coin, amount, payment method, and currency.
  • Step 5: Compare prices and payment options to find the right deal and P2P seller that fits your needs. Opt for sellers with high completion rates.
  • Step 6: Select the offer that suits you most and agree to the seller’s terms and conditions.
  • Step 7: Wait for confirmation that the coins have been transferred to the escrow. Then, you can make the payment.
  • Step 8: Let the seller know you’ve completed the payment. Once the seller verifies that the payment has been received, the tokens will be released from the escrow and sent to your wallet.

Conclusion

We reviewed and compared the best P2P crypto exchanges for supported coins, fees, liquidity, and security to help you make an informed decision. According to our research, Best Wallet is currently the top P2P crypto exchange, supporting over 1,000 cryptocurrencies and is a trusted brand worldwide.
P2P exchanges can offer better security and faster transactions. However, when you exchange crypto directly with someone, it’s important to trust them or know them well.

FAQs

What is the best peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchange?

What crypto exchange has P2P?

What is the best no KYC P2P crypto exchange?

Can I do P2P without KYC?

Does Coinbase have P2P?

How do P2P Crypto exchange ratings work?

How long do P2P crypto trades take?

What is the largest crypto P2P platform?

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Gaurav Roy
Editor

Gaurav is a skilled writer and content expert who has collaborated with companies and individuals worldwide. While he specializes in the crypto and iGaming industries, he also writes for sectors like eCommerce, artificial intelligence, clean-tech, and various technology-specialized websites. To date, he has contributed his insights to more than 50 businesses and news sources, such as Ledger, Energent Media, Coin Market Cap, Shyft Network, and Venture Beat. Gaurav holds a digital marketing certificate from Brandveda and is a Google Ads-certified marketer. In his leisure time, he blends imagination and technology to create engaging doodles using AI.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.