P2P trading is one of the most popular on-ramping methods in emerging markets and regions, yet it’s hardly covered in exchange reviews and comparisons. So how are you supposed to know which exchange has the best P2P marketplace that you should trust when buying or selling crypto?
Thankfully, I’ve put in the work so you don’t have to. I’ve spent countless hours comparing the fiat currencies, payment methods, exchange rates, and merchant vetting procedures on each exchange to find the best one in the industry for P2P trading.
Since everyone has different priorities, I’ve come up with 6 key categories that most traders fall into. Here are my top picks for each exchange, with pros and cons to help you find the one that suits your needs best.
| Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Binance | 4.8 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 447 | Yes | +1 | Yes |
OKX | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.08% | 291 | Yes | +6 | YES |
Bybit | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 482 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
MEXC | 4.6 Read Review | 0.01% / 0% | 2179 | Yes | +3 | No |
BingX | 4.1 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 983 | No | +4 | Yes |
KuCoin | 4.5 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 951 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Binance is one of the biggest names in crypto and the world’s largest exchange, with over 300 million users worldwide. It gives you access to over 600 cryptocurrencies and a range of features like spot and derivatives trading, staking and earn products, and even DeFi protocols. It’s perfect for all types of users, whether you’re a first-time investor or seasoned professional.
For years, OKX has been one of my favourite derivatives exchanges, but it also has a massive P2P marketplace with hundreds of merchants. As one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, with a large user base across Europe and Asia, it has created a P2P platform to meet the onboarding needs of users across the world. It’s also one of the most cost-effective platforms for P2P trading.
Bybit has long been one of my favorite exchanges, particularly for trading, with its intuitive interface making it perfect for new users to gain experience. That user-friendliness is what makes Bybit a great option if you’re looking to start P2P trading. Combined with its reputation and security, Bybit is a no-brainer if you’re new to crypto and want a trustworthy and easy-to-use exchange for P2P trading.
MEXC is best known for its low fees and derivatives trading, but it also has a large P2P marketplace with merchants that support a wide range of currencies. This is handy if you’re looking for a more convenient way to fund your account to trade spot or futures. MEXC is ideal if you want to easily buy crypto with P2P and start trading on one of the best trading exchanges in the industry.
When I reviewed BingX, I found it was one of the fastest-growing exchanges, particularly in Asia, thanks to its large P2P marketplace. Its support for a wide range of local payment methods has made it a favourite among users in smaller nations who typically have smaller, less supported local currencies. BingX is a great option if you want a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to start trading, copy trading, or using Earn products.
KuCoin is the number one exchange if you live in a region that isn’t supported by other leading exchanges. With over 190 supported regions, it’s one of the most globally accessible platforms and is trusted by millions of users worldwide. If you’re looking for an exchange that supports a wider range of regions without sacrificing advanced trading features and deep liquidity, KuCoin is the one for you.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) trading is where buyers and sellers connect and trade directly with each other, without an orderbook or middleman to set prices. Sellers or merchants post ads with their own rates and payment methods, letting buyers choose a merchant that suits their payment preferences and rates. P2P trading is useful if your local currency or preferred payment method isn’t directly supported by exchanges, and you want to avoid the expensive fiat conversion fees your bank will charge.
Most leading exchanges have strict vetting processes for merchants, requiring them to pass additional KYC verification before letting them post P2P ads. Exchanges will also offer an escrow service, with the platform holding the crypto until the fiat payment is confirmed to protect both parties.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Since P2P trading means you’re dealing with individual sellers instead of the exchanges, it comes with a few unique risks that you should be aware of before making any P2P trades:
While the list of risks might look scary, the good news is that most P2P scams are avoidable if you know what to look for and take the right precautions:
In most countries, P2P trading is completely legal. Regions that have clear crypto regulations usually treat P2P trading the same as they would other types of crypto trading. This also means that you have to report any gains you make for tax purposes.
However, legality can vary greatly depending on where you live, with regulations constantly updating in some regions. There are areas, like China and Egypt, where restrictions on crypto trading have also made P2P trading illegal or heavily restricted. It’s worth checking the financial regulator in your country to see if crypto and P2P trading are legal or not.
Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.