MoneroP2PHow to buy Monero without KYC
Note: MoneroP2P charges a fee on every completed swap (see FAQ ). It runs with real money on Arbitrum One, with a maximum of 100 USDT per swap.
Short answer: there are four ways to get Monero without handing over your ID: atomic swaps (you trade another crypto for XMR with no intermediary), P2P markets (you buy from another person with an escrow), instant exchanges (you send a crypto and receive XMR with no account) and cash in person. If you already hold USDT or Bitcoin, an atomic swap is the most private option, because nobody holds your funds at any point.
Why buying Monero keeps getting harder
Several large exchanges stopped offering Monero in recent years or restricted it in some countries, and the ones that keep it require ID (KYC). On top of that, one of the most popular P2P markets, LocalMonero, closed in 2024. That is why most people today get XMR by trading another cryptocurrency they already have.
The four options
| Atomic swap | P2P market | Instant exchange | Cash in person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who holds your funds | Nobody (contract and split keys) | A market escrow | The exchange, during the trade | Nobody |
| Account | No | Sometimes | No | No |
| What you need first | Another crypto (USDT, BTC) | Crypto or money to pay | Another crypto | Cash |
| Main risk | Deadlines and software | Disputes, payment fraud | The trade gets held and KYC is requested | Physical safety |
| Speed | 30 to 60 min | Varies | 10 to 60 min | Depends on the meeting |
1. Atomic swaps
You trade a cryptocurrency for XMR with nobody holding the funds: a contract and split keys guarantee that either both sides complete or neither does.
- USDT → XMR: MoneroP2P (USDT on Arbitrum One, up to 100 USDT per swap).
- BTC → XMR: there are other Bitcoin–Monero atomic swap projects, such as eigenwallet (formerly UnstoppableSwap) or BasicSwap.
Pros: it is the most private option and you don’t depend on anyone’s honesty. Cons: you have to follow the process or keep your recovery file, and it depends on sellers (makers) being available. How it works step by step.
2. P2P markets
You buy XMR from another person and an escrow holds the funds until both sides deliver. Some let you pay by bank transfer or local methods. There are decentralized markets built on Haveno, and Bisq also supports Monero.
Pros: you can pay with traditional money. Cons: if something goes wrong an arbitrator decides, bank payments can be reversed, and sometimes the other person asks for your payment details.
3. Instant exchanges
You send a crypto to an exchange’s address and receive XMR, with no account. Aggregators like Trocador compare several exchanges and show a KYC rating for each (from A, no KYC, to D, which may hold funds until you verify).
Pros: it is fast and accepts many coins. Cons: the exchange holds your funds while the trade runs, and some may freeze a trade and ask for ID. Pick the best-rated ones and don’t send more than you can afford to wait on.
4. Cash in person
You buy XMR from someone you trust, face to face. It is the most private on paper, but it carries physical-safety and scam risks. If you do it: public place, small amounts, and wait for confirmations before handing over cash.
Which one to choose?
- You already have USDT: an atomic swap on MoneroP2P. If you need more than 100 USDT, split it into several swaps or use the instant-exchange option the app offers.
- You have Bitcoin: a BTC → XMR atomic swap.
- You only have money in the bank: a P2P market, knowing you depend on the arbitrator.
Tips for every option
- Use your own Monero wallet and never share the seed. How to create one.
- Try a small amount first.
- Check the network, the full address and the amount before signing. Common mistakes.
- Using Monero does not exempt you from your country’s laws, including taxes.
To compare what you pay in total with each option, read how much it costs to swap USDT for XMR.