A marketplace to trade Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly with users, offering numerous payment options like PayPal and Skrill and top-notch security. That's Paxful in a nutshell.
For nearly a decade, this platform has boasted over 6 million users across 150 markets. But what makes Paxful exchange stand out in the crowded crypto landscape?

Company Information + Regulation Status
Paxful exchange isn't just another crypto exchange; it's a US-based platform that takes compliance and user safety seriously. Here's what you need to know:
- OFAC Compliance: Paxful adheres to guidelines set by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), ensuring it doesn't provide services to sanctioned individuals or entities;
- Stablecoin Restrictions: Users in Texas can't access Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) on the platform.
Summary of Specifics
Here is all the necessary information you need to know about the Crypto Exchange:
Exchange | Paxful |
Launch Date | 2015 |
Levels | 0 to 3 |
Trading Fees | From 0 |
Restricted Countries | Canada, Belarus, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Yemen and more |
Supported Coins | BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT |
Futures Trading | No |
Minimum Deposit | $1 |
Deposit Methods | Bank transfers, Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Litecoin, Ethereum |
Withdrawal Methods | Crypto, Bank |
Maximum Leverage | 1:1 |
Minimum Trade Amount | $1 |
Security Factors | BitGo wallet, Escrow service, 2FA, SSL |
Services | Spot Trading |
Customer Support Ways | Live chat, Email, Help Center |
Customer Support Hours | 4:00 AM to 2:00 PM UTC |
Fiat Deposit | YES |
Affiliate Program | YES |
Orders Execution | Limit, Market |
Native Token | No |
Pros and Cons associated with PAXFUL Exchange
To have the whole image of the exchange, here is a table for you:
Pros | Cons |
Wide range of payment methods | Higher fees compared to some traditional exchanges |
User-friendly interface | Potential for scams due to peer-to-peer nature |
Strong security measures | Not available in all countries |
Before opening an account with any exchange, always check the potential risks related to it.
User Levels and Features
Traders can top up and unlock new features by doing certain verifications:
Level | Trade Volume Limit | Verification Needed |
0 | $0 | - |
1 | $10,000* | Phone, Email, ID |
2 | Unlimited | Proof of Address |
3 | Unlimited | Enhanced Due Diligence |
The Trader Program rewards high-volume users with exclusive perks, including lower fees, “Power Trader” or “Expert Trader” profile badges, and access to beta platform features, contingent on meeting strict activity and verification criteria.
Fees and Commission Structure
Paxful's fee structure is designed to be competitive while ensuring the platform's sustainability. Here's a quick breakdown of BTC fees as our case here:
Transaction Type | Fee |
Buying Bitcoin | Free |
Selling Bitcoin | 0.5% to 5% (varies by payment method) |
Sending Bitcoin to other Paxful users | Free |
Sending Bitcoin to external wallets | Network fee applies |
Coins and Assets Offered by PAXFUL
Paxful might not have a comprehensive list of cryptocurrencies, but it covers the essentials:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Tether (USDT)
- USD Coin (USDC)

While the selection is so limited compared to some exchanges, Paxful's strength lies in its diverse payment methods and peer-to-peer trading model.
Futures and Margin Trading
Here's the scoop: Paxful doesn't offer futures or margin trading. Why? Because it's all about keeping things simple and accessible for everyone. Instead of complex trading options, the exchange focuses on what it does best – facilitating peer-to-peer transactions across various payment methods.
This approach has its benefits:
- Lower risk for users, especially beginners
- Focus on absolute ownership of cryptocurrencies
- Simplicity in trading and understanding the platform
While advanced traders might miss these features, Paxful's model caters to a broader audience, emphasizing ease of use and global accessibility.
Registration and Verification Guide
Joining Paxful is fast and user-friendly - but to enjoy full trading, wallet, and withdrawal features, you’ll need to complete identity verification.
#1 Create Your Paxful Account
Go to the official Paxful website and click “Sign Up”, thenenter your email address and create a secure password.

#2 Confirm Your Email on Paxful
Check your inbox and click the confirmation link to activate your account.
#3 Verify Your Phone Number in Paxful
Enter your mobile number and confirm it using the SMS code sent to your device.
#4 Complete Paxful Identity Verification
In your profile section, click “Verify Me”, then upload a valid government-issued ID and provide proof of address (e.g., bank statement or utility bill).
Available Platforms and Applications
Paxful ensures you can trade on the go with its user-friendly platforms:
- Web Platform: Accessing all features through any modern web browser
- Mobile App: Available for both iOS and Android users
The exchange keeps you connected to the crypto world at home or on the move!
PAXFUL exchange Security & Safety Measures
When it comes to your digital assets, security is paramount. Paxful takes this seriously with:
- Escrow Service: Protects both buyers and sellers during transactions;
- BitGo Wallet Integration: Provides institutional-grade security for storing cryptocurrencies;
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security to your account;
- ID Verification: Helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with regulations;
- Secured Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption: Protects your data during transmission.
These measures work together to create a secure trading environment, giving you peace of mind while using the platform.
Payment Methods in PAXFUL Exchange
One of Paxful's standout features is its vast array of payment options. With over 350 methods available, you're bound to find one that suits your needs:
- Bank transfers
- Credit/debit cards
- Online wallets (PayPal, Skrill, etc.)
- Litecoin
This flexibility makes the exchange accessible to users worldwide, even in regions with limited traditional banking.
Paxful imposes a fee structure that primarily affects sellers. While buyers incur no fees, sellers are charged an escrow fee ranging from 1% for standard payment methods to as high as 5% when accepting gift cards. These fees are notably higher than industry averages, particularly for vendors targeting gift card trades - a popular segment in the platform’s marketplace.

Trust Scores and Evaluations
Trust is crucial in the crypto world, and Paxful has built a solid reputation:
- Trustpilot Score:4 out of 5 based on over 40,000 reviews (November 2024)
- Positive feedbacks: Reliable platform, competitive rates, global accessibility
- Negative reviews: Occasional scam attempts and customer support response times
It’s worth noting that in the recent review pages, almost all the feedback was negative, which must be considered during your research about the exchange.
Paxful Features
Let's check the availability of advanced options on the exchange; Paxful Features:
Staking | No |
Yield Farming | No |
Social Trading | No |
Launchpool | No |
Crypto Cards | No |
Support’s Working Time and Contact Info
Need help? Paxful's got your back with:
- Live Chat: Monday to Friday, 4:00 AM to 2:00 PM UTC
- Email: support@paxful.freshdesk.com
- Help Center: Comprehensive FAQs and guides
Pro Tip: Check the Help Center first for quick answers to common questions!
Copy Trading Services and Investment Options
While Paxful exchange doesn't offer traditional copy trading, it provides unique opportunities for users:
- Rewards Program: Earn points for trading and other activities;
- Trader Program: Become a verified vendor with additional benefits;
- VIP Program: Exclusive perks for high-volume traders;
- Community Forums: Share insights and strategies with other users.
These programs enhance the trading experience and provide avenues for growth within the Paxful ecosystem.
Paxful also offers an Affiliate Program that provides 50% commission on escrow fees earned from direct referrals and an additional 10% from their referrals, creating a two-tier earning system.
Beyond its P2P marketplace, Paxful offers two merchant-focused services: Paxful Pay and Paxful Kiosk. Paxful Pay enables businesses to accept crypto payments on their websites, offering a chargeback-free solution for global commerce.
The Kiosk tool allows businesses to embed a buy/sell interface directly into their site, with a 2% commission earned on every customer transaction. Both tools use the same 300+ payment methods available on the main platform.
List of Restricted Countries
Like many exchanges, Paxful has denied the access from certain countries:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- British Virgin Islands
- Burundi
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Central African Republic
- Congo, Democratic Republic of
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Eritrea
- North Korea
- French Guiana
- Polynesia
- Guadeloupe
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Isle Of Man
- Jersey
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Maldives
- Mali
- Martinique
- Montenegro
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Palau
- Palestine
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- Réunion
- Russia
- Saint Lucia
- Sint Maarten
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Turkmenistan
- Turks & Caicos
- Ukraine
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Always check the latest updates on the website to make sure your region does not fall under this restriction.

Paxful Comparison Table
Let's examine the differences between Paxful and some exchanges; Paxful Comparison:
Features | Paxful Exchange | |||
Number of Assets | 4 | 400+ | 1300+ | 32 |
Maximum Leverage | 1:1 | 1:125 | 1:100 | 5x |
Minimum Deposit | 1 USDT | $1 | N/A | $1 |
Spot Maker Fee | N/A | 0.02% - 0.1% | 0.005% - 0.1% | 0.5% Down to 0.02% |
Spot Taker Fee | N/A | 0.04% - 0.1% | 0.015% - 0.1% | 0.5% Down to 0.02% |
Mandatory KYC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Futures Trading | No | Yes | Yes | None |
Mobile Application | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fiat Payment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Staking | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Copy Trading | No | Yes | Yes | N/A |
Writer's opinion and conclusion
After exploring Paxful (established in 2015) and its offerings, it's clear that this platform stands out in the peer-to-peer crypto trading space.
Its vast array of payment methods (Bank, Crypto, E-wallets) with a minimum of $1 deposit, strong security measures (2FA, Escrow, BitGo), and global accessibility are the key aspects of the platform.
While Paxful Exchange may not offer the advanced trading features of some exchanges like Margin Trading, its focus on simplicity and user empowerment is commendable.