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 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 |
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 |
As you progress through the verification levels, you'll unlock higher trading limits and more features, making your Paxful experience even more robust!
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 the most extended 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
Getting started on Paxful is a breeze, but you'll need to go through the verification process to unlock its full potential:
- Head to the official website and click on “Sign Up”;
- Enter your email;
- Set a password;
- Confirm the provided email address;
- Enter your phone number and verify it by the SMS sent to it;
- From your profile, click on “Verify me”;
- Complete the ID Verification and Proof of Address Verification by sending the required documents.
Remember, each level unlocks higher trading limits and additional features, so it's worth going through the process!
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.
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.
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.
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.