Paxful Review 2025

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 exchange 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.

Paxful CEO

Paxful is currently led by Roshan Dharia. Based on the Roshan Dharia LinkedIn page, he was appointed Interim CEO in May 2023. With a strong background in blockchain and institutional lending, he focuses on strengthening governance and expanding global access to the platform.

Previously, Paxful was co-founded and led by Ray Youssef, who served as CEO from 2015 to 2023. Youssef was instrumental in building Paxful into a leading peer-to-peer Bitcoin marketplace with a mission of financial inclusion.

Summary of Specifics

Here is all the necessary information you need to know about the Crypto Exchange:

Pros and Cons associated with PAXFUL Exchange

To have the whole image of the exchange, here is a table for you:

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:

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:

So buying cryptocurrencies on Paxful doesn’t have any fees. Non-gift card payment methods include a 1.00% fee, and gift card payment methods comes with a 5.00% fee.

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 trading or margin options. 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.

Here is an step-by-step Paxful registration guide.

#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 Services

Using the table below, you can check out the availability of Paxful’s trading services:

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.

Paxful USDT TRC20 Deposit Guide

Paxful USDT TRC20 deposit is a simple 3-step process that lets users fund their exchange wallets via the TRON blockchain. The transfer takes only a few minutes and comes with zero deposit fees.

#1 Accessing the Wallet Section

From the top navigation bar of the Paxful website, click “Wallet” to open your account balances and available cryptocurrencies.

#2 Choosing USDT and the TRON Network

In the Balance tab, find USDT in the currency list and click “Receive”.

Next, switch to the TRON (TRC20) network to generate your unique wallet address and QR code. If preferred, you may also select the ERC20 network as an alternative deposit method.

#3 Sending Tether and Tracking the Payment

Open your crypto wallet app and send USDT (TRC20) to the displayed Paxful address. After sending, return to the Wallet section on Paxful and check the Latest Transactions area to track the deposit confirmation.

Paxful USDT TRC20 Withdrawal Guide

Paxful Tether TRC20 withdrawal can be completed in 4 straightforward steps. The process requires a Google Authenticator code for security and includes a total fee of 3 USDT (1 USDT network fee + 2 USDT exchange fee).

#1 Accessing the Paxful Wallet

Log in to your Paxful dashboard and click the “Wallet” icon in the top menu. In the Balance tab, you’ll see your available cryptocurrencies.

#2 Selecting USDT

Locate USDT in your asset list, then click the “Send” button next to it to begin your withdrawal.

#3 Entering Wallet Address and Withdrawal Amount

Complete the following steps:

1. Choose USDT as your payout currency;
2. Paste your TRC20 wallet address (Paxful auto-verifies network compatibility);
3. Select TRON (TRC20) as the blockchain network;
4. Enter the amount (minimum withdrawal: 0.5 USDT) and press Continue.

#4 Confirming Fees and Entering the 2FA Code

Before finalizing, review the fees:

• 1 USDT network fee
• 2 USDT Paxful fee

Once confirmed, open your Google Authenticator app and enter the OTP code to validate the withdrawal request.

Your request will then be processed. The transaction will appear at the bottom of the Wallet page, where you can click for full details and status updates.

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:

Paxful Bonuses

Paxful Exchange currently offers only one official bonus. You may encounter unofficial bonuses and referral codes online. Let’s dive deep into details:

Bitcoin Referral Program (Active)

• Paxful’s current official program is the Bitcoin Referral Program, relaunched in mid-2025. It allows users to earn 25% of the escrow fees (in BTC) from trades completed by their direct referrals, for up to 12 months per referral.

Highlights:

•  Rewards are credited as soon as a referred user completes a trade;
• Cash out once your rewards reach the equivalent of $10 USD, withdrawable to your Paxful wallet;
• You receive rewards for a full 12 months from when the referral completes KYC and begins trading.

Referrals must sign up through your unique referral link and complete KYC before trading for rewards to count.

Sharing methods should avoid spamming no posting links in blog comment sections, using parked domains, bidding on “Paxful” keywords in ads, or using misleading info.

Unofficial Bonuses

You may encounter various referral codes online some claiming bonuses like 50% referral fees, 60% rebates, or $50 or $10 sign-up bonuses. 

These are not confirmed by Paxful itself and appear in third-party, unofficial sources. Examples include:

• A referral code promising 50% + 10% cashback desktop/wallet bonuses
• Claims of 50% escrow fee + 10% tiered bonus structures
• A “$50 sign-up bonus” via referral codes
• A 60% rebate on trading fees via certain codes

These offers are not listed on Paxful’s official website or support documentation. They could be outdated, promotional, or even false.

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:

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.