The UK is an important player in the global cryptocurrency market. It has a growing number of crypto investors who want to invest and capitalize on the digital assets.
As the cryptocurrency ecosystem in the United Kingdom grows, peer-to-peer ( P2P ) exchanges have also grown because of their advantages and easy usage.
In this article, we will explore what are peer-to-peer crypto exchanges, their advantages, and the top 7 P2P exchanges in the UK.
What is a Peer-to-peer crypto (P2P) exchange?
A peer-to-peer ( P2P) crypto exchange is an exchange platform that allows transactions directly between buyers and sellers. There is no middleman in between the transactions.
Unlike traditional exchange platforms, P2P platforms allow users to take control of their transactions directly with each other setting their prices, terms, limits, and payment methods as well.
This decentralized aspect of P2P exchanges offers better flexibility and control to users, making it one of the best options for trading cryptocurrencies for traders who want to customize their transactions as per their needs. In a P2P exchange, the platform is like a marketplace.
Here users get to buy and sell cryptocurrencies on their own or they can take up the offers of other traders as well.
The exchange platform typically offers multiple services and features to users to ensure that the transactions are being done safely and hold cryptocurrencies until both buyer and seller are satisfied with the terms of the transaction.
Advantages of Peer-to-peer ( P2P ) exchanges
P2P exchanges have multiple advantages for both buyers and sellers as compared to traditional exchanges:
Greater privacy
P2P exchanges mostly ask for minimal and basic information from the users in comparison to centralized platforms. There is some level of verification needed by the platform but users generally require a high level of security so this is seen as a plus point.
This advantage is particularly appealing to users who want safe platforms for their cryptocurrency transactions and wish to minimize their digital footprint as well.
Lower transaction fees
Peer-to-peer exchanges mostly charge lower fees as compared to centralized exchanges.
Because there is no intermediary in between the operational costs are reduced and these savings are given to the users only. Some P2P platforms only charge minimal fees or no fees at all for transactions making it very advantageous for users.
Multiple payment options
One of the most known benefits of peer-to-peer exchanges is the multiple modes of payment. Users can easily choose any mode of payment for instance – credit card, bank transfers, cash deposits, online payment systems, or even face-to-face transaction options.
This feature makes it very easy for users to buy and sell their cryptocurrency using any method they like. This option is more effective in places where limited payment methods work.
More control
Users have more control over their trades on P2P platforms because there is no middleman to effect the transaction.
Users can choose their mode of payment and directly connect with the buyer or seller. This customization option is not available on centralized exchanges.
Globally accessible
Peer-to-peer platforms are globally accessible because they have users from around the world. This feature of taking crypto trading to users of different countries with full control and mere fees makes peer-to-peer transactions a better option.
Difference between P2P exchanges and centralized exchanges
Feature | Peer-to-peer exchanges | Centralized exchanges |
---|---|---|
Intermediary | No central authority needed | Central authority needed |
Transaction process | Directly between buyer and seller | Through the platform |
Liquidity | Lower liquidity because users are limited | Increased liquidity as a result of a big user base |
Regulation | Less regulated | More regulated |
Privacy | Higher privacy due to direct transactions | Low privacy because of centralised data collection |
Fees | Lower fees due to reduced overhead | Higher fees because of platform maintenance |
Top 7 P2P crypto exchanges in the UK
Here are the top P2P crypto exchanges in the UK:
1. Exodus
Exodus stands out as a cryptocurrency wallet and platform offering decentralized peer-to-peer trading. This platform is made for both new and experienced traders looking to buy, sell, or swap their tokens.
It is one of the best choices for traders in the UK as it is secure and easy to use. Exodus trading experience allows users to do cross-chain swaps and on-chain swaps providing maximum control along with the safety of users.
Key features of Exodus:
- It can be used on desktop and mobile devices.
- Supports over 50 blockchain networks and 300+ digital assets.
- Staking services for passive income.
- Trezor integration for more hardware storage.
- It allows cross-chain swaps through XO swap, offering access to over 100,000 digital assets.
2. OKX
OKX is one of the best peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchange platforms, boasting an average of $2 billion daily trading volume. It provides a comprehensive P2P marketplace for users for UK crypto users.
It supports multiple currencies and payment methods along with fee-free peer-to-peer trading. If you are looking for a flexible and affordable P2P platform then try this one.
Key features of OKX:
- OKX has 900+ payment methods
- It supports six cryptocurrencies
- You can do transactions on this platform with 100 different fiat currencies.
- Uses a secure escrow system for safe transactions
- No fee is charged for trading
- KYC is needed by all users to ensure safety
- Uses user rating system for safe transactions
3. Bitget
Bitget is one of the largest cryptocurrency trading platforms. It has 300 million global users. Bitget is considered one of the best cryptocurrency platforms in the UK as well.
The reason is that it supports multiple fiat currencies and has advanced security measures making it one of the best options.
Key features of Bitget:
- Peer-to-peer trading is available for BTC, USDT, ETH, and BGB.
- It supports over 65 fiat currencies
- It has 100+ payment methods.
- No service fees are taken for peer-to-peer trading
- This platform is accessible through web browser and mobile app
- It has 24/7 live customer support in over 15 languages
- Bitget P2P shield for financial protection
4. Gate.io
Gate.io was established in 2013. It is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that includes a secure P2P crypto marketplace for peer-to-peer trading. It has a well-established reputation in the crypto industry and is a good option for traders in the UK.
Key features of Gate.io:
- Compatible with 40+ fiat currency
- Supports P2P trading BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDT
- It is available on both web browsers and mobile apps
- No transaction fee is required
- Live chat box feature for direct communication
- This platform is available on both mobile and web browsers
5. MEXC
MEXC is a known cryptocurrency platform that has served millions of users since 2018. While this is a peer-to-peer exchange initially it focused on users from Russia, South Korea, and Vietnam.
But it is used in the UK too with limited features. Its security makes it an attractive choice.
Key features of MEXC:
- Supports 30 million methods
- Zero trading fees on P2P transactions
- Live chat box for direct communication
- Zero trading fees for peer-to-peer transactions
6. Coinbase
Coinbase is one of the leading peer-to-peer exchange platforms. It has a very easy and secure buy and sell process. This platform was founded in 2012 and since then established itself as a top exchange. It is an excellent choice for new investors.
Key features of Coinbase:
- Uses advanced security features like two-factor authentication and cold storage
- Publicly traded platform
- Has educational resources and learning tools
- Easy-to-use platform
- Can be used on mobile devices
- Sells, stores and buy 100+ cryptocurrencies
7. Paxful
Paxful is another major peer-to-peer cryptocurrency platform. It uses an extensive range of payment methods and supports various cryptocurrencies. This platform is very versatile for peer-to-peer trading.
Key features of Paxful:
- It offers over 350 payment methods
- Provides an in-built wallet for storing and managing cryptocurrencies.
- Paxful supports multiple cryptocurrencies and helps in storing and managing them as well.
- You will find educational resources for new users on this P2P platform.
Risks and considerations of using P2P platforms
While P2P platforms have several benefits there are some risks and considerations as well:
- P2P platforms are susceptible to fraud and scams. So check everything on the platform carefully before choosing one.
- Sharing personal information on P2P platforms can be risky.
- If you are meeting someone from a P2P platform then make sure you are prioritising safety first. Choose a public place to meet.
- Stay up-to-date with laws and regulations regarding trading on P2P platforms.
Conclusion
The UK’s cryptocurrency space has multiple peer-to-peer exchange platforms, each with unique and advanced features for new and experienced cryptocurrency investors. You can choose any platform according to your needs from Exodus, MEXC, Bitget, Paxpal, and more.
All these exchange platforms have multiple benefits like cross-chain swaps, advanced security, multiple payment methods, decentralized trading, and more.
Make sure you are going through the security measures, payment modes, reviews, and platform usage before selecting one P2P exchange.
Also, note that cryptocurrency investments are full of risks. And the crypto market is highly volatile and ever-changing. We have shortlisted the top 7 P2p exchanges in the UK for you but you should do your own research as well. Check your investment goals, understand the platform, do your research, and then only invest.