Can I buy Bitcoin without verification?

CEX.IO offers a wide range of payment gateways to buy Bitcoin and other crypto, including cards, bank transfers, Apple/Google Pay, and cash rails, and makes the process fast, convenient, and secure for verified customers.

It is possible in some cases to acquire BTC with little or no identity checks. Still, that path brings meaningful limitations: low purchase caps, higher fees, weak consumer protections, and legal/traceability risks. 

Because CEX.IO is a licensed, regulated exchange, we require identity verification to protect users and provide full access to Instant Buy, lower fees, dispute support, and a free custodial wallet, a safer route for most people.

Why is it so difficult to buy Bitcoin without verification?

Regulators require licensed platforms to follow anti-money-laundering (AML) rules and “know your customer” checks. These rules force most reputable services to verify identity for higher limits or fiat on-ramps, reducing anonymity and increasing compliance to protect users and the wider financial system. 

Best ways to buy crypto with no KYC

Individuals who prefer low-KYC routes often value privacy, small cash purchases, or already hold crypto they wish to swap. Common no-KYC methods include cash ATMs, decentralised peer-to-peer apps, and on-chain crypto swaps. Each can work for small amounts, but they come with higher fees, fewer safeguards, and traceability issues, which potentially make CEX.IO a better long-term solution for most users.

1. Bitcoin ATMs

Bitcoin ATMs allow you to deposit cash and receive BTC to any wallet, enabling some users to buy Bitcoin without verification for small amounts. They’re convenient but charge steep operator fees, impose low anonymous limits, and often require phone or ID checks above thresholds; there’s no dispute resolution if something goes wrong. By contrast, CEX.IO offers predictable pricing, custodial wallets, and regulated protections after verification, making it a better choice for larger or repeat purchases.

2. Peer-to-peer / local cash trades

In-person P2P deals or local online adverts let people buy crypto without ID, trading cash for coins directly. These trades can preserve privacy but carry fraud, safety, and escrow risks and lack consumer recourse. CEX.IO’s regulated marketplace and verified rails remove counterparty uncertainty and provide formal support and reconciliation for funds.

3. Non-custodial swaps & wallets

If you already hold tokens, non-custodial swaps, or a self-custody app, you can trade on-chain without account checks. It’s a way to use a crypto wallet without verification. This avoids fiat rails but exposes you to smart-contract bugs, price slippage, and no customer support. With CEX.IO, you get insured custody options, lower slippage in spot markets, and clear settlement paths after verification.

4. Decentralised exchanges & on-chain bridges

DEXs and bridges allow users to buy Bitcoin with no KYC by swapping tokens on-chain. However, they carry execution risk, unpredictable fees, and limited recourse if funds are lost. For reliable pricing, fiat on-ramps and regulated protections, CEX.IO’s Instant Buy and bank/card rails provide a safer, more transparent experience for most users.

Best coins for anonymous crypto purchases

Coins that prioritise on-chain privacy (e.g., privacy-focused networks and mixing services) are typically recommended for anonymous transfers, but they carry legal and exchange listing limitations. For most users wanting to buy crypto anonymously, without legal risk, using mainstream coins with careful on-chain hygiene is preferable.

How to Buy Bitcoin at CEX.IO: a Step-by-Step Guide

We offer Instant Buy for beginners and seasoned traders to make purchases convenient, fast, and secure. Below is a clear walkthrough to buy BTC on CEX.IO after completing verification.

Step 1: Register

Create an account at CEX.IO by providing an email and a secure password. Verify your email link to activate the account. This creates your free crypto wallet and provides access to a range of products, from Instant Buy to Spot Trading.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Complete identity verification to unlock higher limits and all payment rails. You’ll be asked to upload a government ID and a selfie, and to provide basic information. Verification protects your CEX.IO account, enables fiat deposits/withdrawals, and activates customer support and regulatory protections, a trade-off that enhances security and functionality.

Step 3: Access Instant Buy and Choose BTC

Once you are in, follow these steps: 

• Go to Instant Buy.
• Select your fiat (USD, GBP, EUR).
• Enter the amount you want to spend.
• Choose BTC from the currency dropdown or search.
• Click Buy Crypto Instantly. You’ll be redirected to the Add Funds page to choose a payment.

Step 4: Select Payment Method

From the Add Funds page: 

• Review the transaction details.
• Click Select Payment Method.
• Choose a method available in your region.
• Enter the required details, review the final amount and fees, then confirm and complete the purchase.

What other payment methods can be used to buy Bitcoin?

After registration and verification, you receive a free CEX.IO Wallet, which allows you to buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin seamlessly (spot and margin trading up to 20x where available). We support many payment methods so users can choose the most convenient route for their needs.

Buy BTC with a Credit/Debit Card

Eligible users can buy Bitcoin using Mastercard or Visa through Instant Buy. Select Credit/Debit Card on the Add Funds page, enter card details, and confirm. 

Card deposits start from as little as $20 and can go up to unlimited amounts, so it’s a convenient choice for both one-off purchases and ongoing use; withdrawals by card are available too, although practical limits vary by card type (for example, Visa withdrawal windows extend much higher than some Mastercards). 

That convenience comes at a cost: card flows attract a percentage-based fee band (typically around 0.49%–4.99% plus a nominal service charge), and purchases are subject to issuer checks such as 3-D Secure. For users who prioritise immediacy and broad card acceptance, the trade-off is usually worth it, but for larger, planned deposits, a bank transfer will usually be cheaper.

Buy BTC with Apple Pay or Google Pay

Eligible users can also buy Bitcoin with Google Pay or Apple Pay on both the web-based platform and our mobile apps (Android & iOS). These methods let you store card credentials securely with Apple/Google and confirm purchases without re-entering card numbers. Web users can scan a QR code (Apple) or proceed via the browser flow, while app users will see the method by default, depending on their OS.

Steps (app):

1. Log in to the app.
2. Tap Buy.
3. Choose BTC and enter the amount.
4. Tap Buy Crypto with Apple Pay / Google Pay.
5. Link your wallet if prompted and confirm the purchase.

If Apple/Google Pay doesn’t appear, tap Select Another Method and find it under that tab. Fees for these mobile wallet flows are usually comparable to card fees; bank transfers remain the cheapest option, but take longer.

Apple Pay and Google Pay offer the same instant convenience without typing card numbers; daily deposits typically range from $20 to $1,000, and withdrawals aren’t supported via these wallets.

Buy BTC with a Bank Transfer

For cheaper, higher-value transfers, use bank rails: we support SEPA, SWIFT, and Faster Payments depending on the region. This flow is available via Wallet → Add Funds (not Instant Buy). Typical steps:

1. Log in.
2. Go to Wallet.
3. Find BTC under Cryptocurrencies.
4. Click Add Funds.
5. Select Bank Transfer and copy our banking details.
6. Paste them into your bank portal, review, and confirm.

SEPA and Faster Payments accept small minimums (≈€20 / £20) with low fixed fees (often around €2.99 / £2.99), while SWIFT requires higher minimums (≈$300/€300/£300) and carries percentage or fixed handling fees. 

If you want to buy Bitcoin with a bank account, expect longer transaction times, as it may take up to 7 days for your bank to confirm and approve the transfer. Regardless, bank transfers are usually the most cost-efficient for planned, larger deposits.

Buy BTC with Cash on CEX.IO

You can also buy Bitcoin with cash on CEX.IO using MoneyGram, our primary cash on-ramp. Start an Instant Buy, select MoneyGram to generate a unique payment code, then visit a participating agent to deposit cash quickly; typical ranges are about 10–900 USDC, where available, and CEX.IO does not charge a MoneyGram commission. Agents may apply collection fees or FX spreads, so a good rule of thumb would be to confirm at the counter. 

Alternatively, buy BTC at a Bitcoin ATM and send it to a third-party wallet, then transfer those coins into your free CEX.IO wallet upon registration. Retain your receipt and payment code until funds post.