P2P trading
explained.
Learn how peer-to-peer trading works, how to choose an offer, and what happens from the moment you open a trade to the moment it is completed.
What is peer-to-peer trading?
Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is a way to buy and sell crypto directly with another person instead of using a traditional exchange. You choose an offer, agree on the price, payment method, and trade terms, then complete the payment with your trading partner.
On AgoraDesk, escrow adds protection while the trade is active. The seller's crypto is locked in escrow before you make the payment and stays there until the trade is completed. Once the agreed conditions are met, the crypto is released to the buyer.
This gives both sides a clear process to follow. You know who you're trading with, what the terms are, and what needs to happen before the trade is completed.
Multisig Escrow
Why peer-to-peer is
different.
Your first trade in
5 steps.
Create an account
Create your AgoraDesk account and get your profile ready for trading. Follow the steps shown in the app to get started.
Browse offers
Search available offers by cryptocurrency, payment method, currency, price, and trader reputation. Compare the terms before choosing an offer.
Start a trade
Choose an offer and review its terms before opening the trade. The seller's crypto is secured in escrow while the trade is active.
Send payment
Follow the payment instructions from the offer and complete the payment using the agreed method. Confirm the payment in the trade when you're done.
Confirm & release
Once the payment is confirmed and the trade conditions are met, the crypto is released from escrow. Check the completed trade and leave feedback.
Avoid common
P2P mistakes.
A few simple habits can help you avoid problems and keep your trades on track.
Read first
Take a moment to check the price, payment method, limits, and trade terms before opening a trade.
Follow the process
Keep payments and other trade steps within the process agreed in the offer.
Confirm after paying
Only confirm the payment after you've actually completed it and checked that everything is correct.
Protect your keys
Never share your seed phrase or private keys with another trader, support agent, or anyone else.
Check feedback
Look at completed trades, feedback, and other available information before choosing who to trade with.
Keep it in chat
Use the trade chat for important communication so there is a clear record of what was agreed.
Learn how common
P2P scams work
Chargebacks
A buyer uses a reversible payment method and later tries to reverse the payment after receiving crypto.
- Check the payment method carefully
- Wait for confirmed payment before releasing crypto
- Follow the trade terms
Fake payment proof
A trader sends a screenshot or message claiming that payment was made when no payment has arrived.
- Check the payment yourself
- Don't rely on screenshots
- Release crypto only after confirming the payment
Impersonation
Someone uses a similar username or profile to make you think you're dealing with another trader.
- Check the trader profile
- Compare the username carefully
- Keep communication inside the trade
Price manipulation
An offer looks unusually attractive, but the trader tries to change the terms after the trade starts.
- Read the offer terms first
- Check the price against other offers
- Don't agree to unexpected changes
P2P trading
glossary.
Maker
A trader who creates an offer to buy or sell crypto.
Taker
A trader who accepts an existing offer and starts the trade.
Escrow
Crypto held during an active trade until the required conditions are met.
Counterparty
The buyer or seller on the other side of your trade.
Trade Limit
The minimum and maximum amount available for a specific offer.
Payment Window
The time allowed to complete the payment after starting a trade.
Release
The step where the seller releases the escrowed crypto after receiving payment.
Appeal
A formal request to review a trade when the buyer and seller cannot resolve an issue themselves.
Chargeback
A payment reversal that can occur with certain payment methods after the payment was made.
Reputation
A trader's history based on completed trades, feedback, and other marketplace activity.
Fiat
Government-issued currency such as USD, EUR, or GBP.
KYC
Identity verification required by some platforms or traders before trading.
Private Key
A secret that gives control over crypto held by a wallet. Never share it with anyone.
Stablecoin
A crypto asset designed to track the value of another asset, commonly the US dollar.
Ready to trade?
Explore the AgoraDesk marketplace. Browse offers, compare terms, and find your next trade.