Are you looking to avoid the pesky government or cyber criminals snooping in on your crypto transactions while you are trying to buy Bitcoin? Perhaps you have issues uploading your ID or sharing endless amounts of personal information with websites you don’t trust? Don’t worry – we have your back.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to buy Bitcoin anonymously so that not even the NSA will know you own BTC. Strap in as we keep the dream of decentralized and incognito crypto alive!
How to buy Bitcoin anonymously – 3 simple steps
- Download the Best Wallet app: Head to the App Store or Google Play, search for Best Wallet, and tap on it to download the app within 30 seconds.
- Sign up: Follow the guided installation, set up a PIN, enable 2FA, and generate a Bitcoin address.
- Buy Bitcoin: Hit the Buy button, select your currency and Bitcoin, enter the amount you wish to purchase, choose your payment method, and enter your details.
Where to buy Bitcoin anonymously
These are the best spots to buy Bitcoin discreetly:
1. Best Wallet — Number 1 place to buy Bitcoin anonymously
- Fee for buying Bitcoin: Starts at 1% but varies between providers
Best Wallet is a non-custodial iOS and Android crypto wallet app. You can effortlessly buy and swap Bitcoin and 100 other cryptocurrencies directly from your phone, with fees starting at just 1%.
Best Wallet is available from the App Store and Google Play and requires zero KYC to set up. After registering, hit the Buy button, select Bitcoin, and enter your payment details. BTC will be instantly sent to your address.
This wallet is integrated with Onramper, which connects to over 19 providers and supports over 130 payment methods, including cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Onramper automatically finds providers with the best exchange rates and lowest fees. Many of these providers require zero KYC, so you can buy Bitcoin anonymously!
Apart from the ability to store and buy crypto, Best Wallet offers a decentralized exchange (DEX) where you can swap more than 100 cryptocurrencies. From the app, you can earn a yield on your BTC by staking your coins, and Best Wallet has formed partnerships with online casinos like Wall Street Memes, unlocking exclusive bonuses and free spins.
Pros
- Non-custodial wallet with an instant buy function
- Easy-to-use iOS and Android app
- Set up your wallet within seconds
- Protect your Bitcoin with 2FA
- DEX platform where you can swap over 100 cryptocurrencies anonymously
Cons
- Some providers require KYC
- Fees can vary significantly between providers
2. Margex — Best no KYC exchange for Bitcoin
- Fee for buying Bitcoin: 0.25%
Margex is one of the biggest no KYC exchanges, with 50 trading pairs and 100x leverage. To register, you only need to share your email and create a password. Remember to create a new email when signing up and always generate random passwords.
The Margex exchange doesn’t offer spot trading, but you can buy crypto via fiat payment methods through third-party providers like Changelly, Change Now, and Uniramp, which charge as little as 0.25% per purchase.
These providers don’t require verification, so they are a great option if you want to buy Bitcoin with no KYC. Also, they are fully integrated with Margex; just hit the Buy button and enter your payment details. Margex accepts a range of fiat methods, including Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, Apple Pay, Revolut, and FasterPay.
Margex is loaded with other features like copy trading, where you can automatically mimic the positions of profitable traders, 24/7 customer support, and a massive $10,000 welcome bonus!
Pros
- Unverified accounts can access most features
- Sign up with just an email and password
- Buy Bitcoin anonymously via Visa, Mastercard, SEPA, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut, Swift, and FasterPay
- Trade Bitcoin with up to 100x leverage
- Loaded with features like copy trading and crypto staking
Cons
- Third-party providers reserve the right to conduct KYC checks
- Provider fees are higher than standard trading fees (0.25% vs 0.019%)
3. Exodus — Swap Bitcoin for over 1,000 cryptocurrencies on more than 50 networks
- Fee for buying Bitcoin: 1.99%
Exodus is a modern Web3 Bitcoin wallet that works on desktop and mobile. The app is free to download and available at the App Store and Google Play.
Exodus works similarly to Best Wallet, where you don’t have to share personal information during the set phase. Then, directly from the wallet, you can buy Bitcoin via third-party providers, including Banxa, Blockchain.com Pay, MoonPay, Ramp, and Sardine. These providers don’t conduct KYC checks and accept cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
Exodus is beginner-friendly but still very secure. It’s also ideal for monitoring your portfolio thanks to live charts, and there is 24/7 customer support if you need help.
Exodus doesn’t just let you buy Bitcoin anonymously; it also connects to over 15 networks like Ethereum and Solana, where you can access DeFi apps and curate your NFT collection. Also, with the click of a button, you can stake your freshly purchased BTC and earn risk-free yields over 4%!
Pros
- Mobile and desktop-compatible Bitcoin wallet
- Zero KYC required to set up a wallet and purchase BTC
- Simple and instant Bitcoin buy function
- Works flawlessly with Trezor hardware wallet
- Effortlessly stake your Bitcoin and earn yields
- A wide range of providers like Banxa, Blockchain.com Pay, MoonPay, Ramp, and Sardine
Cons
- Some providers charge high fees
- Limited payment methods
4. AlphaX — 100% anonymous DEX with low fees
- Fee for buying Bitcoin: 0.02%
Buy Bitcoin anonymously from AlphaX and pay just 0.02% per trade! Even if AlphaX wanted to verify your identity, it couldn’t, as this decentralized exchange (DEX) simply connects buyers and sellers. Unlike centralized exchanges (CEX), at AlphaX, you maintain direct ownership of your crypto as it’s stored in on-chain smart contracts.
To use AlphaX, connect your WalletConnect, OKX Wallet, or MetaMask wallet and transfer Tether (USDT) to your account. You can then trade Bitcoin perpetual futures with up to 125x leverage. Unlike other exchanges, AlphaX doesn’t accept fiat payment methods or offer spot trading. You can’t withdraw Bitcoin, only USDT.
DEXs are often complicated, but AlphaX’s user experience rivals major centralized exchanges. It offers simple email login, 2FA, and great promotions like a referral program, where you can claim up to 50% of users’ trading fees, and leaderboards, where AlphaX will airdrop you specially selected altcoins, predicted to surge!
Pros
- KYC is impossible thanks to DEX protocol
- No personal information required to sign up
- Your Bitcoin is securely stored in Smart Contracts
- Connect your wallet directly to AlphaX
- Protect your Bitcoin with 2FA
Cons
- No fiat payment methods
- No spot trading
5. BloFin — No KYC Bitcoin exchange with a $5,000 welcome bonus
- Fee for buying Bitcoin: 3.5% to 5%
BloFin is one of the best-designed no KYC exchanges we’ve come across. Sign up within 10 seconds via just your email and immediately purchase Bitcoin with Mastercard or Visa, thanks to the exchange’s integration with Simplex. Fees vary between 3.5% and 5%.
After anonymously purchasing your Bitcoin, you can trade spot and futures for over 200 cryptocurrencies. Trading fees are as low as 0.01%, and remember to take advantage of the 100x leverage.
BloFin is an ultra-secure exchange with Proof of Reserves and assets insured by Fireblocks. This exchange is also loaded with features to help you earn Bitcoin, including trading competitions, staking, demo trading, copy trading, and a generous referral program!
Pros
- Massive $5,000 welcome bonus
- Trading fees as low as 0.01%
- Clean and easy-to-use interface
- No KYC required to buy Bitcoin
- Insured accounts and 1:1 reserves
Cons
- High fees to buy Bitcoin with USD
- Limited fiat payment methods (Mastercard and Visa)
Is Bitcoin anonymous
Bitcoin itself is not anonymous but rather pseudonymous. All transactions are publicly recorded on the blockchain, and you can see all Bitcoin wallet addresses and how much BTC each holds. However, the people conducting the transactions and the owners of the addresses are anonymous.
Unfortunately, it has become much more challenging to buy, store, and sell Bitcoin anonymously because regulators have insisted on exchanges verifying users’ identities. If the police come knocking, these exchanges will hand over your full name, address, DOB, copies of your documents, and all your transactions.
Also, if you ever use traditional payments or convert your Bitcoin to fiat and store it in a bank, the authorities can quickly uncover which wallet addresses you own.
Despite efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on Bitcoin, it’s still possible to conduct transactions privately if you practice operational security and take advantage of no KYC exchanges and P2P trading, which we’ll cover below.
How come Monero is anonymous, but Bitcoin isn’t?
Monero uses ring signatures, combining the sender’s transaction with other potential senders, and employs stealth addresses, which generate a one-time address for each transaction. Only the sender and receiver can see the actual address, making it impossible for outside observers to link transactions to a specific wallet. Bitcoin doesn’t offer either of these features.
Also, every Monero coin is fungible, meaning each coin is indistinguishable from any other, making it impossible to trace the transaction history of a specific coin. On the other hand, Bitcoin is not fully fungible. As all transactions are publicly recorded, specific coins can be “tainted” if they were previously used in illegal activities and can be flagged by exchanges.
Why buy Bitcoin anonymously
These are the main reasons for buying Bitcoin anonymously:
- Maintain your privacy — If you don’t want your name to be linked to certain activities, say online gambling, you can buy Bitcoin secretly and use it to make anonymous transactions.
- Reduce the likelihood of hacks — Large Bitcoin holders are prime targets for hackers who have become very effective at stealing large sums of BTC. Stay off their radar by buying BTC without anyone knowing.
- Avoid taxation — Many governments want to hit you with hefty capital gains taxes when you sell Bitcoin for a profit. If you purchase Bitcoin anonymously, they’ll have no idea you even own any digital assets, so you keep your gains.
- Bypass restrictions — In some countries like China and Saudi Arabia, it’s illegal to use Bitcoin. So, if you want to own and transact in BTC without getting arrested, it’s wise to buy Bitcoin without KYC.
- Preserve freedom of expression — If you want to donate to groups fighting corruption, journalists exposing political scandals, or opposition parties, it’s best to use an anonymous payment method like Bitcoin to avoid repercussions.
Why do crypto exchanges require KYC?
Governments have clamped down on crypto exchanges and mandated KYC in a bid to prevent money laundering and tax evasion. Exchanges must comply if they want to legally operate in regulated countries.
Pros & cons of buying BTC anonymously
Pros
- Your Bitcoin can’t be seized by authorities
- Protect yourself from becoming a hacker’s target
- You can avoid capital gains tax
- Keep your online transactions private
- Avoid Bitcoin bans in your country
Cons
- Limited available payment options
- Can’t use most exchanges
Ways of buying Bitcoin anonymously
The main ways to buy Bitcoin without anyone knowing is through no KYC exchanges, at Bitcoin ATMs, or via P2P trading. Here is how these methods work:
No KYC exchanges
The best way to buy Bitcoin without ID is to purchase it from a no KYC exchange. No KYC exchanges work exactly like regular exchanges; the only difference is you don’t have to enter your personal details and upload your ID.
Remember that using a no KYC exchange isn’t enough to buy Bitcoin anonymously. Ensure you use a unique password and username, and avoid any payment method tied to your name.
Bitcoin ATMs
Bitcoin ATMs enable you to buy Bitcoin without ID using cash. You simply insert cash into the machine and type in your BTC address, and Bitcoin will be sent to your wallet at the market rate.
However, not all Bitcoin ATMs are anonymous; many require you to register an account and upload your ID. Coinflip ATMs only ask for a mobile number to send a verification code; just be sure the phone number can’t be traced to you!
P2P marketplaces
P2P marketplaces connect you with sellers of Bitcoin. You contact the buyer, place your order, and complete the transaction through an accepted payment method such as e-wallet, bank transfer, or card.
The Bitcoin is held in escrow, and once the trader has received your payment, they inform the marketplace, who then releases the BTC and sends it to your wallet. If there is any issue, the marketplace will investigate and decide whether the escrowed Bitcoin should be returned to the seller or forwarded to the buyer.
Some crypto exchanges also offer P2P for their clients.
In-person trade
One of the most effective ways to buy Bitcoin anonymously is to perform a cash-in-person trade. It works if you agree to meet a person in a public place, and they transfer BTC to your wallet. Then, after it arrives, you hand them the cash. You can find people willing to do P2P trading on Bitcoin forums and Facebook groups, or ideally, you can purchase it from a friend.
With cash-in-person trades, no KYC details are exchanged. You can make the trade even more discreet by wearing a disguise or sending someone in your place. However, robbery is a risk, and you should bring security and meet in a safe location if you’re transacting with a random person from the internet.
What is the best payment method to use to buy Bitcoin anonymously?
The best payment method to buy Bitcoin anonymously is cash, followed by prepaid cards. Cash transactions via peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges or in-person meetups offer the highest level of privacy as no digital trail is left. Prepaid cards, when purchased with cash, are also a great option; you just need to find a no KYC exchange that will accept them.
Other ways to improve privacy when buying Bitcoin
No one will have even the faintest clue that you own Bitcoin if you employ these privacy strategies:
Connect to a no KYC exchange via a VPN
You don’t want anyone to know that you’ve even visited a crypto-related site, let alone an exchange. For example, if hackers snoop on your web activity and see you are a frequent crypto exchange user, you suddenly become a target. Alternatively, law enforcement could obtain your browsing history from your internet service provider (ISP).
You can avoid the above situations by always using a VPN. A VPN will encrypt your traffic, hide your actual IP address, and make it look like you are from somewhere else. Even if the police demand your ISP hand over your browsing history, they won’t find a thing!
Buy Bitcoin using prepaid cards
There is no point using a no KYC exchange if you whip out a credit card attached to your name. You don’t want to establish any connection between your identity and Bitcoin.
This is why you should go to a retail store and purchase prepaid cards with cash. You then take your prepaid cards and go on a Bitcoin shopping spree at a no KYC exchange. Unfortunately, many exchanges don’t accept prepaid cards.
Anonymize your Bitcoin with a tumbler
Professional on-chain analysts spend all day tracking different Bitcoin transactions. They monitor BTC as it travels through different addresses and can determine the addresses a person controls. If this person ever uses a KYC exchange or publicly reveals an address, the analysts can uncover their identity.
To throw on-chain analysts off your tail, you can run your Bitcoin through a tumbler. You can use it by sending your Bitcoin to a tumbler, which then sends you the same amount minus a fee. The BTC you receive comprises coins unrelated to your initial tokens.
Perform altcoin shifting
With altcoin shifting, you convert your Bitcoin to an altcoin and then convert it back to Bitcoin, so you end up with new coins. This method is similar to tumbling, but you don’t have to rely on a third party. If you’re going to perform altcoin shifting, we recommend buying and selling Monero (XMR), which is considered the most secure and effective privacy crypto.
How to buy Bitcoin without ID safely
Follow these tips to stack satoshis without an ID without jeopardizing your safety:
- Register at a legitimate KYC exchange like Margex
- Always use completely random and unique passwords and usernames
- Create a new email that you only use for purchasing Bitcoin
- Never use payment methods that can traced to you, like credit card or bank transfer
- Buy prepaid cards using cash and then use them to buy BTC from non-KYC exchange
- In-person P2P trading, where you buy Bitcoin using cash, can be effective
Conclusion
Best Wallet is the easiest and fastest way to buy Bitcoin without verification. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play within 30 seconds and purchase BTC instantly. This non-custodial wallet is ultra-secure, offers a wide range of convenient payment methods, and doesn’t require KYC.
So what are you waiting for? If you want to buy Bitcoin without anyone knowing, set up Best Wallet right now!
FAQs
Bitcoin purchases can be traced if you buy Bitcoin from a KYC exchange. Law enforcement can contact the exchange, and it will then hand over your details.
You can’t buy Bitcoin with a credit card anonymously because a full name is always attached to a credit card, and the financial institution who issued the card will have even more detailed personal information, including address and DOB.
Police can track Bitcoin payments by requesting users’ details from exchanges, analyzing someone’s digital footprint, or even hacking devices. However, it’s still very difficult for law enforcement to track BTC transactions if you don’t use KYC exchanges, constantly change addresses, and use a tumbler.
Any non-custodial wallet that doesn’t store your private keys or require KYC cannot be traced, including Exodus and Best Wallet.
You can see how much Bitcoin a specific address has by searching the public blockchain. However, these addresses are anonymous, so you first need to find out a person’s wallet address before you can check out their Bitcoin stash.
Bitcoin owners can be identified by analyzing a person’s digital footprint. For example, let’s say you search for a BTC wallet address and notice someone posted it on a forum. You then search for the person’s username and find an email and a name. Alternatively, police can ring up an exchange and force them to hand over your information.
Cashing out Bitcoin discreetly is difficult because every financial institution requires KYC. Your best option is to sell your Bitcoin in person and receive cash.
You can own Bitcoin anonymously by purchasing crypto via a non-KYC exchange using a payment method that can’t be traced to you, and then you can store it in cold storage in a hardware wallet like Ledger.
You can buy Bitcoin discreetly through the Best Wallet or Exodus free crypto wallet apps or via Margex, a decentralized crypto exchange.
To get Bitcoin anonymously, we recommend downloading the Best Wallet app from the App Store and Google Play and taking advantage of its Buy Bitcoin function.
References
- What are smart contracts on blockchain? (IBM)
- What Is Web3? (HBR)
