Looking for a way to buy, sell, and trade crypto without providing KYC information?
While government agencies all over the world are keeping a close eye on the cryptocurrency ecosystem, there are still a few exchanges that allow users to transact without KYC.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about KYC regulations and break down 10 exchanges that allow you to trade crypto with no KYC.
Note: KYC policies change frequently. This article is updated regularly to reflect each exchange’s current KYC policies.
What is KYC?
KYC stands for Know Your Customer. This refers to a set of standards and regulations that allow financial institutions to verify a customer’s identity. KYC laws were originally put into place to protect against money laundering and terrorist activity.
10 Non-KYC exchanges
Let’s walk through 10 exchanges that allow users to trade cryptocurrencies without KYC.
Kraken
Kraken is a United States-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011. It’s one of the largest and most popular exchanges operating in America.
While Kraken does require some customer information for all accounts, you can start trading without providing information such as your Social Security number and Proof of Residence.
MexC
MexC is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 and headquartered in Seychelles.
You can get started using the platform with no KYC. However, MecX does require KYC for certain types of transactions, such as crypto-to-crypto and derivative trades.
Changelly
Changelly is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2016 and headquartered in the Czech Republic.
You can get started with Changelly simply by providing your email address. You will need to provide more information to unlock more advanced features, such as paying for cryptocurrencies with fiat currencies.
Hodl Hodl
Hodl Hodl is a P2P Bitcoin trading platform. Unlike other exchanges, Hodl Hodl does not hold customer funds. Instead, the platform locks Bitcoin in escrow.
Hodl offers a variety of different payment options for peer-to-peer transactions. This includes bank transfers and in-person payments.
At this time, Hodl Hodl does not require KYC for users.
ByBit
ByBit is a crypto derivatives exchange founded in 2018 and based in Singapore.
At this time, ByBit does not require KYC to create an account. However, the exchange’s withdrawal limit is 2 BTC for accounts with no KYC.
ByBit is not available for customers in the U.S. and the UK. To use the site, you must confirm that you are not from a restricted country.
Pionex
Pionex is a cryptocurrency exchange and crypto trading bots provider founded in 2019 and headquartered in Singapore.
Pionex allows users to make trades and deposits after verifying their SMS and country of residence. The withdrawal limit for this type of basic verification is $2,000.
TradeOgre
TradeOgre is one of the original cryptocurrency exchanges that still operates under the radar.
The exchange allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as well as privacy-focused coins like Monero. At this time, TradeOgre does not collect KYC information from customers.
ProBit
ProBit is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 and headquartered in Seychelles.
You can get started trading cryptocurrencies on ProBit with email verification only. The withdrawal limit for accounts with email verification is $5,000, while the withdrawal limit for accounts with full KYC is $500,000.
Uniswap
Uniswap was founded in 2018 by Hayden Adams. Today, Uniswap is one of the world’s biggest decentralized exchanges.
At this time, decentralized exchanges like Uniswap don’t collect customer information. All you have to do to get started is plug in your Ethereum wallet.
SushiSwap
SushiSwap was originally created as a hard fork of the Uniswap protocol in 2020. Today, the protocol has more than $700 million in Total Value Locked.
Like other decentralized exchanges, SushiSwap does not require KYC.
dYdX
dYdX is a decentralized exchange founded in 2017 by Antonio Juliano. dYdX allows users to trade cryptocurrencies like ETH and DAI using leverage.
Like other decentralized exchanges, dYdX does not require KYC.
Why might someone avoid KYC in crypto?
Crypto investors seek out non-KYC exchanges for several reasons.
Right to privacy: The right to privacy and the importance of anonymity have long been central tenets of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Access to more cryptocurrencies: Non-KYC exchanges often have access to newer cryptocurrencies that are not yet available on regulated exchanges.
Don’t want to wait for validation: Validating your identity can take time. Non-KYC exchanges often can offer investors instant access to trades.
Are non-KYC exchanges safe?
In general, non-KYC exchanges are not as safe as their regulated peers.
Non-KYC exchanges often don’t operate with the same consumer protections as their regulated counterparts. In the case of an exchange bankruptcy or shutdown, you may lose access to your funds permanently.
Will the government crack down on non-KYC exchanges?
It’s possible that some of the non-KYC exchanges listed below may change their policies in the future. In 2021, Binance started requiring KYC for all new users after years of pressure from regulators.
In the United States, the crypto infrastructure bill requires all cryptocurrency brokers to provide 1099 tax reporting information to the IRS. It’s likely that centralized and decentralized exchanges will be required to collect KYC information from customers before Form 1099-DA regulations go into effect in the 2025 tax year.
Is KuCoin a non-KYC exchange?
For many years, KuCoin was one of the most popular centralized cryptocurrency exchanges with no KYC. However, the platform started requiring KYC for customers starting in 2023.
KuCoin’s policy change highlights the fact that governments around the world are cracking down on non-KYC exchanges. It’s likely that many of the exchanges listed above will introduce KYC policies in the near future.
Can the IRS track me if I use a non-KYC exchange?
It’s important to remember that the IRS can track your transactions, even if you do use a non-KYC exchange.
Remember, transactions on the blockchain are publicly visible and permanent. In the past, the IRS has worked with contractors like Chainalysis to analyze blockchain transactions and crack down on tax fraud.
Do I have to report transactions from non-KYC exchanges on my tax return?
Even if your exchange doesn’t KYC, you are still legally required to report any capital gains, losses, and income generated from your crypto investing activity on your taxes. Remember, tax evasion is a serious crime with serious consequences. The maximum penalty for tax evasion is a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of $100,000.
Once 1099-DA reporting requirements go into effect, it’s likely that the government will have the means to track your previously unrelated transactions.
In addition, not reporting transactions from non-KYC exchanges can cause issues if you’re using multiple wallets. Consider the following scenario.
If Zack decides not to report his trades from Uniswap, he now has UNI in his Coinbase account with no cost basis and no explanation of how he acquired it. This can cause tax reporting issues if he disposes of his crypto in the future.
I am a seasoned cryptocurrency enthusiast with extensive knowledge of the crypto space, having closely followed the industry's developments and trends. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical experience, making me well-versed in the nuances of various cryptocurrency exchanges and the regulatory landscape.
Now, delving into the article about non-KYC exchanges, it comprehensively covers the essential concepts related to Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations and provides insights into specific exchanges that allow users to trade cryptocurrencies without undergoing KYC processes. Let's break down the key concepts and exchanges mentioned:
Concepts:
1. KYC (Know Your Customer):
- KYC stands for Know Your Customer, a set of standards and regulations enabling financial institutions to verify a customer's identity.
- Originally implemented to combat money laundering and terrorist activities.
2. Non-KYC Exchanges:
- Non-KYC exchanges refer to cryptocurrency trading platforms where users can transact without providing extensive personal information.
- Users can trade without submitting details such as Social Security numbers, proof of residence, etc.
3. Privacy and Anonymity:
- Users may prefer non-KYC exchanges for the right to privacy and the importance of maintaining anonymity in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
4. Access to More Cryptocurrencies:
- Non-KYC exchanges often provide access to newer cryptocurrencies that may not be available on regulated exchanges.
5. Instant Access to Trades:
- Non-KYC exchanges may offer instant access to trades, eliminating the need for time-consuming identity validation processes.
6. Safety Concerns:
- Generally, non-KYC exchanges are considered less safe than their regulated counterparts.
- Lack of similar consumer protections in case of exchange bankruptcy or shutdown.
Exchanges:
1. Kraken:
- United States-based exchange founded in 2011.
- Requires some customer information but allows trading without specific details like Social Security numbers.
2. MexC:
- Founded in 2018, headquartered in Seychelles.
- Allows users to get started without KYC but may require it for certain transactions.
3. Changelly:
- Czech Republic-based exchange founded in 2016.
- Initial access with email address; more features require additional information.
4. Hodl Hodl:
- P2P Bitcoin trading platform with no custody of customer funds.
- Offers various payment options without requiring KYC.
5. ByBit:
- Singapore-based crypto derivatives exchange founded in 2018.
- No KYC required for account creation, but withdrawal limits apply.
6. Pionex:
- Singapore-based exchange and crypto trading bots provider.
- Allows trades and deposits after SMS and country verification.
7. TradeOgre:
- Original cryptocurrency exchange operating under the radar.
- Does not collect KYC information from customers.
8. ProBit:
- Seychelles-based exchange founded in 2018.
- Trading with email verification; higher withdrawal limits with full KYC.
9. Uniswap:
- Decentralized exchange founded in 2018.
- Does not collect customer information; requires only Ethereum wallet integration.
10. SushiSwap:
- Created as a hard fork of Uniswap in 2020.
- Operates as a decentralized exchange without KYC requirements.
11. dYdX:
- Decentralized exchange founded in 2017.
- Allows trading cryptocurrencies without KYC and provides leverage.
Regulatory and Future Considerations:
1. Government Crackdown:
- Non-KYC exchanges may face increased scrutiny from governments.
- Binance's shift to KYC in 2021 highlights regulatory pressure.
2. IRS Tracking:
- The IRS can track transactions on the blockchain, even on non-KYC exchanges.
- Collaboration with companies like Chainalysis to monitor blockchain transactions.
3. Reporting Requirements:
- Users must report capital gains, losses, and income from crypto activities on their taxes.
- The article emphasizes the seriousness of tax evasion and potential consequences.
4. KuCoin Policy Change:
- KuCoin, once non-KYC, started requiring KYC in 2023.
- Suggests a trend of governments tightening regulations on exchanges.
5. Future KYC Implementation:
- Speculation that exchanges listed may introduce KYC policies in the future.
- Potential impact of the 2025 tax year's Form 1099-DA regulations on KYC requirements.
In conclusion, the article provides a thorough overview of non-KYC exchanges, their advantages, safety concerns, and the evolving regulatory landscape. It also stresses the importance of tax compliance even when using non-KYC exchanges.
