Skip to main content

Key Terms in P2P

This glossary explains the essential terminology used on the EMCD P2P platform. Use this guide to navigate advertisements, orders, payments, and the dispute process with confidence.

Updated this week

1. Basic P2P concepts

1. P2P transactions (Peer-to-Peer)

This is a direct exchange of cryptocurrency and fiat between users. EMCD provides the secure marketplace and escrow service to facilitate these exchanges. While EMCD is not a party to the transaction, we ensure the process is safe, transparent, and efficient.

2. Buyer

The user who sends fiat currency to receive cryptocurrency. Buyers are responsible for sending the exact amount within the specified timeframe using the payment method defined in the order.

3. Seller

The user who receives fiat currency and releases cryptocurrency. During an active order, the seller’s crypto is held securely in escrow. Once the seller confirms receipt of funds, they release the assets to the buyer.

4. Maker

A user who creates and publishes an advertisement. Makers act as "market creators" by setting their own prices, order limits, payment methods, and specific transaction conditions.

5. Taker

A user who chooses an existing advertisement to initiate an exchange. Takers "take" the price and terms already established by the Maker to start a transaction immediately.

6. Merchant

A high-volume user with verified status on EMCD. Merchants enjoy higher limits, specialized badges for trust, and access to professional-grade tools. Status is granted upon meeting specific platform requirements.

2. Ads and pricing

7. Ad (Advertisement)

A public offer to buy or sell crypto. Each ad details the exchange rate, limits, accepted payment methods, and the Maker’s specific terms

8. Fixed price

A static exchange rate set by the Maker. This price remains constant regardless of market volatility

9. Floating price

A dynamic exchange rate that automatically adjusts in real-time based on market conditions, calculated using a formula set by the Maker

10. Maker terms

Custom instructions provided by the Maker. These may include requirements for payment descriptions, ID verification, or specific regional banking rules that the counterparty must follow

11. Welcome message

An automated greeting sent to the counterparty the moment an order is opened. It is used to provide instant instructions and streamline communication

12. Completion rate

The percentage of a user’s total orders that were successfully finalized. This is a key metric for assessing the reliability and speed of a potential partner

13. Average Crypto Release Time

The median time it takes for a seller to release assets after a buyer marks the payment as sent. A shorter release time indicates a highly responsive user

3. Orders and the trade process

14. Order

A binding agreement created when a Taker responds to an Ad. It specifies the exact amount, price, and payment method, and triggers the escrow countdown

15. Crypto release

The final step of the exchange. Once the seller confirms the fiat has arrived, they release the crypto from escrow to the buyer. This action is final and irreversible

16. Order limits

The minimum and maximum transaction size allowed for a single order, as defined by the Maker in the advertisement

4. Payments

17. Payment method

The specific financial channel (e.g., bank transfer, e-wallet) designated by the Maker. Both parties must use the exact payment details provided in the ad to avoid disputes or delays

18. Payment window

The strictly defined timeframe the buyer has to complete the fiat transfer. If the buyer fails to mark the payment as sent within this window, the order is automatically canceled

19. Payment confirmation

Digital proof of a successful transfer, such as a bank receipt, transaction ID, or screenshot. This is essential evidence if a dispute arises

20. Payment receipt confirmation

The seller’s formal verification that funds have cleared in their account. Sellers should only confirm this once they have independently verified the balance in their own banking app

5. Security and disputes

21. Dispute

A formal request for EMCD Support to intervene and resolve a conflict. During a dispute, the cryptocurrency remains safely locked in escrow until an investigator verifies the evidence from both parties

22. Dispute status

The current phase of the resolution process. Statuses include:

  • Canceled by Support — The order is voided

  • Approved by Support — Assets are released to the buyer

  • Approved by Seller — The seller resolved the issue manually

  • Canceled by Buyer — The buyer opted to close the transaction

23. Evidence

The documentation required to resolve a dispute. This typically includes unedited screenshots, screen recordings of banking transactions, or official bank statements that prove the status of a payment.

Did this answer your question?