What is P2P trading?
P2P trading is the direct exchange of cryptocurrency between users. The platform does not act as a counterparty but provides the infrastructure, rules, and escrow mechanism.
A P2P platform provides:
an interface for posting advertisements
an escrow mechanism that increases security
a structured process for transferring fiat funds between users via banks or payment systems in accordance with platform rules
What is escrow and why is it needed?
Escrow is a temporary hold of the seller’s cryptocurrency for the duration of a P2P order. When an order is created, the seller’s crypto is locked in escrow until the order is completed. While the order is active, the seller cannot access the cryptocurrency locked in escrow. Release is subject to the order status and platform rules.
Escrow significantly reduces risk by ensuring cryptocurrency is only released after the agreed conditions are met, but it does not eliminate all potential disputes or risks.
How does P2P work?
1. Posting an advertisement
A user (maker) posts an offer to buy or sell cryptocurrency and specifies the terms of the order:
Price
Limits
Payment methods
Time to pay
Additional requirements
2. Opening an order
Another user (taker) selects the offer and opens an order.
Once the order is opened:
The seller’s cryptocurrency is locked in escrow
The order displays the trade details
The payment timer starts
3. Paying with fiat
The buyer sends the payment according to the seller’s details using the payment method specified in the offer.
The order status updates, and the seller receives a notification that the buyer marked the order as Paid.
4. Verifying payment
After the buyer marks the order as Paid, the seller must check the actual receipt of fiat funds.
To do this, the seller must confirm receipt of the funds in their banking or payment application and ensure that the amount matches the order and the payment came from the sender listed in the order details.
5. Releasing cryptocurrency
After confirming payment, the cryptocurrency is released from escrow and credited to the buyer. In most cases, this happens quickly, but processing times may vary.
Once the cryptocurrency is released, the order is considered completed and cannot be canceled.
Important: If any issues arise during the order — delayed payment, no response from the counterparty, or errors, either party can open a dispute and submit the order for review by EMCD support.
When should the seller release cryptocurrency?
The seller should release cryptocurrency only after the fiat funds are actually credited to their account.
Important: The Paid status, screenshots, videos, receipts, and verbal confirmations do not count as proof of payment. Only the actual receipt of funds confirms that payment has been made. During a dispute, additional supporting evidence may also be reviewed.
What to do if the buyer marks the order as Paid but the funds have not arrived?
Do not release cryptocurrency before the funds are actually credited to your account
Check your balance and transaction history in your banking or payment application
If funds are missing, open a dispute and submit the order for review
What to do if the seller does not release cryptocurrency
Make sure the payment was sent correctly, in full, and according to the order conditions
Contact the seller through the order chat to clarify details
If the seller ignores you or refuses to complete the order after receiving the payment, open a dispute. EMCD support will step in to resolve the issue
Can an order be canceled?
In most cases, the buyer can cancel the order before marking it as Paid. After the order is marked as Paid, cancellation is only possible through a dispute.
Before canceling, make sure the payment has not been sent. Canceling an order after payment has been sent may result in a loss of funds.
What is a dispute and when should you open one?
A dispute is a request submitted to EMCD support to resolve a conflict regarding an order.
You should open a dispute if:
The payment has been sent but cryptocurrency has not been released
The counterparty violates order terms
There are payment or communication issues
During a dispute, support reviews the order details and makes a decision in accordance with platform rules.
What payment methods can be used?
Only the payment methods specified in the advertisement are allowed.
What is prohibited in P2P trading?
The following actions are not allowed in P2P trading:
Conducting trades outside the P2P platform
Using third-party accounts for payment
Sending funds using a payment method not specified in the advertisement
Any manipulation, pressure, or attempts to mislead the counterparty to force the release of cryptocurrency or the closure of a dispute
Moving communication to external messengers
Marking an order as Paid without actually sending the payment
Unjustified delay in releasing cryptocurrency after the payment has been confirmed
Violations of these rules may result in account restrictions or other platform measures.