How P2P Cryptocurrency Purchase Works
Buying cryptocurrency via P2P means exchanging cryptocurrency for fiat directly between users on a P2P platform.
The platform is not a party to the transaction and does not act as a buyer or seller. Instead, it provides the infrastructure, an escrow mechanism to temporarily lock cryptocurrency, and a dispute resolution system.
P2P transactions involve two roles:
Maker — a user who creates an advertisement with specific terms, including price, limits, and payment methods.
Taker — a user who accepts an existing advertisement and opens an order under the maker’s terms.
Note: The maker can be either a seller or a buyer, depending on the type of advertisement (sell or buy). Likewise, the taker can also be either a buyer or seller — the participant who accepts the terms of an existing advertisement and opens the order.
How P2P Differs from Spot Trading
On spot markets, trades execute automatically within the exchange without fiat transfers between users.
In P2P transactions, fiat payments are processed directly between participants, and payment terms are defined in advance within the advertisement.
How to Buy Cryptocurrency via P2P
Buying crypto via P2P is straightforward when the steps are followed carefully and all conditions are reviewed.
Select an advertisement with a suitable price and payment method. Review the ad conditions carefully before opening an order
Open an order for the desired amount
Transfer funds according to the payment details provided in the order
After sending the payment, click Paid
Wait for the seller to confirm the payment and release the cryptocurrency
How Long Does the Buyer Have to Make Payment?
By default, the payment window on EMCD P2P is 30 minutes.
During this time, the buyer must complete the transfer and mark the order as Paid.
Can I Change the Amount After Opening an Order?
No. Once an order is opened, the terms are locked — the purchase price, cryptocurrency amount, and selected payment method cannot be changed.
To change the amount, the order must be canceled (before payment) and a new order must be opened.
What Happens If Payment Isn’t Made on Time?
If the buyer does not send the payment or click Paid within 30 minutes, the order is automatically canceled and the cryptocurrency is returned to the seller from escrow.
What to Do if the Order Was Marked as Paid by Mistake
If payment has not actually been made, the order should be canceled immediately.
The seller cannot cancel the order once the buyer has marked it as Paid, so prompt action is essential if no payment was sent.
What to Do if Funds Are Sent but the Seller Doesn’t Release Cryptocurrency
Verify the following:
The transfer was made according to the payment details listed in the order
The transferred amount matches the order terms
The payment system confirms that the transfer was successfully processed
If the transfer was completed correctly and on time, but the seller claims payment was not received, does not respond, or refuses to release the cryptocurrency, a dispute should be opened.
The support team will review the case and help resolve the issue. Cryptocurrency remains locked in escrow until the dispute is resolved.
When to Contact Support
Contact support if:
Payment has been completed, but the seller has not released the cryptocurrency
An amount greater than the order amount was transferred by mistake
Buying cryptocurrency via P2P is a simple and flexible way to trade directly with other users. By carefully reviewing advertisement terms, completing payments on time, and following the platform’s instructions, buyers can ensure that transactions are completed safely and smoothly.