P2P, C2C and OTC: what the labels mean
All three describe a private fiat-to-crypto trade, but the steps and the risk differ.
P2P and C2C are one mechanism: the platform matches the sides and the price is negotiated; OTC usually means a staffed desk.
Key points
Who sets the price
In P2P and C2C the price comes from the two listings, not from the platform, so quotes differ between sellers at the same moment. Compare the fee as well.
Who guarantees what
The platform guarantees the release of the coins, not the payment. Keep the order, the in-platform chat and the bank record - they are the only evidence if a payment is challenged.
What a desk adds
A desk route usually adds an eligibility review and a staff member confirming the receiving details. Anything asking you to send coins to a personal address first is not that.
Common questions
Is a P2P sale safe once the money lands?
Not necessarily. The payer may be a third party, and funds of unclear origin can still be claimed back by a bank, so keep the order and chat records and prefer payers whose name matches the account.
Why do P2P and C2C quotes differ so much?
The quote carries the seller's convenience, fee and risk premium. Compare the platform fee and the arrival time alongside the headline price.
Keep reading
Sources：the platform's published P2P and OTC rule pages · summarising how the three differ; no specific platform is rated · Checked on 2026-09-18
Risk and disclosure
Risk warning: crypto assets are volatile and you can lose the whole amount, and a transfer can still be delayed or fail because of the rail, the bank or a compliance check. This page organises information and helps you check a baseline. It is not investment advice and promises no return.
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