How to Off-Ramp Crypto in 2024 (Best Ways)
If you're looking for the best way to off-ramp crypto, follow these steps:
Learning how to off-ramp cryptocurrency can be challenging due to the number of methods and platforms available. Contradicting advice complicates the process further.
Throughout this guide, we explain exactly how to off-ramp crypto, share several methods, highlight the best platforms, and discuss common risks. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What are the different methods for off-ramping crypto?
You have several options if you want to off-ramp cryptocurrency and acquire fiat currency.
While it can be easy to believe the only viable off-ramp is a cryptocurrency exchange, other methods can yield greater convenience or lower fees.
Below, we’ve broken down some of the best methods for off-ramping crypto.
Centralized exchanges
Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEXs) like Binance, Bybit, Coinbase, and Crypto.com are the most common types of crypto off-ramp platforms.
Moreover, they typically accept deposits in fiat currency. Exchanges also act as crypto on-ramps, making them ideal for people who value flexibility.
📚Read more: Best Crypto Off-Ramp Platforms
Generally, centralized exchanges are the most user-friendly crypto off-ramps, as they’ve been designed for convenience and accessibility.
Most exchanges will let you withdraw via bank transfer. But, some offer e-wallet support, meaning you shouldn’t have difficulty finding a withdrawal method.
📚Related: How to Withdraw Crypto to Bank Account
Centralized exchanges offer an easy way for people to swap their crypto holdings for fiat money. As such, the platforms are ideal for people valuing simplicity. Moreover, exchanges let you trade crypto with low fees and offer extra features like staking, making them a solid all-around choice.
📚Related: Top Fiat to Crypto Exchanges
Buying goods
Buying highly liquid goods using digital assets is a method often overlooked by those seeking crypto off-ramps.
Instead of swapping your crypto for fiat currency, you can purchase a physical commodity like gold, silver, or platinum that you can easily convert to cash or use to cover spending.
While exchanging digital crypto for a physical asset can seem like a step backwards, precious metals are highly liquid and can typically be converted to cash on any high street within minutes.
Moreover, gold has lower volatility than crypto while acting as a store of value and inflation hedge, making it perfect for long-term wealth storage.
P2P platforms
Trading on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) platforms is an excellent crypto-off-ramp method for people who prefer decentralized exchanges.
Instead of trading with the exchange, the platform pairs you with other users who want to buy or sell crypto. You can dictate the sale price, how much crypto to sell, and which payments you want to accept.
P2P marketplaces are ideal for people with experience in the crypto ecosystem, as some knowledge of on-chain transfers is required to use the method successfully.
That said, as the P2P platform provides an escrow service, your crypto assets will only be sent to the buyer once they pay. As such, P2P platforms offer safer crypto transactions than in-person trading.
P2P platforms typically boast low fees. However, you could be left waiting a long time to exchange crypto for fiat as you’ll need to wait for an interested seller to purchase your offer.
While you can speed up the process by swapping your crypto for a frequently purchased crypto, like Bitcoin, it’s not ideal for people needing to cash out quickly.
In-Person
While P2P platforms offer great flexibility and safety, in-person trading could be ideal if you value anonymity above all else.
You’re not subject to any limits or verification requirements when using in-person trading as a crypto off-ramp. However, finding a person willing to buy crypto can be challenging.
If you trade in person, you don’t benefit from the security measures offered by P2P platforms, meaning you’re at greater risk.
However, you can dictate the sale amount and payment method, meaning you could cash out to an obscure payment method that exchanges or P2P platforms don’t support.
swissmoney app for easy and fast crypto off-ramping
Unlike many off-ramps, swissmoney is an all-in-one financial services provider that allows users to swap between crypto and fiat currencies. Users can deposit crypto or fiat and can send and receive both asset classes.
After off-ramping your crypto, you can store the assets in one of swissmoney’s GBP, USD, EUR, and CHF dedicated IBAN accounts. In doing so, you can send international payments and set up direct debits.
swissmoney comes with a built-in crypto wallet to store your assets before off-ramping, adding to its convenience.
Moreover, swissmoney offers a crypto debit card with no hard limits that can be funded via cryptocurrency and enables users to spend their digital assets in everyday establishments.
How do I off-ramp crypto using a centralized exchange (CEX)?
Using a centralized crypto exchange is one of the most common and straightforward methods to off-ramp in the crypto space. Exchanges act as an on-ramp and enable users to sell cryptocurrencies with minimal transaction fees while providing user-friendly interfaces, making the platforms suitable for beginners. You can use centralized exchanges as a crypto on or off-ramp by:
- Step 1: Select a platform – First, select a trustworthy exchange that supports the cryptocurrency you want to off-ramp. You should also check if it supports a suitable withdrawal method. Some good exchanges include swissmoney, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Bybit.
- Step 2: Create and verify an account – Once you’ve selected a secure exchange with a good track record, you’ll need to create an account. Afterward, complete the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification process by providing a photo ID and proof of address (if required). After verification is completed, you’ll have full access to your account.
- Step 3: Transfer crypto to the exchange – Move the cryptocurrency you want to sell onto the exchange via an on-chain transfer. Remember, you must cover network costs, so set aside enough crypto. Then, use the ‘Recieve’ button to get your exchange’s wallet address, then preview and confirm the transaction,
- Step 4: Sell crypto for fiat – Once the cryptocurrency has arrived in your exchange wallet, you can search for a fiat pair, decide how much crypto to sell, set the sale price, and confirm the sale. Once the target price is hit, the crypto will be sold and converted to fiat.
- Step 5: Withdraw fiat to bank account – After acquiring the fiat currency, you’ve essentially cashed out your cryptocurrency. However, to complete the process, you should withdraw your newly acquired fiat currency to a bank account so it can be used to cover everyday spending.
What’s the best way to off-ramp crypto without CEXs?
Although centralized exchanges represent one of the easiest and safest ways to off-ramp crypto, crypto enthusiasts can exchange their crypto for fiat currencies in several other ways.
Selecting the best method for off-ramping crypto without a CEX can be challenging. However, we’ve done the research and found the best technique.
Peer-to-Peer Trades
The cheapest and most flexible method for off-ramping crypto without a CEX is using a P2P trading platform like Paxful or Bisq.
In contrast to centralized exchanges, P2P platforms directly facilitate trading between two users.
While trading on a P2P platform is typically cheap, a fee of around 1% is typical in exchange for using the platform’s escrow service.
If you want to move further away from centralized platforms, you can trade face-to-face with another person.
You can find willing traders using one of the above platforms or speaking with friends and family. While in-person trading is riskier than a P2P platform, you won’t face any limits or verification requirements.
What are the risks associated with off-ramping crypto?
When you off-ramp cryptocurrency, you must be aware of several risks.
Although the process is generally safe and takes a short time, you can reduce the chance of an issue arising by ensuring you are familiar with common risks you’re likely to experience.
The most common risks associated with off-ramping crypto include:
Fake platforms
One of the most common methods bad actors use to steal cryptocurrency from people is creating a fake version of a legitimate platform.
Typically, these fake platforms are promoted via search engine ads, making them easily mistaken for a legitimate site. As such, choosing a crypto off-ramp platform that is trustworthy is crucial.
Price fluctuations
When you sell your crypto, you could experience substantial price fractionations, especially when trading an illiquid asset. However, fluctuations can also arise from broader market conditions and global news.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to predict price changes, but as cryptocurrency is highly volatile, it’s essential to keep familiar with the market.
Wallet security
Another way that people have their cryptocurrency stolen is by having lacklustre wallet security. If you connect a crypto wallet to a scam platform or sign a fraudulent transaction, a fraudster can drain your funds instantly.
📚Read More: How to Stay Safe from Bitcoin Scams And Frauds
Are there any security considerations when off-ramping crypto?
Above, we discussed the risks of off-ramping cryptocurrency. But how can you protect yourself against bad actors and changing prices?
We’ve included a few extra security measures to take to avoid nasty surprises.
- Safe platforms: You should only trade on trustworthy platforms with many users and a history of providing safety for customers. Moreover, you should always compare a website’s URL to the legitimate site you bookmarked before inputting sensitive data or linking your wallet
- Reduce fluctuations: You can avoid price fluctuations by selling via a limit order instead of a market order, which sells the whole position at the current market rate. Also, you should consider the market conditions and any upcoming news when deciding whether to sell crypto for fiat.
- Secure wallet: To prevent wallet issues, choose a crypto wallet that supports your cryptocurrency and has a good security track record. You should also read user reviews and consider whether the wallet has known exploits. Some well-designed crypto wallets include the Ledger Nano series, Trezor hardware wallets, Exodus, and MetaMask.
- 2FA: You should set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) when dealing with sensitive information or money. In contrast to requiring only an email address and password, you’ll need to input a unique, constantly changing code to gain access to your account with 2FA on your account, vastly improving security.
📚Read More: Guide to Cryptocurrency Security
What are the tax implications of off-ramping crypto?
Because you must work out your earnings and report the funds manually, it can be easy to forget about taxes when you off-ramp crypto.
Unfortunately, neglecting to pay your taxes can be massively detrimental and could lead to substantial fines or even a prison sentence.
This is what you should be aware of when it comes to crypto off-ramping taxes:
Exchange reporting
When you deposit or withdraw a certain amount of fiat currency from an exchange, it’s legally obligated to report your earnings and withdrawals to the relevant tax agency.
As such, if you plan on selling and withdrawing over $1,000, you’ll need to file for capital gains taxes. That said, you’ll only need to pay above your untaxable income threshold.
Bank reporting
Like a crypto exchange reporting your earnings to a tax agency like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), your bank account provider must report suspicious transactions above a certain threshold.
Unfortunately, limits vary depending on location and bank. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with local regulations.
Fines
You could face hefty fines if you fail to pay your taxes or send an incorrect amount.
Late submissions, payments, and change notifications can all lead to penalties ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Worse still, if these fines go unpaid, they increase, or you’ll be taken to court.
Jail time
The worst-case scenario regarding off-ramping taxes is jail time. Thankfully, it’s rare for things to get this far.
However, you can expect a court summons and a possible prison sentence if you refuse to pay taxes or fines for a significant period.
Additional tips to off-ramp crypto
We’ve explained the processing of off-ramping crypto and highlighted some of the best platforms and methods.
Based on the information we’ve discussed throughout this guide, anyone should be able to off-ramp their cryptocurrency holdings in a manner that suits them.
However, we also have a few extra tips to help people have a smooth off-ramping process.
- Consider your preferences: Before you decide on a particular platform or off-ramp method, consider your preferences and what’s most important to you. If you value anonymity, a P2P platform is recommended, while those preferring all-in-one platforms may prefer swissmoney.
- Have a plan: Instead of selling your crypto on a whim, you should carefully plan to ensure an optimal process. Before you initiate the process, it would be best to know the price you wish to sell and how to off-ramp crypto.
- Shop around: Even if you’re set on a particular withdrawal method and exchange, it’s worth shopping around to see if you can find a better deal elsewhere. Compare various platforms’ fees and withdrawal methods to find one that suits you best. Once you’ve thoroughly reviewed the available options, select the most appealing.
Conclusion
Learning how to off-ramp cryptocurrency can be daunting due to the number of different methods and platforms.
However, we’ve broken down the entire process, explained different off-ramping methods and risks, discussed how users can protect themselves, and highlighted some of the best off-ramping platforms.
Based on our research and testing, using a cryptocurrency exchange like Binance or Coinbase is one of the most common ways to withdraw due to its simplicity.
However, people who prefer to trade on decentralized platforms usually gravitate toward P2P marketplaces.
If you’re seeking an all-in-one platform allowing you to cash out crypto using several methods, including withdrawals, money transfers, or crypto debit cards, swissmoney is likely the best choice.
FAQs
What is an off-ramp crypto solution?
A crypto off-ramp solution is a method people can use to sell their cryptocurrency for fiat money that they can spend online or in-store.
Crypto off-ramp platforms include sites like Binance and LocalCoinSwap.
📚Read More: Crypto On-and Off ramp Guide
What are the fees associated with off-ramping crypto?
The fees for off-ramping crypto will differ from platform to platform based on location and desired withdrawal methods. You can expect to pay network, transaction, and withdrawal fees when you off-ramp.
How long does it take to off-ramp crypto?
The time required to off-ramp crypto varies significantly based on the method, network congestion, and platform processing times.
Typically, you can off-ramp crypto in as little as two hours. However, if you want to set up an in-person deal for a substantial amount, waiting times can stretch into the weeks.
What is the best place to off-ramp crypto?
Cryptocurrency exchanges are one of the best places to off-ramp crypto as they offer a good blend of simplicity, flexibility, and low fees.
However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that allows you to manage crypto and traditional finance on a single platform, swissmoney is a strong choice.
📚Read More: Best Crypto Off-ramp Platforms
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