Buying Bitcoin anonymously in the UK might seem like a daunting task. However, it is simple when you follow the right guide.
People prefer to buy cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, anonymously to protect their identity and payment information.
Therefore, buying Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies anonymously is a brilliant idea if you are looking to protect your data.
Is It Possible to Buy Bitcoin Anonymously in the UK Without Verification?
As laws around cryptocurrencies continue to get stricter day by day, it is becoming more and more difficult to buy Bitcoin anonymously without an ID.
There are still some exchange platforms that suit those who value their privacy and personal information where you can buy cryptocurrencies without verifying your identity.
It is important to note that Bitcoin as an asset is pseudonymous and not anonymous. This is because transactions are recorded in a public ledger called Blockchain.
Therefore, this transaction can be traced to reveal information even if you don’t verify your identity when buying the coin.
Table of Contents
8 Ways to Buy Bitcoin Anonymously
1. LocalBitcoins
LocalBitcoins is a global leading peer-to-peer crypto exchange. It is a trading platform that connects buyers and sellers to exchange. Meanwhile, LocalBitcoins is one of the first, if not the first P2P exchange in the world.
LocalBitcoins has updated its registration process to include additional identity verification for large-volume traders. Moreover, the platform requires users to submit certain basic information like emails and phone numbers, which is not too much anyway.
However, they can be easily altered to give your identity and retain your privacy.
In case you do not wish to expose your bank details and other payment details, you can easily meet another party through the messaging platform to complete the transaction.
To use LocalBitcoins, go to a seller’s trade and filter using your preferred payment method. Send a message stating that you are ready to purchase and make arrangements to complete the cash transaction in person.
One of the greatest privacy perks of using LocalBitcoins is the ability to complete crypto transactions with the other party in person.
As such, users will not be required to make subsequent transaction requests known once they have established a relationship of trust with the other party.
2. Changelly
Changelly is another decentralized exchange platform for crypto-to-crypto transactions that don’t require users to reveal their information or verify their identity. In fact, it is not necessary to register a Changelly account before using it.
However, you must have your crypto asset ready in your wallet to buy Bitcoin anonymously on Changelly.
To do this, follow the few steps below:
- Choose your preferred trading pair that corresponds to the crypto asset you are holding in your wallet.
- Generate a temporary deposit address.
- Send the preferred amount of crypto to the address.
- Once the transaction is confirmed, Changelly will transfer the equivalent value of Bitcoin to your wallet.
Changelly remains the fastest and simplest way to exchange your crypto asset to Bitcoin. Furthermore, it has a simple user interface, so rest assured that you will not have any problems using it.
3. Exolix
Exolix is another anonymous yet secured platform to buy your Bitcoin anonymously. Apart from privacy, Exolix offers a large number of crypto listings.
Founded in 2018, Exolix remains one of the few crypto exchanges that sell cryptocurrency without verification or even registration. Besides offering more than 350 coins, Exolix has no maximum transaction limit. It is fast, secure, easy, and straightforward to use.
Exolix has a fixed transaction rate, therefore, there are no hidden fees or charges. Its exchange process is computerized, so absolutely transparent. Moreover, they provide top-notch and professional 24/7 customer support for their users.
To do this:
- Fill up the order details in the provided boxes, including the amount and recipient wallet address.
- Double-check order details and confirm.
- Once the order has been executed, you will receive the equivalent value of the coin in your wallet. Alternatively, you can check order details to track the progress of your purchase.
Transaction processing time is an average of 5 to 30 minutes, depending on transaction overload. Another perk of trading is its fixed-rate and there are no hidden fees.
Also, Exolix features an affiliate program that pays you 0.5% to 0.7% on every successful transaction.
4. Cryptex
Cryptex is another decentralized exchange platform that allows you to buy Bitcoin anonymously in the UK.
It is an automated exchange that allows traders from all around the world to trade and exchange their crypto assets, including Bitcoin, without verifying their identity.
Like Exolix, there is absolutely no transaction limit on Cryptex. It serves more than 10 countries, including cities all over Europe, the UK, Russia, and other Arabian countries.
One perk of using Cryptex is its excellent exchange rate for Bitcoin purchases as well as with PerfectMoney. It also provides options for withdrawal via a one-string code if you don’t like the rate.
Moreover, you can use Cryptex for payments too. Another perk is its zero trading fee which is especially beneficial for large volume traders and liquidity providers.
How to Use Cryptex?
- To buy Bitcoin anonymously with Cryptex, you must visit the site and click the “MAKE EXCHANGE” button to start.
- Enter the preferred amount and select the suitable currency.
- Enter your email address and provide a recipient wallet address.
- Agree with terms and conditions.
- Review the order and confirm once you’re satisfied.
- Follow on-screen instructions carefully. Your transaction will be completed within minutes once an exchange manager contacts you.
5. Paxful
Paxful is a popular P2P crypto exchange market. It enables users to trade with nicks and pseudonyms to keep their identities private.
One of the great advantages of using Paxful is its numerous payment methods. It features more than 300 payment options, including gift cards, Paypal, NetTeller, PerfectMoney, Skrill, Bank Transfer, and even WebMoney.
Users can also transact with Western Union, cash deposit, cash in person, or with a Bitcoin ATM.
On Paxful, all you need to do is find a willing party that is ready to sell their asset for cash near your physical location. You can use a nickname or alias to sign up and there is an option to bypass the verification process.
Completing small volume transactions below $1,000 typically requires no verification, however, you may be required to verify your account for large volume transactions.
Paxful is one of the best anonymous crypto markets with a wide range of trading and payment options.
6. Bisq
Bisq is a decentralized P2P marketplace that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies with their native fiat currency. It is an open-source platform that doesn’t require any registration or verification.
Therefore you can buy Bitcoin anonymously without revealing your personal info, identity, or payment information.
Bitcoins and crypto assets are held by a Bisq-controlled wallet and not by Bisq. Also, Bisq does not hold any currency between trading parties as they are directly traded between participating parties. The software is available for PC users.
7. ShapeShift
ShapeShift works like Changelly. It sets up a temporary crypto wallet for transactions and requires no registration. The platform features only a small variety of fiat currencies and charges a small exchange fee on all transactions.
However, it is important to know that ShapeShift is a crypto-to-crypto exchange where you have to deposit a type of coin to buy Bitcoin. Bitfinex also allows its users to buy coins via ShapeShift.
8. HodlHodl
HodlHodl is a leading P2P Bitcoin exchange that allows you to trade Bitcoin and other crypto-assets securely and anonymously with other traders.
It does not feature any KYC or identity verification process, therefore, it doesn’t control or hold users’ assets. It features a top-notch multi-sig escrow system to protect traders’ assets and also aid swift trading.
9. Bitcoin ATM
If you’re finding it difficult to buy Bitcoin anonymously in the UK, a good option is the Bitcoin ATM. Bitcoin ATMs allow you to purchase or transfer Bitcoin anonymously with your ATM card.
Bitcoin ATMs are available in many developed cities of the world. You can find one near you using CoinATMRadar, a website that shows a global interactive map of Bitcoin ATMs. By using the app, you can simply filter out ATMs that match your current location.
You can also check the criteria and conditions to buy Bitcoin anonymously via ATM. You can easily know this once you’re more familiar with the process, including the specific manufacturer of the ATM.
Although some ATMs allow you to trade directly without any verification issue, you might need to tender some IDs before you can use other machines.
One caveat with this method is its extremely high transaction fees, which depending on the operator, range from 10% – to 20%.
10. CoinCorner
Founded in 2014, CoinCorner is a UK crypto exchange platform that operates in more than 45 countries of the world. It allows users to buy Bitcoin anonymously in the UK and Europe without any verification.
However, if you want to buy beyond £900, you must verify your identity.
Like other traditional exchange platforms, CoinCorner allows users to trade and exchange coins, especially Bitcoin. Apart from its top reliable service, CoinCorner boasts of providing an extremely fast transaction. They also allow users to buy as low as £10.
Using CoinCorner is quite simple. You only need to register with your email address and then buy Bitcoin anonymously. It features many payment methods, including Neteller, Bank Transfer, SEPA Transfer, and credit/debit card. There is also an Auto Buy option to reduce stress for recurring purchases.
Using CoinCorner gives users a lot of perks over other exchanges. Apart from being an award-winning exchange platform, CoinCorner allows UK users to purchase Bitcoin with GBP or EUR fiat currency conveniently.
It is also available on all mobile devices, including Android and iOS. However, users can buy only Bitcoin with CoinCorner.
Why Is It Hard to Buy Crypto Without Identity Verification?
Cryptocurrency is a regulated asset around the world. Therefore, there are formulated regulations related to crypto trading and exchange worldwide.
Cryptocurrencies and exchange platforms are known to be fairly regulated in the UK. However, trading in most exchanges, especially multinational ones, requires KYC and identity verification.
Privacy and Security Tips
Although buying Bitcoin anonymously is good for keeping your private information, you still have to take extra measures to ensure your data is not being tracked. This is because cybercriminals can still access your data, including location, through IP or private WiFi.
Compromises may also occur by disclosing Bitcoin addresses publicly. Additionally, your mobile number or even vehicle number may be compromised during face-to-face transactions.
Therefore when purchasing Bitcoin anonymously in the UK, there are a few security tips you can follow to add a layer of anonymity to your transactions:
Using Privacy Enhanced Bitcoin Wallets
Choosing the right wallet to store your Bitcoin assets is a crucial element in ensuring the security of your assets or transactions. You can opt-in for Bitcoin Wallets With CoinJoin tech that helps eliminate traceability and strengthen anonymity. An example of that would be WasabiWallet.
Using Tor Browser
Tor browser helps protect and mask your location info as well as IP address. Therefore, you can use the browser to access the listed exchanges.
VPN
The Virtual Private Network is another recommended way to protect your privacy. Using this method, there will be no history of your activity on a web server. It also encrypts your internet activities by routing them via servers all over the world. Therefore, it is almost impossible to trace anything back to you.
Using New Wallet Address for Transactions
This is another way to ensure anonymity when trading cryptocurrencies or Bitcoin online. Creating a new wallet address for new transactions will make it impossible to trace wallet activities and cryptocurrency transactions back to you.
In Summary
Cryptocurrency regulation worldwide has made it very hard to purchase Bitcoin anonymously.
However, some exchanges still allow crypto transactions without having to tender your ID card. The anonymity perk comes with a cost. In contrast to regular exchanges, anonymous ones charge an extra 5-10% fee on transactions or trading.