P2P in crypto means peer-to-peer trading.
Instead of buying or selling crypto directly from an exchange, you trade directly with another person.

Example:

• Alice wants to sell Bitcoin

• Bob wants to buy it

• A P2P platform connects them and usually holds the crypto in escrow until payment is confirmed

How a P2P crypto trade works

1. Seller posts an offer
   Example: “Selling USDT via bank transfer”

2. Buyer chooses the offer

3. Platform locks the crypto in escrow

4. Buyer sends payment (bank transfer, e-wallet, cash, etc.)

5. Seller confirms payment

6. Platform releases the crypto to buyer

Common payment methods

• Bank transfer

• Touch ’n Go / e-wallets

• PayPal

• Cash meetups

• Wise / Revolut

• Local payment apps

Depends on the country and platform.

Advantages of P2P

• Often lower fees

• More payment options

• Can buy crypto locally

• Sometimes better exchange rates

• Useful where banking access is limited

Risks

• Scams / fake payment confirmations

• Chargeback fraud

• Dealing with dishonest traders

• Bank account freezes in some regions

Safety tips:

• Use platform escrow only

• Never release crypto before payment fully arrives

• Trade with high-rated users

• Avoid moving conversations off-platform

P2P vs regular exchange

A lot of people use P2P mainly to buy stablecoins like Tether before trading other cryptocurrencies.