Where to buy Bitcoin anonymously in US

[DAC1993]

I couldn't find a forum topic on this subject, but it doesn't seem to be against the forum rules.

I researched buying Bitcoin anonymously. I don't know if the articles I found are outdated or just originally don't make sense. Basically all articles talk about the same resources listed below with my assessment of them:

Lets just get this one out of the way: Localbitcoins - the option to buy BTC in an in-person transaction was removed in mid-2019. At least for USA.

BTC ATMs - this would have been correct, but today (in 2020), per my research, most of them in US DO require an ID and also take a photo of your face; I tried searching up ATM locations online and then searching info on specific ATM machines/companies in my area and nearby states and all of them mention state ID verification and photo of your face taken when buying the BTC. Probably this isn't the case in all countries, but it seems that in US today it is.

Prepaid cards with Peer2Peer exchanges - It'd be great if someone can share how to make this work, the one place where I found prepaid cards being accepted is Localbitcoins and the only card is "Vanilla". I could not figure out what card that is and how to purchase it. There are 3 main websites that come up in the search: onevanilla.com  myvanillacard.com  vanillagift.com  It is not clear which one is the legitimate website. Also, when attempting to buy a Vanilla card on the websites, it asks for you name, address and phone number, so this is not an anonymous way.

Coinmama.com (with a $150 limit) - incorrect, requires ID and phone number at registration.

WallOfCoins.com - I did not actually try to buy through WallOfCoins because I found multiple complaints on reddit that the platform didn't ask for ID before you make a purchase, but then held your BTC hostage asking for ID in order to release the crypto to your wallet.

Bisq - it actually appears to be a really nice platform, I wish the BTC community could grow this one; and it appears to work, but there are too few offers for in-person transactions in USA for the exchange to really be useful; in simple words you cannot drive to another state every time you need to buy BTC.

I am currently exploring BitQuick.co and #bitcoin-otc.

If I understand correctly, buying via BitQuick is not anonymous because buyer has to deposit cash into sellers bank account at a physical bank branch. This should mean that you will have to write in your name and address on the deposit slip, which can be recorded by the bank and the seller.


Please share usable resources for buying Bitcoin anonymously/in person. All contributions appreciated greatly.


Below are some more questions.

Do my assessments of the different resources sound right? Do you wish to correct me/add something?

Is it Localbitcoins.COM or Localbitcoins.NET ? I searched and people give all kinds of versions. Couldn't make sense of it.

Is there an ATM company in USA that doesn't require ID?

Is it possible to meet miners in person and trade with them in person? Is this something that they are interested in on their end? What would be the correct system for that?

Are there really ways to buy for prepaid cards?

_______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

SPECIFICATION

I would like to thank all of you for your time and your replies.

After reading the first 20 replies in this thread I realized that there is whole spectrum of anonymity and I'll be glad to read tips on any levels of it; just in case I'm specifying below what amount of anonymity I am looking for myself.

I would say that what I am after is an average level of anonymity (I will explain). This means that an In-Person trade is most likely the way to go for me. Or something like an ATM. I wouldn't want to be scammed and therefore I'd like an option with an escrow. This means that some platform for finding the BTC seller without KYC (ex. a decentralized exchange) has to be involved. I do not want use the darknet for this because I do not want to support that ecosystem, I would rather find ways (to source in-person BTC transactions) on the regular internet so I can share them with others because I don't think that darknet should be necessary for creating in-person BTC transactions. This is my personal opinion and noone has to agree with me. As a side note I can also mention that I am okay with fees being on the higher end and the BTC I buy being potentially overpriced as I don't think you can reasonably go around that when looking for anonymity. I am looking to buy fairly often, but overall in relatively small transaction (< 0.15 BTC per transaction).

I'd describe medium level of anonymity as avoiding KYC, trying to have as few parties as possible (or nobody) know my personal information such as name and address or have a photo of me completing the trade. (I guess a high level of anonymity can include sending another person to the in-person trade for you or meeting in a location with no security cameras etc.) But if you wish to share about some highly anonymous methods that you are knowledgeable about this of course would be interesting and useful too since the topic includes "buy Bitcoin anonymously".

I do understand that it is not correct to call Bitcoin itself an anonymous currency/payment method and I think this is an interesting topic for a separate discussion. Here I am mostly just talking about methods to buy BTC without KYC.
_______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

UPDATE

Currently from the replies I have learned about :

Localcoin - ID free ATMs operating in Canada that can be of use to Americans who're willing to travel.

Localcryptos.com - An online exchange similar to localbitcoin without KYC and with an in-person trade option.

And I learned that in the Currency Exchange section of this forum I can find sellers willing to trade BTC for a variety of assets.

Paxful. Have to try still.

I will check these options and post about my experiences in this thread.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

Is there an ATM company in USA that doesn't require ID?

I don't think there are any that don't require a photo and a picture of your drivers license or some other photo ID.  The only one I ever tried to use (and I'm in the US) required both of those things.  Some of the ones on coinatmradar.com seem to suggest that they don't, but I wouldn't count on it.

I've never bought bitcoin anonymously, because Paypal deals aren't anonymous and those are basically all I've done. 

You could try to arrange a face-to-face meetup with someone in your area if you start a thread in the Currency Exchange section.  I've never done it, but I have seen threads like that before, and I've had one member ask to meet up with me once (I didn't do it). 

Another option would be to sell something here for bitcoin, something that's not linked to you, like a gift card as you mentioned.  I would advise using an escrow if you do go that route.  It's a pain in the ass, but everyone will at least feel safe.  Good luck, because it's not easy to stay completely anonymous.

[outatime1]

I don't think there is a way in the US to buy anonymously unless you do it in person.  You would have to find someone locally that is willing to accept cash for it.  Possibly use a message board or facebook to find someone.

[MURONDI]

I think there is a way for US citizens to buy bitcoin anonymously, whether US citizens really can't do transactions in localbitcoin, If the country is blocking the site, you can use VPN, maybe in this forum bitcoin transactions can also be for US citizens, but if you really want to be anonymous, you can explore Drakweb or the deep web.

[Blitzboy]

Why don't you buy Bitcoin directly from the members of this forum, there are many people who are willing to make transactions with you. As long as you have the appropriate type of payment. I think it is not too difficult to make such a transaction. Just post a post in the service section and you will get more suggestions.
Also, I see you rejecting LocalBitcoins, what do you think about Paxful? Can you use it?

[Savemore]

There is a misconception about the anonymity of the bitcoin, there are people think that buying and using bitcoin make you anonymous but the thing is it is all wrong because all of the records and transaction are in blockchain so there is a possibility that a person can track using the blockchain. If you want to buy bitcoin the best way is by using exchanges but the problem is exchanges nowadays are now requiring its users to submit an ID for verification.

[wajik-tempe]

For doing that i think you should find a person who sell it and it's more dangerous because you won't have any guarantee that your transaction to a person is going well except you want pay fee for escrow. You could find someone who sell it on facebook group, i know one group of bitcoin US that has a lot of people selling theirs, but i'm not sure i'm allowed to share it here. You could PM me if you want to know

[Wexnident]

Most ways of buying BTC anonymously is through peer to peer exchange, which requires escrow if you want a legit trade where both sides are pretty safe from being scammed. Avoid using Paypal though, since the buyer could ask for a money back option from Paypal and the seller has no way to prevent that and has no choice but to coordinate with paypal customer support. As for miners selling BTC, if their willing I guess? Not particularly sure since I've never transacted with one.

[hugeblack]

Let's prove some facts. (you can’t buy large quantities without the need to prove identity) but it is possible with small amounts & some high fees as follows:

 - Buy a "Google, Amazon, etc." gift card using cash and then sell that card in this forum or anywhere.
 - Services against Bitcoin: You can do some services that require prepaid cards and then pay using those cards. "I think the services section will be appropriate.

[ReiMomo]

Here in the forum, you can do a trade if you want to have bitcoin anonymously. For example if you have Paypal account and trade to bitcoin to trusted members only and dont forget to use escrow.

AFAIK, the country of the US is very strict and I think they are always against money laundering law. But if you have this in your place you can buy bitcoin without having KYC verification.
1] Bitcoin ATMs
2] Peer-to-Peer (Exchange)
3] Cashless Peer-to-Peer (Exchange)
4] Peer-to-Peer (Off-Exchange)
5] Small Amount Purchases
I think that's the only way.

[panganib999]

Peer to peer. Either through exchanges or through offline meetups (Which I recommend further for safety and security purposes). Only way I know that is guaranteed though. Also, to get an ATM card, you'd have to register at some bank/company, so as far as I know, no, there aren't any companies that don't require ID's. Also, miners could be considered as traders as well, so feel free to ask and trade with them, as long as they agree, then it should be quite fine imo.

[alyssa85]

Is there an ATM company in USA that doesn't require ID?

There arn't any in the USA.

But there is a Canadian company called "localcoin" that operates Bitcoin ATMs in Canada without ID.

See

https://localcoin.ca/buy/bitcoin-atm/

Basically take a trip to Canada. Exchange your US dollars for Canadian dollars in cash. Then use the Canadian cash at one of these bitcoin ATMs to buy the coins.

This is viable if you are close to the Canadian border - or if you fancy going on holiday to Canada and buying a bit of bitcoin while you are there.

[Mumbeeptind1963]

Here in the forum, you can do a trade if you want to have bitcoin anonymously. For example if you have Paypal account and trade to bitcoin to trusted members only and dont forget to use escrow.

AFAIK, the country of the US is very strict and I think they are always against money laundering law. But if you have this in your place you can buy bitcoin without having KYC verification.
1] Bitcoin ATMs
2] Peer-to-Peer (Exchange)
3] Cashless Peer-to-Peer (Exchange)
4] Peer-to-Peer (Off-Exchange)
5] Small Amount Purchases
I think that's the only way.

Agreed with this,OP may buy in different exchanges, if he dont want to pass a KYC in an exchange , but buying a large amount of bitcoin or 2btc above needed a KYC, so you may buy bitcoin in different exchange and then send it in a single btc wallet for you to get all the btc that you have bought in different platforms. Or buy in you locals their, better to buy p2p.

[Ahimoth]

For doing that i think you should find a person who sell it and it's more dangerous because you won't have any guarantee that your transaction to a person is going well except you want pay fee for escrow. You could find someone who sell it on facebook group, i know one group of bitcoin US that has a lot of people selling theirs, but i'm not sure i'm allowed to share it here. You could PM me if you want to know

Doing this certain stuff on a person you knew just in forum or any social media connections, is really a risky attempt. Always look for a person to transact with a proof of evidence that he or she had a funds stored on wallet. You can even try buying at exchange sites like for example coinbase website, which you can directly deposit money on your own and buy cryptocurrency as you would prefer to.

[adroitful_one]

You could try places like Paxful or other peer to peer exchanges. Some of the users on there require ID verification for some funding options, but a lot of them don't. I have purchased Bitcoins from there a few times and have never had to show my ID to anyone. I really don't think it will really be a problem once you get a few trades done and people can see you're trustworthy. There's many different ways to buy Bitcoin on Paxful. Everything from bank transfer to gift cards. Plus, the fees don't seem as high as some of the other places I have found most of the time. You just have to find the right people.

[Furious 7]

Here in the forum, you can do a trade if you want to have bitcoin anonymously. For example if you have Paypal account and trade to bitcoin to trusted members only and dont forget to use escrow.

AFAIK, the country of the US is very strict and I think they are always against money laundering law. But if you have this in your place you can buy bitcoin without having KYC verification.
1] Bitcoin ATMs
2] Peer-to-Peer (Exchange)
3] Cashless Peer-to-Peer (Exchange)
4] Peer-to-Peer (Off-Exchange)
5] Small Amount Purchases
I think that's the only way.

Agreed with this,OP may buy in different exchanges, if he dont want to pass a KYC in an exchange , but buying a large amount of bitcoin or 2btc above needed a KYC, so you may buy bitcoin in different exchange and then send it in a single btc wallet for you to get all the btc that you have bought in different platforms. Or buy in you locals their, better to buy p2p.

That's very easy because there are some popular exchanges that don't need to verify KYC with its maximum withdrawal, but 1 btc transaction down then it can be done on 1 exchange or 2 exchanges as long as the exchange supports US citizens.
Transactions anonymously are very widely used including I often use anomin transactions on social media that I have trusted for a long time.

[AniviaBtc]

I think there is a way for US citizens to buy bitcoin anonymously, whether US citizens really can't do transactions in localbitcoin, If the country is blocking the site, you can use VPN, maybe in this forum bitcoin transactions can also be for US citizens,

VPN will do and it will literally change your IP Address to have access with sites that include. This will help a lot if you don't want to be detected and peacefully access bitcoin-related websites. Just don't forget to double check if you really use VPN.

but if you really want to be anonymous, you can explore Drakweb or the deep web.

Oops, that's too risky. Many people are not knowledgeable about Darkweb or Deepweb. If you don't want to risk your lives just to a certain bitcoin or money, do not continue. You need to be very careful when accessing that Darkweb because many viscious transactions are happening there that's why it is a restricted website for many people. Only those knowledgeable and professionals can enter that website. Try another option for buying bitcoin, not on that website.

[NeuroticFish]

I don't know from my own experience, but I think that people were telling that ATMs give you Bitcoin without ID if the amounts are small (under 150$?).
I know it doesn't sound very reliable, but it can be a path for further investigation.

However, I think that the best options for anonymous transactions are some of the users and services from this forum.

[Dart18]

Let's prove some facts. (you can’t buy large quantities without the need to prove identity) but it is possible with small amounts & some high fees as follows:

 - Buy a "Google, Amazon, etc." gift card using cash and then sell that card in this forum or anywhere.
 - Services against Bitcoin: You can do some services that require prepaid cards and then pay using those cards. "I think the services section will be appropriate.

This is all you could do now to stay hidden or let us say anonymous.

I didn't know that it was that difficult to purchase bitcoin in that country since I am not there.
But with a little research I think it is really that way.
Going underground will also just risk your safety.
It will be better to deal in this forum about those types of transactions. Besides, there are a lot out here who will not jeopardize their accounts for just a little money.
Good luck.

[figmentofmyass]

localcryptos.com (formerly localethereum.com) is a p2p exchange like localbitcoins that does not require KYC. it also supports physical cash transactions. liquidity is not great for p2p cash trades but it's worth putting an ad up and/or periodically checking their listings.

https://localcryptos.com/