How to Buy Crypto for Fiat in China in 2025: Legal Workarounds and Safe Platforms
Nov, 19 2025
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Buying cryptocurrency with real money in China isn’t as simple as opening an app and tapping ‘Buy.’ The Chinese government banned domestic crypto exchanges and blocked banks from processing crypto-related payments back in 2021-and those rules haven’t changed in 2025. If you’re in China and want to turn yuan into Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT, you can’t do it through a local bank or a Chinese app. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. People still buy crypto in China every day. They just use different methods-ones that work around the restrictions without breaking the law.
What’s Actually Allowed in China Right Now?
China doesn’t ban owning cryptocurrency. You won’t get arrested for holding Bitcoin in your wallet. What’s banned is any domestic company or bank facilitating the exchange of yuan for crypto. That means no Alipay, no WeChat Pay, no local exchanges like Huobi or OKX can legally help you buy crypto with RMB anymore. But international platforms? They’re still accessible. As long as you’re not using a Chinese-based service to make the transaction, you’re not violating the rules.
The key is this: you can’t use Chinese banks to deposit fiat directly into a crypto exchange. But you can use international payment methods-like PayPal, Skrill, or even a foreign bank account-to fund your account on a global platform. Then, you trade. That’s the legal gray area most people operate in.
Best Platforms for Buying Crypto with Fiat in China (2025)
Not all exchanges work the same way in China. Some are built for it. Others will block you the second you log in from a Chinese IP. Here are the most reliable ones right now:
- CEX.IO - One of the few platforms that openly supports users in China. You can deposit USD, EUR, or GBP via bank transfer, card, or e-wallet. Their ‘Convert’ feature lets you swap fiat directly into crypto in under 10 minutes. No complex trading interface. Just pick the amount, pick the coin, and done.
- Binance - Still the most popular choice globally. In China, you can’t use RMB, but you can deposit via P2P (more on that below) or use a foreign bank account to send USD/EUR. Binance charges 0.1% per trade and supports over 400 cryptocurrencies.
- MEXC - Offers the lowest fees in the market: 0.01% for taker trades and 0% for maker trades. Supports 1,700+ coins. Unlike Binance, MEXC doesn’t always require KYC for fiat deposits via bank transfer or P2P. That makes it attractive for users who want to avoid extra paperwork.
- Bitget - Solid alternative with 0.1% fees and 680+ coins. Offers direct fiat onramps via card and bank transfer for USD/EUR. Customer support is responsive, which matters when you’re dealing with cross-border payments.
- Kraken - More regulated, more secure, but pricier. Fees are 0.4% for takers and 0.25% for makers. Still, it’s trusted by long-term holders. If you care about security over cost, Kraken is a safe bet.
Swissquote and EasyEquities are also options if you’re looking for a broker-style platform instead of a full exchange. Swissquote has better customer service but higher fees. EasyEquities has low fees but fewer crypto options.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Trading: The Most Common Way
Most Chinese crypto buyers use P2P platforms. That’s where you find another person willing to sell you crypto in exchange for a bank transfer. You’re not buying from an exchange-you’re buying from a person. That’s why it works under China’s rules: no financial institution is involved.
Popular P2P platforms include:
- Binance P2P - The biggest marketplace. Over 100,000 sellers in China. You can pay via WeChat Pay or Alipay, but only if the seller accepts it. You never send money to the exchange-you send it directly to the seller’s bank account. The platform holds the crypto until you confirm payment.
- Paxful - Works globally. You can buy with bank transfer, gift cards, or even cash deposits. Sellers set their own prices, so rates vary. Always check their trade history and feedback before proceeding.
- LocalBitcoins - Older but still active. Fewer sellers now, but you can find deals with lower premiums.
Important: Never use a seller with no trade history. Always use escrow. Never release crypto until you’ve seen the payment hit your bank account. Scams are common on P2P. If a deal looks too good to be true-like 5% below market price-it probably is.
How to Deposit Fiat Without a Chinese Bank Account
You need to get money into an international exchange. Here’s how people do it:
- Use a foreign bank account (if you have one). Many Chinese residents have accounts in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the U.S. for business or travel.
- Use an e-wallet like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller. You can fund these with RMB via third-party services (like currency brokers or local agents), then transfer to your exchange.
- Buy USDT on P2P using WeChat Pay, then transfer it to a global exchange and sell it for BTC or ETH.
- Use a crypto debit card (like Crypto.com or BitPay) to spend crypto as fiat, then reverse the process by buying crypto with your card’s balance.
Some users buy gift cards (Amazon, Apple) with RMB, then sell them on P2P for crypto. It’s indirect, but it works. The key is avoiding direct bank-to-exchange transfers from Chinese banks.
Fees You’ll Actually Pay
Fees add up fast. Here’s what to expect:
| Platform | Taker Fee | Maker Fee | Fiat Support | Number of Coins | KYC Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binance | 0.1% | 0.1% | USD, EUR (via P2P or bank) | 426 | Yes |
| MEXC | 0.01% | 0% | USD, EUR (SEPA, card, P2P) | 1,767 | No (sometimes) |
| Bitget | 0.1% | 0.1% | USD, EUR | 686 | Yes |
| Kraken | 0.4% | 0.25% | USD, EUR, GBP | 472 | Yes |
| CEX.IO | 0.1% | 0.1% | USD, EUR, GBP | 200+ | Yes |
Don’t forget: P2P sellers often charge a 1-5% premium. That’s not a platform fee-it’s what the seller adds to cover their risk. If you’re buying $1,000 worth of USDT, you might pay $1,030. That’s normal.
Security: Don’t Get Hacked or Scammed
China’s crypto scene is full of traps. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account. Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy-not SMS.
- Withdraw your crypto to a personal wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) as soon as you buy. Never leave large amounts on an exchange.
- Never share your private keys. No legitimate platform will ever ask for them.
- Use a VPN only if needed to access blocked sites. Don’t use free ones. They log your data.
- Check the platform’s regulation status. Platforms licensed in the EU, U.S., or Singapore are more trustworthy.
There’s no government protection for crypto losses in China. If you get scammed, there’s no refund. You’re on your own.
What to Avoid
Some platforms claim to be “China-friendly” but aren’t. Avoid:
- Any exchange that accepts RMB directly as a deposit method. That’s illegal.
- Apps that promise “1-click crypto with Alipay.” They’re scams.
- Unregulated local “crypto agents” who take your cash and disappear.
- Telegram groups offering “guaranteed profits.” These are pump-and-dump schemes.
If a service looks too simple, too fast, or too cheap-it’s probably a trap.
What’s Next for Crypto in China?
Don’t expect the rules to change soon. The Chinese government is pushing its own digital currency-the Digital Yuan-and sees decentralized crypto as a threat to financial control. That means no legalization of Bitcoin or Ethereum in the foreseeable future.
But demand hasn’t dropped. Chinese users still want exposure to global crypto markets. That’s why P2P trading and international platforms keep growing. The underground market is thriving, not dying.
The smart move? Use legal, international tools. Stay under the radar. Don’t flaunt your holdings. And always prioritize security over speed.
Can I buy Bitcoin with WeChat Pay in China?
You can’t buy Bitcoin directly through WeChat Pay. But you can use WeChat Pay to pay a P2P seller on Binance or Paxful. The exchange doesn’t handle the payment-you send money directly to the seller’s bank account or WeChat wallet. The platform holds the Bitcoin until you confirm the payment. This is the only legal way to use WeChat Pay for crypto in China.
Is it illegal to own crypto in China?
No, it’s not illegal to own cryptocurrency in China. The ban targets financial institutions and domestic exchanges that facilitate fiat-to-crypto trading. Individuals can hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT in personal wallets without penalty. Many Chinese citizens own crypto-just not through local banks or apps.
Why can’t I use Binance with my Chinese bank account?
Binance stopped accepting RMB deposits in 2021 after China’s financial regulators cracked down on all domestic crypto payment channels. Even though Binance is based overseas, it complies with Chinese law by blocking direct bank transfers from Chinese accounts. You can still use Binance, but only with foreign currency deposits or P2P trades.
Which crypto is most popular to buy in China?
USDT (Tether) is the most popular because it’s pegged to the U.S. dollar and acts as a stable store of value. After buying USDT, many users trade it for Bitcoin or Ethereum. USDT is easier to move through P2P networks and avoids the volatility of other coins during transfers.
Can I use a VPN to access Chinese crypto exchanges?
Using a VPN to access a banned Chinese exchange like Huobi or OKX won’t help. Even if you bypass the block, those platforms still require RMB deposits and comply with Chinese regulations-they won’t let you trade fiat for crypto anymore. Your money will be blocked or frozen. Stick to international platforms instead.
Are there any apps that let me buy crypto with RMB in China?
No legitimate app allows direct RMB-to-crypto purchases in China. Any app claiming to do so is either a scam or operating illegally. The only legal way is through international platforms using foreign currency or P2P trades. If an app says it supports Alipay or WeChat Pay for crypto, don’t use it.
sammy su
November 20, 2025 AT 00:11just used binance p2p last week with wechat pay. seller was chill, sent me usdt in 3 mins. no issues. dont overthink it. its just money moving between people. the system works if you dont be dumb.
Khalil Nooh
November 21, 2025 AT 12:22It is imperative to underscore that the structural integrity of decentralized finance persists despite geopolitical constraints. The Chinese regulatory apparatus, while formidable, cannot extinguish the organic demand for financial sovereignty. One must navigate with precision, discipline, and an unshakable commitment to due diligence.
jack leon
November 21, 2025 AT 23:04bro. i bought 5k in usdt with my cousin’s hong kong account last month. felt like i was smuggling gold outta the silk road. the exchange rate was insane, the platform didn’t blink, and now i’m sitting on btc like a dragon hoarding coins. this ain’t illegal-it’s evolution. 🚀
Chris G
November 23, 2025 AT 07:41cex.io is trash fees. mexc all day. no kyc if you dont want it. usdt is the only coin that matters. dont touch kraken. too slow. p2p is the only real way. vpn is useless on local exchanges. thats it
Phil Taylor
November 25, 2025 AT 04:03Why are Americans so naive? China’s ban exists for a reason. You think your P2P games are clever? You’re enabling financial chaos. The yuan is a tool of state stability. Your crypto fantasy is just a bubble waiting to pop when the PLA finally cracks down harder.
diljit singh
November 26, 2025 AT 04:11why bother with all this when you can just buy gold or real estate? crypto is for suckers who think they’re smarter than banks. everyone in india knows this. why are you even here
Abhishek Anand
November 27, 2025 AT 13:06The illusion of freedom in digital assets is a modern myth. The state always wins. The blockchain is not a refuge-it is merely a mirror reflecting the same human desire for control, now dressed in cryptographic robes. We are not escaping the system. We are merely building a new cathedral within its walls.
vinay kumar
November 28, 2025 AT 22:57use mexc no kyc works fine. dont trust binance p2p sellers. half of them are bots. just send rmb to someone you know. its safer than some stranger on the internet. also usdt is the only thing worth buying. anything else is gambling
Lara Ross
November 29, 2025 AT 11:32Thank you for this incredibly thorough breakdown. It’s clear you’ve done your homework-and that matters. For anyone navigating this space, remember: safety isn’t optional. Enable 2FA. Withdraw to cold storage. Trust no one. You’re not just investing-you’re protecting your future.
Leisa Mason
December 1, 2025 AT 08:05Everyone’s acting like this is a revolution. It’s not. It’s a loophole. And loopholes get closed. The fact that you’re proud of bypassing a sovereign nation’s financial policy is pathetic. You’re not a crypto pioneer-you’re a tax evader with a VPN.
Rob Sutherland
December 1, 2025 AT 15:02It’s funny how we treat money like it’s sacred when it’s just a shared fiction. The state says one thing, people do another. The blockchain doesn’t care about borders. Maybe the real revolution isn’t the tech-it’s that we’re still choosing to trust each other, even when the system says not to.
Tim Lynch
December 2, 2025 AT 16:24There’s a quiet poetry in this underground. People in Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou-transferring dollars through strangers’ WeChat wallets like digital nomads in a forbidden city. No banners. No press. Just silent transactions. The system thinks it’s won. But it’s forgotten: human need always finds a way.
Melina Lane
December 3, 2025 AT 04:41you guys are making this sound way harder than it is. i bought my first 100 usdt with a friend’s hk account and it took 10 minutes. no stress. just pick a trusted seller on binance p2p, use wechat, wait for the money to clear, and boom. you’re in. easy peasy 🌟
andrew casey
December 4, 2025 AT 06:28One must recognize the profound epistemological dissonance inherent in the contemporary crypto discourse. The assertion that ‘it’s legal to own’ implies a false dichotomy between possession and participation. The state’s prohibition is not merely regulatory-it is ontological. You do not own Bitcoin. You are a custodian of a transient consensus.
Lani Manalansan
December 4, 2025 AT 12:47I’ve seen this play out in Southeast Asia too-people using remittance networks, gift cards, even barter systems to access global assets. It’s not about breaking rules. It’s about adapting. Human ingenuity doesn’t need permission. It just finds a way. Respect that.
Frank Verhelst
December 4, 2025 AT 14:27just got my first usdt via p2p. used my brother’s singapore account. paid 2% premium. worth it. 🤝 now i’m holding btc like a boss. crypto is the only real money left. if you’re not doing this, you’re just letting the banks win 💪
Roshan Varghese
December 5, 2025 AT 21:10this whole thing is a cia op to drain chinese savings. they want you to buy usdt so they can track you. then they’ll freeze your assets and blame it on ‘crypto fraud’. the digital yuan is coming. you’re being played. dont fall for it. stay off the grid. burn your phone
Dexter Guarujá
December 5, 2025 AT 22:32China’s ban is smart. You think you’re free because you use a vpn and p2p? You’re just a pawn in a global game. The west wants you to destabilize your own economy so they can buy your assets cheap. Wake up. This isn’t finance-it’s psychological warfare.
James Edwin
December 7, 2025 AT 06:11how do you even fund a foreign bank account from china? i tried wire transfer and got flagged. ended up buying amazon gift cards with wechat, selling them on paxful for usdt. took 3 days but it worked. no one ever asks questions if you’re under 5k
LaTanya Orr
December 8, 2025 AT 11:16the real secret is using mexc with a foreign card and buying usdt then swapping to btc. fees are near zero. no kyc. no drama. just do it. also never keep more than you can afford to lose. and never trust anyone who says ‘guaranteed returns’