> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blockdyor.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # AgoraDesk Review: Buy Bitcoin Anonymously - URL: https://blockdyor.com/agoradesk/ - Published: 2023-06-21T08:32:57.000Z - Updated: 2024-12-02T12:48:06.000Z - Description: When it comes to buying or selling Bitcoin peer-to-peer, finding a reliable and user-friendly platform is essential. In this review, I will share my firsthand experience with AgoraDesk, highlighting its features, ease of use, and unique advantages. - Author: Andrea Carnimeo - Tags: reviews ๐Ÿ’ก ****Disclaimer**: LocalMonero / AgoraDesk has closed its platform. The decision to wind down operations was made after almost seven years of service, citing a combination of internal and external factors. The platform disabled new signups and ad postings immediately and discontinued new trades on May 14th, 2024\. The website was taken down on November 7th, 2024\. We have removed any link to the website, but this review of it will stay online for archival purposes. ## What Is AgoraDesk? **AgoraDesk** is a **peer-to-peer (P2P)** platform designed for **trading Bitcoin**. Created by the team behind **LocalMonero**, a platform known as Monero's equivalent of the defunct **LocalBitcoins**. **AgoraDesk** offers a secure and **anonymous** approach to buying and selling Bitcoins without the need for **KYC/AML** procedures or verification. With already several years of operation, **LocalMonero** has established itself as a trusted name within the Monero community, even surviving the last crypto market crashes of **2018 and 2021**. Its dedication to providing diligent service and catering to the needs of its users has earned it a strong reputation. **AgoraDesk** aims to bring the **same level of trust** and reliability to the world of **Bitcoin** trading. By facilitating **peer-to-peer transactions**, the platform ensures privacy and **anonymity**, allowing users to engage in **secure** and **confidential exchanges**. The platform offers a user-friendly interface for seamless trading experiences. Whether you want t**o trade Bitcoin for fiat currency** or other cryptocurrencies, AgoraDesk provides a straightforward and **intuitive** platform to meet your needs. | FEATURE | DESCRIPTION | | ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ๐ŸŒ Website | agoradesk.com | | ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Location | British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong | | ๐Ÿ“… Year Founded | 2019 | | ๐Ÿ’ฐ Primary Token | Bitcoin (BTC) | | ๐Ÿ“ˆ Listed Crypto | 2 | | ๐Ÿ’ฑ Trading Pairs | BTC/USD or BTC/EUR, BTC/AUD, BTC/GBP, or any other local currency | | ๐Ÿ’ต Supported FIAT | USD or EUR, AUD, GBP, or any other local currency | | ๐ŸŒ Supported Countries | Worldwide | | ๐Ÿ’ฐ Minimum Deposit | N/A | | ๐Ÿ’ธ Deposit Fees | Free | | ๐Ÿ’ฐ Daily Buying Limit | N/A | | ๐Ÿ’ฑ Trading Fees | Maker Fee:$2 for $200 Bitcoin purchase or 1%. Taker Fee: $0 for $200 Bitcoin purchase or 0% | | ๐Ÿ’ธ Withdrawal Fees | Transactions to AgoraDesk users' wallets: Free. Transactions to external cryptocurrency wallets: Subject to relevant Bitcoin fees. | | ๐Ÿ“ฑ Mobile App | iOS, Android, F-Droid | | ๐Ÿ’ฌ Customer Support | Ticket, Telegram, Email, Matrix | ## How AgoraDesk works ![AgoraDesk Overview](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Overview.png) AgoraDesk Overview AgoraDesk works as **peer-to-peer platform** that enables users to **trade Bitcoin** securely and privately, without any **middleman**. As we said, the platform was created by the **team** behind **LocalMonero**, so already has a longtime trust of the community and offers a range of features for a **seamless trading experience**. The platform is quite easy to use, similar to the original **LocalBitcoins**. **AgoraDesk** does not enforce **Know Your Customer (KYC)** or **Anti-Money Laundering (AML)** procedures, as the team believes these concepts contradict the essence of a peer-to-peer over-the-counter exchange. They strive to provide a hassle-free experience and will continue to explore legal ways to avoid implementing **KYC**/**AML** in the future. ![AgoraDesk Sellers Requiring KYC](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Sellers-Requiring-KYC.jpg) Although AgoraDesk does not have a strict Know Your Customer (KYC) policy in place, it is crucial to highlight that certain sellers on the platform, as depicted in the provided screenshot, may request additional verification. This verification process typically involves submitting a picture of your ID, a selfie while holding the ID, and a handwritten note. **AgoraDesk** ensures fair **fees** for its cryptocurrency trading services. The platform offers **free registration**, **buying**, and **selling** of Bitcoin. However, users who create offers are subject to a **1% arbitration protection fee** for each successfully completed **trade**. In terms of cryptocurrency transaction fees, transferring funds to wallets of other **AgoraDesk** users is **free of charge**. However, transactions to **external cryptocurrency wallets** are subject to the applicable transaction fees of the respective cryptocurrency network. ![AgoraDesk Outgoing Bitcoin Fees](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Outgoing-Bitcoin-Fees.jpg) AgoraDesk Outgoing Bitcoin Fees You can find the current fee for outgoing cryptocurrency transactions on the wallet page under the section titled **Outgoing Cryptocurrency Fees**. When you initiate a transaction, the transaction fee is deducted from your AgoraDesk wallet. ![AgoraDesk Support](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Support.jpg) AgoraDesk Support The platform has a support team that aims to address user concerns promptly. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, they strive to respond to all support tickets within **24 hours**. **AgoraDesk** remains easily reachable through various social media channels and actively listens to user feedback, implementing valuable suggestions in a timely manner. When it comes to **trading**, AgoraDesk supports **several payment methods**, currency, and location. Unlike LocalBitcoins (no more operating), they fully endorse face-to-face cash trades and offer extensive protection through the **arbitration bond**. Requiring funds to be held in the arbitration bond prior to initiating a trade ensures a smooth and efficient experience for buyers, contributing to the platform's popularity and fostering repeat customers for sellers. AgoraDesk has high standards for **fraud prevention**. They have stringent **arbitration** standards in place, rejecting **easily-falsifiable documents** like **screenshots** as **proof in disputes**. This approach **deters** potential **scammers** and allows for quick response to user reports, including issuing warnings in regions experiencing sudden spikes in scammer activity. With a background rooted in the **privacy-oriented** [**Monero**](https://blockdyor.com/monero/) **community**, AgoraDesk prioritizes user privacy and censorship resistance. The platform is accessible through its Tor and I2P portals, allowing users to conceal their true IP addresses. Additionally, AgoraDesk operates without enforcing an email address during registration, further safeguarding user privacy. The apps for Android, iOS and F-Droid are **FOSS** (*free and open-source software*) with the Apache License 2.0. ## AgoraDesk Quick Review | Category | Feature | Score | | -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----- | | **๐Ÿ” Privacy & Security (46/50)** | | | | ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ Non-KYC | The exchange is non-KYC | 10/10 | | ๐Ÿ” Non-Custodial | The exchange is fully non-custodial, users can withdraw their funds | 10/10 | | ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Peer To Peer | The exchange is 100% P2P trading | 5/5 | | ๐ŸŒ Decentralization | The exchange is centralized | 1/5 | | ๐Ÿ”’ Encryption | The exchange encrypts all confidential data transfers | 5/5 | | ๐ŸŒ TOR Connection | It's possible to connect to the exchange with TOR | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿ“‚ Open Source | The software used is open source | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿ“ฑ 2FA | The exchange offers two-factor authentication | 5/5 | | **๐Ÿš€ Features (42/50)** | | | | ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ User-Friendly UX | The platform is easy to use, but the trading process has many steps | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿ’ต Fiat Onramp/Offramp | Fiat onramp and offramp methods are many | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿ’ธ Taker Fee | From 0% | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿ’ธ Maker Fee | From 1% | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿ’ธ Withdrawal Fee | Variable, based on Bitcoin network fees | 5/5 | | โ˜Ž๏ธ Customer Service | Available via several channels | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿ“š Documentation | Plenty of documentation on the official website | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿšฎ Altcoins | Bitcoin-only | 1/5 | | โšก Lightning Network Withdrawal/Deposit | The exchange supports the possibility to withdraw/deposit Bitcoin using the lightning network | 5/5 | | ๐Ÿ’ง Liquid Network Withdrawal/Deposit | It's not possible to withdraw or deposit Liquid Assets with the liquid network | 1/5 | | **๐Ÿงฑblockdyor Score (88/100)** | | | ## How To Setup An Account On AgoraDesk **Setting up an account** with AgoraDesk it's quite **simple**, I will guide you step by step. - To get started, visit the AgoraDesk Official Website by clicking the link down below: ![](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Sign-Up-Step-1-1.jpg) AgoraDesk Sign Up Step 1 - Click on the **SIGN UP FREE** green button. ![](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Sign-Up-Step-2.jpg) AgoraDesk Sign Up Step 1 - It's time to **add some infos**. Enter an username, email (not mandatory) and password. Accept the AgoraDesk terms of service and then click on REGISTER. ๐Ÿ’ก If you already have an account on AgoraDesk's parent website LocalMonero, you can also login with that one. - If you inserted an email, check your inbox to confirm it by clicking on the confirmation link. You can now start using **AgoraDesk**. ## How to Buy Bitcoin Anonymously on AgoraDesk - Step By Step Guide When it comes to **purchasing Bitcoin on AgoraDesk**, the process is straightforward and user-friendly. The platform offers a basic yet intuitive user interface, providing a hassle-free experience. Let's explore the step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin on AgoraDesk. - **Sign in** to your **AgoraDesk** account or create a new one if you're a new user by following our guide up here. The registration process is simple and requires basic information. - After signing in, navigate on the **main dashboard** of **AgoraDesk**. ![AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 1](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-1.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 1 - First of all, select the type of action you would like to do: **Buy or Sell** (1). - Select the token: **BTC** (2). - Insert the **amount** (3) and the **fiat** currency (4). - Select the **country** where you would buy the BTC from (5). - Filter the **payment** type (6) and then hit the **search** button (7) to **filter** the offers. - You can then visualize all the **available offers** with your filter settings in the list (8). ![AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 2](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-2.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 2 - Choose an offer that is suitable for your. Then proceed to **verify the seller trust** profile by clicking on their link. ![AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 3](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-3.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 3 - In order to **prevent scams**, verify that the **seller** has been recently connected to **AgoraDesk** (1), that it has a **high number of trades** done on the platform (2) and that the **feedback score** is 100% (3). Also check that the account was **created** a **long time** ago (4) and that the typical trade finalization time is fast (5). ![AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 4](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-4.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 4 - After **verifying the seller's profile**, return to the listing and locate the prominent orange **BUY** button. Clicking on this button will redirect you to the listing page, where you can access vital information about the trade. - This page provides essential information such as the price, trade limits, and terms of trade, which are crucial details to **review before proceeding** with the **transaction**. ![](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-5.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 5 - Insert again the **amount** you wish to **buy** (in USD or BTC, it will automatically update. - When you are ready, proceed to click on the green button **SEND TRADE REQUEST**. ![AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 6](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-6.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 6 - Read the seller's terms. These terms may vary depending on the seller. Click on **ACCEPT TERMS** to continue. ![AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 7](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-7.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 7 - Paste your Bitcoin receiving address. You can get this from your wallet, it doesn't matter if it's a custodial or non-custodial one. Every wallet it's supported. It's advisable to use a non-custodial wallet and **generate a new receiving wallet address** for each new transaction. ![](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-8.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 8 - Choose the network fees. The faster, the more expensive. Click on **AGREE TO TERMS AND START TRADING** to continue. ![AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 9](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-9.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 9 - The trade has now been initiated. When you have proceeded with the payment, click on "I HAVE PAID" and your fund will be sent by the seller according to the trade agreement. ![AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 10](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Buy-Bitcoin-Step-10.jpg) AgoraDesk Buy Bitcoin Step 10 - You can also click on **CANCEL TRADE** if you change your mind. Keep in mind that the **buyer** is always **protected** by the **arbitration bond**, and only the buyer and AgoraDesk team can cancel the transaction. The seller can cancel the trade when the payment window is expired. ## Who created AgoraDesk? The team behind **AgoraDesk** prefers to maintain **anonymity**, with **Alex** being commonly associated as their co-founder and main representative. According to their terms of service, **AgoraDesk** is controlled and operated by Blue Sunday Limited, a company registered in the **British Virgin Islands**. It's worth noting that they also have a registered office in **Hong Kong**. Registering the companies in these jurisdictions is a strategic move, providing benefits such as **tax advantages** and safeguarding privacy. **BVI** companies have the option to keep ownership, management, and financial information confidential. Here you can watch an interview with AgoraDesk co-founder, Alex ## Is AgoraDesk safe? One might wonder about the **safety** of using **AgoraDesk**. Having extensively utilized the platform, I can confidently state that it is indeed **secure**, supported by various aspects that ensure user protection. Here are a few key reasons why AgoraDesk is considered safe: 1. **Arbitration Bonds**: All online trades on AgoraDesk benefit from the safeguarding of arbitration bonds. Upon initiating a trade, an equivalent amount of Bitcoin is automatically reserved from the seller's AgoraDesk bond wallet. This precautionary measure ensures that if the seller were to abscond with the funds without finalizing the trade, AgoraDesk support can transfer the Monero held in the arbitration bond to you, the buyer. It is essential to note that local trades do not have arbitration bond protection enabled by default. 2. **Experienced Management**: AgoraDesk is managed by the same team behind LocalMonero, a reputable entity that has been in business for several years. Their enduring presence in the market, even during challenging bear market conditions, demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a trustworthy platform. 3. **Transparency Through Canary Page**: AgoraDesk takes transparency seriously and demonstrates it through their Canary page. This page declares the number of law enforcement requests for user information received by LocalMonero and AgoraDesk. Remarkably, to date, they have received four such requests, but none of them were served through proper legal channels, nor did they result in the disclosure of any users' data. 4. **Security Deposit**: AgoraDesk stands out among P2P Bitcoin marketplaces due to its unique approach of not requiring buyers to submit any security deposit. By considering these factors, it becomes evident that AgoraDesk prioritizes **user safety** and employs measures to protect its users' interests. ## AgoraDesk Review ![AgoraDesk Trustpilot](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Trustpilot.jpg) AgoraDesk Trustpilot **AgoraDesk** has garnered a **pristine** reputation, reflected by the positive reviews on their **Trustpilot** page. It is worth noting that at present, the number of reviews is relatively low, standing at just four. While the existing reviews are positive, it would be ideal to have a higher number of positive reviews to provide a more comprehensive understanding of user experiences. ![AgoraDesk Reddit Page](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Reddit.jpg) AgoraDesk Reddit Page Furthermore, in terms of their Reddit presence, AgoraDesk's community appears to be relatively **small** with only 149 members. By comparison, competitors such as Bisq boast a significantly larger Reddit community with over 5.8k members. Additionally, Bisq also has a higher count of Trustpilot reviews. ## AgoraDesk Alternatives In this section I will compare **Agoradesk** with alternative platforms that let's you do fiat-to-Bitcoin (and vice versa) transactions without enforcing **KYC** in a completely **non-custodial** manner. | | Agoradesk | Peach Bitcoin | Hodl Hodl | | ------------------------ | ---------- | ------------- | -------------- | | ๐Ÿงฑ blockdyor Total Score | 88/100 | 74/100 | 95/100 | | ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ Non-KYC | Yes | Yes | Yes | | ๐Ÿ” Non-Custodial | Yes | Yes | Yes | | ๐Ÿ‘ฅ P2P | Yes | Yes | Yes | | ๐Ÿ’ต Fiat Onramp/Offramp | Yes | Yes | Yes | | ๐Ÿ’ธ Taker/Maker Fees | From 0%/1% | 2%/2% | From 0.3%/0.3% | **Peach Bitcoin**: Peach Bitcoin is a platform that enables the buying and selling of Bitcoin directly between peers. It is exclusively accessible through its mobile app and operates in Europe and Switzerland. Additionally, it is occasionally activated during Bitcoin meetups, facilitating the purchase of BTC with cash. Beyond cash transactions, Peach Bitcoin supports various other payment methods. Learn more in our [Peach Bitcoin Review](https://blockdyor.com/peach/). **Hodl Hodl**: An established P2P exchange based in the UK, allows users to purchase Bitcoin without undergoing KYC procedures. This web app-based solution eliminates the necessity for downloading additional applications. Hodl Hodl stands out for its diverse array of available offers and various payment methods, making it a versatile choice for Bitcoin enthusiasts. Learn more about this exchange in our [**Hodl Hodl Review**](https://blockdyor.com/hodl-hodl/). ## AgoraDesk Pros & Cons | Pros | Cons | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | โœ… Easy to use platform with a user-friendly interface | โŒ Some sellers may require KYC verification | | โœ… Made by the team at LocalMonero, years of experience | โŒ Limited number of Trustpilot reviews | | โœ… Allows anonymous buying of Bitcoin | โŒ Relatively small Reddit community size | | โœ… Low transaction fees and no security deposit requirement | โŒ Presence of sellers with additional verification requirements | | โœ… Impressive range of choices and security features | | | โœ… Intuitive sorting options for offers | | | โœ… Provides an alternative to complex exchange interfaces | | **AgoraDesk**, built upon the strong foundation of [**LocalMonero**](https://blockdyor.com/localmonero/), offers a user-friendly platform that makes buying **Bitcoin** anonymous, **cost-effective**, and hassle-free. With its extensive range of choices and robust security features, AgoraDesk provides an excellent avenue for beginners to enter the world of cryptocurrency trading. One notable advantage of **AgoraDesk** is the absence of a security deposit requirement, coupled with low transaction fees. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking to purchase Bitcoin with ease and at a reasonable cost. It's worth noting, however, that some sellers may request Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, so users should be mindful of this aspect. The platform's intuitive interface allows users to conveniently sort offers based on the type of fiat currency accepted, payment methods, and market prices. Even novices will find it easy to navigate and utilize the features provided. In a market filled with complex exchange interfaces, AgoraDesk's user-friendly solution is a refreshing change. ## Bottom line In summary, **AgoraDesk** offers an **easy-to-use platform** for buying and selling Bitcoin. While the platform promotes a **KYC-free environment**, it's important to note that some sellers may request KYC verification. However, the platform's unique approach of **not requiring** buyers to submit a **security deposit** is a significant **advantage**. With its user-friendly interface and commitment to privacy, **AgoraDesk** provides a convenient and secure platform for **Bitcoin anonymous trading**. ## Frequently asked questions (FAQ) ### What are the payment methods accepted by AgoraDesk? The payment methods accepted on AgoraDesk are National bank transfer, Cryptocurrency, Cash by mail, Cash at ATM, Cash on delivery, Cash deposit, Credit card, PayPal, Western Union MoneyGram,Neteller, Skrill, Payoneer, Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, SEPA bank transfer, Perfect Money, Cash App and much more. ### Is AgoraDesk a regulated platform? AgoraDesk operates as a peer-to-peer over-the-counter exchange, which means it facilitates direct transactions between buyers and sellers. As a result, AgoraDesk itself does not hold any regulatory licenses or oversight. Users should exercise caution and conduct their own due diligence when trading on the platform. ### How does AgoraDesk ensure the security of transactions? AgoraDesk implements several security measures to enhance the safety of transactions. Firstly, all trades are protected by an arbitration bond, ensuring that funds are held securely until the trade is successfully completed. Additionally, AgoraDesk maintains high arbitration standards and responds quickly to user reports of fraudulent activity. However, users should still be vigilant and take necessary precautions when engaging in trades to mitigate any potential risk. ![](https://blockdyor.com/content/images/2023/06/AgoraDesk-Logo.png) #### AgoraDesk Evalutation Agoradesk stands out as an excellent P2P non-KYC solution for purchasing BTC with minimal fees. Boasting an impressive blockdyor score of 88 out of 100, it ranks among the top solutions in all our reviews. ****Reputation**: AgoraDesk has built a strong reputation in the cryptocurrency community, thanks to its association with LocalMonero and its commitment to privacy and security. ****Technology**: AgoraDesk leverages the robust API and technology of LocalMonero, providing users with a versatile platform that supports various payment methods, including cash-in-hand trades. ****Customer Service**: While AgoraDesk lacks phone support, it strives to deliver prompt customer service with a 24-hour ticket resolution time. ****Fees**: Even if higher compared to the competition, LocalMonero maintains medium-low fees, typically charging around 1% for maker transactions. It's important to note that Bitcoin prices may vary based on the chosen payment method. ****Ease of Use**: AgoraDesk stands out for its user-friendly interface, offering a seamless experience for both beginners and experienced traders.