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Find answers to common questions, learn how to trade safely, and get in touch with our support team if you need assistance.

Frequently asked questions.

LocalMonero is a peer-to-peer marketplace for buying and selling Monero (XMR) directly between users. We provide the platform and escrow service, but you always maintain control of your funds. No KYC, no custodial wallets, and maximum privacy.

When you open a trade, XMR is locked in a 4-of-5 multi-signature escrow. This means neither you, the counterparty, nor LocalMonero can release the funds alone. The seller releases XMR only after confirming payment, ensuring both parties are protected.

Yes. Creating an account only takes a few minutes and allows you to manage your wallet, build your trading reputation, and access all platform features. Once registered, you can start browsing offers and trade securely with other users.

Traders offer various payment methods including bank transfers, cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency swaps, and more. Each offer lists the accepted payment methods. Choose the one that works best for you.

LocalMonero charges a small 1% arbitration fee only on disputed trades that require an arbiter. Normal trades have zero platform fees. You only pay the standard Monero network transaction fee (typically under $0.01).

Most trades complete in 15–60 minutes depending on the payment method. Fast methods (crypto, instant bank transfer) can complete in under 5 minutes. Slower methods (cash, postal order) can take a few days — the escrow stays locked until you confirm.

Open a dispute from the trade screen. A randomly assigned independent arbiter reviews the evidence (chat logs, payment receipts) and co-signs with the winning party to release the escrow. The 4-of-5 multi-sig means no single party can steal the funds.

No. All trade messages are encrypted end-to-end on your device before they are relayed. Transaction data is obfuscated on the Monero blockchain. We are technically unable to read your trade history.

The current release is desktop-only (Windows, macOS, Linux). A mobile companion app is on the roadmap. For now, the desktop app is fully functional and the most secure option — mobile apps carry higher risk of key extraction.

When you create a wallet, you'll receive a 25-word seed phrase. Write this down on paper and store it securely — never digitally. This seed is the only way to recover your wallet if your device is lost or damaged. Keep multiple copies in different physical locations.

Reputation is built through successful trades. After each completed trade, both parties can leave feedback. Your reputation score reflects your trade history and helps others decide whether to trade with you. Higher reputation means more trust from the community.

Yes, you can cancel a trade before payment is confirmed. However, be cautious of "cancel and retry" scams where a counterparty asks you to cancel and reopen at a "better rate." This resets escrow and can be a scam tactic. Only cancel if you're certain.

Trader safety
golden rules.

LocalMonero gives you powerful privacy tools — but no protocol can protect you from social engineering. Read these before your first trade.

Check reputation first

Only trade with merchants who have 20+ completed trades and a 90%+ positive score. New accounts carry higher risk.

Never release escrow early

Do not confirm XMR release until your payment is truly final and irreversible. Scammers create fake payment screenshots.

Keep all chat inside the app

Never move conversations to Telegram, WhatsApp, or email. Off-platform communication voids dispute protection.

Beware "cancel and retry" scams

If a counterparty asks you to cancel a live trade and reopen it at a "better rate," decline. This resets escrow and allows them to vanish.

Verify payment methods carefully

Some payment methods (gift cards, PayPal) have chargeback risk. Understand the risks of each method before you accept it.

Start with small test trades

Your first few trades should be for small amounts while you learn the flow. Build your own reputation before moving to larger volumes.

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support team.

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