
LocalBitcoins is a peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of Bitcoin. It's a platform where individuals can buy and sell Bitcoin in a local setting.
LocalBitcoins was founded in 2012 by New York University (NYU) students, Jeremias Kangas and Nicolas Czihal. The platform allows users to find and trade with each other in their local currency, making it an attractive option for those who don't want to deal with the volatility of international currency conversions.
The platform's users can create an account, set their own exchange rates, and list their Bitcoin for sale. LocalBitcoins also offers a rating system, so users can see how trustworthy a seller or buyer is before making a trade.
Intriguing read: Localbitcoins Alternative
History
LocalBitcoins was founded in June 2012 by Jeremias Kangas.
The company implemented an escrow system for the marketplace by the end of 2012, providing a secure environment for users to trade.
By the beginning of 2013, LocalBitcoins started generating revenue, marking a significant milestone for the company.
LocalBitcoins headed the list of best financially performing companies in Finland in 2018, arranged by the local publication Kauppalehti.
In January 2019, attackers stole bitcoin worth $28,200 from users' LocalBitcoins accounts, but the company was able to identify and solve the case immediately.
LocalBitcoins accounts were deemed safe to use, with the company emphasizing the importance of two-factor authentication.
In November 2019, LocalBitcoins.com got registered as a Virtual Currency Provider by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority.
LocalBitcoins announced it would cease operations later in February 2023, marking the end of its successful journey.
Services and Overview
LocalBitcoins offers a service that facilitates person-to-person trading of Bitcoin, making it a great option for casual traders seeking more privacy. The site uses an escrow system, ensuring that the transfer of Bitcoin is made only after funds are received in the seller's account.
LocalBitcoins has a reputation system for users, which helps to build trust and accountability within the community. This system allows users to rate each other's experiences, promoting a fair and self-regulating environment.
The platform is available in over 200 countries and territories, with a large user base of 1.46 million users as of the previous year. This widespread availability makes it an attractive option for users from all over the world.
What It Does

LocalBitcoins is a decentralized exchange where buyers and sellers can transact directly with each other without a centralized institution overseeing trades.
It's a peer-to-peer marketplace that enables users to purchase and sell bitcoins more quickly and easily, with over 1.46 million users and a 10% increase in income to $29.6 million in the previous year.
LocalBitcoins offers services to more than 200 nations and territories, although some countries like the US, China, Indonesia, Syria, and North Korea are excluded due to international funding limitations or regulatory bans.
The platform is escrow-powered, providing users with the fastest and safest option to purchase and sell bitcoins.
It uses a reputation system, where users can create ads and decide exchange rates, payment methods, and other options, and respond to ads and accept the terms of purchase.
LocalBitcoins also offers an escrow service with an online wallet that receives and sends bitcoin to prevent conflicts between the buyer and seller.

New users with no transaction history may find it harder to trade, but making smaller transactions can improve their reputation and make it easier to trade in the future.
The exchange rate on LocalBitcoins is decided by the seller and can vary widely depending on country, payment method, and terms, with payment methods like Visa/MasterCard or PayPal being more expensive due to the risk of reversal.
How It Works
LocalBitcoins is a peer-to-peer exchange that lists buy and sell ads for bitcoin in over 200 countries worldwide. Users can create ads on the site and decide exchange rates, payment methods, and other options.
To get started, users must register by providing details like their name and email address, setting a password, and providing identification. This helps establish a secure and trustworthy environment for trading.
Both buyers and sellers can post ads on the P2P trading network, allowing users to view information on exchange rates, payment methods, minimum and maximum trading limits, and transaction turnaround times. This transparency helps users make informed decisions.

To complete a transaction, users can select the buy option, complete the transaction, and finalize the trading contract. The site also offers an escrow service with an online wallet that receives and sends bitcoin to prevent conflicts between buyers and sellers.
LocalBitcoins has a reputation system that helps users avoid trading with individuals who have a bad reputation or negative feedback. This self-regulating system ensures a fair and secure trading environment.
Here's a step-by-step overview of the process:
- Users register and provide necessary details.
- Both buyers and sellers post ads on the P2P trading network.
- Users view and select the best deals based on exchange rates, payment methods, and other options.
- Users complete the transaction and finalize the trading contract.
By following these steps and taking advantage of LocalBitcoins' features, users can securely and efficiently buy and sell bitcoin.
Review and Analysis
LocalBitcoins is the most popular and safest Bitcoin P2P exchange on the market, operating in over 200 countries and 15,000 cities worldwide.
It offers an escrow service that helps buyers and sellers make secure payments, and has no fees to buy bitcoin.
The platform has many more options and payment methods than other Bitcoin exchanges, including the ability to meet sellers and pay with local currency.
LocalBitcoins is a free marketplace that works similarly to eBay or Craigslist, but for Bitcoin, making it a great solution for those in markets with regulatory barriers or unreliable exchanges.
Review Introduction

LocalBitcoins is a popular and safest Bitcoin P2P exchange that allows users to exchange bitcoin locally worldwide, both anonymously and without any third parties.
It was launched in 2012 and is now used in more than 200 countries and over 15,000 cities.
You can buy bitcoin directly from their website or meet sellers and pay with your local currency.
LocalBitcoins is an open platform where people can exchange bitcoin with their own terms and payment methods.
It also offers an escrow service that helps buyers and sellers to make secure payments.
In markets with regulatory barriers or unreliable Bitcoin exchanges, LocalBitcoins is the best solution.
LocalBitcoins has many more options and payment methods than other Bitcoin exchanges.
You can meet the person and pay with cash, which is not possible at normal exchanges.
LocalBitcoins offers the most anonymous way to buy bitcoins today.
However, we recommend that you only buy online at LocalBitcoins as it is safer.
LocalBitcoins has no fees to buy bitcoin!
Analyzing Business and Revenue Model
LocalBitcoins has a unique business model that sets it apart from other cryptocurrency exchange platforms. It offers a wide range of payment options, with over 300 different choices available.
The platform is accessible in all countries and has minimal transfer fees, making it a quick and reliable method for exchanging bitcoins. This is a major advantage for users who want to trade risk-free.
LocalBitcoins earns revenue through various means, including trade commission fees and withdraw commission fees. These fees are a key part of the platform's revenue model.
The platform also charges user rating fees, which are a way of incentivizing users to leave feedback on their trades. Temp status and max and min check fees are also part of the revenue model.
Here are the specific revenue sources that enable LocalBitcoins to earn a decent amount of revenue:
- Trade commission fees
- Withdraw commission fees
- User rating fees
- Temp status
- Max and min check
Customer Experience
LocalBitcoins is a peer-to-peer platform that allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin with each other. This approach makes it easier for people to get involved in the cryptocurrency market.
The platform has over 15 million users worldwide, and it supports over 200 different payment methods. This includes cash, bank transfers, and even gift cards.
LocalBitcoins' escrow system ensures that transactions are secure and trustworthy. The platform holds the Bitcoins in escrow until the payment is confirmed, providing an added layer of security for both buyers and sellers.
LocalBitcoins' customer support team is available 24/7 to help with any issues or questions users may have.
Closing and Market Conditions
LocalBitcoins is set to close its doors due to the ongoing crypto winter, a period of low market activity that has been affecting the entire industry.
The exchange, which started 10 years ago, has seen its trading volumes plummet from a high of above $100 million in consecutive weeks in 2017 to a mere $5-7 million in weekly trading volume over the past four months.
LocalBitcoins will suspend trading on February 16, after which users will only be able to log in to withdraw their funds.
The company has encouraged users to withdraw their crypto assets from the platform, with a 12-month window to do so.
In December, LocalBitcoins' CEO Nikolaus Kangas stated that despite efforts to overcome challenges, the company had concluded that it could no longer provide its Bitcoin trading service.
LocalBitcoins' abrupt closure comes after the United States Financial Crimes Enforcement Network mentioned the platform among the biggest Bitcoin senders to the Russia-linked exchange Bitzlato, which was shut down by U.S. authorities for money laundering and sanctions evasion.
LocalBitcoins has maintained that it has been regulated by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority since 2019 and has strictly followed Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
Bitcoin Exchange Closing Due to Market Conditions
LocalBitcoins, a popular peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchange, is shutting down due to market conditions. It's one of the longest-running exchanges, having started 10 years ago.
The exchange cited the "ongoing very cold crypto winter" as the reason for its closure. This is a significant blow to the cryptocurrency market, as LocalBitcoins was a key marketplace that drove liquidity in its early stages.

LocalBitcoins averaged between $5 million and $7 million in weekly trading volume over the past four months, a far cry from 2017 when it surged to above $100 million in consecutive weeks. This decline in trading volume is a stark contrast to the platform's heyday.
Trading will be suspended on Feb. 16, after which users will only be able to log in to withdraw their crypto. This will give users a 12-month window to withdraw their cryptocurrencies from the LocalBitcoins wallet.
LocalBitcoins' customers have been advised to withdraw their crypto assets immediately, as the platform will no longer be able to provide its Bitcoin trading service. The exchange has been regulated by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority since 2019 and has followed Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
The platform's abrupt closure comes after the United States Financial Crimes Enforcement Network mentioned LocalBitcoins among the biggest Bitcoin senders to the Russia-linked exchange Bitzlato.
Closing Thoughts

LocalBitcoins is a great platform for buying and selling bitcoin directly with your local currency.
It's relatively cost-effective because there aren't many fees involved.
You can use payment methods on LocalBitcoins that aren't available on centralized exchanges, making it a more convenient option.
If you're okay with the price of bitcoin, LocalBitcoins is a good choice for peer-to-peer bitcoin trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did LocalBitcoins shut down?
LocalBitcoins shut down due to changes in regulations and increasing risks on their platform. This led to a shift in their business operations.
Is LocalBitcoins still available?
No, LocalBitcoins is no longer available as it shut down in February 2023. For more information on the shutdown and alternatives, please see our other FAQs
Is LocalBitcoins legit?
LocalBitcoins is a trustworthy platform with a large global user base, boasting over 4000 daily sign-ups from 100+ countries. Its legitimacy is evident in its massive and active community.
Can I still withdraw from LocalBitcoins?
Withdrawals from LocalBitcoins are only possible until 2023-02-17, after which you'll need to log in to withdraw your Bitcoins. Make sure to act quickly to secure your funds.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LocalBitcoins
- https://cryptorunner.com/reviews/localbitcoins/
- https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/02/09/bitcoin-exchange-localbitcoins-to-close-citing-market-conditions
- https://cointelegraph.com/news/localbitcoins-closes-down-the-p2p-crypto-exchange-service
- https://www.elluminatiinc.com/how-does-localbitcoins-works/
Featured Images: pexels.com