On May 1, 2026 an attacker exploited a bug in Bisq v1’s trade protocol and stole 11.59 BTC from 10 users (mostly altcoin trades). The vulnerability has been patched, a security hotfix is expected soon, and Bisq plans to fully reimburse all victims in BTC or BSQ after a DAO vote around May 25. Only keep the BTC you need for active trades in your wallet until the hotfix is live. Official Update
Repeated checks over time passed
Buy and sell bitcoin for fiat (or other cryptocurrencies) privately and securely using Bisq's peer-to-peer network and open-source desktop software. No registration required.
Bisq is an exchange and p2p service that accepts Monero, Bitcoin, Fiat, and Cash. It has a guaranteed no-KYC policy and has a score of 10/10. There are 18 user ratings averaging 4.4/5.
Scores
- Guaranteed no KYC
- Terms explicitly state KYC will never be requested.
- Refunds do not require KYC +5 +5
The refund process of these services does not require the completion of a Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure or the disclosure of personal information.
The refund process of these services does not require the completion of a Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure or the disclosure of personal information.
+5 Privacy+5 Trust
- Usage can be detected on public blockchains -2 0
On transparent blockchains, it may be possible to tell that a wallet used this service and approximately when it happened.
On transparent blockchains, it may be possible to tell that a wallet used this service and approximately when it happened.
-2 Privacy0 Trust - Guaranteed no KYC +25 0
Terms explicitly state KYC will never be requested.
- Verified 0 +10
Passed repeated checks over time and showed consistent behavior. Read more about the listing statuses.
Passed repeated checks over time and showed consistent behavior. Read more about the listing statuses.
Check out the proof.
0 Privacy+10 Trust - Strict no-log policy +5 +3
The service has a strict no-log policy, which means that it does not collect or store any information about its users.
The service has a strict no-log policy, which means that it does not collect or store any information about its users.+5 Privacy+3 Trust - Non-custodial wallet +3 +5
A non-custodial wallet is a type of crypto wallet where the user holds and manages the private keys to the wallet and the assets in custody. The user is responsible for safeguarding their funds, and they are the only ones with access to their private keys. Using a non-custodial wallet requires no trust in any institution.
A non-custodial wallet is a type of crypto wallet where the user holds and manages the private keys to the wallet and the assets in custody. The user is responsible for safeguarding their funds, and they are the only ones with access to their private keys. Using a non-custodial wallet requires no trust in any institution.+3 Privacy+5 Trust - Open source code 0 +7
The source code of the service is publicly available and licensed as open-source. This allows the community to audit the service, though it doesn't guarantee security or quality.
The source code of the service is publicly available and licensed as open-source. This allows the community to audit the service, though it doesn't guarantee security or quality.
0 Privacy+7 Trust - Peer to peer network +2 +5
A peer-to-peer network is a decentralized networking model where individual computers (peers) directly connect and share resources or data with each other, rather than through a central server.
A peer-to-peer network is a decentralized networking model where individual computers (peers) directly connect and share resources or data with each other, rather than through a central server.
+2 Privacy+5 Trust - Escrow available 0 +6
Escrow is a secure method where a trusted third party holds funds during peer-to-peer transactions, releasing them only when both parties fulfill their agreed terms. For safety, always verify transaction details and trust the escrow service. However, you have to trust the escrow service throughout the process.
Escrow is a secure method where a trusted third party holds funds during peer-to-peer transactions, releasing them only when both parties fulfill their agreed terms. For safety, always verify transaction details and trust the escrow service. However, you have to trust the escrow service throughout the process.
0 Privacy+6 Trust - Accepts Monero +5 0
This service accepts Monero, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that provides enhanced anonymity.
This service accepts Monero, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that provides enhanced anonymity.
+5 Privacy0 Trust - No registration needed +5 0
Users can access and use the service without creating an account. This enables a faster and more convenient user experience while also offering enhanced privacy and anonymity.
Users can access and use the service without creating an account. This enables a faster and more convenient user experience while also offering enhanced privacy and anonymity.
+5 Privacy0 Trust - Decentralized network 0 +5
A decentralized network is a system where data, control, and decision-making are distributed across multiple independent nodes, rather than being managed by a single central authority.
A decentralized network is a system where data, control, and decision-making are distributed across multiple independent nodes, rather than being managed by a single central authority.
0 Privacy+5 Trust - Peer to peer market 0 +4
Peer-to-peer marketplaces are online platforms where unknown people can trade goods, cryptocurrencies and services directly from each other, without the need for intermediaries like traditional retailers or service providers.
Peer-to-peer marketplaces are online platforms where unknown people can trade goods, cryptocurrencies and services directly from each other, without the need for intermediaries like traditional retailers or service providers.
A peer-to-peer market can be centralized, so do not confuse this with peer to peer networks.
0 Privacy+4 Trust - Non-custodial protocol 0 +3
You keep control of your funds in your own wallet. The service does not hold your balance in a custodial account while you use it.
You keep control of your funds in your own wallet. The service does not hold your balance in a custodial account while you use it.
0 Privacy+3 Trust - No JavaScript needed +1 0
The service does not require the user to enable JavaScript in order to access and use its features.
The service does not require the user to enable JavaScript in order to access and use its features.
+1 Privacy0 Trust - Base score +50 +50
Overall = 60% Privacy + 40% Trust (Truncated)
Terms of Service Review
Bisq is a decentralized, peer-to-peer desktop application for trading bitcoin against fiat and alternative cryptocurrencies. It operates without central servers, user accounts, or KYC checks.
Fiat Chargeback Risk
Bisq cannot reverse fiat chargebacks made via external banking systems. If a buyer initiates a chargeback after bitcoin is released, the seller has no recourse within the platform.
Self-Custody
Bisq does not hold user funds. Trading funds are held in 2-of-2 multisignature addresses controlled solely by the two participating traders.
Decentralized Architecture
The application connects directly to a peer-to-peer network over Tor. There are no central servers storing user data or transaction histories.
Non-Custodial Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute, mediators and arbitrators do not hold a multisig key and cannot unilaterally release escrowed funds.
No Fiat Custody
Bisq never touches or holds fiat currency. Fiat payments are transferred directly between the buyer and seller using agreed-upon external payment services.
Reviewed from bisq.wiki/Frequently_asked_questions
ToS reviews are AI-generated and should be used as a reference only.
Events
View all-
Ongoing since
Bisq protocol exploit: ~11 BTC stolen
SourceOn May 1, 2026 an attacker exploited a bug in Bisq v1’s trade protocol and stole 11.59 BTC from 10 users (mostly altcoin trades). The vulnerability has been patched, a security hotfix is expected soon, and Bisq plans to fully reimburse all victims in BTC or BSQ after a DAO vote around May 25. Only keep the BTC you need for active trades in your wallet until the hotfix is live. Official Update
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Attribute added
Attribute "Non-custodial protocol" was added to Bisq
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Attribute added
Attribute "Decentralized network" was added to Bisq
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Attribute added
Attribute "Usage can be detected on public blockchains" was added to Bisq
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Currency update
Removed currencies: LIGHTNING
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Attribute added
Attribute "Strict no-log policy" was added to Bisq
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 1 to 0
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Attribute removed
Attribute "Strict no-KYC policy" was removed from Bisq
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 0 to 1
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Domain change
Service URLs updated from https://bisq.network/ to https://bisq.network
Evidence and Review History
Passed repeated checks over time and showed consistent behavior.
- No review checks have been published yet
- Last review May 2
- Verified May 2
Comments
I think the concept is great, but the app is incredibly sluggish. It's basically useless like this.
I exchanged once only with bisq2 platform, and had no issues. However, looking at the support chat, I noticed 2 issues I wish to highlight:
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Multiple sellers use bots to process their transactions, resulting in delayed exchanges when bots stop working properly and the seller is not immediately available (as it is often the case of sellers using bots). This is known to Bisq and apparently tolerated.
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I have been offered to exchange outside the formal process, reported it, and the Bisq support took no action against the seller. They simply say "It is up to you to decide if you want to take that risk". I personally think it should not be tolerated.
On top of all that, I found this article that highlights various risks related to Bisq that may potentially lower their score.
P2P platforms work a bit slowly, but if confidentiality is important to you, this is an excellent solution.
Can anybody verify if they have done anything higher than 5 figures in 1 swap?
Excellent service, never had any issue, the interface is a bit complex to understand at the beginning, but it's really worth to try !
yeah it's goated because it truly doesnt actually require ID and you can use it over tor i believe
this is NOT an exchange. the main UI interface makes it look like an exchange but its not. its a p2p escrow marketplace disguised as one.
not a scam or KYC, but just feel that people should know this.
So far, only had good experiences with exchanging fiat (SEPA) for Monero.
Probably the best and most privacy-focused platform I've used so far. It's a bit tricky to understand at first, but it's worth it. I hope more users start using it to improve liquidity.
P2P Exchange. Works very good, however for security reasons you need to be patient.
The only thing that bothers me a bit is that you already need Bitcoin to buy Bitcoin. Security deposit. Bisq2 is the solution for that from Bisq where you can buy Bitcoins in smaller amounts. Around a few hundret USD is the biggest amount you can trade there.
Till the Bisq MuSig stuff will be released Bisq2 is a solution that makes trading on Bisq not that painful.
It’s a bit slow and takes some getting used to, but if you value privacy and security over convenience, Bisq is a great choice.
Never had ann issue and always found honest people to trade with. There's no second best!
In Bisq, funds are locked in a 2-of-2 multisig Bitcoin escrow smart contract, and escrow only activates if there is a dispute.
The golden standard for decentralized trading. From regular people to other regular people, just as Satoshi intended. Bisq is the perfect way to sell your BTC for FIAT without any KYC and at similar rates as CEXs. It can take a couple of hours to get comfortable with it but once you have everything set up, it becomes easy and convenient to perform trades. Bisq is for people who actually care about privacy and understand that privacy always has a convenience price. Bisq also supports p2p trading of monero <-> btc and in my experience the rates are generally better than those of instant exchanges. Highly recommended.
Bisq definitely nails the privacy aspect — no KYC, no middlemen. But yeah, it’s not for the impatient. Great tool if you're willing to trade a bit of convenience for true P2P freedom.
Bisq is a nice idea, but the Java implementation is hell. And there aren't many offers for a reasonable price as well.
If you don't find the prices reasonable then create your own offer 🤷♂️
Unfortunately, it's due to my national currency. Nobody is using BISQ here, so making a new offer won't make a difference. I think BISQ would be more popular if it would be more user friendly and not feeling so "heavy" as a software. BISQ 2 feels buch better.
Bisq 1 Excellent service—I’ve been using it for many years. Yes, there are occasional minor technical issues, but they’re very rare—about once every 2–3 years. I just want to thank the creators for being there.