Hodl Hodl Review
Non-custodial P2P Bitcoin trading with multisig escrow and no mandatory KYC.
Why We Recommend Hodl Hodl
Hodl Hodl stands out for its genuine commitment to self-custody and privacy. Unlike centralized exchanges that hold your Bitcoin, every trade uses a unique 2-of-3 multisig escrow where you control one key, your counterparty controls another, and Hodl Hodl holds the third only for dispute resolution—meaning the platform can never move your funds unilaterally. The service requires only an email to sign up with no mandatory identity verification, making it one of the few remaining liquid P2P options for privacy-conscious Bitcoiners.
The platform supports over 300 payment methods across virtually any fiat currency, giving users remarkable flexibility in how they on-ramp and off-ramp. Trading fees are competitive at 0.5% per completed trade (or 0.45% with referral discounts), split between buyer and seller. The technical architecture is robust enough that users can theoretically recover funds even if the website goes offline by extracting their encrypted escrow keys and co-signing release transactions directly on-chain. Optional 2FA via TOTP apps and a trusted devices feature requiring email approval for new logins add meaningful account security.
Best For
Privacy-focused Bitcoiners who want to avoid KYC requirements while still accessing liquid fiat on-ramps and off-ramps will find Hodl Hodl ideal. If you're uncomfortable giving custody of your coins to centralized exchanges or sharing identity documents with trading platforms, the multisig escrow model lets you maintain control throughout the transaction. Users in jurisdictions with limited regulated exchange access particularly benefit from the broad payment method coverage.
Active P2P traders and OTC-style market makers can leverage the platform's offer customization features including price formulas tied to external exchanges, working hours, first-trade limits, and stop-loss settings. The rating and review system helps build reputation over time, and experienced traders can lift initial restrictions on simultaneous contracts and per-trade volume as they accumulate trading history.
Technically proficient users who value the ability to verify and potentially recover funds independently will appreciate the transparent multisig architecture. However, this isn't the right choice for compliance-constrained institutions requiring regulated venues, or for users wanting a simple one-click retail brokerage experience without understanding P2P dynamics.
Services & Features
Considerations
P2P trading carries counterparty risk—chargebacks and reversible payment scams remain possible if you choose risky methods or release coins prematurely. Recovering funds if the platform goes offline requires technical knowledge to extract and use encrypted keys. New users face volume and contract limits until they build trading history.
