๐ชช KYC Know Your Customer
The identity-verification step that exchanges use to confirm you are who you say you are โ usually a quick ID photo and selfie. Also called "identity verification" or simply "ID check."
๐ช In plain terms โ opening a bank account
When you open a bank account you hand over your ID card so the bank knows who you are. KYC on a crypto exchange works exactly the same way. The exchange needs to confirm your identity before it will open a trading account for you. Typically you upload a photo of your government-issued ID and a selfie โ one time, and you are done. Once approved, you rarely need to repeat the process.
๐ก๏ธ Why does it matter?
- ๐งผ It stops money laundering and criminal funds from flowing through exchanges
- ๐ค It reduces identity theft and account fraud, protecting all users
- โ๏ธ It is a legal requirement in most countries โ exchanges that skip it can be shut down
๐ฆ That is why you usually need to complete KYC before you can buy or sell on a crypto exchange.
๐ Easy to confuse โ KYC vs. your passwords
| KYC | Password / Seed phrase | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Proof of your real-world identity | The key to your wallet or account |
| Who you give it to | The official exchange โ once | Nobody โ ever |
| Nature | Identity registration (routine process) | Top secret |
๐ Uploading your ID for KYC is completely normal. But if anyone asks for your seed phrase or password as part of "KYC," that is not KYC โ it is a scam.
๐จ Watch out โ things to be careful about
- โ Only submit your ID through the official app or official website (check the URL carefully)
- ๐ซ A link in a text or messaging app asks for your ID โ likely phishing
- ๐ซ "KYC verification" step asks for your seed phrase or password โ 100% scam
- โ ๏ธ Exchanges with no identity verification at all may operate outside the law โ your funds could get frozen
โ FAQ
- Why do I have to complete KYC?
- It is a legally required process designed to prevent money laundering, fraud, and identity theft. Most legitimate exchanges will not let you deposit, withdraw, or trade until you have passed identity verification.
- Is my personal data safe after KYC?
- Regulated exchanges are legally obligated to protect your information, but no system is 100% risk-free. Only submit your ID on a trusted, regulated exchange โ always through the official app or website, never via a link sent in a message.
- Are there exchanges with no KYC?
- Yes, but we do not recommend them. Exchanges that skip identity checks are likely operating outside regulations, and users often find their funds frozen or withdrawals blocked without warning.