Buying bitcoin in China: the honest picture

A veteran exchange, running since 2011, serving 190+ countries and every US state except New York and Maine. Instant Buy costs ~1.5%, but the same account unlocks Kraken Pro at 0.25–0.4% — and Lightning withdrawals are free.

Why it’s here: The cheapest all-in route on this list, if you're willing to learn a real exchange screen.

Local note: China isn't on Kraken's own exclusion list — but Chinese rules ban exchange trading for residents; the legal risk is yours

A P2P marketplace running since 2018: no ID at any trade size, every trade locked in 2-of-3 multisig escrow where you hold one of the keys. Works from any browser — though its terms bar US residents since 2026.

Why it’s here: No ID at any amount — and holding an escrow key means the trade can't move without you.

The decentralized old-timer: software that trades over Tor with no company behind it at all. The newer Bisq Easy mode is far friendlier, but sellers there charge a real premium — often 10% or more — as the price of its reputation-based security.

Why it’s here: The most censorship-resistant way to buy there is — you pay for that in the premium, not in fees.

An entirely Lightning-based P2P exchange reached over Tor. Fees are tiny and trades settle in minutes — but you'll need a Lightning wallet and the Tor browser before you can start.

Why it’s here: For the already-comfortable: the cheapest private sats on the internet.

What faucets really pay per hour — honest math, and whether any are still worth a claim.

The full list — surveys, signup bonuses, games, cashback, passive apps, and bitcoin jobs. Tested, updated monthly, no gambling.

Sats to USD, USD to sats, and more — quick calculators built for people counting their first sats.