How to Sell Bitcoin (BTC) in 2025: Easiest Ways Revealed!

Bitcoin is the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Setting the standards for a decentralized, digital currency, many investors have purchased Bitcoin with the intention of selling it for a profit once the price has increased. Given Bitcoin’s price growth to more than $100,000 per token in 2024, many investors are now looking to sell their BTC – or at least part of their holdings – but not everybody knows how.

I’ve created a guide explaining exactly how to sell Bitcoin safely. There are a range of different options available, so I’ll talk you through the various methods – including the pros and cons of each – to help make your decision easier.

How to Sell Your Bitcoin for Cash

For the most part, Bitcoin investors will want to sell their Bitcoin for cash. In other words, this involves swapping Bitcoin for a fiat currency of your choosing, enabling you to utilize your profits in the “real-world”. 

For those that purchased Bitcoin as an investment – rather than as a means of getting involved in the cryptocurrency space – you’ll want to know how to sell Bitcoin for cash, and where to do so.

On a centralized exchange

Using a centralized exchange (CEX) is arguably the easiest, most user-friendly method of selling BTC. Centralized exchanges are platforms that allow users to trade cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin), with the exchange itself acting as a middleman and facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers.

This makes them a good option for new and inexperienced investors, as the CEX does the hard work for you.

There are a number of pros and cons associated with selling Bitcoin on a centralized exchange:

If you’re wondering how to sell BTC on a centralized exchange, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Create an account – Once you’ve found a centralized exchange, you’ll need to create an account by inputting your personal details such as an email and home address.
2. Verify your identity – Verify your identity by following the exchange’s Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. This will typically involve submitting a photo of your passport or driving license.
3. Copy down your wallet address – The CEX will have a “Send” function, which will provide you with a custodial wallet with a unique address. Copy down this wallet address.
4. Send Bitcoin to your custodial wallet – Use the custodial wallet address to send Bitcoin from your personal storage solution to the centralized exchange. Remember to account for any fees when making this transfer!
5. Sell Bitcoin for your desired currency – Once your Bitcoin is on the centralized exchange, you’ll be able to sell it for your preferred fiat currency. Click on your Bitcoin (BTC) holdings, click “Sell” and follow the steps to exchange your BTC for fiat.
6. Withdraw funds – Once you’ve sold your Bitcoin, you’ll be able to withdraw your fiat currency to your bank account. There may be a fee associated with CEX withdrawals, and the money may take a couple of days to appear in your bank account.

Some of the best centralized exchanges available include Coinbase, Kraken and Binance.

Through a peer-to-peer exchange

A peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto exchange is a platform that allows two users to trade, buy and sell Bitcoin directly with one another.

P2P exchanges remove the need for third-party intermediaries and enable the decentralized trading of cryptocurrencies using an escrow account – the Bitcoin being bought or sold is locked into this escrow wallet until the transaction has been completed.

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a peer-to-peer exchange include:

Not sure how to sell Bitcoin on a P2P crypto exchange?

1. Create an account – Find a P2P exchange that you’re interested in using, and then create and verify your account.
2. Post an ad – Post an advert specifying the amount of Bitcoin you want to sell, and the price at which you want to sell it. Here, you’ll also need to select your preferred payment method.
3. (OR) Browse “Buy” listings – Alternatively, you can browse through a list of potential buyers, who will have posted ads regarding the amount of BTC that they’re interested in buying, as well as the price that they want to purchase it at.
4. Agree on a price with a buyer – Once you’ve found a buyer (and reviewed that buyer’s reputation and feedback), you’ll need to agree on a price, currency and payment method.
5. Transfer Bitcoin to an escrow account – After coming to an agreement with the buyer, the platform will provide you with an escrow wallet address. Transfer the requisite number of BTC to this escrow account.
6. Receive payment – The buyer will then pay you using your pre-agreed payment method. Once this transaction has taken place, confirm that you’ve received the payment and then your Bitcoin will automatically be transferred from the escrow wallet to the buyer’s wallet address.

If you’re looking for a good peer-to-peer crypto exchange, consider using Paxful, Binance P2P or ByBit P2P.

How to Swap Bitcoin for Other Crypto

If you’ve decided to sell Bitcoin, but don’t necessarily want to sell it for cash, you can instead swap it for another cryptocurrency.

As the market typically moves in cycles, many experienced investors will want to move their capital from Bitcoin to altcoins at a certain point. Alternatively, some investors will swap their Bitcoin for stablecoins, rather than selling it for fiat.

This allows them to stay in the crypto market while avoiding the volatility associated with most cryptocurrencies.

Through a decentralized exchange

One of the best options for swapping Bitcoin is by using a decentralized exchange (DEX).

Decentralized exchanges are peer-to-peer marketplaces that allow users to swap one cryptocurrency for another using a system of smart contracts. This means that transactions happen automatically and in a trustless, decentralized manner.

Users always keep control of their private keys, and decentralized exchanges have a much greater degree of privacy and anonymity compared to centralized alternatives.

Some of the benefits and drawbacks of using a decentralized exchange to sell Bitcoin can include:

If you want to know how to sell Bitcoin through a DEX, the process is still relatively straightforward:

1. Find a DEX that allows you to swap BTC – Most decentralized exchanges will offer cryptocurrency tokens associated with a particular blockchain, so make sure you’re accessing a DEX that allows you to swap Bitcoin.
2. Connect your crypto wallet to the DEX – Connect the wallet that you’re holding your Bitcoin in with the exchange. To do this, you’ll need to access the DEX and click “Connect Wallet” (or something similar). Choose your wallet from the list provided and you’ll be prompted to visit the wallet app or browser extension to confirm that you’re happy to connect your wallet to the decentralized exchange.
3. Select the tokens to swap – Select which cryptocurrency tokens you want to swap. In this example, you’ll want to select Bitcoin first and then your preferred new cryptocurrency.
4. Decide how much Bitcoin to swap – Because you’ve connected your wallet, you’ll be limited to the maximum amount of BTC held within that wallet. You can either choose by inputting a certain amount of Bitcoin or a specific number of new tokens.
5. Confirm the transaction – Once you’re happy with the details of the transaction, click “Swap” or “Trade” to finalize it. It may take a little time, but the new cryptocurrency tokens will appear in your wallet directly.

Not all decentralized exchanges accept Bitcoin, but there are many that do. For example, you can consider using Stackswap, Bisq or Thorchain.

Through a crypto wallet

Nowadays, many cryptocurrency wallets will allow you to swap Bitcoin directly through the wallet itself. Crypto wallets are applications that store a user’s private keys, enabling them to view, access and transfer cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.

There are a range of different types of wallets available, but if you want to use one to swap Bitcoin, you’ll need to find a software (hot) wallet that is connected directly to the internet.

There are a number of pros and cons associated with using a Bitcoin wallet to swap your BTC:

Still interested in knowing how to sell Bitcoin by swapping it for another cryptocurrency within your crypto wallet?

1. Open your Bitcoin wallet application – Open the wallet that you’re using to store your Bitcoin.
2. Click “Swap” – Click on your Bitcoin holdings and click the “Swap” function.
3. Choose a crypto to swap for – Decide which cryptocurrency you want to swap your Bitcoin for. Remember, you’ll only be able to choose cryptocurrencies that are compatible with the wallet that you’re using!
4. Decide how much BTC to swap – Input the amount of Bitcoin that you want to swap. Alternatively, you can choose how many of the new tokens you want to receive in exchange for your BTC.
5. Review exchange rate and fees – Always review the transaction before confirming it! Make sure you’re happy with the exchange rate provided and any fees associated with the swap.
6. Confirm transaction – Confirm the transaction by clicking “Swap”, “Trade”, or something similar. Your new cryptocurrency tokens will appear in your wallet directly – don’t panic if they take a little time to arrive!

If you’re wondering which are the best wallets for swapping Bitcoin, you could take a look at Trust Wallet or Exodus.

How to Spend Your Bitcoin with a Crypto Card

A crypto card essentially functions like a prepaid credit or debit card. They can be used to make payments in person or online, acting like a bridge from crypto to the traditional financial space. 

Crypto cards are linked to a cryptocurrency wallet, which converts the crypto to fiat currency when you make a purchase. Therefore, it’s possible to spend your Bitcoin anywhere that accepts the card issuer – you don’t need to find a merchant that accepts Bitcoin specifically.

You can either choose to sell your Bitcoin for cash (using the methods mentioned above), and then use that cash to top up your crypto card, or you can link your Bitcoin wallet to the card when you set it up.

The process for spending Bitcoin with a crypto card will differ depending on the provider, but the general process looks as follows:

1. Sign up for an account – First, find a card provider that you’re interested in and sign up for an account. Follow the necessary KYC process and verify your identity.
2. Apply for a card – You’ll need to apply for a card before you can use it. Find one that suits you – different cards and tiers will have different restrictions and perks – and follow the application process.
3. Activate your card – Once you’ve been approved for a card, it will be sent to you. Activate the card (usually via the provider’s mobile application) and make sure you meet the necessary requirements.
4. Top up your card – Top up your card with Bitcoin by linking your wallet and deciding how much Bitcoin you want to add to your card.
5. Spend your Bitcoin – Once you’ve topped up your account, you’ll be able to spend your Bitcoin (in the form of fiat currency) at any merchants that accept cards by your card provider.

Some of the most popular Bitcoin debit cards include those offered by Crypto.com, Bybit and Coinbase.

How to Cash Out Your Bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM

A Bitcoin ATM (sometimes known as a “BTM”) is a kiosk that works in a similar manner to a traditional ATM.

Here, users can buy and sell Bitcoin using cash or a debit card, although not every Bitcoin ATM allows you to sell BTC. Bitcoin ATMs are connected to the internet and can be linked to your crypto wallet.

To cash out your Bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM, you’ll need to do the following:

• Find a “Sell” ATM – Use an ATM locator like the one offered by CoinFlip, which allows you to search for ATMs that have a selling function.
• Select the crypto you want to sell – Visit the ATM and confirm that you’d like to sell Bitcoin.
• Agree to terms of service – Most Bitcoin ATMs will require you to confirm that you’re happy with the terms of service before you can continue selling your holdings.
• Decide how much Bitcoin to sell – Enter the amount that you want to sell. Most ATMs will have a limit, so make sure you’re aware of this limit before you visit the ATM!
• Verify your identity – Depending on local regulations and the amount of Bitcoin that you’re trying to sell, you may need to verify your identity by inputting your name, mobile number and home address.
• Send Bitcoin to the address provided – The ATM will generate a Bitcoin wallet address. Use the QR code provided to send the agreed amount of Bitcoin to that address by using your wallet’s mobile application.
• Withdraw your cash – Once your Bitcoin has been received by the ATM, it will dispense the right amount of cash. This process can take a few minutes, depending on how quickly the transaction is processed, so be patient!

What is The Best Way to Sell Bitcoin?

Now you know how to sell Bitcoin, you’ll probably want to know which option is the best for you. Unfortunately, there’s no definitive “best” way to sell Bitcoin, because each person will have different goals and preferences. However, there are some key things to consider when deciding how to sell BTC:

• Are you swapping for fiat or crypto? – This is arguably the most important question to ask yourself. If you’re looking to sell your Bitcoin for fiat currency, then you’re best off using a centralized exchange or peer-to-peer exchange. Alternatively, if you want to swap your Bitcoin for another cryptocurrency, you’ll probably want to use a decentralized exchange or swap your Bitcoin directly within your crypto wallet.
• Do you care about decentralization and anonymity? – If the answer to this question is “yes”, then you’ll need to find a solution that doesn’t require you to complete KYC checks first. A decentralized exchange is probably your best bet, although it’s possible to use a Bitcoin ATM anonymously, depending on your location and the amount that you’re looking to sell.

Selling fees

Every option for selling or swapping Bitcoin will charge you varying fees. If you’re completing lots of small Bitcoin transactions, these fees can quickly add up, so make sure you’re using a solution that suits you.

Centralized exchanges will typically have higher fees than decentralized exchanges, while some P2P crypto exchanges charge no fees at all.

Ease-of-use

How confident are you navigating decentralized finance protocols? If you’re relatively new to crypto, you might find that decentralized exchanges and peer-to-peer exchanges are a little more complicated.

Centralized exchanges are probably the most user-friendly option available to you, although swapping one crypto for another in a cryptocurrency wallet is also pretty straightforward.

Transaction speeds

Depending on how quickly you’re looking to sell your Bitcoin, you may have a preference for certain solutions. Centralized and decentralized exchanges, as well as crypto wallets, will probably be your quickest options, with transactions taking place relatively quickly on these platforms.

Unless there is a Bitcoin ATM situated near you, travelling to your nearest ATM location could take a significant amount of time. That, and the fact that the actual transactions can take a relatively long time to complete, makes Bitcoin ATMs one of the slowest methods for selling BTC.

The Tax Implications of Selling Bitcoin in the US

If you’re looking to sell Bitcoin in the US, it’s essential to understand the tax implications.

In America, the IRS treats cryptocurrencies as property, not as a currency. This means that cryptocurrency transactions are subject to capital gains tax.

This also applies to buying something with Bitcoin, perhaps with a crypto debit card, for example. This is because buying something with Bitcoin means that you’re effectively selling a percentage of your holdings.

If you hold Bitcoin for less than a year, any profits are subject to the short-term capital gains rate (up to 37%, as of 2025).

If you’ve held your Bitcoin for more than a year, you’ll need to pay long-term capital gains tax, which will vary between 0% and 20%, depending on your tax bracket. If your taxable income is over a certain level, you may also need to pay the 3.8% net investment income tax on any gains that you’ve made.

Remember, this only applies to gains that you’ve made. If, unfortunately, you’ve sold your Bitcoin at a loss, you could potentially use this to offset capital gains.

When Is The Best Time to Sell Bitcoin?

If you’re holding Bitcoin, no matter how much, you’ll likely be wondering how to sell BTC at the perfect time.

It’s incredibly difficult to time the market, but there are certain things you should consider if you’re looking to offload your Bitcoin holdings.

Increased market volatility 

The crypto market is incredibly volatile and goes through different cycles. If the market is at an all-time high (or is in the midst of a bear market), you may want to consider your position within it.

Also, if market fluctuations are causing you to worry, or if you’ve made a good amount of money and you want to exit the market, it could be a good idea to sell your Bitcoin holdings.

Negative market news

The crypto market is heavily influenced by positive and negative news stories. Negative market news has historically seen the crypto market crash heavily, sometimes leading to extended downtrends or the onset of a new bear market.

If investors are made aware of upcoming changes in the market, or some bad news has just broken, they will sometimes choose to exit positions in case the market is negatively, and significantly, impacted.

Personal financial needs

If your personal financial circumstances change, you may find yourself needing to liquidate your investments, including Bitcoin. If you need to make a purchase, pay off a debt, or you simply need cash, you can sell your Bitcoin for fiat currency using any of the methods mentioned above.

Although it can be tempting to hold your Bitcoin for as long as possible, don’t be afraid to sell your BTC if you need to use that capital elsewhere.

Your investment goals and strategy

You should always have a strong, well thought-out investment strategy before you start investing. Make sure you have short- and long-term investment goals, and understand what you’re hoping to get out of your Bitcoin investment.

This includes understanding what profits you’re hoping to make, as well as your investment time horizon.

With this strategy in place, it should be clear when to sell your BTC. Remember, never invest emotionally, and don’t make decisions based on what those around you are doing. Stick to your plan and don’t let yourself be swayed by changing market conditions.

Final Thoughts

Over the past decade and a half, Bitcoin has helped many investors to make money. Despite its significant influence, it’s essential that you know how to sell Bitcoin and are aware of the different options available to you.

Before settling on a method of selling BTC, make sure you do your research and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Remember, you don’t have to settle for any one method – you can always explore a number of different options and decide which you like the best!

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