On-ramp / Off-ramp
Fiat On/Off-ramp
On-ramp is a gateway for buying cryptocurrency with fiat money. Off-ramp is the reverse gateway for selling crypto and withdrawing the money to a bank account or card.
On-ramp (fiat entry gateway) and off-ramp (fiat exit gateway) are services that connect traditional money (fiat) with the crypto ecosystem. An on-ramp converts rubles, dollars or euros into crypto, while an off-ramp does the reverse: it sells crypto and sends fiat to a bank account, card or payment system.
## How it works
The user pays fiat by card, via SEPA or through a local bank transfer. The provider runs KYC, accepts the payment through acquiring or a banking partner, then buys crypto on the market (often through OTC desks or exchange liquidity) and credits it to the client's wallet. An off-ramp works in the reverse order: the crypto is sold, the fiat passes through a partner bank and is sent to the recipient's details.
## Where it is used
Integrations in crypto exchanges, wallets, Web3 apps, NFT marketplaces and gaming services. For merchants, these gateways are connected via API, often together with crypto processing and stablecoins. In gambling and traffic arbitrage, gateways are used for deposits and withdrawals, but the AML and compliance requirements are heightened here.
## What affects it
The total cost is made up of the provider's fee, the exchange rate spread and the fee of the bank or payment system. Limits on amount and daily volume, crediting times, supported countries and currencies, and verification requirements all matter. The higher the risk of the client or country, the more often the provider refuses or freezes the transaction.
## Common mistakes
Not checking the provider's license and its status in the client's country. Overlooking the hidden spread, which can be more significant than the fee. Forgetting the travel rule and source-of-funds requirements for large transactions. Underestimating off-ramp delays during bank holidays and compliance reviews.
FAQ
What is the difference between an on-ramp and an off-ramp?
An on-ramp buys crypto with fiat, while an off-ramp sells crypto and withdraws fiat. Both directions use banking partners and require client verification.
Why does an off-ramp sometimes take several days?
Delays are caused by bank checks, weekends and holidays, payment system limits and manual AML review. As a rule of thumb, a large amount may be checked for longer than a small one.
Is it safe to use an on-ramp without KYC?
Legitimate providers almost always require KYC, and bypassing verification increases the risk of funds being blocked. Unregulated services are often linked to fraud and sanctions risks.