If youâre looking to sell USDC, then one thing is clear, you already have some USDC in your wallet. Perhaps you got paid in USDC, or you swapped your local currency for dollar-based stablecoins to preserve the value of your moneyâitâs understandable, and weâve all been there. Nobody wants their hard-earned money to lose value, especially with dwindling exchange rates.
But responsibilities donât wait forever. Sooner or later, youâll need to dip into your savings and spend. Hereâs the catch: selling USDC in Africa isnât always straightforward. You might run into platforms that accept your deposit but donât support local bank withdrawals, shady peer-to-peer (P2P) traders looking to scam you, and platforms that charge outrageous fees that eat into your cash.
It could get frustratingâbut no worries, this guide is here to unmask everything, so you can easily understand how to sell USDC in Africa, specifically within Nigeria and Ghana.
What is USDC, and Why Does Everyone Use It?
USDC (USD Coin) is a stablecoin created by Circle, and itâs one of the most popular digital dollars out thereâright up there with USDT and DAI.
Each USDC token is backed 1:1 by actual US dollars held in reserve. So, if you own 50 USDC, thatâs basically like holding $50 in digital form. That stability makes it perfect for saving, trading, or getting paid across borders without stressing about price swings.
Why Sell USDC?Â
People choose to sell their USDC for different reasons, but if any of these sound familiar, youâre not alone:
- You need cash for everyday spending: Crypto payments arenât mainstream yet, so sometimes you just need your local currency back.
- Youâre taking profits: Maybe you flipped a few tokens, made some profits, and youâre making the wise decision to enjoy your profits and not lose it back to the market.
- Your location is crypto-unfriendly. Some countries still make using or holding crypto a headache, so selling becomes a necessity.
Factors to Consider When Picking a Platform to Sell USDC in Africa
Before you pick any platform to convert your USDC, here are the key things you need to watch for:
- Security: Itâs always important to think of your crypto like real moneyâbecause it is; so, just the way you wonât hand over your banking information to any random person, it is important to only use trusted platforms with solid reputations, strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and a solid track record without scandals.
- Exchange Rates: Itâs important to compare multiple platforms before settling on one. Indeed, the fees on these platforms arenât always far apart; however, even a âŠ10 or â”0.50 difference per dollar adds upâespecially if youâre selling large amounts, so comparing to select the best option will save you money.
- Fees: Different platforms offer varying fee schedules for transactions. Some may charge for deposits, withdrawals, transfer fees, etc. It is important to look out for hidden charges, by visiting their website to verify information. The goal is to keep as much of your money as possible, so your selected platform should charge little or no fees.
- Payment Methods: As said earlier, not all platforms can facilitate withdrawals to all countries/regions, as they may not be legally allowed to operate there. Your chosen platform must be able to speedily send money to your bank account after you initiate withdrawal.
- User Experience: A seamless and intuitive user experience is also very important. Whether youâre a beginner or pro, you must be able to identify the next step easily without making mistakes. Remember, cryptocurrency is money, and mistakes could mean youâre losing money.
See Also: How to Trade Ethereum for Stablecoins: USDC and USDT
Top 5 Platforms for Selling USDC in Africa
There are different categories of platforms for selling USDC. From peer-to-peer exchanges to over-the-counter off-ramp platforms, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Of the two categories, and with those factors in mind, here are the top 5 platforms for selling USDC in Africa in no particular order.
1. Breet App
Breet is a leading off-ramp cryptocurrency platform that facilitates quick conversions from many different crypto assets, including USDC, to fiat for users in Nigeria and Ghana. Breet excels in making crypto trading fast and easy for beginners and even pros.
2. Quidax
Quidax is a cryptocurrency exchange that serves Nigeria, Ghana, and the African market in general. It supports local withdrawals, but the fee structure is progressiveâhigher withdrawal amounts attract higher transaction fees.
3. Yellow Card
Yellow Card is a cryptocurrency off-ramp payment platform that serves the African market. It is available in 20 African countries (including Nigeria and Ghana), and it is reliable for high-volume transactions and offers multiple payout options.
4. ByBit (P2P)
ByBit supports P2P trades in Nigeria and Ghana. It’s great for those familiar with P2P but remember: youâre dealing with real people, not the platform itself. Always double-check offers and trade only with verified users.
5. Binance (P2P)
Binance still supports P2P trades for Ghanaian users. It previously supported P2P trades in Nigeria; however, this was discontinued in February 2024. Although Binance has a robust P2P infrastructure, P2P still comes with a learning curve and some risks.
â ïž Note on P2P Platforms: P2P can be risky if youâre not familiar with how it works. Scams are common, and platforms only provide limited protection. If youâre new to crypto, stick to trusted OTC platforms like Breet.
See Also: How To Avoid P2P Scams
How to Sell USDC on Breet (Step-by-Step)
If youâre in Nigeria or Ghana, hereâs how to use Breet to convert your USDC to cash in a few taps:
- Download the Breet app (available on iOS and Android)
- Sign up and log in
- From your dashboard, select USDC to view your current rate
- Copy your unique USDC wallet address or scan the QR code to send your funds
- Once your deposit is confirmed, your fiat wallet gets credited instantly
- Withdraw your money straight to your local bank account
Best Practices For Selling USDC Safely
- Use A Trusted Platform: Stick to platforms with positive reviews, good liquidity, and secure infrastructures.
- Double-Check Everything: Always confirm USDC wallet addresses, transaction amounts, and bank details before proceeding.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enabling 2FA on your platform of choice adds an extra layer of security for sensitive in-app actions like withdrawals.
- Check Withdrawal Compatibility: Check to make sure the withdrawal options on your chosen platform match your own specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What You Should Know Before Selling USDC in Africa
Is selling USDC P2P in Africa safe?
It can be, especially if youâre familiar with P2P marketplaces and how they operate. However, if youâre not familiar, youâll face a huge learning curve, so donât try it without proper guidance. If youâre new to crypto, your best bet is to use trusted OTC platforms like Breet that deposit the money straight into your bank account.
Which platform has the lowest fees for selling USDC?
Breet currently charges 0% fees on crypto sales. Thatâs unbeatable for now, especially compared to platforms like Quidax (progressive fees).
How much is one USDC now?
USDC is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, and is always priced at about $1. To know the specific price in your own local currency, check the latest exchange rate for your region. Users in Nigeria and Ghana can use the Breetâs rate calculator for live rates.
How can I avoid scammers when selling USDC?
To avoid scammers, follow all best practices listed above. Avoid unverified P2P platforms, and use secure OTC services to protect your funds and privacy.
Do I have to pay tax to sell USDC in Africa?
In Nigeria and Ghana, there are currently no taxes on crypto sales. However, in some African countries like Kenya and South Africa, taxes are applicable. Always check your local regulations.
Conclusion
Selling USDC in Africa doesnât have to be complicated. You just need the right platform, a bit of caution, and some basic know-how.
Thereâs a range of options for you on this list, each with its own strongest pointsâtalk of the best rates, fees, speed, security, or simply ease. And if you want the easiest way to go from USDC to local currencyâwithout talking to strangers or paying outrageous feesâBreet is your best bet.
Armed with this guide, youâre ready. Go explore your options, take control of your funds, and sell USDC like a pro in Nigeria and Ghana.
Conclusion
As the use of stablecoins like USDC become more mainstream in Africa, top platforms to exchange these stablecoins for local currency will naturally emerge. However, with several platforms claiming to cater to this need, users need to do their research and pick reputable ones that have the security of their funds at heart.
The five platforms mentioned here have their own pros and cons. Users must then determine which platform meets their own needs.Â
Be sure to follow best practices like choosing a reliable platform and enabling two-factor authentication, as these will significantly reduce any trading risks and help facilitate safe USDC off-ramp transactions.