What is KYC in crypto?
Updated , 4 min read
KYC stands for know your customer. It is the identity check banks, exchanges and most crypto cards run before they let you in.
What a KYC check involves
A full check usually asks for three things:
- A government ID: passport, ID card or driving licence.
- A selfie or short video, matched against the ID photo.
- Proof of address: a recent utility bill or bank statement.
The company stores these, screens you against sanctions lists, and may ask for more (source of funds) if you move large amounts.
KYC levels on crypto cards
We grade every card by how much it asks for:
- No KYC: email or Telegram only. 29 cards today.
- Light KYC: name, phone number, sometimes date of birth, but no documents.
- Standard KYC: ID document and selfie.
- Full KYC: ID, selfie and proof of address, sometimes source of funds.
Every card page on this site shows its level in the key facts row.
Why it exists
KYC is how regulators make financial companies responsible for who uses them. It deters fraud and money laundering, and it is the price of higher limits, cash withdrawals and deposit protection. Fully verified cards from large issuers are often cheaper and more stable for that reason.
Why people avoid it
Every KYC database is a target. Leaked passport scans and selfies cannot be changed like a password. Many people also simply do not want every purchase tied to their identity, or do not have the documents an issuer accepts. A no KYC card trades lower limits for keeping that data to yourself.
KYC and AML: the difference
AML (anti money laundering) is the broader set of rules. KYC is one part of it: verifying identity at sign up. Even a no KYC issuer still runs AML monitoring on transactions and can freeze suspicious activity.
Top rated no KYC cards right now
Frequently asked questions
What does KYC mean?
KYC means know your customer: the process a financial company uses to verify who you are, usually with an ID document, a selfie and a proof of address.
Why do crypto cards ask for KYC?
Card issuers are regulated financial companies. Anti money laundering laws in most countries require them to verify customers, especially for higher limits and cash withdrawals.
Is there a crypto card with no KYC?
Yes. We track 29 crypto cards that need no identity verification. Most are virtual prepaid cards funded with USDT or USDC.