Complete Guide on How to Sell Bitcoin Now in 5 Quick, Secure Steps

Nov. 8, 2024

Author: Bitcoin Magazine Pro Team

Bitcoin’s value can change quickly, sometimes by the minute or second. If you’re selling Bitcoin to capitalize on a high price, you want to complete the transaction as smoothly and quickly as possible. This process can become especially stressful if the price drops significantly during the sale. If you’re looking for answers on how to sell Bitcoin, you’re not alone. Many Bitcoin holders find themselves in this position as the market fluctuates. This article will walk you through how to sell Bitcoin confidently and securely, maximizing your profits and minimizing risks. Also, we will learn about bitcoin supply and demand to understand the best time to sell.

Bitcoin Magazine Pro’s Bitcoin analysis tool can help you achieve your goals. It provides readers with important data and insights to help them make informed decisions about buying and selling Bitcoin.

Should You Sell Your Bitcoin Now and Buy Back When It Drops?

woman wondering on laptop - How to Sell Bitcoin

Bitcoin sales can be tricky. Unlike traditional stocks, Bitcoin operates within a highly volatile market environment, which can be stressful for investors hoping to profit from their holdings. 

This market fluctuation represents an opportunity for substantial returns in the long run. As you consider whether it’s time to sell your Bitcoin, assess your financial situation and the larger market conditions that can impact your returns.  

Ask Yourself These Five Questions Before Selling Your Bitcoin

Should you sell your Bitcoin? Before you make a rash decision in a panic, stop and ask yourself these five important questions to help guide your decision. 

What Was Your Original Motivation for Buying Bitcoin? 

Before you decide to sell, remember your original reasons for buying BTC. Did you buy Bitcoin for its potential for long-term growth, or were you looking to turn a short-term profit?

Historically, long-term Bitcoin investors have been rewarded for their patience, riding out significant price fluctuations to see considerable profits. If you originally invested because you believed in Bitcoin's long-term value, selling during a downturn may differ from your original investment strategy.  

What is Your Risk Tolerance? 

Before making any BTC investment decision, consider your risk tolerance. The Bitcoin market is known for its sharp rises and dramatic falls, testing the determination of even seasoned investors. Some investors may not be able to tolerate a large dip in value and may consider selling during a market downturn. However, it's essential to approach this reflection without panic, grounding your decision in a rational evaluation of your financial situation.

Remember, Bitcoin’s history is filled with periods of significant volatility, followed by recovery and growth. Consider your breaking point, in other words, the level of market turbulence you can tolerate without risking being unable to afford short-term expenses and losing peace of mind. 

How will My Profits or Losses on Bitcoin be Taxed? 

Before you decide to sell your Bitcoin, consider the possible tax ramifications. When you sell your Bitcoin, you’ll incur a capital gain or a capital loss based on how the value of your BTC has changed since you originally received it.

You can calculate how much capital gains or capital losses you’ll incur through this simple formula:

Capital Gain = Value at time of sale - Cost basis

If the value of your BTC has gone up since you originally received it, you’ll be required to pay capital gain tax on your profits. If you plan to sell your Bitcoin at a profit, you may want to consider how much money you’ll be left with after taxes.

If your BTC's price has decreased since you originally received it, you can claim a capital loss and offset your capital gains for the tax year and up to $3,000 worth of income. If you plan to sell your Bitcoin at a loss, consider how it may reduce your tax liability. 

Will You Be Paying Short-Term or Long-Term Capital Gains? 

Depending on how long you've held your Bitcoin, your gains might be taxed as long-term or short-term capital gains.

If you’ve owned your Bitcoin for 12 months or less, you must pay the higher short-term capital gain tax rate. You'll pay the lower long-term capital gain tax rate if you’ve owned your Bitcoin for over 12 months. Some investors hold on to their BTC for a year or longer to take advantage of lower tax rates. 

Can I Leverage Bitcoin’s Unique Tax-Loss Harvesting Advantages? 

If you’re considering selling your BTC at a loss, remember that Bitcoin has a unique 

characteristic that makes it a better candidate for tax-loss harvesting than traditional equities. The IRS has a wash sale rule that says a capital loss cannot be claimed on securities if bought 30 days before or after a sale. However, IRS guidance has labeled Bitcoin as property, not securities.

Based on current IRS guidance, assuming the wash sale rule does not apply to Bitcoin now is reasonable. Many investors choose to sell their BTC, claim a capital loss, and buy back their coins shortly afterward. 

7. Security Is Crucial When Using Exchanges

Stick to trusted, well-established platforms and always enable two-factor authentication to protect your account. If you’re not making frequent trades, it's smart to move funds off the exchange to a secure wallet after completing your sale. 

Did you know? Centralized exchanges often hold a substantial portion of users’ BTC assets in cold storage offline wallets that aren’t connected to the internet to enhance security and protect against hacks. For example, Binance reportedly keeps over 90% of its funds in cold storage to safeguard user assetConsiderations Before Selling Bitcoin

Before selling your Bitcoin, it’s important to consider several factors that can impact your decision and overall returns: 

  • Bitcoin value: Monitor Bitcoin’s price fluctuations and market trends to assess the optimal selling time. 
  • Market sentiment: Understanding market sentiment, whether bullish or bearish, is also important to gauge investor confidence and prevailing market dynamics.
  • Projected profits: Use current market conditions to evaluate your potential returns on selling your Bitcoins and determine if this option meets your profit objectives. 
  • Tax implications: With BTC increasingly falling under the ambit of tax authorities, it is important that even as you sell your Bitcoin, you familiarize yourself with tax regulations regarding Bitcoin sales in your jurisdiction. In that way, you can ensure compliance and minimize your tax liabilities. 

Does Bitcoin Have Room To Run? 

This isn't an invitation to try to time the market; whenever you do so, you'll inevitably fail. Again, this is just another reason to have an exit strategy in place. Analysis of on-chain metrics and historical patterns imply that Bitcoin is in a position usually associated with the early phases of sector-wide bull markets. One of the most straightforward statistics to quantify this is the market-value-to-realized-value ratio, or MVRV.

Market value is calculated by multiplying Bitcoin's circulating supply by its current price. (It's the same as the market capitalization.) The value measures the price of each Bitcoin the last time it was transacted. This can provide a more granular insight into market dynamics as it removes the generalization that every bitcoin in circulation was purchased at the most recent price. By dividing the two, you'll get the MVRV and a better glimpse into Bitcoin's current position. MVRV has historically proven to be a timely indicator of when a cycle peak is near. With its current value at just 2.65, Bitcoin has room to run before it reaches around 3.5 when bull markets begin to lose steam. Bitcoin might only be warming up for what's to come. 

What It Means To Own Bitcoin

Are you willing to sell what might go down in history as the scarcest, most durable asset ever? In many ways, Bitcoin is a superior asset and a near-perfect form of money. It is easily divisible, censorship-resistant, deflationary, decentralized, and, most importantly, strictly finite. There will always be at most 21 million Bitcoins on the market.

For these reasons and some others, several theories created by people much smarter than me suggest there's a provable probability of Bitcoin reaching $1 million one day. If you want to learn more, consider brushing up on former physics professor Giovanni Santostasi's application of the Power Law to Bitcoin. 

The Possibility Of A $1 Million Bitcoin 

Let alone other price targets far higher than today may appear sensational. However, before ruling them out, consider how far it has come.

Imagine telling someone that in 15 years, Bitcoin would rise from being worth a few pennies per digital coin to one day being the eighth-most valuable asset on the planet. Now imagine what might be possible in another 15 years. We must genuinely appreciate Bitcoin's scarcity and use it as the primary consideration when determining whether or not it's time to sell.

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How to Sell Bitcoin Safely & Efficiently in 5 Easy Steps

safely sell BTC - How to Sell Bitcoin

1. Cashing Out Bitcoin: Why, When And How

There are many reasons you should sell Bitcoin. Maybe you want to lock in some of your Bitcoin profit, need cash for personal expenses, or simply want to exit the market for a while. Whatever the case, knowing how to cash out your Bitcoin holdings is crucial for getting the most out of your sale. In particular, choosing the best Bitcoin withdrawal method can make a big difference. 

Whether you prefer the simplicity of selling on a centralized exchange, the privacy of a P2P trade, or the convenience of Bitcoin ATMs, each approach has pros and cons. This guide walks you through the major ways to sell Bitcoin and helps you decide which method is best for you. It also offers some tips for safe and secure trading along the way.

2. How To Sell Bitcoin On Exchanges

Direct selling via exchanges Centralized exchanges like Binance, Coinbase and Kraken are among the easiest ways to sell Bitcoin. If you’re holding BTC and want to cash out, here’s how you can do it. Sign up for an exchange. You’ll need to complete some Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, usually by uploading an ID and proof of address. 

Once verified, deposit your Bitcoin into your exchange wallet. Most platforms provide a clear “Sell” option for Bitcoin, where you can choose to sell at market price or set your own price. After selling, you’ll have fiat currency in your account. From there, depending on the exchange, I can withdraw the funds in several ways. 

3. Bank Transfer 

Most exchanges, like Coinbase and Kraken, allow you to transfer fiat directly to your bank account. This is the most straightforward method, though processing times and fees vary.

For example, Coinbase charges about 1.5% for fiat withdrawals, while Kraken’s fees may be lower, depending on your country. With a bank transfer, the funds move through the traditional banking system via an automated clearing house, wire transfer or the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

4. Debit Card Withdrawals 

Some exchanges, like Binance, offer withdrawals directly to a debit card. Debit card networks such as Visa and Mastercard handle the withdrawal, making it faster than bank transfers but sometimes at a higher cost.  

5. Third-Party Payment Services 

Exchanges often integrate services like PayPal or SEPA for users in certain regions. PayPal is especially popular for fast, low-cost withdrawals, but not all platforms support it. SEPA transfers are a common option in Europe and are typically low-cost. 

6. P2p Withdrawal 

Some platforms, like Binance, also offer a P2P service through which you can sell Bitcoin to other users for local fiat currencies. You choose a buyer, and once the payment is confirmed, Binance releases the BTC. It’s a bit more hands-on but offers flexibility, especially if you prefer payment methods like cash or bank transfer outside the exchange. 

There will be more on this withdrawal method later. Make sure to check fees and withdrawal limits. For example, Binance offers low trading fees (as little as 0.1%), but withdrawal fees vary depending on the method.

8. How Do P2p Platforms Work? 

While certain centralized exchanges will offer a P2P portal, there are dedicated platforms like LocalBitcoins and Paxful that allow you to sell Bitcoin directly to other users, bypassing the need for a centralized exchange. The process of selling Bitcoin on a P2P platform is relatively simple. You can list your Bitcoin for sale after signing up and completing any necessary identity verification. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown: 

Finding Buyers 

You create an offer that specifies the amount of Bitcoin you’re selling, the price, and the payment method. Buyers browse through available offers and choose when to initiate trades. Alternatively, you can browse buyers’ requests and agree to their terms. 

Payment Methods 

P2P platforms offer various payment methods, including bank transfers, payments, mobile payments, gift cards, and cash in person. The flexibility in payment options is one of the biggest draws of P2P platforms. 

Escrow System 

Once a buyer agrees to your offer, the platform locks your Bitcoin in an escrow account while the buyer sends the payment. This protects both parties. After the payment is confirmed, you release the Bitcoin to the buyer, completing the transaction. 

P2P sales offer more privacy and flexibility than centralized exchanges, as they let you trade with minimal KYC and choose from various payment methods, including:

  • PayPal
  • Cash
  • Gift cards

You may avoid high exchange fees as well. Still, there’s a higher risk of scams, especially with reversible payment methods like PayPal, so it’s key to trade with verified buyers. While the platform fees might be low, some payment methods come with their costs, and the process may take longer as you wait for buyers and payments to clear.

9. How To Sell Bitcoin At Atms 

Bitcoin ATMs are physical kiosks that let you buy or sell Bitcoin for cash. They’re convenient if you prefer to deal with cash and avoid traditional banking channels. The process is pretty straightforward: 

  • You locate an ATM, scan your wallet's QR code, send Bitcoin, and receive cash once the transaction is confirmed. 
  • To find a nearby Bitcoin ATM, you can use services like Coin ATM Radar, which provides a map of machines in your area. 
  • Once you find one, the process typically involves verifying your identity and confirming how much Bitcoin you want to sell. Be aware that most ATMs have daily limits. 

The biggest advantage of Bitcoin ATMs is their convenience. You can get cash quickly without having to wait for bank transfers. The downside is that fees can be steep, sometimes as high as 15%. While ATMs are great for quick access to cash, they’re not ideal if you’re looking to sell large amounts or avoid high costs. 

Did you know? The first-ever Bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada, in 2013. Since then, the number of Bitcoin ATMs worldwide has multiplied, with over 35,000 machines operating across over 75 countries!  

10. Selling Bitcoin Over The Counter

OTC trading refers to private, direct transactions between buyers and sellers, typically arranged through brokers or specialized services. Unlike public exchanges where trades affect the market, OTC deals happen off-exchange, making them suitable for handling large Bitcoin transactions without moving the market price. The main benefit of OTC trading is the ability to sell significant amounts of Bitcoin without causing price slippage. For example, if you’re offloading a large volume of BTC on a regular exchange, it could push the price down, reducing your return. 

OTC desks provide a more controlled environment, ensuring your trade is executed smoothly and privately. 

To access OTC services, you can go through major exchanges like Coinbase Prime or Binance, which have specialized desks for high-volume traders. These platforms connect you with institutional buyers or other large sellers, often assigning a dedicated broker to handle the transaction. 

11. Accessing And Managing Risks In OTC Services

The standard minimum trade size for OTC transactions typically starts at $50,000, though it can vary depending on the platform. For example, Kraken’s OTC service is accessible for traders looking to move $100,000 or more, while Binance has a minimum trade of $10,000. OTC trading does come with risks. Since these transactions are less transparent than those on public exchanges, you need to ensure you’re working with a reputable broker to avoid the potential for fraud. Pricing might also differ slightly from the market rate, and liquidity can vary depending on the trade size, so it’s important to do your homework before proceeding. 

Did you know? The largest known over-the-counter Bitcoin trade occurred in 2013 when an anonymous buyer reportedly purchased 194,000 BTC for about $147 million. At today’s prices, that trade would be worth billions!

12. Spending Bitcoin Directly

Using Bitcoin as a payment method is becoming more common, allowing you to spend BTC without converting it into fiat currency. Many websites and businesses now accept Bitcoin for various goods and services. For example, major companies like Microsoft, AT&T and Overstock allow customers to pay with Bitcoin. You can also use BTC on platforms like Bitrefill to buy gift cards for retailers or services like:

  • Amazon
  • Airbnb
  • Uber

One major advantage of directly spending Bitcoin is avoiding the hassle and fees of converting it to fiat. You’re also participating in the broader movement to adopt BTC as a regular payment method. Spending Bitcoin can be a more tax-efficient strategy in certain regions, as it may help you avoid capital gains taxes from selling your BTC. The value of Bitcoin can fluctuate, so the BTC you spend today could be worth more tomorrow. Still, if you prefer to use your Bitcoin for real-world purchases rather than cashing out, more merchants accept it, giving you a wider range of options.

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