Why chargeback-prone payment methods are risky in P2P trading and how to protect yourself.
Nina Patel
Head of Compliance
Chargebacks are one of the most common vectors for buyer scams in P2P trading. A chargeback is when a buyer initiates a reversal of a fiat payment after receiving crypto — effectively getting both the crypto and the fiat back.
Payment methods with significant chargeback risk include: PayPal "Goods & Services", credit and debit card transfers, and some gift card platforms. Many sellers on Exchanger explicitly exclude these methods.
If you want to use PayPal, always use "Friends & Family" — this removes buyer protection and signals you are not attempting a chargeback. Be aware that sellers may still decline PayPal for high-value trades.
Bank transfers (SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments) are essentially chargeback-free — banks can sometimes reverse transfers but only in narrow cases of clear bank error, not "buyer's remorse".
As a seller, never release crypto until you have logged into your bank or e-wallet and confirmed the credit. Do not rely solely on a screenshot, which can be faked. Seeing the funds in your account is the only safe signal.