MoonPay Review 2025
- Simplifies crypto investing with traditional payment methods
- The off-ramp service lets users convert crypto to local money
- Non-custodial solutions ensure users fully control their digital assets
MoonPay streamlines crypto investing via a beginner-friendly app with non-custodial solutions. Users can buy and sell 140+ digital assets with traditional deposit methods like debit/credit cards and e-wallets. This MoonPay review reveals everything you need to know.
We tested the MoonPay app on iOS and Android to evaluate the most important factors, from accessibility and learning curve to supported markets, payment methods, and fees. Read on to explore our findings and decide whether MoonPay is right for you.
MoonPay Review: Pros and Cons
MoonPay appeals to casual crypto investors who favor convenience and simplicity. Users buy and sell cryptocurrencies without relying on complicated spot exchanges or order books. Instead, investors simply choose the asset and purchase amount, and enter their payment details to confirm.
From PayPal and Google/Apple Pay to debit/credit cards, the app supports a wide selection of popular deposit methods. As an off-ramp provider, MoonPay also allows crypto-to-fiat conversions, so investors may seamlessly cash out their crypto gains.
Regarding drawbacks, MoonPay fees are slightly higher than those of traditional exchanges. The workaround is to deposit fiat via MoonPay Balance and manually buy crypto to avoid transaction charges. As a licensed provider, MoonPay initiates KYC procedures, which may be a disadvantage to some users. Even so, the process is fast and hassle-free.
Pros
- A safe and established mobile app for crypto investing
- Boasts over 30 million users and excellent reviews in the public domain
- Buy and sell 140+ digital assets with traditional money
- Popular payment types include debit/credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and ACH
- As a non-custodial solution, users fully control their assets
- One of the most user-friendly crypto apps in the market
- Additional features include staking and real-time market data
Cons
- Some payment methods incur fees of up to 4.5%
- MoonPay Balance is available in select regions only
- ACH withdrawals can take up to five working days
- Doesn’t offer telephone support
What Is MoonPay?
Launched in 2019, MoonPay is a financial technology company that bridges the gap between digital assets and traditional fiat money. It facilitates crypto-to-fiat (and vice versa) payments for over 30 million users in more than 180 countries.
The firm initially specialized in fiat services for third-party providers, such as wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. Notable partners include Trust Wallet, Zengo, and Binance.
It has since built a proprietary Web 3.0 ecosystem for iOS and Android users, which simplifies crypto investing for beginners. The MoonPay app supports a wide range of convenient payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local bank transfers. It also supports token conversions, competitive staking rewards, and real-time market data.
Our MoonPay review found that the app functions as a non-custodial solution. The app does not store private keys, so users retain full ownership of their digital asset purchases. It also keeps users safe via biometric security.
MoonPay Overview
What is Moonpay, and how does it work? The table below outlines key data to help crypto investors make informed choices:
| Exchange Type | Non-custodial |
|---|---|
| Best For | Crypto beginners who prefer buying and selling digital assets with familiar payment methods, while avoiding centralized counterparty risks |
| Established | 2019 |
| Based In | New York, U.S. |
| Availability | Over 180 countries, although users in some regions may face product restrictions |
| Licenses | Licensed in 47 U.S. states, and legally registered in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Australia, and the Netherlands |
| KYC Verification | Requires identity verification to ensure regulatory compliance |
| Supported Coins | 140+ (Varies by location) |
| Deposit Methods | Debit/credit cards, Google/Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Revolut, SEPA, and more |
| Trading Products | Fiat-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat, and token swaps |
| Fees | Varies by the digital asset, payment method, currency, and location |
| Key Features | Non-custodial trading, fiat on and off-ramps, crypto conversions, and staking |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat |
Is MoonPay Safe?
In this section, we help answer the question: Is MoonPay trustworthy?
MoonPay is a well-established company with over 250 business clients, including some of the world's leading crypto exchanges and wallets, such as Binance, MEXC, Bithumb, Trust Wallet, and MetaMask. These providers rely on MoonPay to offer fiat services to their customers, either because of regulatory or regional restrictions.
As a payment provider, MoonPay isn’t regulated like tier-one brokerages, yet it has secured licenses in 47 U.S. states. It’s also registered with the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), as well as with authorities in Canada, the UK, Australia, and several European countries.
MoonPay’s security infrastructure is also robust. Transport Layer Security (TLS) ensures encrypted client data, while biometrics prevents unauthorized app access. The firm also offers a bug bounty program to help identify potential security vulnerabilities.
MoonPay is a strictly non-custodial agent, allowing users to avoid counterparty risks. When using the Moonpay app, it requests users' wallet addresses and transfers funds accordingly. Those without an existing wallet may store cryptocurrencies in the iOS or Android app, and keys are accessible only to the user.
Visit MoonPayMoonPay Supported Coins and Trading Pairs
MoonPay supports over 140 digital assets, including our list of best cryptocurrencies to buy, like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). If you're interested in popular meme coins, the app supports Shiba Inu (SHIB), Dogecoin (DOGE), Pepe (PEPE), and Bonk (BONK), among others.
Due to regulatory restrictions, MoonPay may prohibit certain cryptocurrencies for users in some countries. One example is stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USDC (USDC), which Canadian clients cannot access. MoonPay currently supports 65 cryptocurrencies in the US, 35 in New York, and 140+ in most other territories.
As a licensed operator, MoonPay offers fiat-to-crypto pairs, making it an ideal choice for first-time traders. Users buy and sell digital assets using local payment methods and currencies, rather than stablecoins.
MoonPay Trading and Investing
MoonPay offers on-ramp and off-ramp services, which allow users to enter and exit the crypto market with traditional money. The provider also supports instant token conversions, so traders swap cryptocurrencies without leaving the app interface.
Our MoonPay app review explores these core features in more detail below.
Buy
It takes minutes to buy cryptocurrencies on the MoonPay app. Instant payment methods include e-wallets such as Apple/Google Pay and PayPal, as well as debit/credit cards from Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro.
Select bank transfers are also available, like SEPA, UK Faster Payments, and Interac e-Transfer. Processing times vary by banking method.
Like other services on MoonPay, some payment options may be restricted in certain countries. For example, MoonPay allows PayPal purchases in the U.S., the UK, and the European Union only.
Sell
MoonPay provides one of the easiest ways to cash out cryptocurrencies into local money. Its off-ramp service supports a wide range of payout methods, from PayPal and bank transfers to Visa and MasterCard.
U.S. clients may use ACH, although it takes up to five working days for funds to arrive.
Swap
MoonPay users can bypass traditional crypto exchanges by swapping tokens directly in the app. The service works for a wide selection of top altcoins, including those that operate on different network standards.
A user who holds ETH, for instance, may swap their coins for SOL, even though those cryptocurrencies operate on the Ethereum and Solana blockchains, respectively. MoonPay takes care of cross-chain bridging behind the scenes.
MoonPay partners with reputable decentralized finance (DeFi) providers to ensure a safe and fast trading experience. Users simply enter their original and receiving assets, alongside the swap amount. As the process remains non-custodial, users never forfeit control of their private keys.
DeFi Trading
For users looking for extra flexibility and the opportunity to interact with a wider variety of DeFi protocols, MoonPay also offers a “DeFi trading” feature. It connects to external unregulated decentralized exchange (DEX) platforms controlled and run by third parties (not MoonPay itself) on the Solana blockchain, and enables users to exchange, purchase, and transfer assets on Solana as needed.
At the time of writing, MoonPay DeFi trading requires traders to use USDC (Solana) to interact with other tokens - and the service is not currently available in the EEA (European Economic Area) or New York, although it is provided in all other territories where MoonPay operates. A $20 minimum USDC (Solana) purchase is required when topping up your DeFi trading account using MoonPay’s internal “MoonPay Rails” system, but other options (such as external wallet transfers) are available.
MoonPay charges a DeFi trading fee of 0.8% per swap, with a minimum trading fee of $0.25. Additional fees can sometimes apply if the Solana blockchain is operating under heavy transaction loads.
It’s also important to check token swap liquidity levels and current market conditions as part of an effective DeFi risk management strategy, especially when dealing with third-party platforms. As DeFi trading is a relatively new MoonPay feature, the service is subject to change - so we recommend checking MoonPay’s official DeFi trading guide for the latest updates.
Crypto On-Ramp for Businesses
MoonPay helps crypto stakeholders offer fiat on-ramp services as a secondary feature.
Wallet providers like Zengo and Ledger, which cannot facilitate fiat payments due to their non-custodial framework, rely on the service for client purchases. Their users buy digital assets with convenient payment methods, and MoonPay transfers the coins or tokens to the respective wallet address.
Our MoonPay review confirmed that most on-ramp customers integrate the service within 10 minutes, since they simply enter a snippet of code into their website or app.
MoonPay guarantees that business customers avoid chargebacks, as it handles payments on their behalf. Businesses choose their revenue-sharing percentage and earn a commission on each crypto purchase thereafter.
MoonPay Fees
MoonPay fees vary widely depending on the payment method and currency. The provider builds various fees into the final quote, which the app displays once users enter their trade requirements. This includes transaction-related charges, processing costs, and network fees for the digital asset transfer.
According to the MoonPay pricing disclosure, European clients pay MoonPay fees of up to 4.5% when they use a debit/credit card or PayPal. Those fees are reduced to just 1% on bank transfers. The minimum fee, regardless of the payment type, is €3.99.
U.S. clients face similar prices, paying up to 4.5% on fiat purchases and sales with a $3.99 minimum charge.
Our research confirms that buying and selling directly on the MoonPay app is always cheaper than buying crypto using a partnered wallet or exchange. This is because business customers typically add a markup on the final price.
MoonPay Balance
MoonPay Balance lets users reduce their payment fees by significant amounts. Available to clients in the U.S., the UK, and the European Union, users top up their account balance without paying fees.
Deposit options range from PayPal and Venmo in the U.S. to ‘Faster Payments’ for UK residents. Users must make payments in the respective local currency to access the fee-free service.
Once funds arrive in the account, users may buy cryptocurrencies without additional MoonPay fees. They cover the standard network charge for the coin or token they purchase, which is often a few cents.
Visit MoonPayMoonPay Payment Methods
MoonPay supports everyday payment methods to simplify crypto purchases, including:
- Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Revolut
- Venmo (U.S only)
- SEPA (European Union only)
- Faster Payments (UK only)
- PIX (Brazil only)
- Interac e-Transfer (Canada only)
MoonPay processes debit/credit cards and e-wallets instantly, while domestic transfers range from 30 minutes to three business days, depending on the banking method.
To use MoonPay to sell crypto for fiat money, you may choose from the following payout options:
- Visa Direct and MasterCard Direct
- ACH (U.S only)
- Venmo (U.S only)
- SEPA (European Union only)
- Faster Payments (UK only)
- PayPal
Is MoonPay User-Friendly?
Our research shows that MoonPay is one of the best crypto apps for beginners. Even first-time investors find the app easy to use, since virtually no learning curve is required.
Getting started with the MoonPay app takes seconds. Once users enter an email address for account recovery, they choose which cryptocurrencies they wish to buy, alongside the payment amount and currency. MoonPay displays the exchange rate based on those parameters.
To complete the purchase, users enter their personal information, upload a government-issued ID, and input the payment details. Users elect to receive their digital assets in an external wallet (like MetaMask) or within the MoonPay app.
Other account features also suit inexperienced traders. The conversion tool, for instance, lets users trade cryptocurrencies without relying on exchange order books. Similar to buying or selling coins, users fill out a simple form with their swap requirements, and MoonPay processes the order right away.
Where Is MoonPay Available?
MoonPay operates in over 180 jurisdictions, including the U.S. and Canada, and all European countries. It also has a strong presence in emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Restrictions typically cover countries that ban cryptocurrencies or require local regulation.
Note that MoonPay restricts services in some jurisdictions due to compliance. This may include certain payment methods or asset types like stablecoins or privacy coins.
MoonPay Customer Support and User Reviews
Despite serving over 30 million users worldwide, MoonPay offers top-notch customer service. The company features a live chat service on its website and within the mobile app, and it functions 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
According to other MoonPay reviews, customers receive fast and responsive replies in most cases. MoonPay does not offer telephone support, yet this is standard practice with crypto platforms that have global client bases.
Third-party review platforms verify MoonPay's excellent reputation. On TrustPilot, the app's 4.1/5 rating covers more than 100,000 individual reviews. MoonPay also boasts a 4.5/5 rating on both Google Play and the App Store.
Where Can MoonPay Improve?
MoonPay’s standout features include user-friendliness, convenience, and the ability to enter and exit the digital asset market with local money. However, our MoonPay review found that the app could improve in the following areas:
- Payment Fees: Depending on the payment method and currency, MoonPay charges up to 4.5% to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. While this aligns with popular exchanges like Coinbase and Gemini, cheaper options exist.
- MoonPay Balance Accessibility: The MoonPay Balance feature enables users to cut transaction fees substantially. Users top up their balance and buy crypto without additional charges. The service is available to users in the UK, Europe, and the U.S. only, so other nationalities must pay standard fees.
- Additional Token Support: While MoonPay offers 140+ coins and tokens, this represents a small fraction of the overall crypto market. If users wish to buy new cryptocurrencies that trade on decentralized exchanges, they must use the app’s conversion (swap) tool or the DeFi trading feature (which enables extra flexibility, but is subject to some geographical restrictions). These extra steps may not appeal to more casual or inexperienced investors.
Best MoonPay Alternatives
The table below compares MoonPay with other fiat gateways like CEX.io and Ramp. Each platform has varying pros and cons, so users may choose a provider that aligns with their core priorities.
| MoonPay | Ramp | CEX.io | ChangeNOW | Mercuryo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Coins | 140+ | 110+ | 300+ | 1490+ | 30+ |
| Deposit Methods | Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, local bank transfers | Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, local bank transfers | Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, local bank transfers, MoneyGram | Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, local bank transfers | Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, local bank transfers |
| Trading Fees | Up to 4.5% | Up to 5.45% | Up to 4.99% + service charge | Built into the user's quote | Up to 3.95% (or 5% for fast track purchases) |
| Trading Services | Fiat-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat, token swaps, DeFi trading | Fiat-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat | Fiat-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat, spot trading, margin trading | Fiat-to-crypto, token swaps | Fiat-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat |
| U.S. Friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| KYC Required? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, when buying crypto with fiat | Yes |
As per the above, some providers stand out for reduced trading fees, and others for their wide digital asset support.
How to Get Started With MoonPay
Here is a step-by-step walkthrough on how to buy cryptocurrencies on MoonPay.
Step 1: Download the MoonPay App
Visit the MoonPay website and click “Get Started”.
Select the Google Play or App Store icon to download the MoonPay app. Open the app and enter an email address.
Step 2: Choose a Crypto to Buy
Tap the “Discover” button and explore available cryptocurrencies. The number of supported cryptocurrencies will vary depending on your location, with 65 in the US (except New York, where 35 are available), and 140+ in other territories.
If you can’t see the preferred digital asset, use the search box.
Step 3: Enter Currency and Purchase Amount
Once you’ve decided which crypto to purchase, tap the “Buy” button. Then select the preferred currency and input the payment amount.
Tap “Buy” one more time to proceed.
Step 4: Complete KYC
The MoonPay app requires a quick KYC verification process to ensure regulatory compliance. Enter basic personal information like your name and date of birth, and provide a copy of your government-issued ID.
Scan the ID document with your smartphone camera and ensure the image contains all four corners. Most MoonPay users complete KYC in under a minute.
Step 5: Choose Delivery Method and Complete Purchase
MoonPay lets users receive cryptocurrencies in the iOS/Android app, or in an external crypto wallet like MetaMask and Trust Wallet. Select the preferred option and enter your payment details to complete the purchase.
Once processed, MoonPay transfers the digital assets.
MoonPay Review Conclusion: Is It a Good Option in 2025?
In summary, MoonPay is ideal for beginners seeking a straightforward and efficient way to invest in cryptocurrencies. The mobile app supports the most convenient payment methods, including debit/credit cards and PayPal, which enable users to buy and sell digital assets using local currency.
Additional features like staking and real-time market data provide an all-in-one ecosystem at the tap of a button. As an established and licensed payment service, MoonPay ensures asset safety via non-custodial storage, biometrics, and two-factor authentication.
Visit MoonPayOur Methodology: How We Tested and Reviewed MoonPay
To compile this MoonPay review, we created a strict methodology to ensure accuracy and impartiality. We downloaded the MoonPay app for iOS and Android, and assessed the onboarding process for speed, convenience, and accessibility.
The team tested core features across popular payment methods, including both the on-ramp and off-ramp services. We noted and compared core metrics like fees, spreads, and delivery timeframes, as well as supported markets and currencies.
Our research methods enabled us to explore the question: Is MoonPay legitimate? We analyzed security features such as biometrics and two-factor authentication, and verified company registration, licensing, and other MoonPay reviews in the public domain.
We update this review frequently so readers have access to up-to-date information.
FAQs
Is MoonPay safe to use?
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References
- Crypto payments company MoonPay looks to compete with Stripe with Iron stablecoin acquisition (CNBC)
- MoonPay (UK) Limited (UK Financial Conduct Authority)
- What are fiat “on-ramps” and “off-ramps”? (Coinbase)
- What is TLS (Transport Layer Security)? (Cloudflare)
- MoonPay Licenses and Registrations (MoonPay)
