BasicSwap DEX: what it is and how to use it
BasicSwap is a decentralised atomic-swap exchange, non-custodial and account-free, that uses the coins' official wallets such as Bitcoin Core. It only connects peers: it neither runs the swap nor holds your funds.
Overview
| Category | Swaps |
|---|---|
| KYC required | No |
| Open source | to verify |
| Price | No trading fees, according to the project (Oct 2026) |
| Official site | github.com/basicswap/basicswap |
How do you use BasicSwap DEX?
- Go to the official repository github.com/basicswap/basicswap, typed by hand, and read the documentation.
- Prepare a Linux machine with Docker (or your own install) and full nodes for the coins you will use.
- Start with a test swap of an amount you accept to lose or go without for weeks.
- Use bitcoin of clean origin if the goal is to reduce the trail.
- Give a refund address that only you control.
- Keep the order ID, without addresses, in case something stalls.
What are the limits and cautions?
- Setup is technical and heavy; it is for people already experienced with nodes and Docker.
- Atomic swaps are slower and depend on liquidity from other users. The project says it is under active development, so check its current state before trading.
Other Swaps tools
How to Buy Bitcoin Anonymously — See the book on Amazon