In recent years, cryptocurrencies have become increasingly popular as a credible means of payment for goods and services in some countries. However, that is not the case in several other parts of the world. Hence, many individuals who own crypto still need efficient ways to convert their digital assets to fiat currencies for daily expenses.
While many enthusiasts focus on the opportunities and advantages of investing in cryptocurrencies, such as their potential for high returns and decentralization, less attention is given to the practicalities of cashing out these digital assets. This process of cashing out, known as off-ramping, involves converting crypto assets into fiat currencies, like USD, EUR, SGD, and so on.
Off-ramping can be a complex and often intricate process, with different methods and fees depending on the platform used. For this reason, we’ve curated this piece to inform you of the cheapest – and most convenient – ways to off-ramp crypto on exchanges. The following is a list of some of the most popular centralized exchanges (CEXs), as well as their off-ramping methods and associated fees.
1. Coinbase
Image credit: Variety
Coinbase is one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency trading platforms, with support for over 200 crypto and blockchain-related assets. Founded in 2012 as an outlet for merely sending and receiving Bitcoin, the company has grown into a multi-functional ecosystem, recording about $159 billion in trades per quarter. Additionally, Coinbase is a prominent cryptocurrency exchange that allows its users to off-ramp their crypto funds in a convenient process.
To cash out your crypto funds on Coinbase, you must first convert your crypto to fiat currency. You can do this by going to the Sell tab, selecting the crypto asset, and entering the amount you wish to convert. To complete this process, click on the ‘Sell now’ button on the order preview page.
After converting your crypto funds to cash, the fiat currency will appear in your cash balance. Go to the my assets page and then click on your preferred fiat currency. The ‘Cash out’ tab will appear, prompting you to input the amount you wish to withdraw. After entering your withdrawal amount, select your preferred payment method (Instant or Standard cash out) and click the ‘Cash out now’ button to complete your transaction.
When off-ramping your funds on Coinbase, you may be charged a fee, depending on your preferred cash out method. This is in addition to the fees you may have incurred while converting your crypto to fiat. This conversion fee is calculated by Coinbase and often varies, depending on different factors, like location, market conditions, transaction size, etc. Here is a link to Coinbase’s page on pricing and fees.
2. Gemini
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Gemini is a top centralized exchange where you can easily cash out your crypto funds at a relatively low fee – or at no cost at all. This cryptocurrency platform offers a variety of options and features for trading, investing, and storing crypto assets in almost every part of the world. Gemini features more than 100 cryptocurrencies on its exchange, while also supporting an extensive selection of fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD, and HKD.
On Gemini, users are able to off-ramp their crypto profits via a couple of payment methods, depending on the selected fiat currency. For USD withdrawals and U.S. customers, you can initiate an ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer or wire transfer to your linked (and verified) bank account. Also, users can withdraw other supported fiat currencies via the ‘wire transfer’ option in the Transfer Method dropdown menu.
While Gemini doesn’t charge any fees for withdrawing fiat from your fully-verified account, your bank might apply a charge for receiving the funds. The table below helps break down our findings on the various off-ramping methods on Gemini exchange.
| Withdrawal Limits | Withdrawal Minimums | Fees | |
| ACH Transfer | $100,000 (Daily) | None | Free |
| Wire Transfer | None | $50 | Determined by the bank |
| Bank Transfer | None | None | Determined by the bank |
3. Crypto.com
Image Credit: crypto.com
With more than 250 crypto assets on its books, Crypto.com is one of the leading crypto exchanges in the world. It offers a platform where crypto investors and enthusiasts can buy, sell, invest, and stake various cryptocurrencies. Fortunately, Crypto.com is relatively inexpensive when it comes to trading your crypto funds and cashing out your profits.
Off-ramping your funds on Crypto.com is not particularly straightforward, as one would have to use the platform’s fiat wallet. This wallet is available in different fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, BRL, etc. To begin the off-ramping process on Crypto.com, you must first set your fiat wallet in the currency you wish to receive your payment.
Afterwards, you will be required to exchange your crypto funds for your selected fiat currency. Although it is not compulsory to off-ramp all your crypto funds at once, there is a minimum amount (depending on the currency) you can withdraw on each request. After converting your crypto to fiat, you can proceed to withdraw your cash.
Each fiat currency often has a specific payment method to enact a transfer. For example, EUR withdrawal is performed via SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area, while USD is via ACH (for eligible U.S. users).
It is worth noting that, in most cases, Crypto.com does not charge a fee for fiat withdrawal. However, your bank may charge a processing fee. So, make sure to check with the receiving institution before requesting a withdrawal.
For Crypto.com users in Singapore, you can use StraitsX – a Singapore-based payment solution that offers credit card processing and internet banking transfers. It allows you to deposit and withdraw crypto funds via the StraitsX Singapore Dollar (XSGD). The fee for using StraitsX on Crypto.com is pegged at 0.5%.
4. Kraken
Image Credit: Logos-World
Regarding trading new and existing crypto assets at low fees, Kraken is one of the cryptocurrency exchanges to look out for. Since its establishment in 2011, the crypto exchange has managed to maintain an excellent reputation amongst its customer base across over 190 countries. While Kraken supports more than 185 cryptocurrencies on its exchange, its selection of fiat currencies is also impressive.
Kraken allows its users to off-ramp crypto funds on its exchange via various payment methods. This withdrawal feature is available on the funding page, which you can access when logged into your Kraken account. In most cases, only one withdrawal method will be available to you, depending on your selected fiat currency.
Interestingly, ACH transfer and bank transfer are the only two withdrawal methods that are available at no charge. ACH and bank transfer can only be used to withdraw USD and AUD, respectively. Below is a table highlighting Kraken’s various off-ramping methods, processing fees, and other important details.
| Currency | Withdrawal Method | WithdrawalMinimum | Withdrawal Fee |
| USD | ACH Transfer | 1 USD | Free |
| EUR | SEPA | 5 EUR | 0.09 EUR |
| GBP | FPS | 5 GBP | 1.95 GBP |
| CAD | EFT | 50 CAD | 0.25% |
| CHF | SIC | 2 CHF | 1 CHF |
| AUD | Bank Transfer or Osko | 5 AUD | Free |
| JPY | Furikomi | 1,250 JPY | 250 JPY |
5. Bitfinex
Image Credit: Bitfinex
Established in 2012, Bitfinex is one of the pioneer centralized exchanges in the crypto industry. With over a decade’s worth of experience, this crypto exchange provides one of the best crypto trading services in the world. Bitfinex features over 100 crypto tokens on its trading platform, supporting fiat currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and CNH.
Bitfinex is one of the top exchanges that allows its users to off-ramp their crypto funds. However, your account must be fully verified before you can make a fiat withdrawal (via bank wire) from your account. Alternatively, you can execute EUR/GBP transactions via OpenPayd – a global payment and BaaS platform, albeit your account must be at least at the Intermediate verification level.
To initiate a withdrawal on Bitfinex, go to the Wallet page on the menu bar and select the Withdrawals option. On the withdrawal page, click on the Bank wire option – and OpenPayd services for EUR and GBP withdrawals. Then, you will be required to fill in certain transaction details, such as the fiat currency, crypto wallet, withdrawal amount, and beneficiary bank details, depending on the payment method.
Below is an outline of the off-ramping fees on the Bitfinex exchange.
| Withdrawal Method | Fees |
| Bank Wire (Standard Wire) | 0.1% (min 60, USD/EUR) |
| Bank Wire (Express Wire) | 1.0% (min 60, USD/EUR) |
| OpenPayd (for withdrawals less than 10,000 EUR/GBP) | 0.50 EUR/GBP |
| OpenPayd (for withdrawals of more than 10,000 EUR/GBP) | 0.1% of withdrawal amount |
Conclusion
Until more countries start adopting cryptocurrencies as legal tender, especially as they continue to gain traction, off-ramping will remain a lingering issue amongst crypto enthusiasts and investors. Luckily, many centralized exchanges – like the ones mentioned above – offer a secure and cost-efficient platform for people to cash out their crypto funds. In addition, peer-to-peer platforms, crypto debit cards, and even Bitcoin ATMs are other means of off-ramping digital assets.
That said, it is important to do your due diligence and conduct proper research before settling on an off-ramping method. This will help you choose a method that suits your needs. For example, now that you understand the different fees associated with cashing out your crypto assets on various exchanges, you can make informed decisions and maximize your returns.
Also Read: Blockchains With The Highest Developers Count In 2023
[Editor’s Note: This article does not represent financial advice. Please do your research before investing.]
This article is done by our freelance writer, Opeyemi Sule
Featured Image Credit: Chain Debrief
