The primary reason anyone invests in crypto is to increase their wealth and diversify their source of income. So it’s normal to think about cashing out your coins after a while. You must look for the best crypto off-ramp platforms available to do that. Too much, too quick? Okay, let’s take it slowly.
Crypto off-ramps are simply those platforms where you swap your coins for traditional currency, otherwise known as fiat money. It could be a centralised exchange or a service provider that gives its users crypto debit cards. Whichever you settle for, the main point is that these platforms provide the very coveted crypto-fiat liquidity.
In most African countries, nobody needs to be taught how essential it is to ensure maximum security when dealing with money. The economic situation of most countries impresses an urgency in carefulness on every one of us, especially as it concerns swapping assets with crypto off-ramps. So, to sail this boat further, we bring you the top 5 best crypto off-ramp platforms in Africa.
What Are Crypto Off-Ramp Platforms?
As we said earlier, crypto off-ramps are platforms or service providers that facilitate the swapping of cryptocurrency for legal tender of any country, be it dollar, rand, yen, pounds, cedis or naira.
These platforms could be exchanges or crypto debit card providers. Most of them also double as on-ramps, but that’s not our focus in this article. Asides from exchanges, off-ramp platforms are few. This can be attributed to many crypto marketplaces, wallet providers and apps lacking a payment infrastructure that enables this kind of swap. One such infrastructure gaining momentum today is Ramp. They allow apps that partner with them to offer on-ramping and off-ramping services. However, their off-ramp service is still unavailable in certain countries.
Off-Ramps and Other Exchanges
Exchanges are platforms that facilitate token swaps among crypto wallet owners. There are a variety of services they offer, from facilitating trades to liquidity pools. All off-ramps are exchanges or wallet providers, but not all exchanges are off-ramps.
An off-ramp’s main advantage over other exchanges is that the liquidity-to-fiat option will attract more users.
Think about it. Would you go for an exchange that lets you connect your wallet and trade but does not allow you to convert your tokens directly to your country’s legal tender? It’s improbable. Not if you have a choice. This is the reason why off-ramps will stand out among other exchanges.
Advantages of Using Crypto Off-Ramps
So what do you stand to gain from using off-ramps for your transactions? The following are the benefits of using crypto off-ramps
- Access to liquidity
- Risk avoidance
- Convenience
1. Access To Liquidity
Knowing you can quickly liquidate your assets when you want is very comforting. What’s the point of amassing wealth in crypto if you cannot convert it to any usable fiat currency? Using crypto off-ramps enables you to convert your money from one value to another. (Yes, crypto is also money, just not the widely acceptable money issued by a government).
2. Risk Avoidance
After some time, most crypto holders begin to desire the custody of their wallets. The risk of losing your holdings while they remain in a custodial wallet may push you to want to off-ramp. There is the option of moving your funds to a non-custodial wallet. But for crypto beginners who are yet to delve into DeFi, off-ramping appears to be the best way to avoid hacks or thefts on centralised exchange wallets.
3. Convenience
As human beings, we love the availability of choice. Convenience means it is just as easy to step off the cryptosystem as it is to jump on. That option removes the feeling of being caged. Using an off-ramp will put your mind at ease so that you can confidently o-ramp again when you desire.
Top 5 Crypto Off-Ramp Platforms in Africa
Now that most of your questions about off-ramping are answered, what are the best off-ramp platforms to use? Firstly, note that Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria are the top 3 African countries that dabble in cryptocurrency. Other countries include South Africa and Zimbabwe. Check out the list of Africa’s top 5 best crypto off-ramp platforms. Most of them are exchanges that also offer services aside from off-ramping.
- Prestmit
- Luno
- Quidax
- Bitmama
- Bitpesa
1. Prestmit
Standing out as one of the best digital trading platforms in Africa is Prestmit. They also offer off-ramping services for Bitcoin, litecoin, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies. You can sell your coins for cedis or naira.
Its features include 2FA for tight security, multi-stage verification, gift card trading and wallets for storing money.
Pros
- Easy to use with a simple user interface on both the app and website.
- Quick transactions.
- Low fees
- Great customer support
- Ideal for newbies and experienced crypto owners.
Cons
- Limited crypto assets
2. Luno
This is another reputable exchange in Africa that provides off-ramping services. Luno focuses on Bitcoin and Ethereum-based tokens with a presence in over 40 countries.
Features include a custodial Bitcoin wallet, a crypto trading platform, off-ramp for crypto-to-fiat exchanges.
Pros
- Low transaction fees
- Straightforward – it’s easy to navigate
Cons
- Limited cryptocurrency support
- Slow customer support
3. Quidax
This platform provides an array of services, including crypto-off-ramps. It allows users to save USD with interest, buy a virtual crypto debit card and access a global trading market.
Pros
- Supports multiple cryptocurrencies
- Friendly user interface
- Quick transactions
- Great customer support
Cons
- Too many fees.
- High cost of transactions.
4. Bitmama
Bitmama is a P2P exchange that doubles as one of the off-ramp platforms in Africa. It allows users to sell their crypto for fiat with support for Nigerian naira, Ghanaian cedis and Kenyan shilling.
Its other features include sales of virtual crypto debit cards that support stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and cUSD, money transfer service and API for developers.
Pros
- Supports up to 7 cryptocurrencies
- Good customer support
- Friendly user interface
- Available in over 100 countries
Cons
- Unclear fee structure.
5. Bitpesa
Bitpesa is not a regular exchange. It’s a fintech platform allowing users to send and receive both fiat money and cryptocurrency worldwide. Bitpesa off-ramps crypto by converting the crypto a user receives in their wallet to their local currency.
Pros
- Low fees.
- Quick transactions.
- Crypto swap across the world.
Cons
- Slow customer support
How To Choose a Suitable Crypto Off-Ramp Platform for You
There are many factors to consider when looking for a good crypto off-ramp platform. Depending on the plans you have for your assets, there are certain checks you should carry out. These checks will help you avoid being bamboozled by the shiny promises of the different platforms available. Here are the essential things to look for in a platform you intend to use.
1. Fees.
Ensure you understand their fee structure. Do they charge withdrawal fees in addition to conversion fees? Is there a clear explanation of all the charges you will accrue while using their platform? This is a crucial factor to consider.
2. Cryptocurrency Support.
Most platforms have limitations on the number of cryptocurrencies they support. Check to see if the platform supports your token.
3. Security.
You will be putting your cryptocurrency and fiat money at risk if you use an off-ramp platform that is lax in security. Before transferring funds, check if your intended platform has 2FA, data encryption, and KYC regulations.
4. Transaction Speed
Typically, platforms that are mostly off-ramp service providers are faster because they generally have a simpler registration process and combine exchanges into quick transactions. An example is Prestmit. Within minutes, you can complete your registration, connect your wallet, and finish off-ramping. More prominent centralised exchanges may be slower in completing transactions. So, check before you engage.
5. Ease of Use.
It goes without saying that your user experience should be seamless and smooth. Convenience is important, especially for beginners who may not be as tech-savvy as their seasoned counterparts to use complex websites and apps. So don’t forget to glance at the reviews or download the app to get a feel of the user interface.
How to Use a Crypto Off-Ramp Platform
There is no one-way formula for using every platform because your chosen platform may be a dedicated off-ramp service or a multi-functional platform like an exchange.
But for this article, we will show you how to use a dedicated off-ramp. With this knowledge, you can easily navigate any other exchanges. Let’s use Prestmit as an example.
Step-by-step Guide on How to Use a Crypto Off-Ramp
- Download the app from Google Play Store or Apple Store.
- Create your account or log in if you already have one on the platform.
- On your app, go to Wallets and select the cryptocurrency you want to add.
- Tap Generate Bitcoin wallet or any other crypto you want to off-ramp, as long as it’s available on your chosen platform.
- Once you’ve completed the process, you can connect your wallet to your Prestmit wallet (or the wallet of your chosen platform).
- Follow the prompts to commence the swap. Ensure you check the current swap rates before connecting your wallet or sending funds to your selected off-ramp platform.
- Add your local bank account to receive your payment.
How to Secure Your Crypto Off-Ramp Platform Account
- Safeguard your passwords.
- Protect all your devices with strong passwords or PINs.
- Keep your account details private.
- Never log in to your account on a foreign device.
- To prevent hacks and cyber thefts, enable 2FA on your account. Use biometric encryption to protect your apps, too, if available.
Bottomline
Crypto off-ramps are as exciting as the brakes on any accelerating machine. It’s unimaginable not to have an “out” from anything. So, if you want to swap your crypto for naira, cedis or shillings, any of these platforms will do.
Now that you’ve seen Africa’s top 5 best crypto off-ramp platforms, it’s up to you to consider your choices. Choose based on your specific needs to enjoy secure, seamless and successful cryptocurrency transactions in Africa.
Disclaimer📢: Prestmit is not responsible for any choice you make regarding crypto-off-ramps. Kindly do your due diligence before you engage with any platform.
