What KYC is checking
KYC means Know Your Customer. An exchange may compare your legal name, date of birth, nationality or residence, identity document, and live facial check. Higher account levels or particular payment services may also request proof of address or additional information.
Verification does not certify that an investment is safe. It is an identity and compliance control, not protection from market losses, platform failure, scams, or transfer mistakes.
Why an exchange may require it
Exchange policies commonly describe identity checks as tools for account security, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, and access to particular services or limits. Binance currently says new users must complete its verified level to access products and services. Bybit currently says at least Standard verification is mandatory for its products and services.
- Confirm the person controlling the account
- Reduce duplicate or impersonated accounts
- Support anti-money-laundering controls
- Apply country and product restrictions
- Help investigate account recovery or suspicious activity
How to protect your documents
Begin from the exchange's official app or type its known domain yourself. Check the domain before uploading anything, use a private device and connection, and submit only what the official verification flow requests.
A referral publisher, social-media contact, or recovery agent should never collect your ID, password, two-factor code, seed phrase, or private key. The FTC advises checking that a site is official and secured before sharing sensitive information.
Decide before you upload
Read the provider's current privacy notice, verification requirements, supported countries, and account deletion process. If you are not comfortable with the required data or the provider cannot legally serve you, do not try to bypass the restriction with another person's identity or location tools.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do all crypto exchanges require ID?
Requirements vary by provider, jurisdiction, account type, and service. Do not assume an exchange permits anonymous access; check its current official policy before registering.
Does KYC make an exchange safe?
No. KYC may support identity and compliance controls, but it does not eliminate market, custody, cybersecurity, counterparty, or fraud risk.
Should I email my ID to exchange support?
Use only the secure process specified inside the official website or app. Do not send identity documents to unsolicited contacts or addresses you have not verified.
Primary references
Official sources checked
These official pages were reviewed on June 15, 2026. Exchange policies can change, so open the source before acting.