LocalBitcoins

Peer-to-peer bitcoin marketplace from Finland. Trading closed in February 2023.

Shut downP2P bitcoinWithdrawals only
See alternatives ↗Last verified: 5 Nov 2026

2012Founded
9 Feb 2023Closure announced
16 Feb 2023Trading stopped
OpenWithdrawals today
The short version

What happened to LocalBitcoins?

LocalBitcoins is closed. The company announced on 9 February 2023 that it was ending its bitcoin trading service, and trading stopped on 16 February 2023.

Founded in 2012 and based in Helsinki, LocalBitcoins let people buy and sell bitcoin directly with each other for about a decade. It cited market conditions when it closed. New sign-ups stopped on the day of the announcement.

The site is still up for one reason. If you had a balance, you can log in, verify your identity if you have not already, and send the funds to your own bitcoin wallet. A standard transaction fee applies, and no maintenance fees have been charged since 1 July 2025.

Bottom line: if you think you left bitcoin on LocalBitcoins, log in and withdraw it. To trade bitcoin today, pick a live service from our LocalBitcoins alternatives page.

What it did

Key features

Person-to-person trading

Buyers and sellers found each other on the site and traded bitcoin directly.

Built-in bitcoin wallet

Each account held a wallet on the platform. Wallet use, apart from withdrawals, stopped with trading.

Identity checks

KYC checks were added later in light of regulations. You still need to pass one to withdraw.

Withdrawals of leftover funds

The one feature still running: log in, verify, and send your balance to a bitcoin address.

What it cost

LocalBitcoins pricing

Option Price Status today
Trading Not available Closed since 16 February 2023.
Withdrawing a balance Standard transaction fee Still possible after login and identity check.
Account maintenance fee None Not charged since 1 July 2025.

As described on localbitcoins.com on 5 Nov 2026. The site does not state the size of the transaction fee.

Honest fit

What still works, and what doesn't

Still works

  • Logging in to check for a leftover balance
  • Withdrawing to your own bitcoin wallet
  • Identity verification for withdrawals

No longer available

  • Buying or selling bitcoin
  • New account sign-ups
  • Using the wallet for anything but withdrawals
What people ask

LocalBitcoins FAQ

Is LocalBitcoins still working?

No, not for trading. Trading ended on 16 February 2023. The site only lets past users withdraw remaining funds.

Can I still withdraw my bitcoin from LocalBitcoins?

Yes. Log in, verify your identity if you have not, and submit a bitcoin wallet address. A standard transaction fee applies.

When did LocalBitcoins shut down?

In February 2023. It announced the closure on 9 February 2023 and stopped trading on 16 February 2023.

Why did LocalBitcoins close?

It cited market conditions. The company said it could no longer provide its bitcoin trading service.

Does LocalBitcoins charge fees on old accounts?

No maintenance fees since 1 July 2025. Only the standard transaction fee applies when you withdraw.

What is the best LocalBitcoins alternative?

It depends on how you want to trade. Compare live options on our LocalBitcoins alternatives page.
Keep comparing

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