Instant swap (no account)
SideShift
SideShift is one of the older crypto-to-crypto exchangers that staked an explicit no-KYC posture and stuck with it via geofencing rather than ID collection.
- Website
- sideshift.ai
- KYC
- no KYC — Geofences certain jurisdictions (e.g., U.S.) but does not collect KYC for permitted users; quote-and-swap flow does not require account creation.
- Status
- active
- Fiat on-ramp
- no
- Payment
- crypto
- Jurisdiction
- Anguilla (operator-disclosed)
- Founded
- 2017
- Open source
- no
- Custodial
- no
- Last verified
- Sources
- 2
Overview
What SideShift is#
A no-account instant exchanger with first-class Lightning support and a widely-used API. Available in most jurisdictions except those it geofences.
Threat-model fit#
Solid default for Lightning ↔ on-chain swaps and for wallets that route through an exchanger backend.
Strengths
- Long-running operator with explicit no-KYC policy.
- Lightning support on both sides for BTC.
- First-class API used by integrators including hardware wallets.
Caveats
- Geofenced for several jurisdictions; users in those regions are blocked rather than asked for ID.
- Like all custodial backends, address-screening can affect output release on outliers.
- Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).
Verdict
SideShift is one of the older crypto-to-crypto exchangers that staked an explicit no-KYC posture and stuck with it via geofencing rather than ID collection. Strong API, broad Lightning support, and a long operating track record make it a default route in many wallet integrations.
FAQ
- Does SideShift require KYC?
- As of Jan 1, 2026, SideShift does not require KYC for normal use. Geofences certain jurisdictions (e.g., U.S.) but does not collect KYC for permitted users; quote-and-swap flow does not require account creation.
- What payment methods does SideShift accept?
- SideShift accepts: crypto.
- Where is SideShift based?
- Operating jurisdiction listed as Anguilla (operator-disclosed). This is best-known information; corporate structure can be opaque.
Sources
- SideShift about page · accessed
- KYCnot.me — SideShift entry · accessed
Mentioned in
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- Best no-KYC crypto exchanges in 2026 Best for Lightning swaps
Alternatives to SideShift
- Alfacash optional kyc · Saint
- ChangeNOW optional kyc · Belize
- Easybit optional kyc · unknown
- Exolix none kyc · Estonia
- FixedFloat optional kyc · Seychelles
- Godex none kyc · unknown
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