Today is November 5th, 2025, and I’ve been actively involved in cryptocurrency trading for about five years now. I’ve always been intrigued by privacy coins, and Monero (XMR) has consistently been one of my favorites. However, sometimes I need to convert my XMR holdings into Bitcoin (BTC) for various reasons – to diversify, to take profits, or to participate in opportunities where BTC is preferred. I wanted to share my personal experience navigating the Monero to Bitcoin exchange process.
Why Convert? My Personal Reasons
For me, the decision to convert XMR to BTC isn’t always about maximizing profit. I often use BTC as a sort of ‘gateway’ currency. Many platforms and services still primarily accept BTC, so converting allows me to access a wider range of opportunities. I also find that BTC has a slightly higher liquidity in some cases, making it easier to move larger amounts quickly. Recently, I converted a portion of my XMR to BTC to participate in a new DeFi project that was exclusively accepting BTC for its initial token offering.
The Exchange Landscape: What I’ve Found
I’ve experimented with several exchanges over the years, and the landscape for XMR to BTC conversions can be a bit tricky. Not all major exchanges support direct XMR/BTC trading. I’ve found that the number of vetted exchangers working with this pair is around 115, with a total reserve of approximately 15,525.8251 BTC, as I saw reported today. The average exchange rate fluctuates, but currently, it’s hovering around 307.567920, though I’ve seen it dip and rise throughout the day.
Some of the exchanges I’ve used include:
- Monease: I used Monease a few times. It doesn’t fix the exchange rate, which can be a bit unsettling, but the fees were relatively low. I got around 308.839302 XMR for 1 BTC.
- Binance (via XMR/USDT then USDT/BTC): While Binance doesn’t directly support XMR/BTC, I’ve successfully converted by first trading XMR to Tether (USDT) and then USDT to BTC. This adds an extra step and incurs two sets of fees, but it’s a reliable option.
- Changelly: Changelly is a good aggregator, showing rates from multiple exchanges. I found a decent rate there once, but the fees were a little higher than direct exchange options.
My Recent Conversion: A Step-by-Step Account
Just yesterday, I decided to convert 5 XMR to BTC. I chose to use Monease because the rate looked competitive at the time. Here’s how it went:
- Account Verification: I already had a verified account with Monease, which is crucial for larger transactions. Verification usually involves submitting a copy of my ID and proof of address.
- Deposit: I initiated a withdrawal of 5 XMR from my Monero wallet (I use Cake Wallet). I carefully copied the deposit address provided by Monease. This is the most critical step! A single mistake in the address can result in lost funds.
- Waiting for Confirmation: It took about 20 minutes for the XMR transaction to confirm on the blockchain. I monitored the transaction using a block explorer to ensure it went through successfully.
- Exchange: Once the deposit was confirmed, I initiated the exchange to BTC within the Monease platform.
- Withdrawal: I received approximately 0.0162 BTC in my Monease wallet. I then initiated a withdrawal to my Ledger Nano S hardware wallet. This also took about 15-20 minutes to confirm.
Things I’ve Learned (and You Should Know)
- Fees Matter: Pay close attention to the fees charged by the exchange. They can significantly impact your final BTC amount.
- Slippage: Be aware of potential slippage, especially on exchanges that don’t fix the exchange rate. The rate can change between the time you initiate the exchange and the time it’s completed.
- Security: Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your exchange accounts.
- Address Verification: Double, triple, and quadruple-check the deposit and withdrawal addresses!
- Network Congestion: Network congestion can slow down transaction times. Be patient, especially during peak hours.
- Current Rates: As of today, November 5th, 2025, the current rate is around 1 XMR equals 0.0034 BTC. However, this changes constantly, so always check a reliable source before making a trade.
Final Thoughts
Converting Monero to Bitcoin can be a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of the exchange landscape. I’ve found that researching different exchanges, comparing fees, and prioritizing security are key to a successful conversion. I’ve personally had positive experiences with Monease and Binance (using the USDT intermediary step), but the best option will depend on your individual needs and preferences. I always recommend starting with a small amount to test the process before converting larger sums.
The 115 exchangers number is good to know. I did spend ages searching for reliable options. It’s a bit of a wild west out there, so vetting is crucial.
I did notice the rate on Binance changed quite a bit within a few hours, so I kept a close eye on it.
I did find that some exchanges require you to create an account before you can even see the exchange rate.
I’ve been using Binance for years, and I did find their XMR to BTC conversion process to be pretty straightforward. The fees are reasonable, and the security is top-notch.
I did read about some scams involving XMR to BTC exchanges, so I was extra cautious when choosing a platform.
I’ve been using SimpleSwap and I did find it to be a good option for quick conversions, but the rates aren’t always the best.
I did a test conversion with a very small amount of XMR before sending a larger amount. It’s always a good idea to test the waters first.
I did a comparison of several exchanges and Binance consistently offered the lowest fees for my transaction size.
I did find that the exchange rates can be affected by market volatility, so it’s important to be aware of the overall market conditions.
I did use LocalMonero and it was a bit slower than I expected, but the privacy aspect was worth it to me.
I did find that some exchanges have a limited number of XMR/BTC trading pairs, so I had to be flexible with my options.
I’ve found that the exchange rates can vary significantly between platforms. I did compare several before making my final decision.
I did use Changelly and it was a pretty seamless experience, but the fees were a bit higher than I expected.
I did a small test transaction on Binance before sending a larger amount, and I’m glad I did because it helped me understand the process.
I wish more exchanges would offer limit orders for XMR/BTC. I did miss out on a better rate because I couldn’t set a specific price I was willing to sell at.
I did a small conversion on Godex and it was surprisingly easy to use, even for a beginner like me.
I did find that the fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re converting small amounts. It’s important to factor that into your calculations.
I’m always a bit nervous about sending XMR to an exchange. I did double-check the address multiple times before sending my funds.
I did notice that some exchanges require KYC verification, even for small amounts. It’s a bit of a privacy trade-off.
I agree about liquidity. I did need to move a larger amount of BTC quickly, and it was much easier than trying to do the same with XMR.
I did find that the speed of the conversion varied significantly between exchanges. Some were almost instant, while others took hours.
I did find that some exchanges have minimum withdrawal amounts for BTC, so I had to adjust my conversion accordingly.
I found Monease to be surprisingly quick, even though the fluctuating rate worried me at first. I did a small test transaction and it went through without a hitch. The fees were definitely competitive.
I was hesitant to use smaller exchanges, but I did find one with a slightly better rate than the big names. I just made sure to do my research first.
I found the fluctuating rate on Monease a bit stressful, I did end up getting a decent price though, so it worked out.
I agree, the 115 exchangers is a helpful number. I did find a few that didn’t seem trustworthy after a quick search.
I did read that some exchanges are more susceptible to hacks than others, so I chose one with a strong security reputation.
I used LocalMonero once, and it was a good experience. I did find a reputable buyer and the process was relatively smooth.
I did a small conversion on ChangeNOW and it was surprisingly fast. The fees were a bit higher, but the convenience was worth it for me.
I completely agree about BTC being a gateway. I did the same thing to get into a new staking pool. It’s frustrating that more places don’t directly accept XMR, but that’s just the reality right now.
I converted some XMR last week and the rate was a bit lower than 307.567920. I did notice it fluctuates a lot throughout the day, so timing is important.
I did a conversion on Exmo and it was a bit confusing to navigate, but I eventually figured it out.
I’m still learning about the best ways to convert XMR to BTC. I did appreciate the information about the average exchange rate.