Quick answer: Buying Monero has become harder because many exchanges delisted XMR under regulatory pressure, including Binance (2024) and Kraken in the UK and Europe. In 2026, US residents can still buy XMR on Kraken. Other options are swapping another coin for XMR through an instant-swap service or a peer-to-peer platform. Once you have XMR, move it to a self-custody Monero wallet.
Updated October 2026 to reflect exchange delistings and current ways to buy Monero.
What is Monero (XMR)?
Monero is a privacy coin that hides who sent a transaction, who received it and how much was sent, by default. Its strong privacy makes it popular with people who value financial confidentiality, and it is also why regulators pressure exchanges to drop it.
How to buy Monero on Kraken (US)
- Sign up and verify: create a Kraken account and complete identity verification.
- Deposit USD: fund your account by bank transfer (ACH or wire) for the lowest fees.
- Buy XMR: search for Monero (XMR), enter an amount and buy, or use Kraken Pro with a limit order for lower fees.
- Withdraw to your wallet: copy your XMR address from Cake Wallet, Feather or another Monero wallet and withdraw. Monero transfers usually confirm within about 20 minutes.
Kraken’s XMR availability depends on where you live: it’s offered in the US but has been removed in the UK and EU. Check before you sign up.
Other ways to get Monero
- Instant swap services: if you already own BTC, ETH or another coin, services built into wallets like Cake Wallet let you swap into XMR in minutes. Compare rates, since spreads vary.
- Peer-to-peer platforms: decentralized marketplaces such as Haveno and Bisq let you trade directly with other people. They’re more private but slower and better suited to experienced users.
- International exchanges: a few exchanges outside the US still list XMR, but US residents should avoid platforms that don’t legally serve US customers.
Monero’s 2025 hashrate scare
In August 2025, a mining project called Qubic claimed it had taken majority control of Monero’s mining power. Independent analysis found it reached roughly a quarter to a third of the network’s hashrate and caused some short block reorganizations, but never held sustained majority control. The episode raised concerns about mining centralization, and it’s a reminder that even established networks face risks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Monero on Coinbase?
No. Coinbase has never listed Monero.
Can I buy Monero in New York?
Options are limited because of New York’s BitLicense rules. Many exchanges, including some that list XMR elsewhere, don’t serve New York residents. Check each platform’s current state availability.
Is it legal to buy Monero in the US?
Yes. Buying and holding Monero is legal in the US. Profits are taxable like other crypto. See our crypto tax guide.
Why was Monero delisted from exchanges?
Regulators in many regions require exchanges to trace transactions, which conflicts with Monero’s built-in privacy, so many exchanges chose to delist it.
