Buy Zcash Privately: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide shows you how to buy Zcash (ZEC) without going through a traditional cryptocurrency exchange.

Most exchanges require you to upload ID and link your identity directly to every crypto purchase. This method skips that - you’ll buy directly from other people using payment apps you already have.

Here’s what we’ll do:

1. Use a payment app (e.g. Venmo, PayPal, etc) to buy USDC (a digital dollar) from another person
2. Swap that USDC for Zcash directly into your iOS/Android Zcash wallet

That’s it. The whole process takes about 15-20 minutes.

What You’ll Need Link to this section #

1. Zashi Wallet App Link to this section #

Download Zashi on your phone: https://electriccoin.co/zashi

After installing:

1. Open the app and tap “Create New Wallet”
2. Follow the setup steps

2. A Payment App Link to this section #

You’ll need one of the supported payment platforms. I use Venmo for this demo, but zkP2P supports a wide range of payment apps and global currencies.

3. Money to Spend Link to this section #

Have ~$10 ready for your first purchase. Small fees will reduce your final amount slightly.

Step 1: Buy USDC (Digital Dollars) Link to this section #

I recommend following zkP2P’s official guide to buy USDC. Their guide will walk you through how to:

1. create an account on zkP2P

2. find someone selling USDC

3. pay the seller with your payment app

4. receive your USDC in your zkP2P account

Important: when you configure your purchase, you’ll be asked to pick a token on a blockchain. Select the USDC token on the Base blockchain.

Important: After you receive your USDC, copy your zkP2P wallet address (starts with “0x”) - you’ll need it as a refund address in Step 2. You can find it in the “Send” tab.

You can find the zkP2P guide here.

Step 2: Swap USDC for Zcash Link to this section #

Now you’ll convert your USDC into Zcash using the Zashi app. The ZEC you receive will be private - nobody can see your balance or how you spend your ZEC.

Start the Swap Link to this section #

1. Open the Zashi app on your phone

2. Tap the “Swap” button

3. Search for the USDC token on Base

4. Paste in your zkP2P wallet address you copied (the one starting with “0x”)
   • If the swap fails for any reason, your USDC will be returned to that address.
   • Don’t worry. You can try again if the swap fails.
   • Tip: Save it as a contact in Zashi so you don’t need to copy/paste next time

Get Your Price Quote Link to this section #

5. Enter the amount of USDC you want to swap (should match what you have in zkP2P, around $9.80 in my case).

6. Tap “Get a quote” to see the current exchange rate

7. Review the quote - you’ll see how much Zcash you’ll receive

8. Tap to confirm to complete start the trade

Send Your USDC and Complete the Swap Link to this section #

9. Zashi shows you an address where you need to send your USDC - copy this address

10. Switch back to zkP2P website, go to the “Send” tab

11. Paste the address from Zashi and send all your USDC to it

12. Wait 1-2 minutes for the transaction to confirm

13. Return to the Zashi app and tap “I’ve sent the funds”

14. Within moments, you’ll see a “Receiving…” notification in Zashi

15. After a few minutes, the transaction completes and you have Zcash!

You’re Done! Link to this section #

Congratulations! You now own Zcash. Your Zcash will take a few minutes to become “spendable” (ready to send). Once it’s ready, want to test it out? Use your ZEC to send me your feedback in an encrypted message!

1. In Zashi, tap “Send”
2. Scan the QR code below (or paste the address)
3. Leave the amount empty (unless you want to buy me a coffee ☕)
4. Write me a message in the memo field
5. Send!

The message is encrypted - only I can read it. I’d love to hear how this guide worked for you!

“If we can’t crack encryption, then people are walking around with a Swiss bank account in their pocket.” - Barack Obama