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Updated September 2026 · 5 min read · Dasbanq Team

SHORT ANSWER

Crypto OTC (over the counter) is buying or selling cryptocurrency directly between two parties, through a trading desk, instead of on an exchange with an order book. It is used for large amounts: the price is agreed in advance and the trade does not move the market. Businesses use it to convert between money and stablecoins.

If a business needs to convert a large amount of dollars into USDC or USDT to pay suppliers, doing it on a regular exchange can push the price against it. That is what OTC desks are for.

How does an OTC trade work?

1

Verification

The desk verifies the business and its owners (KYB and KYC) before trading.

2

Quote

You ask for a price for an amount; the desk gives you a firm quote that is valid for a short time.

3

Acceptance and settlement

If you accept, you send the money or the crypto, and the desk settles the other side into the agreed account or wallet.

4

Confirmation

You get a confirmation with the price, amount and date: the backup for your accounting.

OTC or exchange: the differences

	OTC desk	Exchange
For what amounts	Large	Small and medium
Price	Quote agreed before the trade	Whatever the order book shows at that moment
Market impact	Does not move the public price	A large order can move the price
Service	Personalized	Self-service

What to check before trading with an OTC desk

That it is registered or licensed in its jurisdiction and applies KYC and KYB.
How it settles: accounts in whose name, on which networks and in what time frames.
What confirmations it gives you for your accounting.
Which rules in your country apply to converting between money and crypto.

If you are going to pay with stablecoins, read how to pay suppliers with crypto safely.

Frequently asked questions

What does OTC mean in crypto?

OTC means "over the counter". It is a buy or sell trade agreed directly between two parties, usually through a trading desk, instead of on a public exchange.

From what amount does OTC make sense?

There is no universal minimum: each desk sets its own. In general, it makes sense when the amount is large enough to move the price on an exchange.

Is OTC trading legal?

It depends on the country and the desk. Only trade with registered providers that verify their customers, and check with your accountant how to record the trade.

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Official sources

This article is for information only and is not financial or investment advice. Crypto asset rules depend on each country. Content reviewed in September 2026.