How MEXC Escrow & Release Work
What is escrow in P2P trading?
Escrow is a built-in safety mechanism that protects both the buyer and the seller during a P2P transaction. When a buyer places an order on MEXC P2P, the seller's crypto is automatically locked in an escrow, i.e. temporarily held by the platform.
This ensures that the seller cannot withdraw or transfer the funds while the buyer makes payment.
What happens after the order is placed?
Once the buyer places an order:
- MEXC locks the exact amount of crypto from the seller's wallet into escrow.
- The buyer proceeds to make the payment using the agreed payment method.
- After completing the payment, the buyer must click I have Paid.
- The seller verifies the payment and releases the crypto.
- MEXC transfers the Crypto from escrow to the buyer's wallet.
If the seller doesn't release the Crypto after payment confirmation, the buyer can open an appeal, and MEXC support will step in.
Avoiding Expired Orders: Why Timing Matters
Every P2P order on MEXC comes with a countdown timer (payment window). If the buyer fails to click I have Paid before the timer runs out, the order will automatically expire, even if the payment has already been sent.
When this happens:
- The crypto is released back to the seller
- The trade is marked as incomplete/cancelled
- The buyer may lose their funds, especially if the seller refuses to refund after expiration
To avoid this, buyers must:
- Check the timer before making any payment
- Make sure there's enough time to complete the transfer and mark the order as paid
- If the timer is running low, it's safer to cancel the order and place a new one
- After completing the payment, immediately click I have Paid to keep the escrow in place
Never send payment for an order that's about to expire. Escrow only protects you if you confirm the payment in time.
Is the seller's crypto locked no matter what?
Yes. As soon as the order is placed, the seller's crypto is locked and cannot be accessed or withdrawn until the order is either:
- Successfully completed (crypto is released)
- Canceled (if payment isn't made in time)
- Resolved by appeal (if there's a dispute)
This protects the buyer from fake sellers or sudden withdrawals.
What should the seller check before releasing crypto?
Before releasing crypto, the seller must:
- Confirm that payment has been received in full
- Verify the sender's name matches the buyer's registered name (for most payment methods)
If there are doubts or irregularities, the seller should submit an appeal for MEXC to review the situation.
What if the buyer doesn't pay?
If the buyer fails to complete payment within the payment window (usually 15–30 minutes), the order will expire automatically, and the crypto will be released back to the seller's wallet.
What if the seller doesn't release the crypto?
If the buyer has paid and the seller does not release the crypto within a reasonable time, the buyer can:
- Click Appeal inside the order
- Provide proof of payment (e.g. bank slip, confirmation screenshot)
- Wait for MEXC's team to review and resolve the case
If the evidence confirms payment was made, the platform will release the funds from escrow to the buyer.
Can escrow be bypassed?
No. MEXC's system automatically locks crypto in escrow for every P2P order and there is no way to disable it.
Any attempt to trade outside the platform to avoid escrow is considered a serious violation and may lead to account suspension.