Plain English
A fiat on-ramp is anywhere you turn government money into crypto. CEXes (Coinbase, Kraken) are the most common. Specialized on-ramp services (MoonPay, Ramp, Transak, Stripe Crypto) let dApps and wallets embed a buy button that deposits crypto straight into your self-custody address.
How it actually works
On-ramps handle the regulated parts: KYC, anti-fraud screening, bank or card payment processing, and the actual purchase of crypto on a backend exchange. The crypto is then delivered to either your CEX account or directly to a wallet address you specify. Costs vary widely — 1% on bank transfer at a major CEX, 3–5% on card purchases via embedded providers.
What it means for you
Most people enter crypto through a CEX on-ramp. For larger purchases (six figures+), the right move is usually an OTC desk or a major CEX with bank wire — both are cheaper than card or third-party on-ramps. For repeated smaller buys, automated dollar-cost-average products on Kraken or Coinbase are operationally easiest.
Will this information be valuable to you?
Already a member? Send this term to your coach inside the community and tell them exactly what you need help with — we will build a plan around it.
New here? Join the membership, become a student, or sit in on the community. Your starting point is one short call.
Educational content only. Not investment, tax, or legal advice.