# Want "cash by mail" as a payment option? Upvote this feature request **URL:** \ **Category:** Payment methods\ **Created:** [December 19, 2017, 10:27pm UTC](https://bisq.community/t/want-cash-by-mail-as-a-payment-option-upvote-this-feature-request/3919 "2017-12-19T22:27:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mutagenfork](https://bisq.community/letter_avatar/mutagenfork/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@mutagenfork](https://bisq.community/u/mutagenfork)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2017, 10:27pm UTC](https://bisq.community/t/want-cash-by-mail-as-a-payment-option-upvote-this-feature-request/3919/1 "2017-12-19T22:27:17Z")
I’ve created a Github feature request to add “cash by mail” and “cash in person” as a payment option for bisq. If you want this feature, please upvote and/or add your comments in support, so that the devs know that this is a desired feature. > > > Bisq advertises privacy as one of the features it offers; to whit: > > "Private –… no one except trading partners exchange personally identifying data. All personal data is stored locally." > > However, this is not true. All of the currently listed payment methods require signing up with a bank or financial institution and sharing with them rather invasive details about one's identity and financial history. > > The currently allowed payment methods are also unavailable to anyone who is unbanked, such as an immigrant, or a resident of a country where the banking system is underdeveloped and only available to the wealthy. > > Therefore, I'd like to request that bisq add support for payments by "cash in person" and "cash by mail". > > Note that this is already an option at several other exchanges/companies: > > https://paxful.com/buy-bitcoin/cash-by-mail > https://localbitcoins.com/buy-bitcoins-online/cash-by-mail/ > https://moneroforcash.com/ In the feature request, I outlined how such payments would work in practice (including how arbitrators might handle disputes). For purposes of discussion, I’ve reproduced my github feature request below. * * * Bisq advertises privacy as one of the features it offers; to whit: “Private – no one except trading partners exchange personally identifying data. All personal data is stored locally.” However, this is not true. All of the currently listed payment methods require signing up with a bank or financial institution and sharing with them rather invasive details about one’s identity and financial history. The currently allowed payment methods are also unavailable to anyone who is unbanked, such as an immigrant, or a resident of a country where the banking system is underdeveloped and only available to the wealthy. Therefore, I’d like to request that bisq add support for payments by “cash in person” and “cash by mail”. Note that this is already an option at several other exchanges/companies: > **[Buy Bitcoin (BTC) on Paxful with Low Fees | Paxful](https://paxful.com/buy-bitcoin)** > > Purchase Bitcoin (BTC) on Paxful with minimal transaction fees and choose from 350+ payment options. Buy securely from trusted vendors, anytime, anywhere. > **[\- LocalBitcoins](https://localbitcoins.com/)** > > Buy and sell bitcoins near you. Fast, easy and private. > **[Buy or Sell Monero Anonymously, Quick and Easy — LocalMonero](https://localmonero.co/)** > > Buy and sell Monero (XMR) online without ID verification - use PayPal, credit/debit card or bank transfer, gift cards, cash by mail, Venmo, BTC or any other method. Here’s how “cash by mail” payments for bitcoin (BTC) are handled on other sites: Bitcoin buyer packages cash in a tamper-resistant cash control bag Buyer films packaging with the tracking number already affixed to packaging. Buy sends the package with USPS tracking. Seller films the opening of the package, making sure that the tracking number provided by the sender is visible in the video. Seller counts the cash, and authenticates the cash. If the unpackaging video shows there is nothing in the package, the cash is short, or the cash is counterfeit then then the seller can lodge a dispute. If the cash is short, then the arbitrator can ask the buyer to send more cash to the seller, or refund some of the BTC. If there is extra cash, the the arbitrator can ask the seller to send the buyer extra BTC as a separate transaction. If the dispute goes to adjudication: For the buyer to win, they’d do so on the basis that the unpackaging video showed some evidence of either tampering with the tracking sticker or the package. Or the seller didn’t do a proper job of filming the unpackaging. For seller win, they would need to somehow prove that they did not receive the package or it did not contain the contents promised. This is a tall order. Adjudication would be able to see that the tracking number provided showed that the package was delivered (and possibly signed for). The packaging video would also clearly show that the right amount of cash going into the package. In order to succeed with a scam, the seller would need to tamper with the tracking sticker and transfer it to another package and video that as the fake video they would submit to adjudicators–in practice, it’s quite a bit of work to make the packaging look similar enough to fool the arbitrators. On LocalBitcoins the adjudication standard is that if the cash doesn’t make it to the Bitcoin seller for any reason, the default resolution (with rare exceptions) is that the escrow will be resolved in the favor of the seller. ---
**Author:** ![erizo](https://bisq.community/user_avatar/bisq.community/erizo/32/742_2.png) [@erizo](https://bisq.community/u/erizo)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2017, 5:45pm UTC](https://bisq.community/t/want-cash-by-mail-as-a-payment-option-upvote-this-feature-request/3919/2 "2017-12-20T17:45:05Z")
I do not trust much in the security of a film to guarantee security. It is a field for skilled people. If I was a TV conjurer I’m sure I would know a thousand ways to make fraud with that. I made an effort to build an algorithm to send money by mail in a totally secure way. It is not perfect, but it is bad to cheat: any attempt would result in a serious loss on both sides, no one can earn money cheating. It also introduces, but in a subsidiary way, a system similar to the one you propose (in case the seller says he has not received the payment) Perhaps both systems can be combined. > [@REQUEST: Cash by mail in USD and CAD markets](https://bisq.community/t/request-cash-by-mail-in-usd-and-cad-markets/1866/29): > > Well, I made a small improvement: if the seller does nothing and the transaction ends by timeout the buyer receives the BTC and recovers his deposit. The seller loses his deposit because of his inaction. If the buyer made the payment, he should receive the BTC, even if the seller does nothing. If the buyer did not pay, the seller must select the NOT RECEIVED option to recover his deposit. ---
**Author:** ![mutagenfork](https://bisq.community/letter_avatar/mutagenfork/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@mutagenfork](https://bisq.community/u/mutagenfork)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2017, 7:04am UTC](https://bisq.community/t/want-cash-by-mail-as-a-payment-option-upvote-this-feature-request/3919/3 "2017-12-21T07:04:02Z")
I agree–if the seller doesn’t dispute or respond, then the BTC should be sent to the buyer after some reasonable time. ---
**Author:** ![mutagenfork](https://bisq.community/letter_avatar/mutagenfork/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@mutagenfork](https://bisq.community/u/mutagenfork)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2017, 7:04am UTC](https://bisq.community/t/want-cash-by-mail-as-a-payment-option-upvote-this-feature-request/3919/4 "2017-12-21T07:04:55Z")
I’ve created a separate feature request to describe how to do a “Cash in person” purchase here: > > > See #1101 for the rationale for this feature request. > > Per @dan-da 's request…, here's a proposed protocol for doing "Cash in person" with the bisq network. > > Find a meeting place: > > Meet in a public place. Scammers and muggers are a lot less likely to try anything with witnesses around. An ideal location will meet the following criteria: > > \* Public Location - Are there plenty of people around? > \* WiFi Access - Is there free or cheap public WiFi access in the area? > \* Security - Are there security cameras or security guards in the area? > > Some examples of places that meet these criteria: > > \* restaurants > \* coffee shops > \* bookstores > \* hotel lobbies > \* bank lobbies > \* libraries > \* mall > \* casino or poker club > > A location with security cameras adds an extra layer of security to a trade. If the other party does try to rob you, you'll have physical evidence in a recording that can help the authorities track the offender. > > Muggers are also a lot less likely to rob you if there's a guard with a gun a few yards away. Consider bringing along a second person as an additional source of additional security and protection. > > Arrange the transaction: > > \* Agree to the price and procedures in advance. Send them a copy of these instructions so that they know what to expect, and ask them to confirm that they will follow these procedures. > \* Explain to them that if they talk about any criminal activity, you will end the transaction immediately and walk away. > \* Explain that if they deviate from the procedure you will walk away. > \* Try to schedule the transaction during day-light hours (6 am - 6 pm). Crimes are more frequent after dark. > \* Tell them how long you will wait for them if they are late, and ask them how long they will wait for you. > \* If you will be bringing a second person, let the buyer know, so that they don't freak out when they see two people there. > \* Explain to them how long network confirmation time will likely take, so that they don't get nervous if the funds don't immediately show up in their wallet. > \* Once you've agreed upon a time and location, put the meeting on your calendar. > > Items to bring: > > \* Laptop with a copy of the bisq software running on it. Consider using an inexpensive "burner" laptop that doesn't have anything else of value on it. > \* \[Dri-Mark Smart Money Counterfeit Dual Detector (Pen and UV Light)\](https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Money-Counterfeit-Detector-Light/dp/B004JOHZ0Q/) > > Before going to the meeting place: > > \* Confirm with the buyer the time and location the both 24 hours before and one hour before you head to the meeting place. > \* Exchange phone numbers, so that you can update each other if there are any delays. > \* Make sure that they know that they should have the exact amount of cash in hand in an envelope--you don't want to have to wait for them to get cash from an ATM. > \* Describe the clothes you will be wearing, and where you will be seated so that they can easily find you. > \* Offer to buy them a drink or food, so you can order before they arrive. Given congestion on the Bitcoin network, it can take a long time for transactions to confirm. > > At the meeting place: > > \* Set up your laptop with a copy of the bisq software. > \* Arrive early, and try to find a location that is visually isolated from other patrons (a booth, for example), but close enough to other people that you can call for aid if necessary. (You don't want to be counting and authenticating large amounts of cash in front of strangers.) > \* Make that you can connect to the Wifi network with your laptop. > \* Order drinks/food. (You don't want the waitstaff to be bothering you while you're in the midst of doing the exchange.) > > When the buyer arrives: > > \* Greet them, shake their hand, and invite them to take a seat. > \* Give them time to set up their laptop and connect to the Wifi. > \* Confirm that they've read your instructions regarding what to expect. If they haven't read them yet, ask them to review them now. > \* Consider doing a small transfer at first to make sure that everything is working, and that you have their wallet address correct. > \* If selling large amounts, consider breaking up the trade into smaller increments. This will reduce the risk to them that you will try to grab the cash and run. > \* Once you're satisfied that everything is working properly, and they know what to expect, ask them to count the bills to confirm that they have the proper total amount. > \* Assuming they have the proper amount, ask them to place the first increment of cash on the table. > \* Count the bills and test them for authenticity. Before reaching for the bills, remind them that you will be testing them for authenticity. Using the Dri-mark men, make a small mark on paper currency: dark mark means counterfeit, light mark passes test. (Note, however, that some counterfeit papers can pass this test.) Look for other \[anti-counterfeit features\](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybt04VtOmzE) on the bills. > \* As you confirm the bills, place them under a notebook or book on the table. > \* Once you've confirmed that the bills are authentic, transfer the cryptocurrency to them with the bisq app. > \* Once the transaction has been confirmed, remove the bills and place them in your wallet. > \* Repeat this process until the entire transaction has been completed.