LocalBitcoins.com, the platform connecting buyers and sellers of bitcoin, just removed the option for users to transact in cash. Although the company has not officially commented on the feature removal, the decision was likely made to relieve pressure from regulators, who often make it difficult for companies to facilitate cash transactions.

Regulators would have you believe that hiding your purchases is evil. They often claim that only criminals need to seek financial privacy. This, of course, is ridiculous. Privacy is something all people, most of whom are not criminals, enjoy on a daily basis. We shut the door when using the restroom, and we don’t hand our phone numbers over to every stranger we meet.

The dangers of losing our privacy have become increasingly evident over the past few years, as social media platforms, such as Facebook, continue to find themselves wrapped in controversy due to personal data abuse.

If we are to believe that elections can be influenced based on knowing which Facebook pages we interact with, can you imagine the power gained by knowing exactly what we buy? This sort of data is already being collected, but it can only be collected when transacting digitally. Cash is immune.

I am definitely not suggesting that anybody break the law or avoid paying taxes. However, I do believe that people have the right to protect their private information as best they are able.

So, given that LocalBitcoins is no longer an option for purchasing bitcoins with cash, what’s left?

1. Paxful

Paxful.com is the most obvious alternative to LocalBitcoins. The website has a similar feel to LocalBitcoins but with a bit more character. The company has been successfully pioneering non-US markets, most notably Africa, and the founders are long-time cryptocurrency enthusiasts who believe in the humanitarian power of Bitcoin.

Paxful proudly still allows in-person cash transactions, making them a great option for private purchases.

The platform is easy to use and has a solid support team. Should anything go wrong with a transaction, the Paxful arbitration team will step in to set things right. Paxful is time-tested, which is highly important in the cryptocurrency industry, where fly-by-night scams are unfortunately commonplace.

2. Bisq

Bisq is an open-source application on which users can access a market for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. The platform is accessed by downloading an application from the Bisq website.

Bisq benefits from being decentralized, but this means other methods of conflict resolution are needed. Bisq utilizes multisignature technology to lock cryptocurrencies in escrow rather than storing coins in a Bisq-controlled wallet. Arbitrators are selected to resolve conflicts, and presumably this system is non-corruptible.

Cash is sent either by bank account, money order, or cash deposit. Banks are notoriously unfriendly to Bitcoin users, often shutting down accounts without warning. This is even referenced on the Bisq FAQ page. Therefore, some caution is recommended when using bank accounts to purchase Bitcoin, even when that purchase is made peer-to-peer, as on Bisq.

While Bisq liquidity still needs time to grow, and although the platform does not offer in-person options for trade, Bisq may be a viable option for trading in cash.

Update: Great news! A commenter to this article mentioned that Bisq does give the option for in-person trades through its “Face to Face (F2f)” feature.

Directory of Bitcoin ATMs from coinatmradar.com

3. Bitcoin ATM Machines

You are likely close to a Bitcoin ATM at this very moment. The machines can be found all over the world, especially in major cities. They are simple to use and accept good ole’ cold hard cash.

The downsides? Fees and sometimes privacy. The fees are typically in the range of 10%. That’s not wholly unusual for a cash trade, but it’s something to expect when using a Bitcoin ATM. Depending on the company operating the machine, you may also find that privacy is not fully protected. Some machines take a picture of you while you purchase the Bitcoin, and they may even ask for personal information such as your telephone number.

You can always back out of a transaction (until you put your cash in) so just shop around until you find a machine with agreeable terms. A directory of the machines can be explored at coinatmradar.com.

4. CardCoins

Cardcoins.co is the new kid on the block with a promising idea: Use your gift cards to purchase bitcoin.

Visa gift cards are available at most convenience stores, and most convenience stores accept cash, so with just one extra step, you can effectively purchase bitcoins with cash at your local bodega.

The project is still in beta, but it seems to work as long as you access the page from a non-restricted region (New York residents remain in a crypto dark age, thanks to the BitLicense). Typically, region restricted services use your IP information to determine your location. The gift cards themselves likely wouldn’t be tied to a region.

Localbitcoins may have called it quits on cash transactions, but that doesn’t mean you are left without alternatives. Paxful, Bisq, and Bitcoin ATMs, and CardCoins are a just few ways to keep your financial privacy intact.

Happy Sat Stacking!