metaratesP2P trading has two roles. A taker takes someone else's ad and opens an order at the offered price. A maker posts their own ad with their own price and limits and waits for a counterparty to accept it. This choice decides speed, profit, risk and even whether you need a special status on the exchange.
Who a taker is
A taker enters the book, picks an ad that suits the price, limit and payment method, and opens an order. The price is known at once, the waiting time is minimal, and execution depends only on how quickly the counterparty confirms payment or releases the coin.
- Pros: speed, a predictable price, no need to maintain an ad.
- Cons: you "pay" the full spread: you buy at the seller's price and sell at the buyer's price; you do not set the price.
Who a maker is
A maker posts two ads: a buy (slightly above the best buyers) and a sell (slightly below the best sellers). When both fill, they keep the difference. This is the classic "market intermediary" model: you provide liquidity and take on risk, and the spread is your fee.
- Pros: the chance to earn on the spread without moving coins between exchanges; flexibility in choosing prices and payment methods.
- Cons: it takes time and constant presence, there is competition (someone can always raise or lower the price by a cent), there is rate risk between the two legs, and some exchanges require merchant status.
Comparison
| Criterion | Taker | Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | High | Depends on counterparties |
| Price | Set by someone else's ad | Yours |
| Spread | You pay it in full | You earn it |
| Transfers between exchanges | Usually needed (a bundle) | Not needed (one exchange) |
| Time and attention | Minimal | A lot |
| Exchange requirements | Basic verification | Merchant status may be needed |
An example of the maker model
Say the best buyers offer 44.80 ₴ and the best sellers ask 45.30 ₴. You post a buy at 44.85 ₴ and a sell at 45.25 ₴. If both ads fill, you earn 0.40 ₴ on every USDT, about 0.9% of 44.85 ₴, or 1,200 ₴ on 3,000 USDT. But that is only "on paper". In reality you wait for counterparties, and during that time prices can move and eat the spread.
Which role to choose
- A taker bundle fits if you need speed and are ready to count transfer fees. Start with it: a guide to finding a bundle.
- A maker fits if you have time to watch the market, your own reliable payment methods and readiness to endure an uneven flow of trades.
- Many traders combine both roles: they take attractive ads and post their own in the gaps.
Whatever the role, the same safety rules apply: your own accounts, talking only in the order chat, releasing the coin only after the money has really arrived. For signs of unreliable counterparties read the article on fake ads.
Frequently asked questions
A taker accepts someone else's ad, while a maker posts their own with their own price and limits and waits for a counterparty.
It depends on market conditions, volume and your time. A maker earns on the spread but spends time and risks a price move; a taker pays the spread but gets speed and predictability.
Some exchanges require merchant status or extra verification to post ads. Check the requirements of the specific exchange.
Check the numbers on live prices
Open MetaRates: P2P orders from six exchanges, an arbitrage calculator and rate alerts.
This material is for information only and is not financial advice.