Cash by mail

Cash by Mail (CBM) is one of the most private payment methods on Bisq.

This article covers what to be aware of and what rules to follow when using this payment method for buying and selling bitcoin on Bisq. When trading using cash by mail it is essential that you understand the trade rules:

Setting up a payment account in Bisq

When setting up cash by mail payment account in Bisq you can enter the following information.

• Your full name
• Postal address
• Currency
• Additional information

If selling BTC for cash the name & address fields should the name you would like to buyer to address the package to. If buying BTC for cash the name & address fields should the name you would like to seller/postal service to return the package to if there are any issues.

You can only select one currency per cash by mail account. If you would like to trade with more than one currency please create a separate account.

The additional information field allows users to define any special terms, conditions, or details you would like to be displayed with your offers for this payment account (users will see this information before deciding if to accept your offer). If you are going to be both buying and selling BTC using cash by mail it would be recommended to set up two cash by mail accounts so specific instructions can be given for each.

Making an offer to buy or sell BTC using cash by mail on Bisq

The person making the offer must state any special terms or conditions in the 'Additional Information' field of the payment account. The buyer will be accepting these terms / conditions when taking the offer.

Taking an offer to buy or sell BTC using cash by mail on Bisq

• Offer taker agrees to the offer maker's terms and conditions by taking the offer.

Sending cash in the mail

• BTC buyer should package cash in a tamper-evident cash bag.
• BTC buyer should film or take high-resolution photos of the cash packaging process with the address & tracking number already affixed to packaging.
• BTC buyer should send the cash package to the BTC seller with Delivery Confirmation and appropriate Insurance.

Receiving cash in the mail

• BTC seller should film the opening of the package, making sure that the tracking number provided by the sender is visible in the video.

Mediation and arbitration considerations when trading using cash by mail

• CBM trades put the onus to act honestly squarely on both peers.
• CBM trades have less verifiable actions than other fiat trades. This makes handling dispute much harder.
• Try to resolve disputes directly with your peer using trader chat. This is your most promising route to solving any CBM dispute.
• Mediators can consider your case and make a suggestion, but they are NOT guaranteed to help.
• If a mediator is engaged, and if either peer rejects the mediator's suggestion, both peers' funds will be sent to a Bisq 'donation' address, and the trade will effectively be completed.
• If a trader rejects a mediation suggestion and opens arbitration, it could lead to lose both trading and deposit funds.
• Arbitrators will make a decision based on the evidence provided to them. Therefore, please follow and document the above processes to have evidence in case of dispute. For Cash by Mail trades the Arbitrators decision is final.
• Reimbursement requests any lost funds resulting from Cash By Mail trades to the Bisq DAO will NOT be considered.
• To be sure you fully understand the requirements of cash-by-mail trades.