How to Send Bitcoin on MoonPay: Secure $BTC Transfers Explained

The Master Sensei
Sep 4
5 min read

Sending Bitcoin with MoonPay is quick and straightforward once you've set up your account. The platform handles Bitcoin transactions, plus others like Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, letting you move funds to outside wallets or other users without much hassle.

To send Bitcoin from your MoonPay account, just log in, hit the send option, enter the recipient's wallet address, pick the amount, and confirm. Since you can't reverse Bitcoin transactions, it's crucial to double-check every detail before sending.

This guide covers what you need to get set up, plus a detailed walk-through of the Bitcoin sending process, so you can transfer funds securely and without unnecessary headaches.

Preparing to Send Bitcoin on MoonPay

Before you send Bitcoin with MoonPay, you'll need to handle a few things: set up your account, pick a wallet, and make sure you have funds ready to go.

Setting Up a MoonPay Account

You have to create and verify a MoonPay account before buying or sending Bitcoin. Registration just asks for an email and phone number to get started.

For most transactions, MoonPay asks for identity verification. You'll upload a government-issued ID and go through Know Your Customer (KYC) steps. Sometimes it takes just a few minutes, but it can be a couple of hours depending on demand.

Your verification level sets how much Bitcoin you can buy and send. If you want higher limits or more payment options, you'll need to complete more verification.

Once you're verified, you can manage your digital assets via the MoonPay app or website. They support both desktop browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Choosing and Securing Your Bitcoin Wallet

MoonPay gives you two main wallet options: their own custodial wallet, or an external non-custodial wallet you control.

Custodial Wallet Options:

MoonPay's built-in Bitcoin wallet
It's set up automatically when you make your account
MoonPay holds your private keys

Non-Custodial Wallet Options:

Hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor
Software wallets such as Bitcoin.com wallet
Mobile apps like Electrum

If you go with a non-custodial wallet, you control your private keys and your Bitcoin. Many people feel better about security this way, since only you can access your crypto.

With external wallets, you have to store your recovery phrases and private keys somewhere safe. Lose that info, and your Bitcoin is gone for good—no way around it.

Understanding Wallet Address Compatibility

Bitcoin wallet addresses are unique strings of letters and numbers, letting you receive BTC. Each address is basically your destination for Bitcoin transfers.

MoonPay works with standard Bitcoin address formats—Legacy, SegWit, and Native SegWit. You just need to make sure you give a valid Bitcoin address when you're expecting funds.

Key compatibility points:

Send Bitcoin (BTC) only to Bitcoin wallets
Don't ever send Bitcoin to Ethereum or other crypto addresses
Always double-check the address before confirming

Once a crypto transaction is confirmed on the blockchain, you can't undo it. Always make sure the wallet address matches the person or place you want to send to.

Some wallets generate a new address for every transaction for extra privacy. That's normal—any address linked to your wallet can safely receive Bitcoin.

Adding Funds and Selecting Payment Methods

You'll need to fund your MoonPay account before you can buy crypto to send as Bitcoin. MoonPay accepts several fiat payment methods for crypto purchases.

Available Payment Methods:

Debit card (usually the easiest)
Credit card (watch for higher fees)
PayPal (in certain regions)
Bank transfer (lower fees, but slower)

Credit card purchases can come with higher fees, and sometimes banks treat them as cash advances. Debit cards usually mean better rates and faster processing.

You can keep a MoonPay balance after buying Bitcoin, making future transactions faster since you won't have to re-enter payment info every time.

Which payment methods you can use depends on where you live and your verification status. Some places have fewer options because of local rules or banking restrictions.

Transaction limits also depend on your payment method and verification. If you're new, expect lower limits at first, but these go up as you build a history of successful transactions.

Step-by-Step Process to Send Bitcoin via MoonPay

To send Bitcoin with MoonPay, you'll use the send feature, pick the right wallet address, check the network, and confirm the transaction (including fees). Make sure every detail is right, or you could lose your funds—there's no undo button here.

Initiating a Bitcoin Transfer from MoonPay

Start by logging into your MoonPay account on the app or web. Look for the three-dot button next to Buy & Sell, then choose "Send" from the menu.

The platform will ask you to enter or pick a wallet address for your Bitcoin. You can add a new address or use one you saved earlier. Make sure the recipient's address is set up for BTC only.

Pick Bitcoin from the crypto dropdown. You'll see your available Bitcoin balance.

Now, enter how much BTC you want to send. You can type in the Bitcoin amount or the dollar equivalent, and the app will show the conversion on the spot.

Don't forget:

Double-check the wallet address format
Make sure the recipient actually accepts Bitcoin
Confirm you have enough balance
Reviewing Fees and Network Selection

MoonPay will show you the network fee for your Bitcoin transaction. Fees change depending on how busy the blockchain is and how fast you want your transaction to go through. You can't change Bitcoin network fees—they're set by the network.

You'll get a summary showing:

Amount sent in BTC
Network fee
Total taken from your wallet
What the recipient gets

Bitcoin transactions only happen on the Bitcoin blockchain. Unlike Ethereum, which has a bunch of EVM chains like Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, or Base, Bitcoin just has one network. So, you don't have to worry about picking the wrong chain.

Check that you have enough digital currency to cover both the amount you're sending and the network fee. The total cost is both added together.

Safeguarding Your Transaction and Confirming Completion

Before you hit confirm, double-check every transaction detail. Go over the recipient wallet address—seriously, look at it character by character. Once you send Bitcoin and it lands on the blockchain, you can’t undo it. No take-backs.

On the confirmation screen, you’ll see:

Recipient address
Send amount
Estimated completion time
Transaction fee breakdown

When you’re ready, click "Confirm and send" to finish up. MoonPay instantly gives you a transaction ID so you can keep tabs on everything.

Most Bitcoin transfers get their first confirmation in about 10-30 minutes, but sometimes network traffic slows things down. You can always check your status in your MoonPay transaction history if you’re feeling impatient.