Escrow Trading
Trade with confidence using trusted escrow agents. Choose your provider and fee.
What is Escrow Trading?
Escrow trading adds a trusted third party between you and your trading partner. Instead of sending assets directly to each other, both parties deposit to the escrow agent who releases them once both deposits are confirmed.
Without Escrow:
Seller ────▶ Buyer
(Who sends first?)
With Escrow:
Seller ────▶ Agent
Buyer ────▶ Agent
Agent ────▶ Both
Benefits
- • Neither party has to trust the other
- • Assets held safely until both fulfill obligations
- • Neutral third party resolves disputes
Choosing an Escrow Provider
CounterTrader supports multiple escrow providers. When initiating an escrow trade, you'll see available providers:
🏛️ Select Escrow Provider
CounterTrader
@SamadhiSpeaks
2% fee
47 trades · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PepeEscrow
@pepeman
1.5% fee
12 trades · ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What to Consider
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Fee | Lower is better (1-5% range) |
| Trade Count | Higher = more experience |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = most reliable |
How to Start an Escrow Trade
As a Buyer
- Find a listing: Use
/browseor/search - Tap the listing and select "Trade" or "Buy"
- Select "Escrow" as the trade mode
- Choose your escrow provider from the list
- Confirm quantity and price
- Wait for seller acceptance
As a Seller
When a buyer requests an escrow trade, you'll receive a notification:
🔔 New Escrow Request!
Buyer: @jabawockee
Asset: 1 PEPEDETCTVE
Price: $50.00 USD
Escrow: CounterTrader (2% fee)
You will receive: $49.00 after fees
The Escrow Process
Request
Accept
Deposit
Release
Step 1: Deposit Instructions
Once both parties agree, you'll receive deposit instructions:
🔒 Escrow Trade #A132C127 - Deposit Required
📦 Please send your asset to escrow:
• Asset: 1 PEPEDETCTVE
• Send to: 1Ma25Zk25MM1ig2VVrH8XWKT8GSVDsRPLz
Step 2: Wait for Confirmations
The bot monitors for deposits. You'll be notified when:
- Your deposit is confirmed
- The other party's deposit is confirmed
- Both deposits are confirmed (ready for release)
Step 3: Asset Release
Once both deposits are confirmed, the escrow agent releases assets:
- Seller receives payment (minus escrow fee)
- Buyer receives the asset
- Trade is marked complete!
Typical Timeline:
- • 10-30 min: Blockchain confirmations
- • Up to 12 hours: Operator release (usually much faster)
Fees
Escrow providers set their own fees, typically 1-5% of the trade value. The fee is deducted from what the seller receives.
Example: $50 trade, 2% provider
See Trading Fees for full details.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Other party doesn't deposit?
Contact the escrow agent. They can refund your deposit (minus any network fees).
Dispute?
- Don't panic - your assets are safe with the escrow agent
- Contact the escrow agent directly
- Provide evidence (screenshots, transaction IDs)
- The agent will mediate and make a decision
Agent unresponsive?
Wait 24 hours (agents may be in different timezones). If still no response, contact CounterTrader admins.
Safety Tips
- Check the provider's trade count and rating before selecting
- Double-check the escrow address before sending
- Save screenshots of trade details
- Wait for confirmations - don't rush
- Communicate issues early to the escrow agent
Escrow vs P2P
| Factor | Escrow | P2P |
|---|---|---|
| Trust required | None (agent secures) | High (direct trade) |
| Fee | 1-5% | 0% |
| Best for | New trading partners | Trusted traders |
| Speed | Slower (agent involved) | Faster (direct) |