If you're looking to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Tether in Iran, you've probably heard of ARzPaya. It's one of the biggest crypto platforms in the country, claiming millions of users and 24/7 support. But is it safe? Is it easy to use? And what are the real risks? This review cuts through the hype and shows you exactly what ARzPaya offers - and what it hides.
What ARzPaya Actually Does
ARzPaya is a cryptocurrency exchange built for Iran. It lets you buy, sell, and store digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Binance Coin, SHIB, and Chainlink. The platform works through a website (arzpaya.com) and a mobile app on Google Play. Its main selling point? Fast Tether (USDT) trading with low fees and no ID checks for crypto-only transactions.
Here’s the catch: if you want to deposit or withdraw Iranian Rial (IRR), you need to go through full identity verification. That means uploading your national ID and linking your bank card through Iran’s Shetab network. But if you’re only trading crypto to crypto - say, swapping Bitcoin for Tether - you can skip verification entirely. This dual system makes ARzPaya attractive for users who want privacy, but it also raises red flags internationally.
How Trading Works on ARzPaya
The platform offers two trading interfaces: a simple one for beginners and a professional dashboard for experienced traders. The simple mode shows basic price charts, buy/sell buttons, and a list of supported coins. The professional mode adds order types like limit and stop-loss, real-time depth charts, and historical trade data.
There’s no public info on trading fees, but users report costs are lower than many Iranian exchanges. Most trades are paired with Tether, which is the most liquid asset in Iran’s crypto market. You can’t trade Rial directly against Bitcoin - you must first convert Rial to Tether, then trade Tether for other coins.
Each cryptocurrency you hold gets its own dedicated wallet inside ARzPaya. You can send coins out to external wallets anytime - even during the 24-hour processing window. That’s a plus. Some exchanges lock funds for days, but ARzPaya lets you move assets freely, as long as you’re not withdrawing Rial.
Security and Wallets
ARzPaya stores most user funds in cold wallets, which are offline and harder to hack. But like all centralized exchanges, your coins are still under their control. If the platform gets hacked, freezes, or shuts down, you could lose access. There’s no insurance policy mentioned, no multi-signature setup advertised, and no public audit reports.
For Iranian users, this might feel like a trade-off they’re willing to make. But internationally, that’s a major concern. ARzPaya is listed as restricted by NoOnes, a major peer-to-peer trading platform. That means you can’t send crypto from ARzPaya to a NoOnes wallet. Try it, and your account might get flagged or suspended.
This restriction isn’t random. It’s based on compliance risks - sanctions, lack of KYC (Know Your Customer) for crypto trades, and unclear anti-money laundering controls. If you’re outside Iran, using ARzPaya could violate financial regulations in your country.
Education: ARzPaya’s Hidden Strength
What sets ARzPaya apart isn’t its trading speed or wallet tech - it’s their education system. The platform runs ARzPaya Magazine, a free resource hub with articles on blockchain basics, Proof of Stake vs. Proof of Work, how mining works, and how to avoid scams.
They explain PoS as a greener alternative to Bitcoin mining, which shows they’re keeping up with industry trends. They break down wallet security, private keys, and how to spot phishing sites. For new users in Iran - where formal crypto education is rare - this is invaluable.
Many Iranian exchanges focus only on sales. ARzPaya tries to build long-term users. That’s smart. But it’s also a sign they know their users are vulnerable. If you’re learning from them, you’re not just trading - you’re being trained to stay within their ecosystem.
The Iranian Crypto Reality
To understand ARzPaya, you need to understand Iran’s crypto landscape. Cryptocurrencies aren’t illegal there - but they can’t be used as money. You can’t pay for groceries with Bitcoin. You can’t buy a car with Ethereum. The government allows mining and trading, but bans crypto as payment.
This creates a gray zone. People use crypto to store value, bypass inflation, or send money abroad. ARzPaya taps into that need. But it’s also surrounded by risk. In 2023, the Cryptoland exchange collapsed, and users lost over IRR 270 billion (about $6.5 million USD). No one was held accountable. No one got their money back.
ARzPaya isn’t Cryptoland. But it operates in the same system. There are over 20 other Iranian exchanges - ARZICOIN, Bitpin, BIDARZ, Afra Tether - all competing for users. They all promise low fees, fast withdrawals, and high security. But none offer transparency. No one publishes reserves. No one is audited.
Who Should Use ARzPaya?
ARzPaya makes sense for:
- Iranian residents who want to trade crypto without Rial deposits
- New traders who need educational resources to learn
- Users with Tether looking to swap into other coins quickly
But avoid ARzPaya if you:
- Live outside Iran and plan to move crypto to other platforms
- Want to deposit or withdraw Iranian Rial (high risk of delays or freezes)
- Expect regulatory protection or insurance on your funds
- Need advanced features like margin trading or futures
There’s no signup fee, no minimum deposit, and no hidden charges on crypto trades. But there’s no safety net either. Your money is only as safe as ARzPaya’s next server update.
The Bottom Line
ARzPaya isn’t a scam. It’s not a Ponzi scheme. It’s a real exchange with real users and real trading volume. But it’s also a product of a high-risk environment. It thrives because Iran has no banking alternatives, not because it’s the safest platform.
If you’re in Iran and need to trade crypto, ARzPaya is one of the best options. The mobile app works, the interface is clean, and the educational content is genuinely helpful.
If you’re outside Iran - or if you’re serious about protecting your assets - look elsewhere. The restrictions from NoOnes aren’t a coincidence. They’re a warning.
Use ARzPaya if you must. But never store more than you can afford to lose. And always withdraw your coins to a personal wallet - not a platform wallet - when you’re done trading.
Is ARzPaya legal in Iran?
Yes, ARzPaya operates legally within Iran’s current crypto rules. Cryptocurrencies aren’t banned - but they can’t be used as payment for goods or services. Trading and holding crypto is allowed, and ARzPaya complies with local banking integration through the Shetab network. However, the government has not issued formal licenses to any exchange, so all platforms exist in a legal gray zone.
Can I withdraw Iranian Rial from ARzPaya?
Yes, but only after completing full identity verification. You must link your Iranian bank card through the Shetab network. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours, but delays are common due to banking restrictions and regulatory reviews. Many users report waiting 1-3 days, especially during weekends or holidays. There’s no guarantee your withdrawal will be approved.
Is ARzPaya safe for long-term crypto storage?
No. ARzPaya is a hot wallet exchange, not a cold storage solution. While they use offline wallets for most funds, your assets are still under their control. There’s no insurance, no public audit, and no multi-signature security. For long-term holding, move your crypto to a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor after trading. Never leave large amounts on any exchange.
Why is ARzPaya restricted by NoOnes?
NoOnes restricts ARzPaya due to compliance risks: lack of KYC for crypto trades, potential ties to sanctioned entities, and unclear anti-money laundering controls. This means you can’t send crypto from ARzPaya to a NoOnes wallet. Attempting to do so may trigger account restrictions. NoOnes lists multiple Iranian exchanges this way, signaling a broader concern about regulatory exposure.
Does ARzPaya support fiat deposits outside Iran?
No. ARzPaya only accepts Iranian Rial deposits via the Shetab banking network, which requires an Iranian bank account and national ID. You cannot deposit USD, EUR, or any other currency. The platform is designed solely for users within Iran’s financial system. Any third-party service claiming to help you deposit fiat from abroad is likely a scam.
What cryptocurrencies does ARzPaya support?
ARzPaya supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), Chainlink (LINK), Rune (RUNE), Cardano (ADA), Binance Coin (BNB), and SHIB (SHIB). They occasionally add new coins based on demand. Tether is the most traded pair, used as the primary trading hub. All assets have dedicated wallets, and withdrawals are allowed to external addresses at any time.
Next Steps for Users
If you’re in Iran and want to try ARzPaya:
- Download the app from the Google Play Store or visit arzpaya.com.
- Sign up with your phone number and email.
- If you plan to deposit Rial, complete ID verification now - it can take up to 48 hours.
- Start with a small crypto deposit (like 0.001 BTC or 10 USDT) to test the system.
- Use the ARzPaya Magazine to learn before trading larger amounts.
- Once you’re done trading, move your coins to a personal wallet.
Remember: in Iran’s crypto market, trust is earned slowly - and lost instantly. Stay cautious. Stay informed. And never risk more than you can afford to lose.