Fawkes Beginner Guides

Using Monero (XMR) on Fawkes Market

Fawkes Market accepts two cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and Monero. If Bitcoin is the convenient option, Monero is the private one — its blockchain hides who sent what to whom, which is why the darknet gradually moved its centre of gravity onto XMR over the last few years. This page explains what that means in practice and how to get started with it.

What Monero hides that Bitcoin doesn't

BitcoinMonero
SenderVisibleHidden
ReceiverVisibleHidden
AmountVisibleHidden
AnalysisBlockchain analysts can trace flowsNo practical tracing
AvailabilityEvery exchangeMany exchanges, all swap services

In one sentence: with Bitcoin, your deposit is a public fact; with Monero, it's a private one. That's the whole pitch — and it's why "swap to XMR before depositing" became standard darknet hygiene.

How to get Monero in the UK

1Direct — buy XMR on an exchange

Several UK-friendly exchanges list Monero (a few delisted it under regulatory pressure; others never did). If yours lists it, buying direct is simplest.

2Indirect — buy BTC, swap to XMR

The classic route: buy Bitcoin anywhere (guide), then use a non-custodial instant swap service to convert it to Monero. No account, takes minutes, slightly worse rates than an exchange.

3Peer-to-peer — cash for XMR

Maximum privacy, most effort. Worth it for some, overkill for a first order.

Depositing Monero

  1. Open your Fawkes Market wallet and copy the XMR deposit address.
  2. Send a small test amount first — the habit that catches every mistake cheaply.
  3. Confirm it appears (Monero confirmations are usually quick), then send the rest.
  4. Spend it on your order; withdraw what's left when you're done.

A wallet note for beginners

Monero has its own wallet software (the official GUI/CLI, or mobile apps such as Cake Wallet; Feather Wallet is a favourite in darknet circles). You don't strictly need one — an exchange or swap service can send directly to the market — but a wallet makes withdrawals natural and keeps your coins under your control between purchases.

Write down your wallet's seed phrase on paper and store it somewhere safe. That phrase IS the wallet — lose it and your Monero is gone forever.

FAQ

Should I use Monero or Bitcoin on Fawkes?
Both work. Monero if you value privacy, Bitcoin if you value simplicity. Many people use BTC as their on-ramp and swap to XMR before depositing.
Is Monero harder to use than Bitcoin?
Barely — wallets and swaps have made it nearly identical from the user side. The main difference is the wallet software you install.
Why do some exchanges not list Monero?
Precisely because it's private — a few regulators and exchanges prefer transparent coins. That's also the reason swap services are popular.
Are Monero transactions slower?
No — confirmations are usually faster than Bitcoin's, and fees are typically lower.

Next steps