What is Unbankable?

Who Are the Unbanked?

The unbanked are individuals who do not have access to a bank account or are unable to conveniently use banking services over an extended period. This group is commonly found in remote areas, among migrant workers, small-scale vendors, and people with incomplete credit or identification documentation.

In their daily lives, the unbanked face significant barriers to basic financial services such as transfers, deposits, and online payments. Even those with smartphones may be excluded due to high account opening requirements, fees, or distance from bank branches. As a result, receiving wages, collecting payments, or sending remittances often relies on cash and informal channels—methods that are inefficient and costly.

Why Do the Unbanked Exist?

The existence of the unbanked is driven by several structural factors, primarily related to identity, cost, and accessibility.

First, insufficient identification and documentation make opening a bank account challenging. Without a stable address, formal employment, or government-issued IDs, many cannot meet banks’ strict identity verification requirements.

Second, high account maintenance costs and minimum balance requirements present barriers. For low-income individuals, monthly fees, interbank transfer charges, and account management fees are often unaffordable.

Third, the physical distance to bank branches, long wait times, limited digital skills, and low financial literacy further deter access. In some regions, mistrust of banks or past experiences of service denial exacerbate this exclusion.

How Can Web3 Help the Unbanked?

Web3 empowers the unbanked by enabling them to receive, store, and transfer value using crypto wallets and stablecoins directly on their mobile phones. This lowers the barriers for cross-border and micropayments.

A crypto wallet functions as a “digital keychain” for managing digital assets and does not require a traditional bank account to send or receive funds. Stablecoins are digital tokens pegged to fiat currencies (such as the US dollar), helping to reduce price volatility.

Real-world use cases include cross-border remittances and salary payments, micro-vendor transactions, freelancer payments, and peer-to-peer (P2P) settlements among local businesses. Transaction fees vary by network but are often lower than traditional cross-border channels, with faster settlement and more flexible timing.

How Can the Unbanked Use Crypto Wallets for Payments?

Unbanked individuals can install crypto wallet apps on their smartphones to receive payments via wallet addresses or transfer funds using QR codes or payment links—all through a straightforward process.

Step 1: Create a crypto wallet. Download and install a wallet app; the system will generate a “mnemonic phrase” (a sequence of English words) as your master key. Write it down offline and store it securely. Never take photos of it, upload it online, or share it with anyone.

Step 2: Understand wallet addresses and networks. A wallet address works like an “account number,” but different blockchain networks use different address formats. Always confirm that the recipient’s network matches before transferring assets to avoid loss.

Step 3: Prepare a small amount for gas fees. Every transaction requires a “gas fee” (similar to postage), which pays for network processing and confirmation. Gas fees vary by blockchain, so ensure you have a small balance ready.

Step 4: Receiving and sending payments. Share your wallet address or QR code with the sender when receiving funds; to pay others, input their address and the amount in your wallet app, confirm the network and fee, then submit.

How Can Stablecoins Help the Unbanked Reduce Volatility Risks?

The unbanked can use stablecoins to link their daily transactions and stored value directly to fiat currencies, minimizing the impact of market price swings.

Common stablecoins include USDT and USDC, both designed to maintain a 1:1 value peg with fiat currencies like the US dollar. This stability makes them suitable for day-to-day transactions, simplifying bookkeeping and pricing. In cross-border contexts, stablecoins bypass traditional channels’ delays and fees.

However, stablecoins come with issuer risk and on-chain technical risk. Choose stablecoins with strong liquidity and transparency; pay attention to reserve audits and compliance disclosures; diversify your holdings; always confirm the network and fees before transferring to avoid mistakes.

How Can the Unbanked Buy Crypto and Withdraw on Gate?

The unbanked can purchase stablecoins on Gate and withdraw them to their personal wallets for payments or P2P trades—subject to local laws and platform rules.

Step 1: Register and verify your account. Complete account registration and KYC (identity verification) as required by your country or region. Prepare valid ID documents to ensure account security and compliance.

Step 2: Buy stablecoins. Go to Gate’s fiat trading or P2P section to purchase USDT or other stablecoins from merchants via supported payment methods, or buy stablecoins on the spot market using deposited funds.

Step 3: On-chain withdrawal. On the “Withdraw” page, enter your personal wallet address and select the correct network (such as TRON or Ethereum). Confirm the fee and minimum withdrawal amount before submitting. Once processed, your stablecoins will arrive in your personal wallet for flexible use.

Step 4: Cash out and P2P transactions. To convert crypto into local currency, sell your stablecoins to local buyers in Gate’s P2P section using their preferred payment methods. Always communicate within the platform and follow official procedures to avoid disputes or scams.

What Risks and Compliance Issues Do the Unbanked Face?

When using Web3, the unbanked should pay special attention to asset security and regulatory compliance to prevent losses or legal trouble.

For wallet security, if your mnemonic phrase is leaked or lost, you may permanently lose access to your assets. Back up recovery phrases offline in multiple safe locations; beware of phishing links and fake customer support.

Market risks include high volatility in non-stablecoins; while stablecoins can reduce price swings, they still carry issuer and regulatory risks. Choose assets wisely and avoid concentration.

Trading risks exist in P2P transactions—there is potential for fraud or disputes. Always communicate through platforms like Gate’s order system and keep transaction records.

On compliance: Crypto regulations vary greatly by country—covering tax reporting, anti-money laundering (AML), and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. Only use crypto within local legal boundaries and report as required.

How Do the Unbanked Differ from Traditional Finance Users?

The unbanked experience Web3 very differently compared to traditional finance. Web3 offers open access anytime, while traditional finance is restricted by institutions and branch locations.

In terms of accounts, traditional finance requires a bank account tied to formal identity systems; Web3 uses wallet addresses and private keys—lowering entry barriers but placing more responsibility for asset custody on users.

Transaction characteristics also differ: traditional transfers can be reversed with customer support intervention; blockchain transfers are typically irreversible—mistakes cannot easily be undone. Fee structures, settlement times, and cross-border speeds also vary greatly.

For compliance, traditional finance is centrally managed by institutions; in Web3, users must understand local laws and platform rules themselves—the boundaries can be more complex.

What Are Future Trends for the Unbanked?

The size of the unbanked population is gradually declining due to widespread adoption of mobile payments, digital identity initiatives, and improved compliance pathways. According to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2021, around 1.4 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked; however, digitalization is steadily improving access.

On the Web3 side, stablecoin use cases are expanding—cross-border payments and gig economy payouts are becoming more efficient. Countries are developing stronger compliance frameworks and consumer protections; fiat on-ramps and off-ramps are becoming more transparent. In the future, mobile wallets and locally compliant fiat gateways will continue to lower participation barriers.

How Should the Unbanked Capture Opportunities While Avoiding Risks?

For the unbanked, start with stablecoins and basic payment flows while building secure wallet habits before exploring more advanced applications. Use Gate for buying, selling, withdrawals, and P2P transactions; strictly follow platform procedures and local regulations; diversify holdings; back up your mnemonic phrase. Adopt a “start small, practice gradually” approach to make Web3 a reliable tool for everyday life.

FAQ

Can the Unbanked Use Cryptocurrency for Daily Payments?

Yes. The unbanked can use crypto wallets to receive stablecoins (such as USDT or USDC) for everyday shopping and transfers without needing a traditional bank account. Since stablecoins are pegged to the US dollar, their prices remain stable—making them especially suitable for daily transactions. This is particularly beneficial in regions lacking robust financial services.

How Can People Without Bank Accounts Safely Store Crypto Assets?

It is recommended to use reputable self-custody wallets (such as hardware wallets or mobile wallets) for safeguarding your private key—never disclose it to anyone. Alternatively, you can bind your wallet address to an account on regulated exchanges like Gate to store assets there. Whichever method you choose, regularly back up your recovery phrase in case your device is lost or damaged.

What Risks Do the Unbanked Face When Using Cryptocurrency?

Key risks include: irreversible transactions (mistakes cannot be undone), permanent loss of assets if private keys are lost, and scams (such as phishing links or fake projects). Additionally, cryptocurrency regulations vary by country. Start with small amounts while learning essential security practices before engaging in larger transactions.

How Can the Unbanked Get Started Quickly on Gate?

First, download the Gate APP or visit the website; after completing identity verification you can deposit crypto directly or buy stablecoins via C2C trading. Beginners are encouraged to start with USDT or USDC stablecoins before exploring other cryptocurrencies after learning basic operations. Gate offers customer support in Chinese—reach out anytime if you have questions.

How Can the Unbanked Convert Crypto Assets into Fiat Currency?

You can use Gate’s C2C trading feature to sell stablecoins to local buyers in exchange for cash or local payment methods. Alternatively, withdraw at merchants or ATMs that support cryptocurrency locally. Always trade with reputable partners and perform multiple small transactions to reduce risk.