How do I buy a token on a DEX?

In DEX markets you can buy tokens with the USDT in your Paribu balance. The token you buy is reflected in your self-custody DeFi wallet. The transaction is completed in a single approval step with your passkey.

How is a token bought on a DEX?

In the Paribu app, tap the token you want to buy in the DeFi chip of the Crypto tab on the Markets screen and start the buy action from its detail screen. Enter the amount, tap the Buy {token} button, check the details on the order summary screen, and sign with your passkey using Confirm Transaction. The token you buy is reflected in your wallet within a few minutes.

Before you start

• Your DeFi setup must be complete — approvals given and your self-custody wallet created
• You must have sufficient USDT in your Paribu balance

Buy a token

1. Go to the Markets tab and tap the DeFi chip in the Crypto tab
2. Tap the token you want to buy to open its detail screen
3. Start the buy action
4. Enter the amount you want to buy in USDT — you can tap the Max button to use your entire balance
5. The estimated amount you will receive is shown at the live price; the price quote refreshes at intervals and the counter next to it shows the remaining time
6. Tap the Buy {token} button
7. Check the Unit Price, Minimum Received, Network, and Estimated Completion Time rows on the Buy Order Summary screen
8. Tap Confirm Transaction and sign the transaction with your passkey on the verification screen your device opens

When the transaction is submitted, the Transaction completed screen appears and the status is shown as Pending. The estimated completion time on the screen is usually ~1-2 minutes.

Note: If the price quote expires, the message "Quote has expired. Go back to get an updated price." appears. You can go back, get a new price, and continue with the transaction

What does the minimum received amount mean?

Because prices in DeFi can change within seconds, your transaction is sent with a guarantee that you will receive at least a certain amount. The Minimum Received row on the summary screen shows this lower limit; tapping the info icon next to the row opens the detailed explanation.

• The amount you are expected to receive at the current price is also shown on the same screen
• The actual amount is determined by the market conditions at the moment of the transaction
• If the price falls below this lower limit, your transaction is canceled automatically and your amount is refunded
• The provider fee and the network fee are included in this amount

Security review before you buy

Because anyone can issue a token on a DEX, the app shows an automatic security scan for every token before you buy. The result of this scan is indicated with a badge on the token detail: Safe asset, Caution required, or Risky asset.

When you try to buy a token marked as risky, the Please review before buying screen opens. Here you can open the Security review screen with Review risks to read the details of the findings, or continue with Continue to buy.

Warning: This scan is automatic; it does not mean that Paribu has reviewed or approved the token. As the disclaimer in the app states, the review does not guarantee 100% accuracy and does not constitute investment advice. Buying a risky asset is not blocked — the decision is yours

You can learn what the scan checks and what the findings mean in the DeFi — frequently asked questions and troubleshooting article.

What happens during a purchase?

• The USDT to be used in the transaction is temporarily blocked in your Paribu balance to prevent the same balance from being used twice
• When the transaction is approved, the token you bought is reflected in your DeFi wallet
• If the transaction cannot be completed, your balance does not change; the blocked amount returns to your available balance

Important information

• On a DEX, transactions are made only at the current market price; you cannot place an order at a specific price level
• There is a minimum and maximum amount per transaction; a warning appears on the screen when you enter an amount outside these limits
• If the price impact becomes very high, the transaction is blocked for your security — details are in the What are slippage (price slippage) and price impact? article
• The token you buy is sold on the network where it was bought
• Trading transactions and order matching do not take place in the Paribu system; Paribu has no authority to intervene in this environment. Your orders are processed directly in the DEX smart contract
• Transactions made on the blockchain cannot be reversed

---

Frequently asked questions

Can I place an order at a specific price (limit)?

No. On a DEX, transactions are made only at the current market price; placing an order at a specific price level is not available.

Which asset do I use when buying a token?

You use the USDT in your Paribu balance. If your USDT balance is insufficient, a USDT deposit prompt appears on the screen.

Where does the token I buy go?

It is reflected in your own self-custody DeFi wallet. You can see it in the DeFi section of the Wallet tab.

I received a "your funds are on hold for a moment" message, is my money gone?

No. This is not an error but a temporary hold: some of your balance reserved in a previous attempt has not been returned yet. The amount is refunded automatically, and the estimated time is two minutes. When the refund is complete, you can continue with the Try again button on the screen.

My transaction could not be completed, is my money gone?

No. If the transaction cannot be completed, your balance does not change and the blocked amount returns to your available balance. The screen also states why the transaction was not completed.

---

Related articles

• How do I sell a token on a DEX? I sold, when will my money arrive? — Selling on a DEX and how long the amount takes to arrive
• What are DEX provider fees, networks, and the transaction limit? — DEX fees, supported networks, and the transaction limit
• What are slippage (price slippage) and price impact? — Slippage and price impact
• What are a DEX (decentralized exchange) and a liquidity pool? — DEX and liquidity pool (AMM) logic
• How do I start using DeFi products? — Setup steps with account verification and approvals