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Fiat on-ramps and off-ramps
An on-ramp turns dollars into coins. An off-ramp turns coins back into dollars. Both ends are usually companies, with bank accounts, checks, and the power to stop.
Where it stops
The bank can refuse the transfer. The ramp can hold the coins for a review. The exchange can ask for more documents after you have already sent money.
The cost
The headline rate is not the only cost. There is a spread, a card fee, and sometimes a worse price than the chart you were looking at.
If you cannot get back to dollars, you do not control the exit. Know the exit before you need it.
Check yourself
Is the chart price the price the on-ramp will give you?
Often no. Spread and fees sit on top.
After this you can name the company at each end, and the fee, before you send dollars.
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