KYC means Know Your Customer. In crypto, it usually refers to identity checks required by exchanges, payment services, or regulated platforms before users can trade, withdraw, or use higher account limits.
What KYC may require
A platform may ask for a legal name, address, date of birth, government ID, selfie, proof of address, or business documents. Requirements depend on the service and jurisdiction.
Why KYC matters
KYC is used for compliance, fraud reduction, sanctions screening, and account security. Some users dislike it because it reduces privacy and puts personal data in the hands of platforms.
KYC is common on centralized exchanges, while many decentralized tools operate differently and may not manage user identity directly.