- As per the updated ToS, users will no longer able to make direct USD withdrawals.
- The cryptocurrency community did not take kindly to the news.
Binance.US has implemented a significant change to its terms of service, signaling the discontinuation of direct United States dollar (USD) withdrawals on its platform.
The adjustment occurred within the terms of service, particularly the section pertaining to the “BAM Fiat Wallet.” This section refers to services connected with the custody of U.S. dollars by Binance.US.
In the updated terms, Binance.US clearly stated that users “may convert” their USD holdings into stablecoins or other digital assets to facilitate the withdrawal of funds from their accounts. This change means that users are no longer able to make direct USD withdrawals.
This modification in terms did not go unnoticed in the cryptocurrency community. Concerned users took to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to share their observations.
Some expressed their unease, highlighting the need to convert USD to stablecoins or other digital assets to access their funds.
What led to the decision?
It’s essential to note that Binance.US emphasized that digital assets are not eligible for insurance protection provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This is similar to previous updates to its terms of service.
This important distinction underscores that users must be cautious and understand the risks associated with this new withdrawal process.
In a statement on 5 May 2023, Binance.US had already outlined its procedure for handling U.S. dollar deposits should the relationship with a USD custodian be terminated.
In such a scenario, the exchange would provide notice and a grace period for users to withdraw their USD deposits. Any remaining USD deposits not withdrawn by the specified deadline would be converted to stablecoin digital assets and transferred to users’ digital assets accounts.
Notable shift in terms of service
This change marks a notable shift in Binance.US’s terms of service compared to a version posted in May 2023. In the previous version, the exchange emphasized its collaboration with USD custodians and FDIC-insured banks.
This was done to ensure the safety of U.S. dollar deposits.
The terms at the time suggested that the funds could be eligible for FDIC insurance coverage up to $250,000 per eligible individual. The previous statement is contingent on a bank failure.
However, the recent modification to the terms signals a change in the approach to safeguarding user funds. The alteration effectively obliges users to convert their USD holdings into alternative digital assets for withdrawals.
However, this may not align with the preferences and expectations of some users.
Binance.US has faced challenges regarding its fiat on-ramps and off-ramps over the past year. For instance, in June 2023, the exchange suspended U.S. dollar deposits and warned customers of potential disruptions to fiat withdrawal services.
While it subsequently resolved some of these issues, it cautioned that these solutions might be temporary.
