Zcash (ZEC) remains listed on more exchanges than Monero, largely because its optional privacy model — where most transactions use transparent addresses identical to Bitcoin's — makes it easier for regulated exchanges to maintain the chain analysis coverage their compliance teams require.
Centralised exchanges
Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and Binance (in supported jurisdictions) all list Zcash. If you have an existing account on any of these platforms and KYC is not a concern, this is the fastest path. Acquisition is the same as buying any other listed asset — standard order or instant buy, settlement in seconds.
Non-custodial instant swap
If you hold any other cryptocurrency and want ZEC without creating a new account or submitting identity documents, a non-custodial swap is faster and requires nothing from you beyond a Zcash wallet address. Send Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Monero, or any of hundreds of other assets and receive Zcash directly in your wallet. Terce handles ZEC swaps in both directions. No account. No KYC. Rate locked at confirmation.
Which Zcash wallet to use
Zashi is the official Zcash wallet, developed by the Electric Coin Company. It uses shielded addresses by default — the only privacy-preserving option — and is available for iOS and Android. Ywallet is a fast, lightweight alternative with strong shielded support. Avoid wallets that default to transparent addresses if privacy is the reason you are acquiring Zcash in the first place.
One thing to verify
When withdrawing ZEC from a centralised exchange, confirm whether the exchange sends to shielded (z-addresses) or transparent (t-addresses) only. Many centralised exchanges only support transparent Zcash withdrawals, which means the ZEC you receive starts its life in a fully public address even if you plan to use shielded addresses afterward. This is a meaningful gap for users who care about the privacy properties of their holdings.
Both Zcash and Monero are available on Terce via non-custodial swap from any supported asset. If you are undecided between the two privacy coins, the comparison is covered in the Zcash vs Monero note.