Thanks to their growing popularity, cryptocurrencies have become a household name. Nowadays, there are numerous places to buy crypto online, including centralized exchanges, online brokers, e-wallets, and even some traditional banks. The process might seem like an overwhelming process for newbies, but learning how to buy crypto is actually fairly easy.
You need to decide first which crypto you want to buy and why, then find a platform that best suits your needs, and finally, complete the purchase. If you don’t want to trade it frequently, you might want to withdraw it to your personal wallet and keep it there just to be safe.
Read our guide below to learn more about these steps.
Key TakeawaysCentralized exchanges are probably the most convenient option for less experienced crypto investors to buy their first crypto coin. Below are our rankings of the best crypto exchanges in 2025.
Founded in 2014 as Bitreserve and rebranded in 2015, Uphold is a digital money platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, metals, and stocks. It is headquartered in New York and operates in 150+ countries with more than 10 million users. The platform supports over 260 cryptocurrencies, 35 fiat currencies, four metals, and various stocks. Users can convert assets directly to minimize fees. Security measures include encryption, a 100% reserve model, and regular audits.
The platform follows FinCEN regulations in the US and holds money transmitter licenses in multiple states. The FCA regulates its UK operations, while FINTRAC oversees Canada and Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service to ensure European compliance.
The US version of eToro launched in 2018 with a customized platform, designed to meet the US’s stringent regulations, and to reliably serve US traders. At start, the platform only offered crypto trading, but has obtained the necessary regulatory approvals and expanded its offerings.
Despite its regulatory compliance, eToro USA is still considerably more limited than its international counterpart, particularly regarding its crypto exchange offerings. The US version supports considerably fewer cryptocurrencies, and offers fewer trading pairs. Additionally, it doesn’t provide staking services.
However, it is just as fiat-friendly as the international platform, and accepts fiat deposits from several payment methods. Additionally, it also charges the same 1% fee for both buying and selling cryptocurrencies.
Initially established in 2011 and officially launched as a crypto exchange in 2013, Kraken is a crypto trading platform headquartered in San Francisco, California. It is one of the most popular exchanges on the market and consistently generates billions of daily trading volumes.
Kraken offers its services to all but two states in the US and holds the necessary permits to operate globally.
Kraken supports over 300 cryptocurrencies. Its service offerings include spot trading, margin trading with up to x5 leverage, and derivative trading with up to x50 leverage. The platform also offers earning opportunities for a select group of cryptocurrencies.
On Kraken, users can make fiat deposits with six major fiat currencies using several different payment methods. Kraken’s trading fee structure is tiered and offers discounted rates to users who generate large monthly trading volumes.
Founded in 2013, CEX.io is one of the pioneers in the centralized crypto exchange industry. With headquarters in London, and multiple offices around the world, CEX.io is a well-regulated and licensed crypto trading platform, available in hundreds of countries, including the US, with some state-specific exceptions.
On CEX.io, traders can engage in spot trading and margin trading with up to x10 leverage. The exchange supports around 180 cryptocurrencies, and allows users to directly purchase them with three major fiat currencies: USD, EUR, and GBP. In addition, CEX.io also provides earning and staking opportunities.
CEX.io supports a number of payment methods, including bank transfers, cards, PayPal, and Skrill. The exchange has a tiered fee structure and offers discounted maker and taker fees to users who generate large monthly trading volumes.
Gemini is a popular crypto trading platform that was launched in 2015, with headquarters in New York. It is an exchange with a significant global presence, regulated and operating in more than 60 countries worldwide. Gemini also provides its services to US users in all 50 states.
Traders on Gemini can buy, sell, and trade more than 70 cryptocurrencies. The exchange also offers a range of derivative trading options, including perpetual and dated futures with up to x100 leverage, options, and swaps. In addition to crypto trading, Gemini also offers staking services for a select group of coins.
Gemini supports seven major fiat currencies and accepts deposits made using a number of payment methods, including PayPal. Regarding trading fees, Gemini’s fee schedule is complex, and sometimes it charges fixed or tiered fees, depending on the trade.
Coinbase is a US-based crypto platform established in 2012 in San Francisco, California. It is one of the world’s most popular and largest crypto exchanges by trading volume. It operates in more than 100 regions worldwide and has the necessary licenses and approvals to offer its services to US users from all 50 states.
The Coinbase exchange supports over 240 cryptocurrencies and over 300 trading pairs. Its service offerings include spot trading, margin trading, perpetuals and futures trading with up to x20 leverage, and staking coins for interest.
On Coinbase, users can make fiat deposits using a range of payment methods, including popular options like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The exchange supports three fiat currencies: USD, EUR, and GBP.
For trading fees, Coinbase uses a tiered structure and offers discounted rates to active traders who generate large trading volumes.
After facing regulatory challenges, the global Binance platform established Binance.US to comply with US regulations and serve US traders. Binance.US is a fully licensed and regulated crypto exchange, registered as MSB with the FinCEN. It is available across the USA, with the exception of states that have specific regulatory restrictions.
The service offerings of Binance.US are considerably more limited than those of its global counterpart. Binance.US supports just over 120 cryptocurrencies and 60 trading pairs. The exchange provides staking and earning opportunities but no derivative trading options. It also doesn’t accept fiat deposits.
Binance.US also offers fee-free trading of select cryptocurrency pairs, and charges trading fees according to its tiered-fee structure for the remaining pairs. For trading fees paid with its native BNB coin, Binance.US grants a 5% discount on all trading fees.
Established in 2011, Bitstamp is one of the world’s longest-running crypto exchanges. It is headquartered in Luxembourg, but it is registered and has offices in numerous locations globally. Bitstamp holds the necessary permits to operate in almost every corner of the world and is fully regulated and available in the US.
In terms of service offerings, Bitstamp facilitates buying, selling, and exchanging a select list of around 80 cryptocurrencies. The platform doesn’t offer P2P trading, margin trading, or trading derivatives but does provide earning opportunities through lending and staking.
Bitstamp supports a few fiat payment methods like bank transfers, cards, ACH, and SEPA, and supports three fiat currencies: USD, EUR, and GBP. Its fee schedule is tiered and grants discounted trading fees to traders who generate large monthly trading volumes.
bitFlyer is a cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in Tokyo with licenses for operation in Japan, the US, and the EU. To ensure compliance with US regulations, a subsidiary of the exchange is registered in San Francisco, under the name bitFlyer USA.
Unlike most exchanges that offer a wide range of trading pairs, bitFlyer focuses on providing a user-friendly and streamlined experience and only offers 12 trading pairs. Users can also use three fiat currencies, USD, EUR, and JPY, to deposit funds or purchase cryptocurrencies.
In addition to spot trading, the exchange also supports margin trading and futures trading with up to x2 leverage on Bitcoin.
The bitFlyer fee structure is tiered and allows active users who trade large monthly volumes to pay smaller exchange fees when using the exchange.
Established as a crypto payment platform in 2016, and then as a crypto exchange in 2019, Crypto.com is a Singapore-based crypto exchange. With licenses for operation in every corner of the world, Crypto.com is one of the most popular regulated crypto exchanges globally. It is also available in the US except New York.
On Crypto.com, users can buy, sell, and exchange over 250 cryptocurrencies, 100 trading pairs, and 20 fiat currencies. Its service offerings include spot trading, staking, derivatives trading with up to x100 leverage, margin trading with up to x10 leverage, and many other products.
Crypto.com also accepts deposits and payments from various third-party services, like bank cards and PayPal. Its fee structure is tiered, and offers discounted trading fees to users who generate large monthly trading volumes.
Disclaimer: Investing in cryptocurrencies carries significant risk. Values are highly volatile. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. This site does not provide financial advice. Act based on your own research and consult with a financial professional before making decisions. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Here at CCN, we base our exchange reviews on independent and unbiased analysis of the main factors that determine the quality of cryptocurrency exchanges.
Our team of experts has spent countless hours going through mountains of data, meticulously analyzing trading volumes, liquidity levels, and supported cryptocurrencies to ensure a well-rounded assessment of each platform's capabilities.
We have also tested the platforms to experience their usability, features, and customer service firsthand. Finally, we have consolidated all our insights and compiled a holistic assessment of the exchanges, highlighting those that stand out from the crowd.
We are strongly convinced that the exchanges featured on CCN provide the best user experience and represent the top choices available in the market.
Below, you can find a detailed step-by-step guide that will help you if you are purchasing cryptocurrency for the first time.
The first step of deciding which cryptocurrency to buy may be challenging for beginners, mainly due to the vast number of options available on the crypto market.
Currently, tens of thousands of popular crypto coins are in circulation, making the whole process much more intimidating for newcomers. Depending on your reasons for buying crypto, there are many options for short or long-term investing, trading, or carrying out crypto transactions.
You will need to do your research and understand the unique value proposition of each coin. For example, Bitcoin can be a great choice for beginners, as it is the most widely adopted and traded cryptocurrency in the world. It is also one of the most commonly accepted cryptocurrencies for transactions, making it a reliable and versatile choice.
Once you identify the cryptocurrency that best aligns with your personal goals and preferences, you can move on to the next step and find the right platform to buy it.
There are numerous options for buying cryptocurrency, including best crypto exchanges, trading platforms, online brokers, P2P platforms, fintech solutions, and many others.
Each has unique features, fee structures, and security protocols, which means they have pros and cons.
For example, centralized exchanges are beginner-friendly, easy to navigate, and offer a straightforward path to buying crypto. That said, they typically charge higher transaction costs than decentralized exchanges, which can be cheaper, though they may require a deeper understanding of blockchain technology to use effectively.
If you are new to crypto, choosing a reputable and reliable exchange to buy your first crypto, such as Binance or Coinbase, may be the safest choice. These platforms are secure, accept fiat currencies, and even provide customer support, which can prove invaluable if you get stuck in the process.
If you picked a platform you would like to use to buy your first crypto, you can go ahead and create an account. This should be similar to any other account creation process where you provide your email address, set a strong password, and provide additional information like your full name and other details.
Now, what may seem a bit out of the ordinary is the verification process, which is more rigorous than standard account confirmations that typically require just an email link click.
When creating a crypto exchange account, you will need to go through a KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process . The process requires submitting personal identification documents, such as a passport or driver’s license, and sometimes proof of address, like a utility bill or bank statement.
While it may seem excessive, this verification process is crucial for the platform and its compliance with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations. It is also a safeguard against identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized transactions for you as a user. That said, although it is slightly inconvenient, it ultimately works in your favor.
Once your account is created and verified, you are almost ready to buy your first crypto coin. All you need now is to add funds to your account to pay for your purchase.
So, how do you buy cryptocurrency?
Depending on the platform you are using, some exchanges may ask you to deposit funds before you can even view the full range of trading options. Others may have a Buy&Sell section readily accessible and give you a precise calculation of the cost only after you select the amount of crypto you would like to buy.
In any case, you will need to make sure you have enough funds to cover both the cost of the cryptocurrency and any associated transaction fees.
Most crypto exchanges work with different payment methods, such as e-wallets, debit cards, and bank transfers, and accept different currencies. Choose the method you prefer, double-check the transaction details, make sure everything is right, and confirm the payment.
After completing the payment and transaction process, the crypto you selected is yours.
However, even though you own the cryptocurrency, it is still stored on the platform’s system. You need one of the best crypto wallets to transfer the crypto from the platform’s storage.
Now, some people prefer to keep their crypto on the exchange they purchased it from because they trust its security measures and because of transaction convenience. Since private keys prove crypto ownership, they prefer to rely on the platform's custody of their cryptocurrency, as it simplifies handling and managing private keys.
However, your funds might be compromised in case of cyberattacks, which do happen occasionally. This is why many experts recommend transferring your funds to your wallet as soon as you purchase the crypto.
Check out the section below dedicated to the two main types of crypto wallets, explaining how they work and which is the best choice for you. Consider studying it to learn how to move crypto from the exchange to a personal wallet.
As we already mentioned, there are numerous ways to buy cryptocurrency, and centralized crypto exchanges are not the only option. Below, you can read about alternative ways to purchase crypto and whether they are a good choice for you.
If you plan to store your newly purchased cryptocurrency in a wallet, it's worth noting that some crypto wallets, such as Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask, offer the option to buy cryptocurrencies directly from within the wallet interface.
This means that you can purchase cryptocurrencies without leaving the wallet application, providing added convenience for users.
Of course, this implies that your crypto coins will not be stored on an exchange, making it the less convenient option if you want to trade them frequently.
Unlike centralized exchanges, P2P platforms allow users to buy cryptocurrencies from each other and establish their own terms and prices for transactions.
Buying directly from another person instead of a centralized authority gives buyers a few advantages such as:
On the other hand, P2P platforms generally carry a higher risk of fraud and often involve more complex and less regulated trading processes.
In addition to the methods we already discussed, cryptocurrency ATMs give users a hands-on, immediate way to buy cryptocurrencies. Often located in public places like shopping malls, airports, and cafes, these machines provide an accessible and user-friendly option for those who prefer in-person transactions.
Unlike most other options, cryptocurrency ATMs allow users to purchase cryptocurrencies directly using cash. They just insert their money and follow the instructions on the screen, and the ATM processes the transaction and sends the cryptocurrency to the user's digital wallet.
They even work for users who don’t have wallets by printing out a paper wallet that contains both the public and private keys necessary to access the purchased cryptocurrency.
PayPal is one of the most commonly accepted online payment methods supported by most cryptocurrency exchanges. It allows users to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies directly through its platform.
The upside is that users don’t have to navigate the complexity and technicalities of crypto exchanges and can buy crypto using PayPal’s familiar interface.
On the flip side, the variety of cryptocurrencies available for purchase on PayPal is significantly more limited than what you can expect in exchanges, trading platforms, and online brokers.
You can buy cryptocurrency using credit and debit cards on most crypto exchanges, payment platforms, and cryptocurrency ATMs. Just like making any other purchase using their card, users can simply enter their card details, confirm the transaction, and receive the cryptocurrency instantly.
Cards are a popular method for buying cryptocurrency because of their widespread acceptance and the convenience of instant transactions. They instantly convert fiat currency to digital assets and act as a gateway for quick access to the crypto market.
However, we must point out that buying crypto with a card often comes with significant fees much higher than other payment methods like PayPal, for example.
As we stated above, buying cryptocurrency is just the first step in entering the world of digital assets. While holding your crypto on the platform you initially purchased from is a viable option, moving it to a personal wallet can offer enhanced control over your assets.
It will give you access to the private keys and complete ownership of your cryptocurrency, allowing you to transfer it freely without relying on the exchange.
Keeping crypto in a personal wallet is also the more secure option when considering long-term storage. While crypto exchanges and platforms are very safe, they are still susceptible to hacking, regulatory issues, and operational risks that could compromise your assets.
Moving it to a personal crypto wallet will isolate it from external factors and allow you to manage and secure it as you see fit. Just be sure to never lose or share your private key with anyone, as that will compromise your wallet’s security.
According to their functionality and connectivity, there are two main types of crypto wallets: hot and cold.
Hot crypto wallets are pieces of software used to store a cryptocurrency’s private keys on a device that is connected to the internet. You can install your hot wallet on a computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet and easily access your crypto at all times, as long as you are connected to the internet.
Ideal for everyday use, hot wallets allow users to make quick transactions, check real-time balance updates, and manage their crypto without too much effort. The main benefits of using a hot wallet are convenience and ease of access to the crypto market.
That said, hot wallets are constantly online, which makes them vulnerable to hacking attempts and malware attacks. For this reason, many crypto owners keep only a portion of their cryptocurrency in hot wallets and the rest in cold storage for added security.
The second main type of crypto wallets are those that work offline, known as cold wallets. Designed to provide security over usability, cold wallets are primarily used for long-term storage of crypto assets.
Unlike hot wallets, which essentially run as typical computer programs, cold wallets are hardware, most commonly USB devices specifically designed to store cryptocurrency offline. To provide an extra layer of protection, they come with built-in advanced security features, like PIN protection, encryption, and even biometric authentication.
Crypto users who value accessibility and security tend to use both types simultaneously to maximize the benefits of each. They store the larger portion of their crypto assets in a cold wallet for safekeeping while allocating a smaller portion in a hot wallet for everyday transactions and immediate access.
Let’s make one thing clear first – there is no best cryptocurrency to invest in and expect quick profit. Just like the stock market, the crypto market is dynamic and influenced by different factors, such as technological innovation, market sentiment, and regulatory changes.
While one crypto could be performing well at a particular moment, it's important to understand that past performance does not guarantee future success. Additionally, the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, with prices subject to rapid fluctuations, so you should only invest money you can afford to lose.
With that out of the way, let’s have a look at some of the most popular cryptos and try to unravel why they are consistently picked by a large number of investors.
Bitcoin is hands down the most popular cryptocurrency in the world. It is the crypto coin that gave cryptocurrency its mainstream recognition and paved the way for the entire digital asset industry. While there were previous attempts to create digital currencies, Bitcoin was the first to rise to prominence and achieve global adoption.
As such, Bitcoin dominates the cryptocurrency market with unparalleled market capitalization, liquidity, and widespread acceptance. These qualities make it the obvious choice for investors wanting to own crypto, giving them long-term stability and growth potential while also being the most widely accepted crypto by vendors and merchants worldwide.
Altcoin is an umbrella term for any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Over 2 million altcoins circulate the crypto market at the moment, though only a small portion has gained significant traction and recognition.
Ethereum is arguably the most popular example of an altcoin. While it is nowhere near Bitcoin’s numbers, Ethereum is the crypto with the second-largest market cap, has high liquidity, and is a great alternative for those who don’t want to invest in Bitcoin.
Other popular examples of altcoins include Tether, BNB, Solana, USDC, XRP, and Dogecoin. Each of these serves a specific purpose with unique features that appeal to different segments of the cryptocurrency community. Some of them are stablecoins, others are used to facilitate quick and affordable transactions, tips and donations, etc.
The use of blockchain technology and its decentralized nature are the foundations for cryptocurrencies' safety and reliability.
Blockchain is a digital ledger that records all transactions executed within a crypto ecosystem, making the process secure and transparent. Its decentralized system absolves it from the pitfalls of centralized financial systems and prevents any single entity from having too much control or influence, thereby eliminating the risks of fraud and manipulation.
The profitability of cryptocurrencies has been clearly demonstrated through the impressive gains achieved by early investors. While cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and their value fluctuates widely, investors who can effectively navigate the market's ups and downs can reap significant rewards.
While volatility is a driving factor in cryptocurrency’s profitability, it is also one of the greatest risks for investors.
The same price fluctuations that can lead to substantial profits can also result in significant losses, often in a very short period. This unpredictability makes it challenging for investors to make informed decisions and requires a high-risk tolerance.
Moreover, the relatively unregulated nature of the cryptocurrency market adds another layer of risk. The lack of regulation can lead to less investor protection than other forms of investing and greater susceptibility to fraud and scams.
While offering privacy and efficiency, cryptocurrency transactions' anonymity and digital nature make them a target for cybercriminal activities, including hacking and theft.
As we mentioned earlier, it is essential to have clearly defined goals when buying crypto and know why you are buying it. Are you buying to sell, keep, or as part of a bigger investment strategy?
Trading cryptocurrencies is the practice of buying and selling crypto assets to capitalize on long or short-term market fluctuations.
Crypto traders like to buy crypto coins when their prices are lower than usual and then sell them for profit when they are higher. To achieve this, they monitor the market closely, use technical analysis to identify potential price movements and use various tools and software to execute trades quickly and efficiently.
Needless to say, to be effective and profitable, trading crypto requires a lot of time and effort and a significant level of skill and knowledge.
Buying crypto refers to the simple act of purchasing a cryptocurrency. However, in investment terms, it usually refers to buying a cryptocurrency to keep as a long-term investment, believing its value will increase over time.
Unlike traders, long-term investors are not concerned with short-term price fluctuations but rather with the potential for growth and position on the market in the long run.
Rather than relying on technical indicators, they utilize fundamental analysis and examine the broader economic factors such as the project's mission, the team behind it, the market demand, the competition, etc.
These investors recognize that a cryptocurrency's true value can only manifest when it becomes more widely adopted and integrated into various sectors of the economy. This process can take years to unfold, and they are typically patient.
Investing in crypto typically refers to the strategic approach beyond buying and holding specific cryptocurrencies.
This holistic investment strategy involves creating a diversified portfolio that may include a variety of digital assets like cryptocurrencies, tokens, and possibly even stakes in blockchain-based projects or companies.
In addition to purchasing cryptocurrencies, crypto investors might participate in initial coin offerings (ICOs), token sales, or invest in crypto-focused funds and companies that are part of the blockchain infrastructure. By taking a combined approach, these investors aim to profit from the growth and success of the broader blockchain sector.
In summary, buying cryptocurrency in 2025 is easier than ever, but you need to do your research before you start spending money. On this note, be sure to only invest money you can afford to lose, as cryptocurrencies are volatile and unpredictable.
Establish clear goals as to why you want to buy crypto, find the ideal cryptocurrency that aligns with your objectives, and then select a reliable platform for your transactions. Be sure to safeguard your investment by securely storing your cryptocurrency in a crypto wallet.
Now that you know how to purchase cryptocurrency, with the right mindset and preparation, you can become the next successful crypto investor.
The exact personal information required for buying cryptocurrency may vary based on the platform you are using and your local laws, though most CEXs will need you to provide your name, address, phone number, and date of birth.
Due to KYC regulations, you will also need to provide a copy of a government-issued document and a photo of yourself to confirm your ID.
Yes, debit and credit cards are accepted forms of payment on most respectable crypto exchanges and cryptocurrency ATMs. However, please note that buying cryptocurrency with a credit card may be subject to higher fees than buying it with other payment methods, such as PayPal.
All crypto trading platforms have a fee structure built into their operating model. Some fees they charge include transaction fees, larger spreads on the exchange rates, currency conversion fees, etc.
It is important to note that not all platforms may break down these costs into separate fees, but rather, they calculate them into one single transaction fee.
The time it takes to complete a crypto purchase varies depending on multiple factors, including the transaction processing speed of the payment method, the liquidity of the platform, and the transaction speed of the native network of the cryptocurrency you are buying. While most crypto purchases take several minutes, in some cases, they can take up to a few hours.
While regulations around cryptocurrency remain somewhat murky, crypto owners must report their transactions to the IRS and pay taxes on their gains or losses. Additionally, it is important to point out that most cryptocurrencies are considered securities in the US and are subject to SEC regulations.
Finally, some states have state-specific regulations regarding crypto investing, so be sure to familiarize yourself with your local laws before buying cryptocurrency.
When buying cryptocurrency from a CEX, the coin you purchase will automatically be stored in a custodial wallet under the CEX’s custody. If you don’t move it to your personal wallet after buying it, the cryptocurrency will, by default, be stored on the exchange.