With Bitcoin’s all-time high value reached in 2024, interest in the cryptocurrency has reignited, and both seasoned investors and newcomers are actively looking to join the action and get their hands on some BTC.
It may seem a bit tricky if you have never purchased it before, but buying Bitcoin and other crypto coins is easier than ever in 2025. All you have to do is:
Centralized 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 200+ 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.
Initially launched as OkCoin in 2013, and then rebranded as OKEx in 2022, OKX is one of the largest crypto platforms in the world. With offices and licenses for operation all across the world, it has a global presence in the industry.
Even though it does not accept US users at the moment, OKX is registered as an MSB with FinCEN and is working on creating a US version of the platform.
OKX supports over 350 cryptocurrencies and over 500 trading pairs, and offers a wide range of services, including spot trading, P2P trading, futures and options, margin trading, earning and staking, bot trading, crypto loans, and much more. It is a one-stop comprehensive crypto platform.
The exchange also supports a long list of fiat currencies and accepts deposits in various payment methods. OKX’s fee structure is tiered and offers discounts for active traders who generate large monthly trading volumes.
WEEX is a futures-focused exchange founded in 2018. Based in Singapore and available in over 130 countries, WEEX supports over 1000 cryptocurrencies.
Spot trading is available with a variety of advanced orders. For futures, the exchange offers up to 400x leverage, and an additional platform for professional traders.
WEEX’s copy trading feature makes it easier for beginners to get into trading. It allows you to instantly copy someone’s trades. This way, you can make the same trades as a professional.
The exchange’s tiered VIP level structure lets holders of WXT, its native token, save up to 70% of its already low fees.
ECXX was founded in Singapore in 2019. The exchange is currently in its early stages, with some features still in development.
ECXX's current infrastructure is designed for more serious spot traders who don’t mind the limited range of 20 crypto.
The trading views available are quite sophisticated and show the exchange plans to implement options trading.
There are also plans for passive income in the form of staking, with more sophisticated features in the pipeline.
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.
At CCN, we take pride in our commitment to delivering thorough, accurate, and impartial reviews. Our analyses are based on meticulous research, direct, hands-on experience, and continuous monitoring of the cryptocurrency market trends.
Our expert team has spent countless hours examining the intricacies of each platform, from security protocols and fee structures to user experience and support services. We dissect every aspect to ensure our reviews are comprehensive and provide a clear picture of what each exchange offers.
Our dedication to detail underpins our reputation as a trusted source in the cryptocurrency community, offering you the guidance you can rely on.
Bitcoin is the world’s most widely accepted and popular cryptocurrency, which means there are numerous ways to buy it in 2025. Nowadays, users can make their choice and decide whether they want to buy it from:
Crypto exchanges are widely considered to be the safest and best place to buy Bitcoin. While a bit convoluted and slightly intimidating at first, crypto exchanges offer a relatively straightforward way to buy BTC and other cryptocurrencies. All you have to do is the following.
There are hundreds of crypto exchanges to buy Bitcoin from but not all are created equal. It is important that you do your due diligence and choose a crypto exchange that aligns with your needs in terms of security, fees, acceptable payment methods, and user experience.
We at CCN can help you narrow your search by providing reviews of different exchanges that include all the necessary details for you to make an informed choice.
Once you have identified an exchange that meets your criteria, it is time to enter the crypto world by creating an account. This process resembles signing up for any online service, where you provide basic personal information such as your name and email address and choose a password.
To comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulatory requirements, most crypto exchanges will ask you to provide additional information to verify your identity. This process typically includes uploading copies of your identification documents, such as a passport, national ID card, or driver's license.
After you finish the verification process, you may need to deposit funds before you can start trading. Some exchanges allow you to choose the amount of BTC you want to buy first and only ask for a deposit after calculating all the costs. In any case, you will need to deposit funds at a certain point.
If you have already deposited your funds, you can navigate to the Buy&Sell section of the exchange and choose to buy Bitcoin (BTC). Enter the exact amount of BTC you want to buy, double-check the transaction details, and confirm the purchase.
After finalizing the payment, the BTC has been moved to your exchange wallet, but for enhanced security, it's advisable to transfer it to a personal wallet, where you have full control over your digital assets.
While online brokers primarily deal with traditional financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, due to the popularity of crypto, many offer the option to buy Bitcoin in their trading environments.
For investors who have dealt with such investments before and are familiar with these platforms, using an online broker may be the best way to buy Bitcoin, so let’s jump right in.
While most popular ones do, not all online brokers offer Bitcoin trading. So, the first step is finding the right broker that deals with Bitcoin and aligns with your needs and preferences. Look for brokers that provide a secure, user-friendly platform with competitive fees and reliable customer support.
After finding the right broker, you will need to create an account, typically by filling out a form with personal details. Just like with crypto exchanges, you will need to go through the KYC verification process and upload government-issued identification documents to prove your identity when registering with an online broker.
After the verification process is complete, you can deposit funds into your account. Most online brokers accept a variety of payment methods, so you should be able to find one that suits you. Enter your payment information, double-check the transaction details and fees, and confirm the payment.
Now, since online brokers typically deal with a variety of financial assets, you will have to navigate to the specific section of the broker's platform dedicated to cryptocurrency trading. Next, select Bitcoin from the list of available cryptocurrencies to access the trading interface.
Choose the exact amount of Bitcoin you want to purchase and buy it through the online broker's trading platform. Unlike crypto exchanges, some brokers might use terminology such as "place" or "execute" a buy order, which is essentially a transaction command to buy. Double-check the transaction details and fees, and confirm your purchase.
After the transaction, your Bitcoin will be in your brokerage account. While you can keep it there for trading or investment purposes, you can also move it to your crypto wallet, where it will be stored securely and under your control.
In most cases, buying Bitcoin requires using your computer or smartphone, creating an account, uploading a copy of your ID, linking payment information, etc. However, if you prefer a direct approach without too many steps, you can always use a crypto ATM to buy BTC.
Crypto ATMs offer the easiest way to buy Bitcoin for users who are in a hurry, want to buy BTC with cash, or simply prefer the tangible experience of a physical transaction.
Cryptocurrency ATMs are typically located in high-traffic areas like shopping centers, convenience stores, and airports, providing easy access for users to buy or sell cryptocurrencies. If you're not sure where to find one, try using an ATM locator website or an app that can help you find an ATM near you.
Most crypto ATMs allow you to buy and sell a variety of cryptocurrencies, so make sure to select the ‘Buy Bitcoin’ option.
Every ATM has a slightly different process, but in most cases, you will be asked to select the range of the amount you would like to buy. Depending on what your choice, the next step might differ from one ATM to another.
The ATM will display a QR code you can scan to connect your crypto wallet to the ATM, if you have one. If you don’t, some ATMs may allow you to create a wallet on the spot and provide you with a paper wallet or send you the public and private keys by text or email after completing your transaction.
Depending on the ATM and the choices you made in the previous steps, some ATMs may ask you to verify your identity before they allow you to buy Bitcoin. However, instead of uploading pictures of your documents, some ATMs can scan your ID or fingerprint, while others may ask you to use two-factor authentication using text or email.
With everything else out of the way, you should now be ready to pay and purchase Bitcoin from a crypto ATM. Most machines accept cash, and some also accept debit cards. Fund your purchase using your preferred method and the BTC will be sent to your wallet in a few seconds.
If you are familiar with cryptocurrency transactions and crypto wallet management, using a P2P platform is arguably the fastest way to buy Bitcoin.
Please note that, unlike crypto exchanges, P2P platforms don’t usually provide a wallet for storing your purchased BTC after the transaction, so make sure you have a wallet set up before you take the next steps.
There are many P2P platforms, each with its own set of features, user interface, and security measures. When selecting a platform to trade on, consider essential factors such as security, affordability, supported payment methods, and everything else you consider essential. Research thoroughly and choose the option that suits you best.
Create an account with the platform and go through the KYC verification process to verify your identity. As we explained earlier, identity verification is a standard procedure for many cryptocurrency transactions, including purchasing Bitcoin, to comply with AML regulations and ensure the security of the platform and its users.
Once your account is set up and verified, you can browse the platform and find a reputable seller offering Bitcoin for sale. Look at sellers’ transaction history, ratings, as well as the terms of the trade, such as payment methods accepted and exchange rates. Choose a seller with terms that work for you.
After identifying a suitable seller, initiate the trade by selecting their offer and specifying the amount of Bitcoin you wish to purchase. You can always contact the seller before you finalize the trade to discuss any specific details or negotiate the terms further.
When you reach an agreement with the seller, you can go ahead and make the agreed-upon payment. It is worth noting that during this step, your funds do not go directly to the seller's account. Instead, they are held in escrow by the platform. This escrow system ensures that both parties fulfill their obligations per the trade terms.
Once you've made the payment through the P2P platform, you can mark it as complete. The P2P platform will then notify the seller that the funds are secured on their behalf. Once the seller confirms receiving payment, the P2P platform will release the Bitcoin to your wallet address.
No matter what method you use to buy Bitcoin, you will likely want to move it to your personal crypto wallet at some point.
If you still haven’t created one, it is worth mentioning that some of the best crypto wallets allow you to buy Bitcoin directly from within the wallet interface itself. Many crypto investors believe this is the most secure way to buy Bitcoin.
Many crypto wallets are available online, each with unique features and benefits. They vary in terms of security, convenience, supported cryptocurrencies, and user interface, so you need to research and compare different brands and models to determine which one best suits your requirements.
Once you find a wallet you’d like to use, it is time to set it up. The process of setting up a crypto wallet requires downloading and installing a piece of software on your preferred device and choosing a strong password or PIN for security. Be sure to save the password in a secure location. If you ever forget it, you won’t be able to access the assets stored in it.
Depending on your location and the provider, in some cases, the last step of creating a new crypto wallet will likely involve verifying your identity. Follow the instructions to provide proof of your identity to complete the wallet creation process.
Now that your crypto wallet is set up and verified, you will need to connect it to a payment method so that you have access to funds to purchase Bitcoin. Different wallets work with different payment methods, although debit cards, bank transfers, and popular digital wallets, such as PayPal and Skrill, are commonly accepted.
Once you link the wallet with your preferred payment method, you can navigate to the "Buy" or "Purchase" section within your wallet app. Specify the amount of Bitcoin you wish to purchase, double-check the transaction details and fees, and confirm the transaction. The purchased Bitcoin will be credited to your crypto wallet balance.
Finally, our last method involves using a digital wallet to buy Bitcoin directly from their integrated purchasing feature, without ever needing to leave the wallet's interface or create accounts on exchanges or trading platforms.
If you are looking for the quickest way to buy Bitcoin, this is certainly one of them. However, please note that only a few digital wallets, including PayPal, CashApp, and Revolut, provide this feature.
While there aren’t that many options to choose from, you should still research and see which digital wallet works best for your needs and preferences. In addition to supporting the purchase of Bitcoin, choose the wallet with the best user interface, supported payment methods, and lowest fees that you find acceptable.
If necessary, download and install the digital wallet on your device and create an account with the wallet’s provider. Submit all the required information and go through the KYC verification process to activate your digital wallet.
After completing the second step, your wallet should be activated, but it would still require access to funds to purchase Bitcoin. Navigate to the payment settings in your wallet application and add a payment method to draw funds from. Bank accounts and credit and debit cards are commonly accepted linkable payment methods.
With your digital wallet set up and linked to a viable payment method, you can navigate to the 'Buy' or 'Trade' section and make your purchase. Select ‘Buy Bitcoin,’ specify the amount you want to buy, double-check the transaction details and fees, and complete the payment if everything is correct.
After completing the purchase, you now own the BTC you just bought, but it will still be held under the custody of the digital wallet’s provider. If you want full control over your Bitcoin, including the ability to send, spend, or simply hold it securely, you will need to transfer it to a crypto wallet, where you will control the private keys.
For enhanced control and improved security of your newly acquired Bitcoin, we strongly recommend transferring it to a crypto wallet immediately after purchasing it. As we mentioned above, there are many different crypto wallets, but generally, they fall under these two categories.
Hot wallets are digital, meaning they don't exist in a physical form. They are essentially software programs that store your private keys and interact with the blockchain to manage your cryptocurrency.
Because they are always connected to the internet, they provide quick and easy access for managing transactions, making them ideal for daily trading and spending. However, their constant online presence also heightens the risk of online threats and hacking attempts.
In summary, hot wallets prioritize convenience over security and are typically used to store a small portion of cryptocurrency used for day-to-day transactions.
Cold wallets, on the other hand, are physical devices, such as USB drives or other specialized hardware, used for storing private keys offline. They are not connected to the internet and thereby provide better security for your cryptocurrency holdings.
Cold wallets are best suited for long-term storage of larger cryptocurrency amounts, acting as a secure vault for your digital assets. Since they require physical interaction to access and make transactions, they are less convenient for frequent trading or spending but offer superior protection.
According to many crypto owners, the best way to own Bitcoin or other crypto assets is to store the bulk of them in a cold wallet while keeping a smaller amount in a hot wallet for daily transactions and trading.
So, you made your first investment in Bitcoin, and now you are not sure what to do with it. Depending on your personal financial goals and risk tolerance, you can explore multiple avenues.
Doing nothing and waiting, also known as HODLing (Holding On to Dear Life), is a perfectly viable strategy for your newly acquired Bitcoin. Similarly to how long-term investors approach traditional assets like stocks or real estate, you can hold onto your Bitcoin with the expectation that its value will increase over time.
If you believe that Bitcoin’s growth isn’t over yet and the crypto will continue to gain value as it becomes more mainstream and integrated into the financial system, HODLing may be your preferred strategy.
Of course, you can also swap your BTC for other cryptocurrencies, tokens, fiat currencies, or even use it to directly purchase goods and services. The BTC is yours now, and you can do whatever you want with it.
You can wait for the next price surge and sell Bitcoin for profit, invest in other digital assets, or use Bitcoin to enter the emerging world of decentralized finance (DeFi) and explore opportunities like staking, lending, or yield farming for additional earnings.
In conclusion, buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency in 2025 is easier and more accessible than ever, offering opportunities for both seasoned investors and newcomers to participate in the growing crypto market. Bitcoin can be the perfect entry point into the world of cryptocurrencies, providing the potential for significant returns and diversification of your investment portfolio.
Whether you prefer the standard way of using cryptocurrency exchanges, the directness of crypto ATMs, or the flexibility of P2P platforms, there's a method suited to your preferences and needs. Just remember to always do thorough research and ensure you are using the safest way to buy Bitcoin by following our guidelines.
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.
While there are several types of platforms to buy Bitcoin, centralized crypto exchanges are the safest and most reliable method of purchasing cryptocurrencies. The best choice is down to personal preferences, but if you need help choosing the right CEX for you, feel free to explore our top recommendations.
If you use the right security measures and buy BTC from a safe, secure, and reputable platform, buying this crypto coin online will be safe. To ensure your transactions are safe, always use a secure network connection and only buy Bitcoin from respectable platforms that comply with regulatory standards and have strong security measures in place.
Buying Bitcoin in the US is mostly regulated, and you need to comply with several legal requirements, such as reporting your cryptocurrency transactions to the IRS and paying taxes on your gains or losses. Additionally, there are state-specific requirements in some states you need to be aware of, so be sure you understand your local laws before you start investing in BTC.