How to Buy Cryptocurrency in 2025

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 Takeaways

• Decide which cryptos you want to buy and why
• Find a platform to purchase it from
• Complete the purchase
• Withdraw it to your personal crypto wallet

Where Can I Buy Crypto? Best Exchanges Revealed

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.

Short Reviews of the Top 10 Exchanges to Buy Cryptocurrency in 2025

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.

Why Trust Us?

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.

How to Buy Cryptocurrency - Step-by-Step Guide

Below, you can find a detailed step-by-step guide that will help you if you are purchasing cryptocurrency for the first time.

Step 1 - Decide Which Cryptocurrency You Want to Buy

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.

Step 2 - Decide Where You Want to Buy the Cryptocurrency

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.

Step 3 - Create an Account With the Exchange and Verify It

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.

Step 4 - Deposit Funds and Buy the Cryptocurrency

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.

Step 5 - Store Your Newly Purchased Crypto in a Wallet

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.

Alternative Ways to Buy Cryptocurrency in 2025

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.

1. Crypto Wallets

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.

2. Peer to Peer (P2P) Platforms

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:

• Opportunity to negotiate with the seller
• Access to rare cryptocurrencies that may not always be available at exchanges
• Possibility to use alternative payment methods that may not be widely accepted

On the other hand, P2P platforms generally carry a higher risk of fraud and often involve more complex and less regulated trading processes.

3. Cryptocurrency ATMs

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.

4. PayPal

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.

5. Credit/Debit Card

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.

How to Store Your Cryptocurrency

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 Wallet

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.

Cold Wallet

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.

What Crypto is Best to Buy in 2025?

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

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.

Altcoins

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.

Safety, Reliability, and Profitability of Crypto

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.

Risks of Buying Cryptocurrency

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.

Trading Crypto vs. Buying Crypto vs. Investing in Crypto

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 Crypto

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

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

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.

Conclusion - How to Buy Cryptocurrency

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.

FAQ

Rundown of the Best Exchanges to Buy Cryptocurrency

1. Uphold 
2. eToro US 
3. Kraken 
4. CEX.IO 
5. Gemini 
6. Coinbase 
7. Binance US 
8. Bitstamp 
9. BitFlyer 
10. Crypto.com