Approximately 28% of American adults, or about 65 million people, own cryptocurrencies, according to a 2025 annual cryptocurrency consumer report. Bitcoin continues to hit all-time highs, and Coinbase, a top crypto exchange, recently joined the S&P 500. Buying cryptocurrency has never been more mainstream or accessible.
You don’t need to be an expert or wealthy to get started, either. Some exchanges allow you to buy as little as $1 of bitcoin, using common funding methods like ACH, debit cards or PayPal. Here’s how to buy your first cryptocurrency — step by step.
Signing up for a crypto exchange is similar to opening a checking, savings or investment account. Most people can complete their first purchase within 30 minutes using these four steps:
Compare our top three beginner-friendly crypto exchanges side by side. Select the Go to Site button for more information about a particular exchange.
Signing up for a crypto exchange is pretty straightforward, but the steps can vary slightly depending on which platform you choose and how you plan to pay.
Here’s what to expect, so you can move from account setup to your first purchase with confidence.
Before buying your first cryptocurrency, the most important decision you’ll make is choosing where to buy it. Not all platforms are the same — some offer low fees but fewer coins, while others are easier to use but may charge more.
This table breaks down the key features to look for when comparing crypto exchanges, so you can find one that fits your needs, comfort level and goals.
| What It Means | Why It Matters | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Includes trading fees, withdrawal fees and hidden costs | Lower fees mean you keep more of your profits |
| Available Coins | Number and type of cryptocurrencies you can buy/sell | More coins = more investment options |
| User Interface | How easy the platform is to navigate and use | A clean, intuitive interface is better for beginners |
| Security | Safety features like 2FA, cold storage and insurance | Reduces the risk of hacks or loss |
| Funding Methods | Payment options like ACH, debit/credit cards, PayPal | More options make it easier to get started |
| Mobile App Availability | Whether the platform has a smartphone app | Helps you trade or track crypto on the go |
| Educational Resources | Tutorials, guides and customer support | Helps you learn and resolve issues quickly |
| Regulation & Trust | Is the platform licensed or regulated in your country? | Indicates how safe and legitimate the platform is |
Once you’ve chosen a platform, the next step is to sign up. Regulated crypto exchanges are required to follow identity verification rules, often called KYC (Know Your Customer). This means you’ll need to provide your name, address and upload a government-issued ID. Some platforms may also ask for a selfie or proof of address. The process is usually quick—most users are verified within 5 to 15 minutes.
Most platforms accept the following forms of identification:
To verify your identity:
To verify your address:
Important notes:
Have these documents ready before you sign up for an exchange to speed up the process, and make sure your documents are valid, clear and unexpired to avoid delays.
After your identity is verified, the next step is to deposit money into your crypto exchange account so you can make your first purchase. Most platforms offer multiple funding methods, with various processing times.
| Funding Method | Processing Time | Typical Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer (ACH or wire) | 1–3 business days | Low | Best for larger amounts and lower fees |
| Debit card | Instant | 2–5% | Fast but higher fees |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | Instant | Varies | Convenient, but not always supported |
| PayPal (select platforms) | Instant | Moderate to high | Available on limited platforms |
Each method has its own trade-offs in terms of speed, fees and transfer limits, so choose the one that best matches how much you want to invest and how soon you want access to your funds. If you’re just getting started, debit card or Apple Pay may be the fastest way to make your first crypto purchase — just be sure to check the fee percentage before you confirm.
Once your account is funded, you’re ready to make your first purchase. First, you’ll need to choose which crypto you’d like to buy. Here are some top cryptocurrencies currently on the market and popular in trading.
 |  |  |  |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | Ethereum (ETH) | Tether (USDT) | Ripple (XRP) |
 |  |  |  |
| Solana (SOL) | BNB Coin (BNB) | USD Coin (USDC) | Dogecoin (DOGE) |
Remember: You don’t need to buy a whole coin. Most platforms allow purchases as small as $1 worth of bitcoin or other supported cryptocurrencies.
To place your order, go to the Buy, Trade or Markets section of the exchange — the exact label may vary depending on the platform. You’ll usually have two main buying options:
Market order: This is the simplest method. It buys the crypto instantly at the best current market price. It’s ideal for beginners who just want to make a quick purchase without worrying about timing or price fluctuations.
Limit order: This lets you set the maximum price you’re willing to pay. The trade only executes if the market reaches that price. It gives you more control, but the order may not go through if the price doesn’t drop to your set level.
Once you’ve chosen your order type, select the cryptocurrency you want to buy, enter the amount in USD and confirm the order. The platform may show a preview of the total cost, including any transaction fees, before you click Buy or Submit. Once the transaction is complete, your crypto will appear in your exchange wallet.
Compare even more of our top crypto exchanges by fees, available coins and more. Select the Go to Site button for more information about a particular exchange.
Follow this checklist to protect yourself when buying cryptocurrency, or download your own copy below.
Before choosing an exchange:
During account setup:
When making your first purchase:
After buying:
Download a copy of your crypto safety checklist.
When you buy cryptocurrency, your coins are stored in a “wallet” on the exchange. This is called custodial storage because the exchange holds the coins for you. You can also choose non-custodial storage, where you control your coins using your own wallet.
Here’s how these two options compare:
| Custodial Storage | Non-Custodial Storage | |
|---|---|---|
| Who holds your crypto | The exchange holds your assets and private keys | You hold your own private keys in a personal wallet |
| Ease of use | Convenient, familiar, works like a bank account | Requires setup and some learning |
| Access & flexibility | Limited: can’t use in external apps or send peer-to-peer | Full control: send, receive and use anywhere |
| Risks | Access may be restricted if the exchange has issues | Lose your keys and your crypto is unrecoverable |
| Best for | Beginners, small amounts, frequent trading | Larger amounts, long-term holding, DeFi users |
Most beginners start with custodial storage on the exchange where they bought their crypto. This is perfectly fine for small balances while you’re learning. As you become more comfortable and your holdings grow, you can explore non-custodial wallets for greater control and security.
Once you’ve bought your first crypto, it helps to build a few smart habits right away. These steps can make your experience safer, easier to manage and more intentional over time:
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with what’s relevant to you, and build from there.
It’s never been easier to buy your first cryptocurrency. With beginner-friendly platforms, low fees and simple signup options, you can make your first purchase in minutes with no experience required. To get started, check out our best crypto exchanges to compare your options.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions by those looking to buy their first cryptocurrency.
No. Most exchanges provide a built-in wallet. You can move your crypto to a personal wallet later if you want more control.
Many exchanges allow you to buy as little as $1 worth of bitcoin. Crypto is divisible — you don’t need to buy a full coin. Most exchanges will also have a minimum deposit amount when you fund the account, usually starting around $10 to $100.
Yes, crypto is legal to buy, sell and hold in the US. Just use a registered, regulated exchange. You can check an exchange’s registration by visiting the official registry at FinCEN.
Gas fees are transaction costs on networks like Ethereum. If you’re just buying and holding crypto on an exchange, they usually don’t apply.
Yes, cryptocurrency is very volatile compared to traditional investments, and prices can fluctuate quickly. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and consider investing gradually over time.
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