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How to Buy Cryptocurrency: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to buy and sell crypto safely, including payment options like PayPal, debit card and more.

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By

Holly Jennings

Edited by

Matt Miczulski

Updated

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Buying crypto on mobile and laptop

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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:

HTB crypto infographic
As you can see, buying crypto is more straightforward than it might seem. But before you jump in, it’s worth taking a moment to compare platforms — because where you buy matters just as much as what you buy.

Top beginner-friendly crypto exchanges

Compare our top three beginner-friendly crypto exchanges side by side. Select the Go to Site button for more information about a particular exchange.

Great for copy trading

Finder Award
$150 $150 REWARD
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27a1d51c-5114-4e22-bf0c-4cc0ec165377-
  • Trade leading cryptocurrencies including BTC and ETH
  • Copy top crypto investors with eToro's innovative CopyTrader
  • Access ready-made portfolios built by eToro experts for instant investment direction

Great for beginners

GO TO SITE
69343352-7538-4efe-b479-c23cdb9a2915-
  • Bank, borrow, invest and trade crypto in one app without moving funds between platforms.
  • Trade 27 major cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA and XRP.
  • Benefit from SoFi’s chartered-bank safeguards, including compliance controls.
  • Access 24/7 support through chat, phone and email for troubleshooting and live human assistance.
Disclaimer
CRYPTOCURRENCY AND OTHER DIGITAL ASSETS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Crypto products and services are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., a national bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Crypto Claw
Offer valid from 4/3/26 through 6/30/26 for New SoFi Crypto Members Only. Rewards are randomly assigned in amounts of $5, $10, $25, $100, or $1000. Higher-value rewards are less likely; most recipients receive $5 in digital asset award. Odds vary based on eligible participants and reward allocation. See full terms and conditions.

Advanced crypto trading

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a2c6b5e1-1caf-4f34-8aac-0b2a722c2971-
  • Buy/sell 170+ cryptocurrencies
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Supports EUR, USD, GBP, CAD, AUD, CHF and JPY

How to buy cryptocurrency: A step-by-step guide

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.

Step 1: Choose a crypto exchange

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 MeansWhy It Matters
FeesIncludes trading fees, withdrawal fees and hidden costsLower fees mean you keep more of your profits
Available CoinsNumber and type of cryptocurrencies you can buy/sellMore coins = more investment options
User InterfaceHow easy the platform is to navigate and useA clean, intuitive interface is better for beginners
SecuritySafety features like 2FA, cold storage and insuranceReduces the risk of hacks or loss
Funding MethodsPayment options like ACH, debit/credit cards, PayPalMore options make it easier to get started
Mobile App AvailabilityWhether the platform has a smartphone appHelps you trade or track crypto on the go
Educational ResourcesTutorials, guides and customer supportHelps you learn and resolve issues quickly
Regulation & TrustIs the platform licensed or regulated in your country?Indicates how safe and legitimate the platform is

Step 2: Create an account and verify your identity

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:

  • Passport
  • Driver’s license
  • National ID card

To verify your address:

  • Utility bill (water, gas, electricity)
  • Bank statement
  • Tax document or government notice

Important notes:

  • Documents must be clear and unexpired
  • Accepted file types: JPG, PNG or PDF
  • Some platforms require a selfie or video check

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.

Step 3: Fund your account

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 MethodProcessing TimeTypical FeesNotes
Bank transfer (ACH or wire)1–3 business daysLowBest for larger amounts and lower fees
Debit cardInstant2–5%Fast but higher fees
Apple Pay / Google PayInstantVariesConvenient, but not always supported
PayPal (select platforms)InstantModerate to highAvailable 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.

Step 4: Buy your first crypto

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.

BitcoinEthereumTetherRipple
Bitcoin (BTC)Ethereum (ETH)Tether (USDT)Ripple (XRP)
SolanaBNBUSDCDogecoin
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 crypto exchanges

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.

6 of 17 results
Finder Score Fiat currencies Cryptocurrencies Deposit methods Disclaimer
8Great
73
281
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, P2P
Disclaimer: Highly volatile investment product. Your capital is at risk. Not available for US citizens
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8.2Great
26
105
Bank transfer, Debit card, PayPal, Wire transfer
Crypto Trading is offered via eToro USA LLC (NMLS ID: 1769299). This entity is not a registered broker-dealer or FINRA member and your cryptocurrency holdings are not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Important information
Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. [website domain name] is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB.
$150$150 REWARD
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9.4Excellent
1
181
Bank transfer (ACH), Debit card, Wire transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Plaid
Get up to $400 in BTC.
1. Trade $200, get $100 in BTC
2. Deposit $10,000, get an additional $300 in BTC. T&Cs apply.
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SoFi logo
7.8Great
SoFi Crypto
7.8Great
1
25
External bank transfer (ACH), Inbound wire transfer, ATM deposit
Get up to $1,000 in digital assets with SoFi Crypto. Offer ends 6/30/2026. T&Cs apply.
CRYPTOCURRENCY AND OTHER DIGITAL ASSETS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE SoFi Crypto products and services are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., a national bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Important information
CRYPTOCURRENCY AND OTHER DIGITAL ASSETS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE Cryptocurrency and other digital assets are highly speculative, involve significant risk, and may result in the complete loss of value. Cryptocurrency and other digital assets are not deposits, are not insured by the FDIC or SIPC, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. All cryptocurrency transactions, once submitted to the blockchain, are final and irreversible. SoFi is not responsible for any failure or delay in processing a transaction resulting from factors beyond its reasonable control, including blockchain network congestion, protocol or network operations, or incorrect address information. Availability of specific digital assets, features, and services is subject to change and may be limited by applicable law and regulation. SoFi Crypto products and services are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., a national bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. SoFi Bank does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. Please refer to the SoFi Crypto account agreement for additional terms and conditions. SoFi Crypto products and services are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., a national bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Crypto Claw Offer valid from 4/3/26 through 6/30/26 for New SoFi Crypto Members Only. Rewards are randomly assigned in amounts of $5, $10, $25, $100, or $1000. Higher-value rewards are less likely; most recipients receive $5 in digital asset award. Odds vary based on eligible participants and reward allocation. See full terms and conditions.
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eToro logo
8.2Great
eToro USA LLC Cryptocurrency Trading
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8.2Great
26
105
Bank transfer, Debit card, PayPal, Wire transfer
Crypto Trading is offered via eToro USA LLC (NMLS ID: 1769299). This entity is not a registered broker-dealer or FINRA member and your cryptocurrency holdings are not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Important information
Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. [website domain name] is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB.
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9Excellent
Robinhood Crypto
9Excellent
1
81
Bank transfer (ACH), Debit card, Instant transfer, Direct Bank Deposit
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How to buy crypto safely

Follow this checklist to protect yourself when buying cryptocurrency, or download your own copy below.

Before choosing an exchange:

Verify the platform is registered with FinCEN as a Money Service Business
Check that it’s been operating for several years without major security breaches
Confirm it uses cold storage for customer funds (most reputable exchanges do)

During account setup:

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) immediately after creating your account
Use a strong, unique password that you don’t use elsewhere
Verify your identity only through the official website or app, never through email links

When making your first purchase:

Start with a small amount ($10–$25) to test the platform
Double-check the wallet address if transferring funds
Save confirmation emails and transaction IDs for your records

After buying:

Set up withdrawal confirmations and device management if available
Consider moving larger amounts to a personal wallet once you’re comfortable
Never share your login credentials or respond to unsolicited crypto offers

Download a copy of your crypto safety checklist.

Download PDF

What about wallets?

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 StorageNon-Custodial Storage
Who holds your cryptoThe exchange holds your assets and private keysYou hold your own private keys in a personal wallet
Ease of useConvenient, familiar, works like a bank accountRequires setup and some learning
Access & flexibilityLimited: can’t use in external apps or send peer-to-peerFull control: send, receive and use anywhere
RisksAccess may be restricted if the exchange has issuesLose your keys and your crypto is unrecoverable
Best forBeginners, small amounts, frequent tradingLarger 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.

What to do after you buy cryptocurrency

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:

  • Set up price alerts. Most exchanges let you track price changes automatically. This keeps you informed without needing to check the app constantly.
  • Consider dollar-cost averaging (DCA). Instead of trying to time the market, you can invest small amounts on a regular schedule — weekly, biweekly or monthly.
  • Check your security settings. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if you haven’t already. Review your account recovery options and withdrawal protections.
  • Think about wallet options. Leaving crypto on the exchange is fine for now, but if your balance grows or you want more control, a personal wallet may be a better fit.
  • Explore next steps. Once you’re comfortable, you can look into ways to earn free bitcoin or passive income strategies with crypto, depending on your interest and goals.

You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with what’s relevant to you, and build from there.

Bottom line

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.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions by those looking to buy their first cryptocurrency.

Do I need a wallet before I buy crypto?

No. Most exchanges provide a built-in wallet. You can move your crypto to a personal wallet later if you want more control.

How much money do I need to start?

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.

Is crypto legal in the US?

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.

What are gas fees?

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.

Can I lose money buying crypto?

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.

Sources

Matt Miczulski's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Matt Miczulski as part of our fact-checking process.
Holly Jennings's headshot
Written by

Deputy Crypto Editor

Holly Jennings is the deputy crypto editor and updates writer at Finder, working with writers across all niches to deliver quality content to readers. She’s edited hundreds of financial articles ranging from credit cards to investments. With empathy at heart, she especially enjoys content that breaks down complex financial situations into easy-to-understand information. Prior to her role at Finder, she collaborated with dozens of small businesses to maximize the reach and impact of their blog posts, website copy and other content. In her spare time, she is an award-winning author for Penguin Random House, writing about virtual reality worlds, magical girls and lasers that go pew-pew. See full bio

Holly's expertise
Holly has written 42 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Digital assets
  • Investments
  • Personal Banking
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