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You can buy cryptocurrency in New Jersey with little to no regulation. You’re required to use an exchange or platform that’s licensed to operate in the US, which leaves you plenty of options to choose from.
New Jersey appears to be setting up the framework to incentivize crypto-based entities to settle in the state.
How to buy crypto in New Jersey
Luckily for New Jerseyans, you’ve got many options when it comes to exchanges and financial services through which to invest in cryptocurrency. In other words, you don’t have to bend over backwards to find a decent exchange that suits your needs.
Step 1: Compare crypto exchanges
New Jersey allows multiple crypto exchanges to operate in the state, including popular platforms like Binance.US and Coinbase. Choose an exchange based on the coins you’d like to invest in, as well as its reputation, fees, user friendliness and customer support.
Creating an account with an exchange typically involves:
Creating a username and password
Verifying identity and completing know your customer (KYC) procedures
Connecting a digital wallet or using the exchange’s wallet
Depositing funds
Transaction fees and deposit methods available are also something to consider, as well as what digital wallet’s the platform supports. For example, not all exchanges allow you to link your bank account or buy coins with a debit or credit card.
Established crypto exchange that's served customers for over a decade
Supports over 200 crypto assets
Provides resources for both beginner and advanced traders
Registered as a Money Service Business (MSB) and is FinCEN compliant
Offers futures contracts and margin for trades
Not available to residents of New York and Washington state
No longer offers its staking service to US residents
Kraken is an established cryptocurrency exchange that offers features for beginner and advanced crypto investors alike.
If you're new to crypto investing, Kraken's simple and intuitive user interface makes it easy for you to open an account and make your first crypto purchase. And Kraken's Learn center helps you better understand the complex terminology that surrounds crypto.
If you're a seasoned crypto investor, you'll benefit from using Kraken Pro — the exchange's advanced trading platform, which lets you trade over 200 crypto assets with low trading fees and a customizable trading interface. Kraken Pro also offers futures contracts as well as up to 5x leverage for trades.
Deposit Methods
Bank transfer Credit card Cryptocurrency Debit card Apple Pay Google Pay SWIFT ACH online banking
Deposit Fees
ACH deposit - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Credit and debit card - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Apple Pay or Google Pay - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Crypto - Free
Withdrawal Fees
FedWire withdrawal - $4-$35 Crypto - Fees vary depending on coin or token
Trading Fees
Maker: 0-0.16% Taker: 0.1-0.26%
Step 2: Compare digital wallets
A digital wallet is software designed to store, send and display digital assets.
Digital wallets require a seed phrase to log in — a series of words generated by your digital wallet that act as a master password.
Choose between a custodial wallet or a noncustodial wallet. A custodial wallet is one where a third party keeps track of your wallet’s seed phrase, and a noncustodial wallet is where you’re given control of how and where your passcodes are kept safe.
Digital wallets are a dime a dozen, but popular choices include MetaMask, Trust Connect, Ledger, ZenGo and Exodus.
Signing up with an online digital wallet involves general steps that include:
Creating an account
Downloading a browser extension
Generating and recording a seed phrase
Depositing funds, if desired
Keeping your digital assets safe starts with keeping your seed phrase safe. If anyone gets this phrase, they could take your digital assets, and getting coins or NFTs back isn’t easy, if possible at all. Keep your passwords safe, preferably offline. Some crypto investors write their seed phrases on a piece of paper that’s stored in a safe deposit box or safe for extra protection.
Step 3: Choose the coins you want to buy
With more than 8,000 crypto coins on the market, you’ll want to narrow your choices.
If you’re new to the crypto investing game, experts typically recommend investing in well-known or popular coins like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH) — two currencies often credited for fast-tracking crypto. These coins are also listed on most mainstream crypto exchanges.
You can find memecoins like Dogecoin (DOGE), many of which were created as a joke but today are viable investments. Other big-name coins include Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Shiba Ins (SHIB), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Binance Coin (BNB) and Terra (LUNA).
Coins in New Jersey
Few state restrictions mean that you can access the majority of the 8,000 cryptocurrencies on the market through exchanges licensed to do business in New Jersey.
For memecoins or other altcoins, look to exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken, which list Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) among them.
Where to buy crypto in New Jersey
New Jersey doesn’t impose strict regulations on where you can buy crypto — only that you use an exchange that’s licensed in the US.
Start with well-known and reputable exchanges based on customer support, security, number of users and coins offered.
An Israeli multiasset brokerage company with trading services for crypto. Known for social trading that allows you to interact with other traders. Founded in 2007, eToro has some 17M users and can operate in 44 states. Lists 27 cryptocurrencies that include BTC, ETH, XLM and EOS. No deposit fees and no withdrawal fees, but minimum $10 deposit and minimum $50 withdrawal. Accepts wire transfers and online banking deposits.
Pros
Reputable exchange
$0 deposit fees
$0 withdraw fees
Lists 27 coins
Cons
Minimum withdrawal and deposit amount
No credit or debit card deposits
Limited altcoin listings
Deposit method
Bank transfer,Credit card,Debit card,Neteller,Skrill
Deposit Fees
Fees vary (conversion fees for non-USD deposits) (US$200 minimum deposit)
Founded in 2011, a US-based cryptocurrency bank with some 4M users. Lists more than 60 cryptocurrencies that include BTC, BCH, ETH, ADA and LTC. Accepts multiple deposit methods. Withdraw and deposit fees vary, and trading fees vary by trade and type. Stablecoin trading and margin trading also come with different fee structures. Offers 24/7 customer support.
Pros
60+ coins
Multiple deposit methods
24/7 customer support
Cons
No debit or credit card deposits
Fees vary by transaction
Deposit method
Bank transfer,Credit card,Cryptocurrency,Debit card,Apple Pay,Google Pay,SWIFT,ACH online banking
Deposit Fees
ACH deposit - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Credit and debit card - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Apple Pay or Google Pay - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Crypto - Free
Withdrawal Fees
FedWire withdrawal - $4-$35 Crypto - Fees vary depending on coin or token
Founded in 2012, Coinbase lists more than 50 coins that include BTC, ETH and DOGE. Its conversion fee ranges from 0.50% to 2.0% and is calculated based on when you place your order, your payment method and market conditions, according to Coinbase's pricing and fee disclosures. You must have at least $2 in your account to buy.
Pros
Reputable exchange
50+ coins available
NFT marketplace to launch soon
Cons
Transaction fees of 0.50% to 2.0%
$2 minimum balance
Deposit method
Bank transfer (ACH),Debit card,PayPal,Wire transfer,Apple Pay,Google Pay
Founded in 2014 and based in New York. Gemini lists more than 50 coins that include BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH and DOGE. Transaction fees depend on your transaction amount, starting at $0.99 for a transaction of up to $10. No deposit fees with crypto or wire transfers, though you'll pay 3.49% of your total purchase amount with a debit card transfer. Also created Gemini Dollar, the world's first regulated stablecoin.
Pros
Reputable exchange
50+ coins available
No account minimum
Owns Nifty Gateway
Cons
Fees depend on transaction amount
Deposit fees with debit cards
Deposit method
Bank transfer (ACH),Cryptocurrency,Debit card,PayPal,Apple Pay,Google Pay,SWIFT
Deposit Fees
Cryptocurrency: None Bank transfer (ACH): None, bank fees may apply Wire Transfer: Determined by your bank Debit Card: 3.49% + Trading Fees Paypal: 2.50% of total deposit amount + Trading Fees
Withdrawal Fees
Cryptocurrency: None (for 10 withdrawals and below per month) Others: None (for 10 withdrawals and below per month)
New Jersey appears to be setting itself up for welcoming crypto-based businesses to put down roots in the state.
New Jersey’s senate proposed the Virtual Currency and Blockchain Regulation Act in November 2021. The business-focused bill establishes a framework for crypto-based entities and offers incentives for these businesses to put down roots in the state.
Notable elements in the bill include:
Recognition of digital assets as property.
The formation of decentralized organizations to provide protections afforded to LLCs.
Exemption of virtual currency from laws governing money transmitters.
Tax credits for crypto businesses.
Approval for cryptocurrency as an electronic payment method for state taxes.
Are there any exchanges I can’t use in New Jersey?
KuCoin is often recommended on Reddit, but it’s not licensed to operate in the US — so steer clear. Using an exchange that skips KYC requirements, or lying while completing these forms, can result in frozen assets, losing access to your accounts or worse.
Can I use Binance in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey residents can use Binance.us.
Note that the exchange Binance is not legal in the US, but the branch Binance.us is available in 46 states, including New Jersey.
Can I buy Bitcoin in New Jersey?
Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and other popular coins are available on nearly every crypto exchange in New Jersey.
Can I buy Uniswap in New Jersey?
Yes, you can buy Uniswap (UNI) on multiple exchanges, including Coinbase and Gemini.
Can I buy Vechain in New Jersey?
Vechain (VET) is available on exchanges such as Coinbase, Binance.us and Coinmama.
New Jersey cryptocurrency taxes
There are currently no laws regulating the taxation of crypto in New Jersey.
However, the IRS does consider crypto a form of property, so buying, selling or trading crypto can trigger capital gains tax required for disclosure in your tax returns.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly
volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of
future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information.
You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory
requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may
have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
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Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto.
Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt.
Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others.
Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine. See full bio
Bethany's expertise
Bethany has written 401 Finder guides across topics including:
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