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How to buy directly in 4 steps
To buy , all you'll need is a smartphone or
computer, an internet connection, photo
identification and a way to pay.
Compare crypto exchanges
The easiest way to buy is from a cryptocurrency exchange. Comparing in the table helps you find a platform with the features you want, like low fees, ease of use or 24-hour customer support.
Create an account
To create an account on an exchange, you will need to verify your email address and identity. Have some photo ID and your phone ready.
Make a deposit
Once verified, you can deposit using the payment method that best suits you – cryptocurrency, bank and card payments are widely accepted.
Buy
You can now exchange your funds for . On beginner-friendly exchanges, this is as simple as entering the or amount you want to purchase and clicking "buy". If you like, you can then withdraw your to a personal wallet.
Where to buy in
If this is your first time buying cryptocurrency look for a platform that accepts s, like or .
Don't worry too much about extra features or coins for now – you can always sign up with another exchange later.
Use the table to choose a platform that meets your needs and click the Go to site button to get started.
Must read: What is ?
Launched in 2015, Ethereum (ETH) is one of the oldest cryptocurrencies and has long been the second largest by market cap. It was initially developed by a team of software engineers to build on Bitcoin's innovative use of blockchain technology while adding new and advanced use cases beyond digital payments.
The key innovation of the Ethereum blockchain is its use of smart contracts. Smart contracts are programmable, self-executing pieces of code that allow parties to reach a consensus without needing an intermediary. Smart contracts also allow you to build software applications on Ethereum, and it was the first blockchain to bring this programmability to cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum's blockchain has since laid the groundwork for thousands of decentrd applications (dapps) to build upon, including DeFi, social networks, games and more. These applications are similar to ones you would find on your computer or on the web, but instead, run on a blockchain to enable additional functionality and security that only blockchains can provide.
Everything running on Ethereum requires the native coin (ETH) to pay for network fees, similar to paying a toll for using the network.
To create an account with your chosen crypto platform, you only need an email address or mobile number. This will usually allow you to deposit cryptocurrency, but not .
If you want to buy with s, you'll need to pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check.
This is a standard security procedure for most exchanges in and requires you to upload some photo ID, and in some cases a selfie with today's date.
KYC is usually approved instantly, but in rare cases, you may have to wait a few hours or days.
What are the best ways to buy ?
Once you've set up your account, you'll need to deposit funds to buy with. We've listed some popular ways to buy and what you should know about each payment method.
Many exchanges support free and instant bank transfers in .
Some offer other options like bank transfers and wire transfers, but make sure you check if you'll be charged a deposit fee first.
How you transact with a debit card will depend on the platform.
Some exchanges let you transfer funds from your debit card to spend as you like.
Others will only let you use a debit card to make instant purchases, which often involves higher fees.
Lots of exchanges accept credit cards as an instant purchase method. But you should think very carefully before buying with a credit card, because:
Credit card fees are higher than using bank transfers.
Some card issuers may block cryptocurrency transactions.
Your purchasing options will be limited and more expensive.
You may end up losing your initial investment and being charged fees and interest by your credit card provider.
Buying with cash isn't common in , but it can still be done.
There are a few ways to buy with cash:
ATMs. You can purchase with cash using a specid ATM. These can be found in many major cities in . You will still need to hand over some photo ID and pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check.
Peer-to-peer (P2P). You can use a P2P platform to find someone who will sell you directly in exchange for cash. Beware that this comes with a high risk of fraud if you attempt to settle the transaction in person or without an escrow service. Look for an established and reputable platform that provides an escrow service and facilitates your trade online.
You can swap any cryptocurrency you already own for using the "swap" or "convert" service on some platforms. This lets you instantly exchange one crypto for another, even if there is no trading pair on the spot market.
What is the cheapest way to buy ?
Most exchanges let you buy as little as 5 worth of , if not less. Just type in how much you want to spend in and let the exchange work out the rest.
Some platforms only offer 1 way to buy , while others provide several choices. The 2 most common ways to buy are on the spot market or with an "instant buy" feature.
Instant buy
If it's your first time buying , this will be the fastest method – but also the least cost-effective.
The instant buy section is usually located under a "Buy now" heading on the platform you've chosen.
It should feature a simple interface that lets you enter the amount of you want to buy or s you want to spend.
This is usually the only option available for credit or debit card purchases, but you may also be able to make an instant buy if you've pre-funded your account with a bank transfer.
Be prepared to pay a markup on 's market rate in exchange for the convenience.
Spot market
If you see colourful charts with a range of prices, you're probably in the spot market.
The spot market is where buyers and sellers come together to place bids for on the open market. It's usually the cheapest way to buy because it lets traders set their own prices.
You'll find the spot market under a "Trade" or "Spot" heading on the site or app menu of the platform you've chosen to use.
There are several different order types that you can make on the spot market.
Market order. This will buy you the amount of you specify at the lowest possible price available. This makes it like an instant buy order but with much lower fees.
Limit order. This is the most common order type and lets you purchase at the price you specify. Traders use this to time the market and capit on price dips or increases.
How to find the best place to buy in
There are dozens of different trading platforms to choose from when buying in , so to help you find your best option, keep these factors in mind:
Where it's registered. Using a locally registered exchange is a good idea. It's more likely to accept s and local payment methods , which helps avoid foreign exchange fees. Choosing from -based exchanges also means it's likely to be registered with (), which means it has to comply with local laws in .
Security. Look at the security features the platform has to offer, like 2-factor authentication and PGP-encrypted emails. Cold storage of user funds is considered industry standard, but insurance funds are less common and indicate good security practices.
Fees. Check the fine print to find out exactly how much your transaction will cost. Depending on the platform you choose, these could include spreads, trading fees and deposit and withdrawal charges.
Transaction limits. Are there any minimum or maximum limits on the amount of you can purchase? Does the exchange restrict the amount of funds you can withdraw from your account in any 1 transaction or 24-hour period?
Other platform features. Look out for other features that suit your investment or trading needs. For instance, many exchanges now let you earn yield on your holdings, while some issue crypto debit cards to help you spend your coins.
Customer support. If you ever have a problem with a transaction, will you be able to quickly and easily get in touch with the customer support team? Are they based in ? Check what contact methods are available and find out how quick the team is at responding to enquiries.
Insurance fund. A small number of exchanges now insure user funds. Beware that policies vary greatly between exchanges, so you'll need to research this thoroughly if insurance is important to you.
Reputation. As a young industry, reputation can provide a lot of clues when choosing an exchange. For instance, who are the founders? Have there been any controversies? Are their business practices transparent? If you can't find any of this information, that may be a red flag.
Range of coins. If you're thinking about adding other cryptos to your portfolio in the future, check to see what other coins you can buy through the platform.
Read reviews. Finder's crypto exchange reviews include user feedback, which helps you get a better idea of what the exchange is like to use for other people starting just like you.
Using -registered exchanges
There are plenty of places to buy , and people in can choose from platforms registered here at home or in locations all around the world. Opting for a locally registered exchange typically offers more convenience but may have some downsides, depending on your goals.
Pros
-based exchanges must comply with Anti-money Laundering (AML) and Counter-terrorism Financing (CTF) reporting obligations.
You can usually buy with .
Exchanges in typically support local payment methods, such as .
You may be able to access local customer support.
Subject to local laws.
Cons
You'll need to provide your personal details and proof of ID – a disadvantage if you want to trade anonymously.
Overseas trading platforms may provide better liquidity.
-to-crypto prices are often slightly higher than USD-to-crypto prices, meaning you sometimes pay a premium for buying directly with s.
Some features are simply not available on -registered exchanges. For example, high-leverage margin trading, DeFi features and some altcoins.
Is safe to invest in?
You shouldn't invest in any asset, including , without doing plenty of research first. Before you buy , make sure you understand and weigh up these risks:
Price volatility. 's price is largely based on speculation, which means it can rise or fall in a short time. It's not uncommon for to lose more than 10% of its value in a single day.
Perceived value. is a unique asset that does not have any tangible value. It derives most of its value from utility and speculation.
Exchange vulnerabilities. Leaving your on a crypto platform exposes you to several counterparty risks, including:
Scams. Scammers frequently try to trick exchange users into handing over their username and password, often by phishing with malicious emails or fake website links. Use 2FA and encrypted emails to help protect your funds.
Hacks and theft. Exchanges are vulnerable to hacks and theft, so choose one with good security practices and a track record of safety.
Fiscal mismanagement. In mid-2022 a number of crypto platforms froze user funds after it was revealed they had engaged in irresponsible funds management.
Insurance. Unlike stocks, only a small handful of exchanges provide insurance on your cash deposits.
Regulatory uncertainty. The regulatory environment for and other cryptos is constantly changing. It's important to understand how international rulings have the potential to impact 's future – for better or worse.
Novel technology. was created in 2026, which makes it relatively new as a form of technology and as a currency. doesn't yet have the same track record or performance history as some other asset classes.
Technical learning curve. Evaluating the tech behind before you invest is important, but requires a deep understanding of the blockchain and other aspects of decentrd finance. Be prepared to do plenty of research.
Where could 's price be heading?
ETH is expected to close out 2023 at $2,342, according to the average prediction provided by Finder's panel of fintech specialists.
Key statistics from 2022 reports:
In 2022, Finder's panel predicted what price Ethereum would reach at the end of the year. The panel had big predictions in January and April of $6,500 and $5,783 with price predictions dropping off a cliff in July. The panel predicted Ethereum would be worth just $1,711 at the end of the year on average, not far off Ethereum's actual end-of-year price of $1,757.
In January, 11% of panelists said ETH's move to proof-of-stake will cause a price drop. However just one in five panelists (19%) said January was a good time to sell ETH.
54% of the panel think Ethereum will eventually overtake BTC by market cap, with more than a quarter (29%) saying it will happen as soon as 2024.
35% of panelists said ETH's deflationary mechanism following the Merge will positively impact price.
In October 46% of panelists said they thought Ethereum was underpriced.
At the start of 2021 Ethereum was worth just over $1,000 but Finder's panel predicted massive growth for the cryptocurrency. In April and July the panel predicted an end-of-year price of over $4,500 and this jumped to more than $5,000 in October. The panel's end-of-year price prediction ended up being pretty accurate – something that doesn't happen a lot in cryptocurrency - with ETH ending the year valued at $5,183.
Key statistics from 2021 reports:
In July 93% of the panel said ETH will eventually be more frequently transacted than BTC and 68% said ETH will "flip" BTC by market cap.
In October the panel said it expected ETH to lose 30% of market share to alternative layer-1 networks over 2021.
One in ten panelists said they thought SOL would overtake ETH as the primary DeFi platform.
is increasingly treated as a financial asset by governments around the world. You may need to declare your holdings at tax time and should consider consulting a tax professional to make sure you don't run afoul of the law.
After you've bought
Once you own some , you have 2 options – keep it on an exchange or move it to a personal wallet. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Keeping your on an exchange
Pros
Convenience. Keeping your on an exchange is convenient because you can buy and sell at any time.
Security. Holding on an exchange does come with significant counterparty risks, but reputable platforms also invest heavily in security, so you don't have to worry about the pitfalls of self-custody.
Insurance. A small handful of exchanges now operate insurance schemes. These can range from insuring user deposits held in cold storage to reimbursing customers if a hack occurs.
Cons
Phishing. Exchange users are frequently targeted by scammers trying to steal login information through malicious emails and fake website links.
Hacking. Exchanges are major targets for hackers. While security practices have improved substantially, hacks still occur from time to time.
Account freezing. Exchanges have been known to occasionally freeze user accounts, whether due to security concerns, technical issues or market turbulence. This could see you temporarily lose access to your crypto.
Moving your to a non-custodial wallet
Pros
Self-custody. A mantra repeated by crypto investors is "Not your keys, not your coins." This comes from the idea that the only way to guarantee ownership of your is to own the private key — which isn't the case when you hold on an exchange.
Security. and cryptocurrency wallets vary greatly in their features and security. For the most secure experience, consider purchasing a hardware wallet, which is usually a small USB device that keeps your private keys offline at all times for an extra layer of security.
Utility. If you plan to use your for transactions, daily spending or decentrd finance (DeFi), then storing it in a wallet rather than an exchange will be more convenient.
Cons
Learning curve. It's no secret that learning how to use a crypto wallet takes some time and effort. Spend some time learning how wallets work before transferring any of your funds.
Personal responsibility. Owning your own money can be liberating, but it also means the responsibility is all yours. If you lose your private key, the only way to regain access to your wallet is through the seed phrase. Make sure to store both of these privately and securely.
Inheritance. A challenge presented by crypto wallets is how to pass access on in the event of death or disability. Several companies are experimenting with ways to solve this problem, like the Trezor Model T wallet's Shamir backup feature.
Bottom line
If you want to buy , start by comparing a range of crypto brokers and exchanges available in . Look at their features, fees, security and overall reputation to decide which platform is right for you. Use an exchange registered with for added peace of mind.
Remember that owning and using is not without its risks. Carefully consider investing in as part of a wider strategy, and talk to a financial advisor if you have any questions.
Once you've bought some , think about your short and long-term goals. This will help you decide whether to keep it on an exchange or move it to your own wallet.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies, including , are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance of 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 or any other cryptocurrency discussed.
James Edwards was the global cryptocurrency editor at Finder. He coordinates a distributed team of journalists to help further Finder's mission of helping people make better financial decisions.
He has been using Bitcoin since 2013 and began working in the industry in 2017. He takes pride in boiling down complex topics into language his parents can understand.
His expertise has seen him called on to report at events such as TechCrunch Disrupt, CoinDesk Consensus and IBM Think and has coordinated a vast number of high-profile interviews with the industry's brightest minds.
He is a regular contributor to Nasdaq, The Street and is frequently called upon for market commentary in Australia and abroad.
See full bio
Frank Corva is business-to-business (B2B) correspondent for Bitcoin Magazine and formerly the cryptocurrency writer and analyst for digital assets at Finder. Frank has turned his hobby of studying and writing about crypto into a career with a mission of educating the world about this burgeoning sector of finance. He worked in Ghana and Venezuela before earning a degree in applied linguistics at Teachers College, Columbia University. He also taught writing and entertainment business courses in Japan and worked with UNICEF in Namibia before returning to the US to teach at universities in New York City. Earlier in his career, he spent years working as a publicist and graphic designer for record labels like Warner Music Group and Triple Crown Records. During that time, he was also a music journalist whose writing and photography was in published in Alternative Press, Spin and other outlets.
See full bio
What do you say about acquiring ETH and other cryptocurrencies using changenow.io? I found VISA and Mastercard support here, and I do not need to register, and I can buy coins for any amount. I think you should consider this exchange.
Finder
johnbasanesDecember 7, 2018Finder
Hi Brian,
Thank you for leaving a question.
I have already forwarded this request to our publishers and will get feedback once we have word on creating a review page for this. Thanks for the information.
Find out which are the best Ethereum wallets currently available on the market.
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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What do you say about acquiring ETH and other cryptocurrencies using changenow.io? I found VISA and Mastercard support here, and I do not need to register, and I can buy coins for any amount. I think you should consider this exchange.
Hi Brian,
Thank you for leaving a question.
I have already forwarded this request to our publishers and will get feedback once we have word on creating a review page for this. Thanks for the information.
Cheers,
Reggie