How to buy Bitcoin (BTC)

In recent years, Bitcoin (BTC) adoption has exploded. While it was once taboo to invest in this alternative asset, more and more people around the globe are now buying and holding it, making Bitcoin more mainstream.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned investor looking to diversify your portfolio, this article will guide you through a range of ways to buy BTC in 2023, including using crypto exchanges, payment apps like PayPal or even Bitcoin ATMs.

Keep in mind that Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile. It’s gone from being worth about $3,800 in March 2020 to $69,000 in September 2021 and back to $25,000 in February 2023. This means that investors are at risk of considerable losses as well as gains, and you should exercise caution appropriately.

Today BTC is trading for $27,136.00, which is slightly up from yesterday's trading price of $27,051.14. Bitcoin's seen an increase of 41% over the past year. It reached an all-time-high price of $69,045.00 in November 2021.

Where to buy Bitcoin

Some of the most common places to buy Bitcoin are through exchanges or trading apps. These accept US dollars via bank transfer or card, which makes purchasing BTC convenient and relatively quick compared to other methods.

If you’re unsure which exchange might be right for you, please review our list of the best crypto exchanges for 2023 to help you decide.

If you plan to buy BTC through one of the less common methods — via a Bitcoin ATM or a peer-to-peer marketplace — you’ll have to learn how to self-custody your BTC first.

What’s the best way to buy Bitcoin?

While it’s up to you to decide how you feel most comfortable buying Bitcoin, we have provided a breakdown of the different ways and places you can buy Bitcoin.

We began by focusing on the more common ways to buy BTC before moving on to the less common ways to buy the asset.

Buying Bitcoin from a crypto exchange

Buying BTC on a crypto exchange is the most common way to invest in Bitcoin.

Exchanges such as Coinbase, Kraken, eToro, Binance.US and Crypto.com are some of the most widely used crypto exchanges. They also enable you to buy other cryptocurrencies if you want to expand your portfolio beyond BTC.

The crypto exchange you choose will depend on your investment style and requirements. Some exchanges support instant buy features, which allow you to purchase Bitcoin directly from the platform using a credit or debit card or a bank account.

Other exchanges support spot market trading — a slightly advanced way to buy BTC, and it requires placing bids and offers. Trading fees are often low when you use this method, but, as we mentioned, it can be difficult.

Holding your Bitcoin on a centralized platform like an exchange means trusting the exchange to protect your assets. Assets held on an exchange are at risk of hacks, phishing attacks and potential mismanagement by the exchange operators.

To avoid counterparty risk and have complete control over your Bitcoin, consider withdrawing your funds to a personal wallet after you have completed your purchase or trade.

Crypto exchange: what to consider

• Pro: Straightforward buying and selling of BTC accessible to all experience levels.

• Con: If you leave your BTC in the custody of a crypto exchange, your funds are potentially at risk because when you leave your crypto in the custody of a third party, the assets are technically just IOUs.

Buying Bitcoin from a trading app

Trading apps allow you to manage various investments, such as cryptocurrency and stocks, in one location.

If you’re familiar with traditional stock and commodities trading apps such as SoFi, Webull or Robinhood, then you can quickly utilize these platforms to start trading Bitcoin. They tend to focus on ease of use and are mobile-friendly.

Although trading apps and brokerages will give you direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin, they may not give you the actual coins to control. This means you can’t move your BTC off the platform to your personal wallet or another trading platform. This simplifies the experience but may be an issue for anyone who wants the full experience and security of using crypto.

Trading app: what to consider

• Pro: A convenient way to gain exposure to Bitcoin on a familiar platform.

• Con: Many apps claim to offer zero-fee trading but may hide an extra fee in the spread.

Buying Bitcoin from PayPal

It’s really convenient to purchase Bitcoin on PayPal, considering PayPal’s interface is easy to navigate. You can even use the Bitcoin on your PayPal to make purchases on millions of online stores confidently, knowing PayPal’s fraud protection covers you.

Some exchanges also support PayPal as a deposit method. You can transfer funds from your PayPal account to the exchange and purchase Bitcoin directly.

PayPal charges higher fees than most traditional crypto exchanges, with purchases over $200 incurring a 1.8% fee. If you’re looking to purchase large amounts of Bitcoin, PayPal may not be your best option.

Also, please keep in mind that you can’t send BTC purchase on PayPal to an external crypto wallet. PayPal custodies your Bitcoin for you.

PayPal crypto: what to consider

• Pro: Buy Bitcoin quickly using a familiar and easy-to-use platform.

• Con: Con: PayPal charges higher fees than most traditional crypto exchanges.

Buying Bitcoin from Venmo

It’s quite convenient to purchase Bitcoin on Venmo, as well. Much like PayPal, Venmo’s interface is clean and user-friendly.

One of the main differences between Venmo and PayPal, though, is that Venmo is a social app through which you can broadcast your Bitcoin purchases if you’d like.

Like PayPal, Venmo charges higher fees than most crypto exchanges, as you’ll pay 1.8% on Bitcoin purchases between $200 and $1,000.

Also, like PayPal, you can’t send the Bitcoin you purchase on Venmo to an external crypto wallet.

Venmo crypto: what to consider

• Pro: Buy Bitcoin using a convenient payment app.

• Con: You can’t send the Bitcoin you purchase on Venmo to another crypto wallet.

Buying Bitcoin from Cash App

Cash app is another handy app through which you can purchase Bitcoin.

Like PayPal and Venmo, Cash App makes buying Bitcoin simple. But like PayPal and Venmo, the fees for purchasing BTC are quite high — approximately 1.75%.

However, there is one major differentiator between Cash App and PayPal and Venmo — you can send your Bitcoin from your Cash App wallet to another crypto wallet.

Hence, you get the convenience of buying Bitcoin in an easy-to-use app and the option of sending it to a more secure, offline wallet if you so please.

Cash app crypto: what to consider

• Pro: Cash App allows you to send your Bitcoin to another crypto wallet if you want to custody your Bitcoin yourself.

• Con: Fees for buying and selling BTC on Cash App are high compared to crypto exchanges.

Buying Bitcoin from a traditional broker

You cannot buy Bitcoin directly from traditional financial brokers like Charles Schwab or Fidelity.

Instead, you can buy financial products based on Bitcoin’s price, like Bitcoin futures products (e.g., the Proshares Bitcoin Strategy ETF) or shares of the Greyscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC).

When you buy these types of Bitcoin-related financial products, you don’t technically own any Bitcoin. These products are mostly used for speculative purposes.

Traditional broker: what to consider

• Pro: You can gain some exposure to Bitcoin’s price action via traditional investment platforms.

• Con: You don’t technically own any Bitcoin when you buy Bitcoin-related products.

Buying Bitcoin from a Bitcoin ATM

Buying Bitcoin using an ATM is a way to purchase the digital currency in a physical location. The process typically involves using cash or a debit card to purchase Bitcoin, which is then transferred to a digital wallet, which you must have set up before using the ATM.

The benefit of buying Bitcoin through an ATM is the convenience and immediacy of the transaction.

However, it’s worth noting that the fees associated are often much higher than purchasing via an online exchange, and Bitcoin ATMs are only available in some locations. Also, newbies might feel uncomfortable setting up a Bitcoin wallet address and entering the long string of letters and numbers of the address via the ATM screen.

Bitcoin ATM: what to consider

• Pro: A quick and convenient way to purchase Bitcoin using cash.

• Con: High fees will dissuade Bitcoin investors who know cheaper ways to purchase the asset, and newbies might not feel comfortable inputting their digital wallet information.

Buying Bitcoin from a P2P marketplace

A (peer-to-peer) P2P crypto marketplace is a platform that allows individuals to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly with one another through offers, a bit like eBay. An example of such a marketplace is Paxful.

The exchange or platform helps facilitate Bitcoin transactions by holding funds in escrow via smart contracts on a blockchain network. This ensures that the terms of the trade are met and that the cryptocurrency is transferred securely and transparently.

P2P marketplaces typically support a wide range of fiat currencies, including US dollars.

Low or no fees are common for P2P trades, and since order prices are fixed, you can potentially find Bitcoin below market value.

Purchasing Bitcoin through P2P exchanges regularly can be challenging, as it may be hard to consistently find a seller willing to sell you the exact amount you want each time.

P2P marketplace: what to consider

• Pro: Interact directly with Bitcoin sellers and choose from hundreds of payment options.

• Con: P2P exchanges typically have less liquidity than spot markets of OTC exchanges.

Buying Bitcoin from a crypto wallet interface

For those who believe in the concept of “not your keys, not your Bitcoin“, using a hardware wallet to buy Bitcoin may be a good option. These wallets offer exchange services like Changelly and Simplex, which are integrated into the software apps for wallets from companies like Ledger or Trezor. These apps are easy to use and typically accept credit or debit card payments.

Hardware wallets provide a secure and private way to hold your Bitcoin, which is stored directly on the blockchain rather than being entrusted to a third-party exchange or platform.

Although the Bitcoin blockchain is more secure than exchanges and has never been hacked, your security depends on you. You are responsible for managing your private key or seed phrase, which, if lost, may result in inaccessible funds.

Crypto wallets: what to consider

• Pro: You have total control over your investment, secured by the Bitcoin blockchain rather than a third party like an exchange.

• Con: Learning to use a blockchain can be difficult. Transactions are irreversible, and your funds are at risk of human error.

Recent Bitcoin developments

1 September, 2023: A court ruling in favor of Grayscale allows its Bitcoin Trust to convert into an ETF, creating a new opportunity for a Bitcoin spot ETF in the US.
4 July, 2023: Bitcoin reached a 12 month high of USD $31,375 following excitement about the possibility of a Bitcoin spot ETF being approved in the US.
1 June, 2023: A new type of token called BRC-20s have been introduced to the Bitcoin blockchain, spurring increased transaction activity and fees.
1 May, 2023: Bitcoin dominance has returned to 47%. This marks its highest point since June 2022, just weeks before the collapse of Celsius.
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Compare crypto platforms: exchanges, apps and brokerages

If this is your first time buying cryptocurrency, look for a platform that accepts US dollars. Once you’ve purchased your Bitcoin, you should be able to transfer it to another exchange later, so don’t worry too much about extra features for now.

Use the table to choose a platform that meets your needs, and select the Go to site button to get started.

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the world’s oldest and most valuable cryptocurrency by market capitalization — or the total amount of money invested in the asset. Created in 2009 by a pseudonymous person or persons known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin is a decentralized and cryptographically-secured digital payment blockchain network, and the asset on it — BTC — was designed to provide an alternative to traditional fiat currencies like US dollars or euros.

Rather than dealing with a centralized authority such as a bank to process transactions, BTC holders can transfer their coins directly to one another on the peer-to-peer Bitcoin network.

The maximum coin supply of Bitcoin is limited to 21 million, but it’s possible to buy a small fraction of a coin — each coin can be divided into 0.00000001 BTC.

Is Bitcoin safe to invest in?

All investments have risk associated. Before you buy Bitcoin, make sure you do due diligence in research and understand these risks:

Price volatility.

Bitcoin’s price is largely based on speculation, meaning it can rise or fall quickly. It’s common for Bitcoin to move by 5% or more in a single day.

Exchange vulnerabilities.

Leaving your Bitcoin on a crypto platform exposes you to several counterparty risks, including scams, hacks and theft, and fiscal mismanagement, as we saw in the case of FTX in 2022. To reduce this risk, it’s best to keep your Bitcoin in a non-custodial wallet.

Regulatory uncertainty.

The regulatory environment for Bitcoin and other cryptos is constantly changing. In some countries owning and trading Bitcoin is legal, and in others, it isn’t. Even in countries in which it is legal to own Bitcoin or other cryptos, there can still be some jurisdictions that don’t permit certain Bitcoin or crypto services and platforms. For example, only a few crypto companies are permitted to operate in New York State, so there are only certain ways to buy Bitcoin in NY.

Novel technology.

Bitcoin was created in 2009, making it relatively new as a form of technology and currency. Bitcoin doesn’t yet have the same track record or performance history as some other asset classes.

Technological learning curve.

If you plan to invest in Bitcoin and custody the asset on your own, you’ll have to learn how to use a non-custodial crypto wallet.

Wallet vulnerabilities.

The Bitcoin network is near-impossible to hack, but the hardware and software used to manage your funds — known as wallets — can still be vulnerable. We researched BTC wallets and shared which ones we felt were best.

Transactions can’t be reversed.

Once you’ve submitted a transaction to the Bitcoin network, it can’t be canceled or reversed. Double-check the receiving address before sending a Bitcoin payment or moving Bitcoin off an exchange. One good way to do this is to check the first and last four digits of the wallet address you are sending to before setting the transaction in motion. There is no way to refund BTC sent to the wrong address.

What to look for in a crypto platform?

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when looking for where to buy Bitcoin.

Check your exchange is FinCEN registered.

If you choose to buy Bitcoin via a crypto exchange, it’s good practice to use a locally registered exchange. It’s more likely to accept US dollars and local payment methods like SWIFT, which helps avoid foreign exchange fees. Choosing a US-based exchange also means the exchange is likely to be registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which means it has to comply with local laws in the US.

Why you should use a FinCEN-registered cryptocurrency exchange

Crypto exchanges founded and based in the US are required to register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the US Department of the Treasury. This bureau safeguards the US financial system by working to prevent money laundering, terrorist-financing activity and other financial crimes.

FinCEN-registered exchanges contribute to a more secure financial system in the US and provide you with better consumer protections compared to exchanges based in other countries.

Other reasons for using a FinCEN-registered exchange may include the following:

• They are subject to state-level regulation and laws.
• They are more likely to offer US-based customer support.
• They typically cover local payment methods such as ACH bank transfers and support transactions in US dollars (USD).

Set up 2-factor authentication.

Whether you use an exchange or a financial app, look at the platform’s security features, like 2-factor authentication and PGP-encrypted emails. Cold storage of user funds is considered an industry standard, but insurance funds are less common and indicative of good security practices.

Learn whether the exchange has insurance fund.

A small number of exchanges now offer insurance on users’ funds. Two of these exchanges are Coinbase and Gemini. Beware that policies vary significantly between exchanges, so research this thoroughly if insurance is important to you.

Decide where you will custody your Bitcoin.

Where is your Bitcoin stored? If you plan to keep it on the platform you purchased it on, you may want to learn more about their storage practices and how they manage customer funds. Certain platforms like PayPal and Venmo don’t allow you to custody your own Bitcoin. These apps hold your Bitcoin in their custody. Others like Coinbase or Binance.US allow you to move the funds you purchase via the exchange into a crypto wallet. But when you do this, the responsibility to manage your assets responsibly falls entirely on you. If you lose the private keys to your Bitcoin, that Bitcoin is lost forever.

Where could Bitcoin's price be heading?

BTC is expected to close out 2023 at US$35,458, according to the average prediction provided by Finder's panel of fintech specialists.

These specialists also predict BTC will hit US$99,781 by 2025 and US$297,848 by 2030.

• 2022 Bitcoin price predictions

  Key statistics from 2022 reports:

  In 2022, Finder's panel tried to predict what the price of Bitcoin would be at the end of the year.

  • In January just 19% of panelists said the value of Bitcoin would go down as central bank interest rates go up.
  • 61% of the panel said January was a good time to buy Bitcoin, compared to 50% in July and 46% in October.
  • In January just 10% said it was a good time to sell Bitcoin but 30% said they thought they were in a crypto bubble similar to the dot com bubble of the 1990s.
  • 45% think Bitcoin is the best cryptocurrency to hold in a bear market, followed by Ethereum (15%).
  • In April, half the panel said Bitcoin will eventually be overtaken as the most popular cryptocurrency by a more advanced blockchain.
  • In the July report over two-thirds of the panel said they believe we're in a 'crypto winter' with less than a third saying the bear market would end in 2022.

• 2021 Bitcoin price predictions

  In April 2021, Finder's panel predicted Bitcoin would end the year at nearly $95k on average, up from a prediction of nearly $52k made in December of 2020. However just a few months later in July, the panel's prediction dropped to $66k before increasing in the October report to $71k. It turns out the panel was far too bullish with Bitcoin ending 2021 at just $32k.

  Key statistics from 2021 reports:

  • In April the majority of panelists (58%) said institutional investors were driving the rally, compared to 24% who said retail investors and 18% by whales.
  • In July the majority of panelists (54%) said Bitcoin will overtake fiat currency by 2050, with 29% believing it will happen as soon as 2035. However 44% don't expect Bitcoin to ever become the dominant form of global finance.
  • 60% of panelists in the October report were in favour of a Bitcoin ETF, with 22% against it and 18% unsure.
  • Just 46% thought it was a good time to buy Bitcoin in October 2021 down from 55% in July.

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Bottom line

Before purchasing Bitcoin, compare a range of crypto exchanges and brokerages available in the US. Look at their features, fees, security and overall reputation to decide which platform best suits your needs. Consider an exchange registered with FinCEN for added peace of mind.

Remember that owning and using Bitcoin is not without its risks. Consider investing in Bitcoin as part of a wider investment strategy, and talk to a financial advisor if you have any questions about cryptocurrency investing.

Once you’ve purchased Bitcoin, think about your short- and long-term goals. This will help you decide whether to keep it on an exchange or move it to a non-custodial wallet.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I buy Bitcoin without ID?

  There are still a small number of ways to buy Bitcoin (BTC) without an ID. However, it tends to be safer to purchase BTC through a platform that’s registered with FinCEN. You won’t be able to create an account on a FinCEN-registered platform without providing identification as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process.

• How is Bitcoin taxed?

  If you hold Bitcoin as an investment, you’ll be taxed on any capital gains you make when you sell it, including spending it on goods and services. In the US, tax obligations also apply to mining, professional Bitcoin trading and a range of other scenarios, so make sure you’re fully aware of what you need to report to the IRS.

  Learn more in our crypto tax guide, or use our round-up of the best crypto tax software to make tax reporting more straightforward.

• What will I need to buy Bitcoin?

  You only need an email address or mobile number to create an account with your chosen crypto platform. This will usually allow you to deposit cryptocurrency, but not USD.

  You’ll need to pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check to buy Bitcoin using US dollars.

  This is a standard security procedure for most exchanges in the US and requires you to upload a photo ID and, in some cases, a selfie with today’s date.

  KYC is usually approved instantly, but you may have to wait a few hours or days in rare cases.

• Can I buy Bitcoin for $10?

  Yes, Bitcoin can be divided into fractions, called Satoshis, allowing you to purchase small amounts for $10 or even less. Many investors buy Bitcoin in small recurring quantities, like $5 daily.

• How do beginners buy Bitcoin?

  Beginners will probably find it easiest to buy Bitcoin from a crypto exchange that offers instant purchases with USD. Once you’re comfortable, buying Bitcoin on the spot is usually a less expensive option.

• How much Bitcoin should a beginner buy?

  Bitcoin is widely considered a high-risk asset, so you should only invest what you can afford to lose.

  To help cushion the highs and lows of market volatility, consider dollar-cost averaging (DCA). DCA involves regularly buying small amounts of Bitcoin, such as every week or month. This strategy removes some of the emotion from investing and can help support a long-term investing plan.

• What is the safest way to buy Bitcoin?

  The safest way to buy Bitcoin is through a reputable cryptocurrency exchange or broker that complies with US laws and regulations. Look for one that promotes stringent security measures such as registration with FinCEN, KYC for all users, 2-factor authentication, and an insurance fund.

  Once you’ve purchased some BTC, consider moving it into a self-custodial wallet for added security.

• What is the best way to buy Bitcoin?

  The best way to buy Bitcoin is to identify your investment goals first. Do you plan to trade frequently or hold long-term?

  For regular trading, fees are lowest on a spot market, while casual investors might feel the convenience of a higher-fee instant purchase is worthwhile.

  Compare exchanges and trading platforms to decide the best place to buy Bitcoin.

• How do I sell Bitcoin?

  The most common way to sell Bitcoin is through a crypto exchange, investing app or brokerage. Other options are Bitcoin ATMs and P2P marketplaces. There are a variety of factors to consider when selling BTC. Before registering on a platform, be sure to check that the asset is listed and that your desired fiat currency is supported for withdrawing to a bank account. Compare platforms to find the lowest deposit fees, withdrawal fees and transactional fees.

How to buy other cryptos