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How to buy cryptocurrency in Iowa
Buying cryptocurrency in Iowa doesn't have to be tricky — compare 12+ licensed platforms.
In Iowa, there are multiple exchanges to choose from to buy coins like Cardano (ADA), Basic Attention (BAT) and Bitcoin (BTC). Iowa also has 326 registered Bitcoin ATMs where you can buy Bitcoin on the go, with the most popular locations being Des Moines (120 ATMs), Cedar Rapids (79 ATMs) and Waterloo (36 ATMs). The most popular coin in Iowa in 2021 was Chainlink, as reported by FinanceBuzz. Of course, there are more than 10,000 cryptocurrencies in existence, so who knows what Iowa's most popular coin will be next year.
How to buy cryptocurrency in Iowa
With a personal per-capita income of $51,865 in Iowa, choosing the right exchange and coin to purchase is a big decision. The average person in Iowa earns the equivalent of roughly 2.58 BTC or 46.47 ETH per year. Follow these steps to buy the crypto of your choice:
Step 1: Compare exchanges.
Exchanges vary in what coins they list and wallets they support. For example, eToro USA LLC Cryptocurrency Trading lists over 25 cryptocurrencies and FTX.US Cryptocurrency Exchange lists 37. Exchanges can also vary in deposit methods and fees. Confirm the platform supports any specific coins you're interested in before signing up.
Our top pick: Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange
Minimum Deposit
Cryptocurrencies
Fiat Currencies
- Wide range of exchangeable currencies
- User friendly
- Newcomer incentives
- Insurance on currency balances up to $250k
- Balances can earn interest
- High fees on mobile app
- Missing some notable top 20 currencies
- No linked debit cards available
Deposit Methods | Bank transfer (ACH) Debit card Wire transfer |
---|---|
Deposit Fees | Cryptocurrency: None Wire transfer: None Bank transfer (ACH): None, bank fees may apply Debit card transfer: 3.49% |
Withdrawal Fees | Cryptocurrency: None for first 10 withdrawals of each month Other: None for first 10 withdrawals of each month |
Trading Fees | Order amount below USD 200: USD 0.99 - USD 2.99 Order amount over USD 200: 1.49% Convenience fee: 0.50% |
No matter what exchange you choose, it's important to verify that it's available in Iowa. Some states have strict requirements, while others simply require a money transmitter license. FTX US is not available in Iowa, so watch out for that. Once you've settled on an exchange, you're required to complete "know your consumer" (KYC) requirements, which involves your name and proof of identification. You may also need to prove your address by uploading something like a utility bill, a credit card statement or a government benefits statement.
General steps to signing up with an exchange include:
- Create an account
- Verify your identity, usually with government-issue ID
- Connect a digital wallet
- Deposit funds
Step 2: Choose a digital wallet.
A crypto wallet, often called a digital wallet, is where you store your crypto assets, like coins and tokens. Digital wallets fall into roughly two types:- Software. Downloadable, Internet-connected programs stored on your computer or device.
- Hardware. External, offline physical devices you plug into your computer or device to access your digital assets. Also called cold storage.
- Create an account
- Record generated seed phrase — or master password
- Connect a debit card, credit card or bank account
- Connect wallet to network required by the marketplace
Popular online wallets include Ledger, Trust Connect, MetaMask and Coinbase.
Step 3: Research coins.
You've heard of crypto staples Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), but there are literally thousands of altcoins available to invest in, with more created all the time. Other recently popular coins include TerraClassicUSD (USTC), Terra (LUNA), SpiceUSD (USDS) and BOSAGORA (BOA). Cryptocurrency is a speculative investment. Costs can vary greatly among coins and fluctuate daily, leaving room for dramatic gains and losses. Investing in the big-name coins still doesn't come with any guarantee of profit. Despite the lack of guarantee, you can still narrow down a coin that fits your needs by researching elements that include:- Utility and accessibility. A well-known coin that is listed on multiple exchanges, or used for crypto applications like play-to-earn games, may have more value if demand is high.
- Reputation. Learn about who backs the coin, and read about the issues they plan to resolve in white papers, peer-reviewed studies and the news.
- Security. Since cryptocurrency is under the umbrella of digital assets, there is a chance that issues could be in its coding. A coin on a secure blockchain could mean a higher value.
Where do I buy crypto in Iowa?
To buy crypto in Iowa, look for a crypto exchange that fits your needs. Consider using:
CEX.IO Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Accepts credit cards
18 coins available
No reported sitewide hacks
- Customers report poor customer service
Verification process may take days or weeks
Fiat currencies | 4 |
---|---|
Cryptocurrencies | 22 |
Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange
Coinbase has over 80 cryptocurrencies available, including Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB). Transaction fees are calculated using a combination of factors, including your payment method, the order size and varying market conditions, like volatility.
- Large selection of cryptocurrencies
Offline crypto storage
Strong customer reviews
- Transaction fees vary
Minimum balances apply
Customer service ratings remain poor in platform reviews
Fiat currencies | 23 |
---|---|
Cryptocurrencies | 174 |
Crypto.com App
Crypto.com charges maker and taker fees for cryptocurrency trades. The fees vary depending on customer tier levels. Tiers are adjusted daily and are based on a customer's individual trading volumes incurred over the past 30 days.
- Large selection of crypto
Low fees
Staking for rewards available
- Can be difficult to navigate
Customer service could be more responsive
Expensive withdrawal fees
Fiat currencies | No supported |
---|---|
Cryptocurrencies | 261 |
eToro Cryptocurrency Trading
The eToro exchange charges 'round-trip' spreads when buying crypto assets. The spread covers the buy-and-sell side of the transaction and varies based on the asset being purchased. Current spreads vary between .75% and 2.90%
- Multi-asset exchange
Social trading features
Demo account available
- Fewer cryptocurrencies available than some exchanges
$10 account minimum
Fees vary by asset
Fiat currencies | 19 |
---|---|
Cryptocurrencies | 74 |
Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange
Gemini's fees are somewhat higher than those charged on other exchanges. The platform charges as much as 1.49% on transactions over $200.
- Highly regulated
All crypto held in the exchange wallet is insured
Deep liquidity
- Higher fees than other exchanges
Limited trading pairs
Limited deposit options
Minimum deposits | $0 |
---|---|
Fiat currencies | 8 |
Cryptocurrencies | 117 |
Can I buy Cardano (ADA) in Iowa?
Yes, you can buy Cardano in Iowa using an exchange like eToro, Gemini or Paybis. We recommend exploring a list of exchanges that support Cardano and taking a deeper dive into how to buy Cardano.
Can I buy Basic Attention (BAT) in Iowa?
Yes, you can buy Basic Attention in Iowa using an exchange like eToro, Gemini or Paybis. We recommend exploring a list of exchanges that support Basic Attention and taking a deeper dive into how to buy Basic Attention.
Can I buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Iowa?
Yes, you can buy Bitcoin in Iowa using an exchange like CEX.IO, Coinbase or Paybis. We recommend exploring a list of exchanges that support Bitcoin and taking a deeper dive into how to buy Bitcoin.
Regulations around cryptocurrency in Iowa
States also vary on regulations, guidelines and financial regulatory agencies that govern cryptocurrency — despite the fact that crypto is considered decentralized finance, or DeFi.Iowa's regulations according to Bloomberg Law
There is no exclusion for digital currency businesses from Iowa’s Uniform Money Services Act in Iowa Code § 533C.103. Digital currency dealers such as Coinbase have obtained money services licenses from the Iowa Department of Banking.Source: Bloomberg Law
Know before you buy crypto
Cryptocurrency is decentralized finance, so there isn't an authoritative entity out there looking out for you. While exchanges and digital wallets can do their best to keep things secure, you can proactively protect yourself with our top tips:- Secure your wallet. One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from theft or hacking is by keeping your digital wallet's keys safe. If someone gets access, you could lose your assets without much hope for recovery.
- Read the fine print. Marketplaces and exchanges often aren't liable if bad actors get access to your digital wallet or assets. Learn about the security measures in place to prevent access to your money.
- Watch out for phishing scams. No exchange will ask you to confirm the password to your wallet or keys through email or by phone. Call the company directly to ask about suspicious contacts or anything else you're not sure about.
- Reputable exchanges require ID. Signing up with a reputable exchange site typically requires you to submit such personal information as your address, SSN and email. This step is often called KYC and is required. If you skip this step, there may be legal consequences – especially if you skip it to use a non-licensed exchange.
- Cryptocurrency is volatile. Don't invest more than you can afford to lose. The value of any coin can change in a matter of seconds, spelling major losses or gains that depend on interest and how much you invest. Learn more about the fundamentals of cryptocurrency to better equip yourself in this volatile market.
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