Disclaimer: This page is not financial advice or an endorsement of digital assets, providers or services. Digital assets are volatile and risky, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Potential regulations or policies can affect their availability and services provided. Talk with a financial professional before making a decision. Finder or the author may own cryptocurrency discussed on this page.
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser Disclosure
How to buy cryptocurrency in Minnesota
Buying cryptocurrency in Minnesota doesn't have to be tricky — compare 10+ licensed platforms.
In Minnesota, there are multiple exchanges to choose from to buy coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Cronos (CRO) and Avalanche (AVAX). Minnesota also has 520 registered Bitcoin ATMs where you can buy Bitcoin on the go, with the most popular locations being Minneapolis (441 ATMs), Duluth (21 ATMs) and Albertville (6 ATMs). The most popular coin in Minnesota in 2021 was Dogecoin, as reported by FinanceBuzz. Of course, there are more than 10,000 cryptocurrencies in existence, so who knows what Minnesota's most popular coin will be next year.
How to buy cryptocurrency in Minnesota
With a personal per-capita income of $58,834 in Minnesota, choosing the right exchange and coin to purchase is a big decision. The average person in Minnesota earns the equivalent of roughly 2.93 BTC or 52.07 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, Uphold Digital Money Platform lists over 125 cryptocurrencies and Crypto.com App lists 263. 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 Minnesota. Some states have strict requirements, while others simply require a money transmitter license. CEX.io is not available in Minnesota, 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 an insurance bill, a lease or a utility bill.
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 Beldex (BDX), LCX (LCX), Terra (LUNA) and Umee (UMEE). 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:- 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.
- 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.
- Node count. Nodes are how many participants there are in a blockchain network. Nodes all work together to verify transactions — the more nodes, the better.
Where do I buy crypto in Minnesota?
To buy crypto in Minnesota, look for a crypto exchange that fits your needs. Consider using:
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 |
FTX.US Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Great for beginners and experts
Lists over 30 cryptocurrencies
Fee structure is clear
Low fees
Supports multiple deposit methods
- Not available in all U.S. states
Fewer coins than other exchanges
Minimum deposits | $0 |
---|---|
Fiat currencies | 6 |
Cryptocurrencies | 37 |
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 Bitcoin (BTC) in Minnesota?
Yes, you can buy Bitcoin in Minnesota using an exchange like Kraken, Gemini or Robinhood. We recommend exploring a list of exchanges that support Bitcoin and taking a deeper dive into how to buy Bitcoin.
Can I buy Cronos (CRO) in Minnesota?
Yes, you can buy Cronos in Minnesota using an exchange like Kraken, Coinbase or Webull. We recommend exploring a list of exchanges that support Cronos and taking a deeper dive into how to buy Cronos.
Can I buy Avalanche (AVAX) in Minnesota?
Yes, you can buy Avalanche in Minnesota using an exchange like Crypto.com, eToro or Kraken. We recommend exploring a list of exchanges that support Avalanche and taking a deeper dive into how to buy Avalanche.
Regulations around cryptocurrency in Minnesota
States also vary on regulations, guidelines and financial regulatory agencies that govern cryptocurrency — despite the fact that crypto is considered decentralized finance, or DeFi.Minnesota's regulations according to Bloomberg Law
Money transmission under Minn. Stat. § 53B.03 is defined as, “selling or issuing payment instruments or engaging in the business of receiving money for transmission or transmitting money .” Licenses are required for “businesses that cash checks, transmit money, own and operate ATMs, and provide electronic funds transfers,” according to the Minnesota Commerce Department . Some virtual currency exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase maintain Minnesota money transmission licenses.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.
More guides on Finder
-
How to invest in Ethereum
Interested in Ethereum? Find 5 strategies to invest in the cryptocurrency.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in Puerto Rico
How to start buying and investing in cryptocurrency in Puerto Rico.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in Wyoming
Wyoming may have regulations on crypto, learn how to buy cryptocurrency legal in Wyoming.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in West Virginia
West Virginia may have regulations on crypto, learn how to buy cryptocurrency legal in West Virginia.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in Wisconsin
Wisconsin may have regulations on crypto, learn how to buy cryptocurrency legal in Wisconsin.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in Washington
Washington may have regulations on crypto, learn how to buy cryptocurrency legal in Washington.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in Virginia
Virginia may have regulations on crypto, learn how to buy cryptocurrency legal in Virginia.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in Vermont
Vermont may have regulations on crypto, learn how to buy cryptocurrency legal in Vermont.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in Utah
Utah may have regulations on crypto, learn how to buy cryptocurrency legal in Utah.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency in Tennessee
Tennessee may have regulations on crypto, learn how to buy cryptocurrency legal in Tennessee.
Ask an Expert