How to Buy Your First Cryptocurrency
You'll need: a valid ID, email address, phone number, and a payment method (bank account or debit card).
Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange
An exchange is where you'll buy, sell, and trade crypto. For beginners, we recommend:
- Coinbase - Most beginner-friendly, higher fees
- Kraken - Great security, moderate fees
- Binance - Lowest fees, more complex interface
Start with Coinbase if you're completely new. You can always move to other exchanges later.
Create Your Account
Visit your chosen exchange and sign up:
- Click "Sign Up" or "Get Started"
- Enter your email address
- Create a strong, unique password (16+ characters)
- Verify your email by clicking the link they send
Never reuse passwords! Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords.
Complete Identity Verification (KYC)
Exchanges are required by law to verify your identity. You'll need to:
- Enter your full legal name and address
- Upload a photo of your government ID (passport or driver's license)
- Take a selfie for facial verification
- Wait for approval (usually 5-30 minutes)
KYC (Know Your Customer) prevents money laundering and fraud. It's required on all major exchanges.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This is critical for protecting your account:
- Go to Security Settings
- Choose "Authenticator App" (not SMS!)
- Download Google Authenticator or Authy on your phone
- Scan the QR code
- Save your backup codes somewhere safe
Without 2FA, hackers can steal all your crypto if they get your password. Use an authenticator app, NOT SMS.
Add a Payment Method
Connect a way to deposit money:
| Method | Speed | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer (ACH) | 3-5 days | Free or low |
| Debit Card | Instant | ~3% fee |
| Wire Transfer | 1-2 days | $10-25 |
For your first purchase, a debit card is fastest. For larger amounts, use bank transfer to save on fees.
Buy Your First Crypto!
Time to make your first purchase:
- Click "Buy" or "Trade"
- Select the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin is a good start)
- Enter the amount in your currency (e.g., $50)
- Review the fees and total
- Confirm the purchase
Only invest what you can afford to lose. Start with $25-100 to learn how everything works.
Secure Your Crypto
Congratulations! You own cryptocurrency. Now protect it:
- Small amounts - Keep on exchange (if it has good security)
- Larger amounts ($500+) - Move to a personal wallet
- Long-term holdings - Use a hardware wallet
Learn more in our Wallet Guides.