Add fiat money to your account. Before you can buy cryptocurrencies, you must first fund your account with another currency, such as US dollars.

Cryptocurrency

Q: Step 1: Select the Cryptocurrency Exchange of Your Choice

It should be a trusted, well-known exchange with a wide range of currencies.

Q: Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Open a profile on the cryptocurrency exchange. To complete the registration process, you must provide your personal information and submit proof of identity.

Q: Step 4: Choose the Cryptocurrency You Want to Buy

You have the option to invest in a single cryptocurrency or several others.

Q: Step 5: Place an Order

Place a buy order for the coin of your choice. In order to place and finalize a buy order for one or more cryptocurrencies, follow the exchange's instructions.

Q: Step 6: Complete the Purchase

The information you need to access your cryptocurrency is stored in a digital wallet after completing the purchase. The cryptocurrency exchange or a third-party wallet provider may host the digital wallet.

Khashayar Abbasi

Last updated 6th Mar 2023

Disclosure

Despite the current bear market, many people today continue to buy cryptocurrency. There is no doubt that the value of digital currencies has increased significantly since their inception. The cryptocurrency arena has only grown, fuelled by the phenomenal rise of bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH).

Those who have yet to invest in the world of digital currencies may be wondering what the reasons are for doing so. Below, we will look at the pros and cons of digital currencies and the different ways to buy cryptocurrencies.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a new class of assets that exists digitally in the form of tokens held in a digital "wallet" rather than physically in the form of coins or bills. These digital tokens rely on encryption and blockchain technology for security and other benefits. In addition, some cryptocurrencies can be backed by real assets; for example, certain stablecoins are pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.

Cryptocurrencies are utilized in payment systems, program execution, and more. There are thousands of crypto assets in circulation because anyone can create them.

The original purpose of cryptocurrencies was to serve as a form of electronic money. Merchants accept cryptocurrencies to purchase products and services, and some ATMs also allow you to withdraw crypto as cash.

Since most people do not use their funds for daily transactions, cryptocurrencies commonly operate as speculative, long-term investments.

Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrencies

Is buying crypto a smart choice? You can only decide by weighing the benefits and drawbacks of crypto and analyzing their impact.

We describe the main advantages and disadvantages of cryptocurrencies below:

Pros

Cryptocurrencies facilitate the direct movement of money between two parties by eliminating the need for a third party, such as a bank or credit card provider. Public keys, private keys, and other incentive schemes, such as proof-of-work or proof-of-stake, are used to secure such decentralized transfers.

Compared to traditional money transfers, cryptocurrency transfers between two transacting parties are faster because they do not use third-party intermediaries. An excellent example of such transfers is flash loans in decentralized finance. These can be executed instantly and are used in trading as they do not require collateral.

Investing in cryptocurrencies can result in financial gains. Over the past decade, the value of cryptocurrency markets has skyrocketed, reaching about $2 trillion at one point.

Cons

Although crypto attempts to market itself as anonymous, it leaves a digital footprint that can be analyzed by organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This allows governments or federal agencies to monitor the financial activities of ordinary people.

Criminals increasingly use cryptocurrencies for undesirable purposes, including money laundering and illegal transactions. Dread Pirate Roberts, who operated a narcotics trade on the dark web, is already widely known. Additionally, cryptocurrency has become a favorite among hackers who utilize it for ransomware operations.

Although cryptocurrencies purport to be decentralized and that wealth is shared among numerous parties on a blockchain, ownership is actually quite concentrated. For example, research from MIT found that just 11,000 investors hold nearly 45% of Bitcoin's value.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin launched the cryptocurrency industry in 2009 and is considered the first cryptocurrency. If you are new to cryptocurrency, finding out more about Bitcoin is a good place to start your learning journey.

We recommend you read our guides which include; “What is Bitcoin”, “How to Buy Bitcoin”, “Buy Bitcoin with Bank Transfer”, “Best Places to Sell Bitcoin”.

What are Altcoins?

Any cryptocurrency coin or token that is not Bitcoin is referred to as an altcoin or "alternative coin" Although the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, remains one of the most widely used today, some developers are attempting to use their crypto coins and tokens in ways that the Bitcoin blockchain does not support.

There are many altcoins available, we have put together a list on the best altcoins to purchase.

Tips to Know Before Investing in Cryptocurrency

Before making a crypto investment, you should be aware of the following.

Capital gains tax

Cryptocurrencies are considered assets for tax purposes, similar to stocks or real estate. You will have to pay capital gains tax on any profits when selling cryptocurrencies. Take this into account when preparing your annual budget and tax planning.

Short-term investing:

Many investors would consider cryptocurrencies as short-term rather than long-term investments because they are volatile assets. It is likely that cryptocurrencies will one day evolve into a reliable investment and that long-term holdings will lead to large gains. However, that is a long way off yet.

Ways to Buy Cryptocurrency

There are numerous ways to invest in cryptocurrencies.

You can choose from brokers, exchanges, P2P marketplaces, ETFs, index funds, mutual funds, trusts, debit cards, different applications, and wallets.

Sort By Label

Partner Name Label	Label	CTA	Customer Support	Launch Date	Security Features	Mobile Support	Disclaimer
1. eToro	4.8	Visit Website etoro.com	Live Chat	2007	2FA, Biometrics	iOS, Android	This ad promotes virtual cryptocurrency investing within the EU (by eToro Europe Ltd. and eToro UK Ltd.) & USA (by eToro USA LLC); which is highly volatile, unregulated in most EU countries, no EU protections & not supervised by the EU regulatory framework. Investments are subject to market risk, including the loss of principal.
2. Pepperstone	4.5	Visit Website pepperstone.com	Email, Live Chat, Telephone, Whatsapp	2010	2FA, Biometrics, Pin	Web App, iOS, Android	Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
3. Coinbase	4.1	Visit Website coinbase.com	Email	2012	2FA, Pin , Biometrics	Android, iOS, Web App
4. Changelly	4.0	Visit Website Changelly.com	Email, Live Chat	2015	2FA, Biometrics	Android, iOS, Web App
5. Coinmama	4.2	Visit Website coinmama.com	Email	2013	2FA, Biometrics, Pin	Android, iOS	Crypto assets are highly volatile and largely unregulated. There is no guarantee that any crypto asset will have at any time in the future certain value (if any) or market liquidity. Crypto assets are at risk of losing substantial (or all) value within a short time period.
6. Trading 212	4.0	Visit Website trading212.com	Email, Live Chat	2013	2FA, Biometrics, Pin	Android, iOS, Web App	CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Cryptocurrency brokers

A cryptocurrencybroker is a company that connects you with the cryptocurrency market. It is the middleman standing between you and the cryptocurrency you want to purchase, where the broker buys up many cryptocurrency tokens and offers them to you on its platform. This allows you to always have access to cryptocurrency tokens. Here, the brokerage sets the price of the assets.

Cryptocurrency exchanges

In cryptocurrency exchanges, you are given the opportunity to invest in cryptocurrency tokens. However, unlike the case with the brokerage, here, the market determines the price of the digital assets on the exchange. These exchanges match orders, which means that there have to be at least two traders for the trade to execute.

Cryptocurrency exchange traded funds (ETFs)

These are funds that allow you to access a diversified portfolio of cryptocurrency tokens or coins for you to trade. ETFs offer transparency and higher liquidity, which is their main point of appeal.

Cryptocurrency index funds

A cryptocurrency index fund allows you to buy shares within a fund instead of directly investing in coins or other digital assets. Within these index funds, experts use their knowledge and data to invest their money in multiple tokens, depending on the fund's index.

Cryptocurrency mutual funds

Mutual funds exist for investors who want to avoid owning cryptocurrencies through a digital wallet or exchange. These funds consist of different cryptocurrencies and give small or individual investors access to diversified and professionally managed portfolios.

Cryptocurrency trusts

Cryptocurrency trusts typically hold digital currency and allow investors to trade shares through a brokerage or a retirement account instead of using a cryptocurrency exchange.

Cryptocurrency debit cards

Many cryptocurrency brokerages or exchanges will allow users to purchase crypto using debit cards. They will typically load up the account through their credit card and use the funds loaded onto the account to purchase a cryptocurrency token directly.

Cryptocurrency apps

There are many cryptocurrency apps available for a multitude of operating systems, such as iOS and Android, that will allow investors to invest in cryptocurrencies with ease.

Cryptocurrency wallets

In order to get started in investing in cryptocurrencies, you will first need a cryptocurrency wallet. These wallets provide you with an address to which brokerages, exchanges, or other cryptocurrency investors can send you cryptocurrency and provide you with the opportunity to send cryptocurrencies to other people, exchanges, or brokerages.

How to Buy Cryptocurrency from an Exchange

If you wish to invest in cryptocurrency directly, one of the most popular methods is through a cryptocurrency exchange.

Carefully follow the below steps to get started:

Step 1: Select the Cryptocurrency Exchange of Your Choice

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Step 3: Deposit

Step 4: Choose the Cryptocurrency You Want to Buy

Step 5: Place an Order

Step 6: Complete the Purchase

What Kind of Payment Methods Can I Use to Buy Crypto?

There are many different kinds of payment methods to choose from when it comes to buying crypto. Check out our guides on how to purchase crypto using PayPal, credit card, debit card, and Paysafecard.

Where Can I Store My Crypto?

Once you decide the best way to buy crypto that suits your needs, you will need to decide where to store it. You can choose to:

Store the crypto on the exchange

When you buy cryptocurrencies, they are often stored on an exchange-based "crypto wallet" If you wish to store them in a more secure location, you can move them from the exchange to another hot or cold wallet. Depending on the exchange and your transfer amount, you may have to spend some money to do this.

Hot wallets

These are online wallets for cryptocurrencies that can be used on tablets, PCs, phones, or other internet-connected devices. Hot wallets are useful, but since they are still connected to the Internet, so the risk of theft is higher.

Cold wallets

A cold crypto wallet is the safest alternative for storing cryptocurrency because it is offline. They appear as external gadgets like hard drives or USB drives. However, caution is advised when using cold wallets because you will be unable to retrieve your cryptocurrencies if you lose the key code or the device malfunctions.

While the same could occur with certain hot wallets, they are managed by custodians who can help you regain access to your account in case of a lockout.

Crypto Trading Courses

If you would like to know about the most comprehensive crypto trading courses available, make sure to check out our “Best Trading Courses Review”.

What are Crypto Robots?

Crypto trading is a relatively new concept that involves bots performing automated trading of cryptocurrencies on one or more platforms on behalf of the cryptocurrency owner or user. If you are interested in auto-trading and would like to learn about Bitcoin robots, check out our auto-trading section.

If you are searching for the best crypto robot, we have done the legwork and put together a full review of the best crypto bots on the market today.

What is Staking?

Locking up cryptocurrency holdings to collect rewards or interest is a technique known as crypto-staking. Blockchain technology, which allows crypto transactions to be validated and associated data to be recorded on the blockchain, is the foundation on which cryptocurrencies are created.

What is DeFi?

An exciting new financial system called decentralized finance (DeFi) is built on distributed ledgers, which are also used for cryptocurrencies. DeFi does away with the user fees that banks and other financial institutions charge. Anyone with a wifi connection can use DeFi, and users can store and quickly transfer money in a secure digital wallet.

What is a Decentralized Application (dApp)?

Decentralized apps, or DApps, are similar to regular apps, but the main difference is that they use smart contracts to run on a peer-to-peer network like a blockchain. Since Dapps are decentralized, they cannot be managed by a single person or entity.

If you would like to know more, you can read about our “Best Cryptocurrency Apps”.

What are NFTs?

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are exclusive cryptographic tokens that are only available on blockchains and cannot be copied. They are capable of producing anything electronically (e.g., drawings, music, and more).

What is Web3.0?

The term "web3" has come to represent the idea of a new, improved Internet. Essentially, Web3 uses blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs to return ownership and authority to consumers. You can read more about this exciting concept here.

Where can I Find the Latest Crypto News Stories?

We deliver up-to-date, breaking crypto news and happenings, specifically in the areas of Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs.

Cryptocurrency Price Predictions

Its always exciting to read about crypto price predictions. You can check out our prediction for Bitcoin, Cardano, Ethereum, and more!

Investing in cryptocurrencies will always come with a level of risk.