How to Buy Cryptocurrency Even If You Don't Understand It

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Cryptocurrency can be purchased on centralized, decentralized exchanges or P2P platforms. This requires registration, verification of identity and payment method. You can store cryptocurrency on exchange accounts, cold or hot wallets.

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and to control the creation of new units. Cryptocurrency is decentralized, meaning it is not subject to government or financial institution control.

The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, but there are many other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Binance Coin. Cryptocurrency can be bought on cryptocurrency exchanges or from private individuals.

Where to buy cryptocurrency

The best place to buy Bitcoin depends on your needs and preferences. Some popular options include:

  • Centralized exchanges. Centralized exchanges are the most popular way to buy Bitcoin. They offer a user-friendly interface and a variety of payment methods. However, they are also the most regulated, and you may need to provide personal information to create an account

  • Decentralized exchanges. Decentralized exchanges operate on peer-to-peer networks, which means that there is no central authority. This makes them more resistant to censorship and fraud. However, they can be more difficult to use and may have less liquidity than centralized exchanges

  • P2P platforms. P2P platforms allow you to buy Bitcoin directly from other users. This can be a good option if you want to avoid using a centralized exchange. However, it is important to take precautions to avoid fraud

Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange

When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Security. The exchange should have a good reputation for security and protecting user assets

  • Liquidity. The exchange should have enough trading volume so you can easily buy and sell cryptocurrency

  • Fees. Exchanges charge fees for transactions, so it is important to choose an exchange with low fees

  • Supported cryptocurrencies. The exchange should support the cryptocurrency you want to buy

How to open an account on a cryptocurrency exchange

To open an account on a cryptocurrency exchange, you will need to provide the exchange with the following information:

  • 1

    Your name and surname

  • 2

    Your email address

  • 3

    Your phone number

  • 4

    Your country of residence

Some exchanges also require users to verify their identity by providing a copy of their passport or driver's license.

How to deposit funds on a cryptocurrency exchange

To deposit funds on a cryptocurrency exchange, you can use the following payment methods:

How to buy cryptocurrency

To buy cryptocurrency on an exchange, you will need to create a buy order. A buy order is an instruction you give to the exchange to buy cryptocurrency at a specific price.

There are two main types of buy orders:

  • Market order. A market order is an order to buy cryptocurrency at the best available price

  • Limit order. A limit order is an order to buy cryptocurrency at a specific price or lower

Once you have created a buy order, the exchange will search for cryptocurrency sellers who are willing to sell cryptocurrency at your price. If the exchange finds a seller who is willing to sell cryptocurrency at your price, the trade will be executed, and you will receive cryptocurrency in your account.

The traditional way to buy cryptocurrency has always been through cryptocurrency exchanges, but with the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, more and more people are looking for safe and convenient ways to purchase digital assets. Many people prefer mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay. Traders can buy cryptocurrency using Apple Pay on crypto exchanges that integrate the Apple Pay payment method into their deposit and withdrawal options.

How to withdraw cryptocurrency from an exchange

To withdraw cryptocurrency from an exchange, you will need to create a sell order. A sell order is an instruction you give to the exchange to sell cryptocurrency at a specific price.

There are two main types of sell orders:

  • Market order. A market order is an order to sell cryptocurrency at the best available price

  • Limit order. A limit order is an order to sell cryptocurrency at a specific price or higher

Once you have created a sell order, the exchange will search for cryptocurrency buyers who are willing to buy cryptocurrency at your price. If the exchange finds a buyer who is willing to buy cryptocurrency at your price, the trade will be executed, and you will receive fiat money in your account.

How to store cryptocurrency

Once you have bought cryptocurrency, you will need to find a safe place to store it. There are two main ways to store cryptocurrency:

  • Cold storage. Cold storage is a way to store cryptocurrency on a physical medium, such as a hardware wallet or paper wallet

  • Hot storage. Hot storage is a way to store cryptocurrency in an online wallet, such as a wallet on a cryptocurrency exchange or in a mobile app

How to choose a cryptocurrency to buy

Choosing a cryptocurrency to buy is a complex process that requires careful analysis. There are many factors to consider, including:

  • Target market. What do you want to use cryptocurrency for? If you are looking for a way to pay for goods and services, you will need a cryptocurrency that is widely accepted. If you want to invest, you will need a cryptocurrency with growth potential

  • Technology. How does the cryptocurrency work? You should understand the technology underlying the cryptocurrency before investing in it

  • Developer team. Who is behind the cryptocurrency? It is important to make sure that the development team is experienced and has a good reputation

  • Project. What does the cryptocurrency offer? You should understand what the cryptocurrency offers the user before investing in it

  • Market capitalization. What is the cryptocurrency's market capitalization? The larger the market capitalization, the more stable the cryptocurrency is

  • Price. How much does the cryptocurrency cost? You should determine how much you are willing to pay for the cryptocurrency

Here are some tips for choosing a cryptocurrency to buy:

  • Do your research. Before buying any cryptocurrency, it is important to do your research and understand the project. Read the whitepaper, learn about the team, and understand the risks involved with investing

  • Start small. Don't invest more than you can afford to lose. Cryptocurrency is a volatile asset, and prices can fluctuate significantly

  • Diversify. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Invest in a variety of cryptocurrencies to reduce your risk

  • Be patient. Cryptocurrency is a long-term investment. Don't expect to get rich quick

Here are some specific cryptocurrencies that may be good options to buy:

  • Bitcoin. Bitcoin is the most well-known and popular cryptocurrency. It has a high market capitalization and is widely accepted

  • Ethereum. Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. It offers a wider range of features than Bitcoin, including smart contracts and decentralized applications

  • Binance Coin. Binance Coin is a token used to pay for fees on the Binance exchange. It has a high market capitalization and is widely accepted

  • Solana. Solana is a fast-growing cryptocurrency that offers high transaction speeds and low fees

  • Cardano. Cardano is a cryptocurrency that uses a Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm. It has high growth potential

Of course, these are just a few examples of cryptocurrencies that may be good options to buy. It is important to do your research and choose a cryptocurrency that meets your needs and goals.

Additional tips:

  • Consider the cryptocurrency's use case. Some cryptocurrencies are designed for specific purposes, such as payments or decentralized finance. It is important to choose a cryptocurrency that is designed for the use case you want to use it for

  • Look at the cryptocurrency's roadmap. The roadmap is a plan for the future development of the cryptocurrency. It is important to look at the roadmap to see if the cryptocurrency has a clear vision for the future

  • Follow the cryptocurrency's community. The community is a group of people who are passionate about the cryptocurrency. It is important to follow the community to get a sense of the cryptocurrency's overall sentiment

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of choosing a good cryptocurrency to buy.

Risks associated with Investing in cryptocurrency

Investing in cryptocurrency is a high-risk activity. Cryptocurrency prices are volatile and can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. Additionally, cryptocurrency is a new and unregulated asset class, which means there is no guarantee of its safety or value.

Here are some of the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrency:

  • Volatility. Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. This means that you could lose money if you sell your cryptocurrency at the wrong time

  • Unregulation. Cryptocurrency is a new and unregulated asset class. This means that there is no government or financial institution to protect you if you lose money

  • Fraud. There are many scams associated with cryptocurrency. You could lose money if you fall victim to a scam

  • Security. Cryptocurrency is stored in digital wallets. If your wallet is hacked, you could lose your cryptocurrency

  • Technological risk. Cryptocurrency is a new technology. There is always the risk that a new technology could come along and replace cryptocurrency

How to Reduce Risk

There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk associated with investing in cryptocurrency:

  • Do your research. Before you buy any cryptocurrency, do your research and understand the project. Read the whitepaper, learn about the team, and understand the risks involved

  • Start small. Don't invest more than you can afford to lose. Cryptocurrency is a volatile asset class, and prices can fluctuate significantly

  • Diversify. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Invest in a variety of cryptocurrencies to reduce your risk

  • Store your cryptocurrency securely. Use a cold wallet to store your cryptocurrency offline

  • Be patien. Cryptocurrency is a long-term investment. Don't expect to get rich quick

Before investing in cryptocurrency, it is important to do your research and understand the risks involved. You should also only invest money that you can afford to lose.

Additional tips for buying cryptocurrency

  • Do your research. Before you buy any cryptocurrency, it is important to do your research and understand the project. Read the whitepaper, learn about the team, and understand the risks involved

  • Start small. Don't invest more than you can afford to lose. Cryptocurrency is a volatile asset class, and prices can fluctuate significantly

  • Diversify. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Invest in a variety of cryptocurrencies to reduce your risk

  • Be patient. Cryptocurrency is a long-term investment. Don't expect to get rich quick

Conclusion

Buying cryptocurrency can be a risky but potentially rewarding investment. By following the tips in this article, you can reduce your risk and increase your chances of success.

FAQ

How do beginners buy cryptocurrency?

Beginners can buy cryptocurrency in a few simple steps:

  • 1

    Choose a cryptocurrency exchange

  • 2

    Create an account and deposit funds

  • 3

    Choose the cryptocurrency you want to buy and place an order

  • 4

    Wait for the order to be filled and withdraw your cryptocurrency to a secure wallet

What happens if you invest $100 in Bitcoin today?

If you invest $100 in Bitcoin today, the price could go up or down in the future. There is no guarantee of profit, and you could lose money.

Is crypto Legal?

Crypto is legal in some countries, illegal in others, and in a legal gray area in most.

Where is the best place to buy Bitcoin?

The best place to buy Bitcoin depends on your needs and preferences. Consider the exchange's fees, security features, and reviews.

Glossary for novice traders

  • 1 Cryptocurrency

    Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

  • 2 Bitcoin

    Bitcoin is a decentralized digital cryptocurrency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.

  • 3 Ethereum

    Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform and cryptocurrency that was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and development began in early 2014. It was designed as a versatile platform for creating decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.

  • 4 Limit order

    A limit order is a type of order used in trading where an investor specifies a particular price at which they want to buy or sell a financial asset. The order will only be executed if the market price reaches or exceeds the specified limit price, ensuring that the trader gets the desired price or better when the trade is executed.

  • 5 Volatility

    Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.

Team that worked on the article

Alex Smith
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Alex Smith is a professional day trader for a proprietary trading firm within the foreign exchange (forex) and crypto markets. His area of expertise is day trading and swing trading within the 15min-4hr time frames for both the London and NY open.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).