Want to learn how to buy crypto online? No problem! Buying crypto online has never been easier. And in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to do it, whether you’re new or want to refine your crypto-buying skills.
We’ll look at the easiest and most cost-effective ways to buy crypto online, from the most popular crypto platforms to the best payment methods for top security and low fees.
We’ll also introduce you to top-of-the-line wallets like Best Wallet and Ledger, and some of the best exchanges like Binance and Margex Exchange, to help you kickstart your crypto journey.
Let’s get into it.
Investing in Cryptocurrency – Understanding the Basics
Whether you’re interested in Bitcoin or meme coins, you must first grasp the fundamentals of buying crypto online to make the most informed decisions and get the best ROI.
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency, or crypto, is a type of virtual or digital currency. It’s called crypto because transactions are encrypted through cryptography, and it operates on decentralized networks called blockchains.
Here are some examples of popular cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin ($BTC): World’s first and most valuable cryptocurrency, currently trading at over $110K
- Ethereum ($ETH): A blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) using its native currency Ether
- Solana ($SOL): Known for its high-speed transactions and scalable blockchain solutions
- Solaxy ($SOLX): An emerging presale project gaining attention for its innovative approach to blockchain decongestion
- BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL): A new entrant in the crypto space offering unique BTC-related airdrops and growth potential
Today, crypto has many use cases, including:
- Investments
- Purchase of goods and services from retailers that accept crypto as a payment method
- Trading non-fungible tokens (NFTs), unique digital assets that represent ownership of a certain item
- Decentralized financing (DeFi). These are platforms where you can borrow money without intermediaries.
What You Need to Buy Crypto Online
Before buying crypto online, make sure you have the following on hand:
- An email address to create accounts on exchanges or wallets
- Some form of identification, as many platforms require KYC verification before you sign up
- A payment method, like a credit/debit card or a bank account
- A cryptocurrency wallet (optional) to store your crypto assets
Safest Ways to Buy Crypto Online – Trusted Sites & Payment Options
Buying crypto online has never been easier thanks to the many reputable platforms and wallets available today.
However, knowing which service is safest or easiest to use can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve done the research and testing for you. Here are some of the best ways to buy cryptocurrency online today.
Using a Wallet to Buy Crypto Online
In addition to holding your assets, many top crypto wallets like Best Wallet let you buy crypto directly from within the app. You simply need to install the relevant app, set up various security verifications, and load it with enough money to buy crypto and pay fees.
Types of Crypto Wallets
Hot wallets like Best Wallet are software-only, letting you instantly execute online crypto transactions 24/7. But this convenience comes with the risk that they’re potentially more vulnerable to hacks than cold wallets.
On the other hand, cold wallets like Ledger are offline devices that hold your crypto assets on a piece, or multiple pieces, of hardware. They offer high security and long-term storage, but are not as handy for online transactions as hot wallets.
Hot and cold wallets can be custodial, like Binance, or non-custodial, like Best Wallet. The difference is in who controls your private keys – you (non-custodial) or a third party (custodial).
Here are the key features of some examples of top crypto wallets.
| Wallet | Crypto & Blockchain Support | Price Range | Security | Payment Options | KYC Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Wallet | Claims to support 60+ chains, thousands of coins | Free | 2FA, seed phrase, encryption | Debit/credit cards, bank transfers, Apple / Google Pay, crypto | No | Mobile users, active traders |
| Margex Wallet | Multiple cryptos | Free | 2FA, encryption | Debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, bank transfers, crypto | No | Privacy-conscious traders, leverage enthusiasts |
| Zengo Wallet | 380+ cryptos, 7 blockchains | Free | MPC security model, 3FA recovery | Credit/debit cards, bank transfers, Apple/Google Pay, PayPal, crypto | No | Long-term crypto investors |
| Cypherock | Over 9,000 cryptos | $159 | Key split across 5 cards, 2FA, seed phrase, open source | Credit/debit cards, crypto | No | Tech-savvy users, large portfolio holders |
| Ledger Wallet | Over 5,000 cryptos | Starting at $79 | Biometrics on some models, PIN, and seed phrase | Credit/debit cards, crypto | No | Infrequent traders, security-conscious investors |
How to Buy Crypto with a Wallet: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve never bought crypto online before, using Best Wallet is an easy entry point. Here’s how to get started.
- Visit the Best Wallet website and scan the QR code to download the Best Wallet app. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new wallet.
- Secure your wallet as prompted (with a password/code and a seed phrase).
- Fund your wallet and ensure enough of a balance to cover your crypto purchase and associated network fees.
- Browse the list of cryptocurrencies on offer in Best Wallet. If you don’t see the one you want to buy, click ‘Manage Tokens,’ search for it, and toggle it on.
- Choose the cryptocurrency you want. Select ‘Buy’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Finalize your purchase. Your cryptocurrency will appear in your wallet shortly.
Using an Exchange to Buy Crypto Online
The best cryptocurrency exchanges let you buy, sell, swap, or trade cryptocurrency assets easily. They often also offer add-ons like staking and lending. There are centralized and decentralized crypto exchanges.
Centralized (CEX) ones operate like regular brokering platforms, holding your funds and facilitating transactions. Some of the most popular examples are Binance and Coinbase. CEXs usually offer a range of payment options and high liquidity. However, they typically have strict KYC requirements, and you retain less control over your funds than at a DEX.
On the other hand, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap and PancakeSwap let people trade directly with each other, without a central authority. This gives you more control over your funds, but you’re exposed to a lower level of liquidity. There are also typically fewer payment methods available than on a CEX.
Here are some examples of our top crypto exchanges for buying crypto online.
| Exchange | Crypto & Blockchain Support | Fees | Security | Payment Options | KYC Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Margex Exchange | 9 networks, 13 cryptos | None for deposits. Withdrawal fees depend on the blockchain | 2FA, encryption, MP Shield (ML-based real-time threat detector system), cold storage | Credit/debit cards, Apple/Google Pay, bank transfers, crypto | No | Privacy-conscious users, leverage traders |
| MEXC Exchange | 2,400+ cryptos, multiple networks | None for P2P and deposits. Withdrawal and trading fees depend on the blockchain and card providers | 2FA, cold wallet storage, encryption | Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, bank transfers, crypto | Yes | Altcoin enthusiasts, copy traders |
| OKX Exchange | 300+ cryptos, 100+ networks | Tiered for trading. No deposit fees | Cold storage, multiple authorizations | Credit/debit cards, bank transfers, crypto | Yes | On-chain stakers, tech-savvy users (developers) |
| BloFin Exchange | 400+ cryptos, multiple networks | No deposit fees. Tiered trading fees. | Chain analysis real-time monitoring, Fireblocks integration, 2FA, encryption, cold storage | Credit/debit cards, bank transfers, Apple/Google Pay, crypto | No | Copy traders, security-conscious users |
| Binance Exchange | 500+ cryptos | No deposit fees for crypto. Tiered trading fees | 2FA, encryption, cold wallet storage, real-time activity monitoring | Credit/debit cards, bank transfers. P2P trading offers other methods, including PayPal | Yes | Complete beginners, copy traders |
How to Buy Crypto Using an Exchange: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to buy crypto online through a crypto exchange. Let’s use Margex in our example.
- Visit the Margex Exchange website.
- Click on ‘Sign Up’ and create an account with your email, Google Account, or Apple account.
- Verify your email address.
- Deposit your funds by clicking ‘Deposit’ and entering the currency and network (e.g., Bitcoin and $BTC). You can do so via the accepted payment methods, such as credit/debit cards.
- Complete the transaction and click ‘Buy Crypto’. Choose the coins you want to buy and follow the prompts as directed.
Using Peer-to-Peer Platforms to Buy Crypto Online
Top peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms like OKX and Bybit connect buyers and sellers of cryptocurrency directly. This can be done without KYC, giving privacy-focused crypto enthusiasts a way to buy crypto anonymously.
This privacy and the diverse payment options account for P2P platforms’ appeal. However, since they’re unregulated and don’t require any due diligence, you risk dealing with unverified, potentially questionable sellers.
Using Integrated Financial Services to Buy Crypto Online
Some digital payment methods today, like PayPal and Revolut, offer integrated cryptocurrency trading options. This means they let you buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrency directly on their platforms. PayPal also offers P2P crypto transfers.
These platforms’ familiar interfaces make crypto trading easy for users already comfortable with digital payments. They also provide a custodial wallet, so you won’t need a separate crypto wallet.
On the other hand, using them does mean a vendor lock-in, so you can’t transfer your crypto to an external, non-custodial wallet for safer storage. Moreover, if you’re a niche meme coin fan, these services might not work for you as they’re usually reserved for popular cryptos like $BTC.
How to Buy Crypto Using PayPal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s use PayPal as an example to show you how easy it is to buy crypto online using popular fintech providers.
- Log in to PayPal and go to the main menu.
- Choose ‘Crypto’ and choose the coin you want to trade (for example,, Bitcoin).
- Enter the amount you want to buy on the next screen and click ‘Buy.’ Then follow the instructions as prompted.
Using Traditional Stockbrokers to Buy Crypto Online
Some stockbrokers have also begun to offer online crypto trading services. Broker firms Robinhood and Interactive Brokers are popular examples of this trend.
If you’re investing in assets other than crypto, these brokers can help you with centralized portfolio management, making it easy to monitor all your assets in one place. However, they can make it tricky to transfer crypto assets to other platforms.
Different Payment Methods for Buying Crypto Online
You can choose between several payment methods to buy cryptocurrency online, and your choice can impact fees, transaction speed, and convenience.
Here are the pros and cons of the most popular crypto online payment methods.
Credit/Debit Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Convenient – Instant – Widely accepted |
– High fees – Limits on crypto purchase amounts |
Bank Transfers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Higher purchase limits – Lower fees |
– Slower than other payment methods – Banks may require additional verifications |
Digital Payment Services (PayPal/Apple Pay/Google Pay)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Instant – Convenient and mobile-first – Integrated with crypto platforms |
– Not always supported – Don’t allow transferring crypto from external wallets |
Cryptocurrency
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Can reduce costs and fees – Supported by most crypto wallets, platforms, and exchanges |
– Requires existing crypto holdings – Not the best for novices |
Common Mistakes & Safety Tips when Buying Crypto Online
If you follow security best practices like 2FA and use reputable platforms when buying cryptocurrency online, it’s generally safe to do so. However, crypto’s decentralized nature means risks such as hacking and crypto scams are very real.
Here are the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them when buying crypto online.
| Common Mistakes | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Accepting hefty exchange/network fees | Double-check the network fees before purchasing crypto online. High fees, especially on smaller purchases, can eat into your profits. |
| Using unsecured platforms/exchanges | – Stick to established wallets, exchanges, and P2P platforms. Check their security features and how they’re regulated. – Double-check the domains of the websites you’re on to make sure they’re genuine. – Pay attention to user reviews. |
| Not complying with regional and other restrictions | Consider regional restrictions and applicable tax laws before trading crypto online. For example, many platforms don’t operate in the US. |
| Weak security measures | – Use strong passwords and 2FA. – Store seed phrases safely offline. – Use different wallets for different purposes (cold wallets for storing and hot wallets for daily trading). |
| Sharing private keys | Never share your private keys with anyone. Store them offline. |
Wrapping Up Our Guide on Buying Crypto Online
In this guide, we looked at buying cryptocurrency online in 2025. We saw that doing so confidently involves understanding the differences between the various wallets, platforms, and exchanges. It also means being security conscious and proceeding with caution.
Whether you opt for a hot wallet like Best Wallet or a crypto exchange like Margex Exchange, your success depends on choosing the best platform for your needs. It’s also good to take all possible security precautions and use the smartest payment methods when buying crypto online. Finally, you’ll need to stay on top of the market and the shifting regulatory environment.
Remember that, like any investment, crypto comes with risks. Be sure to research your chosen projects thoroughly before investing, keep security a priority, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Buying crypto online is easier than ever, thanks to the panoply of available tools today. If you proceed cautiously and stay on top of the markets and the risks, you can trade crypto online safely and profitably.
Disclaimer: We do not provide financial or investment advice. Make sure to DYOR before making any investment decisions.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to buy crypto online?
Yes. When using reputable wallets and exchanges, like Best Wallet and Binance, it’s safe to buy crypto online. However, be sure to always follow best security practices as outlined in the ‘Common Mistakes and Safety Tips When Buying Crypto’ section of this article.
2. Do I need an ID to buy crypto online?
Many regulated platforms and exchanges require your ID for KYC purposes before you can buy crypto online. However, some P2P and DEX platforms offer KYC-free options for smaller purchases. Find out more in the ‘What You Need to Buy Crypto Online’ section.
3. Can I buy crypto online with a debit card?
Most major platforms and exchanges support buying crypto with a debit card. Look for platforms offering secure debit card crypto purchase options with lower fees. Learn more in our ‘Using Different Payment Methods to Buy Crypto Online’ section.
4. What is the best wallet to store crypto?
The best wallet to store crypto depends on your needs. For example, Best Wallet offers excellent security and an easy-to-grasp mobile-only interface, which is ideal for those new to buying crypto online. See our ‘Using a Wallet to Buy Crypto Online’ section for more info.
