How to Buy Crypto in 2025

As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, more and more people are looking to invest in digital assets and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the dynamic crypto market. While it may seem a bit intimidating at first, Webopedia’s expertly curated how-to-buy cryptocurrency guide will show you how you can buy cryptocurrencies in six easy steps:

1. Choose a reliable crypto exchange to buy the cryptocurrency from
2. Create an account with the exchange and confirm your identity
3. Use your preferred payment method to add funds to the exchange
4. Find the crypto you want to buy and place a buying order
5. Double-check the transaction details and fees charged
6. Secure your newly purchased cryptocurrency into a crypto wallet

If you need additional guidance on buying cryptocurrency, our detailed walkthrough below will guide you through each step and support you with pro tips for the entire process, so check it out for further instructions.

Where to Buy Crypto – Best Exchanges

As we promised, in addition to showing you how to buy cryptocurrencies, we will also provide you with the best places for purchasing them in 2025.

These are the best crypto exchanges on the market for this year. Feel free to browse through our selection and find your favorite crypto marketplace from the list below.

How to Buy Crypto - Step by Step

Before we get into any details, we should point out that this guide is for investors who already know which cryptocurrency they want to buy. There are thousands of cryptos circulating in the market today, and if you still haven’t settled on any of them, we suggest you research them first.

However, if you already decided which cryptocurrency to buy, let’s dive right in.

Researching Crypto Exchanges

The very first thing you need to do when you are getting started with investing in cryptocurrencies is to find the right crypto exchange on which you will be doing your trading. With around 600 of these exchanges in operation today, it can be quite overwhelming to take your pick. Lucky for you, we did all the hard work.

We dedicated a section of this article to where to buy cryptocurrencies and provided you with our list of our top recommendations for crypto exchanges in 2025. Just look at the list and choose the exchange that best suits your preferences and personal needs.

Some exchanges are more user-friendly and specialize in crypto investing for beginners, while others are more suited for experienced investors and provide advanced trading tools. Moreover, some exchanges offer a wide range of cryptocurrencies and features, while others focus on a select few and provide lower fees.

It is up to you to sort out your priorities and investment goals and buy the cryptocurrency from the exchange that best aligns with your personal criteria.

Creating an Account

Once you find the right crypto exchange to buy the cryptocurrency you want, you must sign up and create an account with it. The account creation process can vary depending on the chosen crypto exchange, though generally, it involves filling out a form with basic information like:

• Your name
• Your email address
• Your date of birth
• Your address
• Other relevant information

Additionally, on most exchanges, you will be required to confirm Your email address to activate your account using an email confirmation link.

After activating your account, you will be able to log in and explore the exchange’s platform, but you might not yet be able to buy cryptocurrency or even make a deposit before your identity is confirmed within the exchange’s system.

Verifying Your Identity

KYC verification and confirming your identity is a mandatory requirement with most crypto exchanges and an inevitable part of the crypto buying process.

Because of the stringent regulatory and compliance requirements, financial institutions, including platforms that deal with crypto transactions, are legally obligated to verify the identities of their users to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activities.

To complete the KYC verification process, you will need to upload pictures of government-issued identification documents, such as a passport or a driver’s license, to the exchange you want to buy cryptocurrency. Additionally, you may also be required to upload a picture of your face to match the provided ID and ensure the authenticity of the documents.

After the exchange’s system confirms your identity, you will be granted full access to the platform and be allowed to deposit funds and start trading cryptocurrencies.

Depositing Funds

Although it is possible to make a direct payment at the time of the purchase, we believe that depositing the exact amount of money you want to buy cryptocurrency for beforehand is a safer and more efficient approach.

Preloading your account with a specific amount of funds will help you:

• Manage and control your spending on cryptocurrencies, ensuring you stay within your budget
• Execute transactions instantly without waiting for payment processing times
• Take advantage of favorable prices immediately without risking price changes during payment processing
• Minimize the risk of errors during the purchase process, such as entering incorrect payment details

To do this, simply navigate to the funding or deposit section of the exchange, and choose the appropriate option, typically labeled as “Deposit Funds” or “Add Money.” Then, choose your preferred payment method, enter the required information and the amount you want to deposit, and confirm the transaction.

It is important to always check the transaction details for unexpected deposit fees or additional costs you might have overlooked when planning your budget.

Buying the Cryptocurrency

After creating and activating your account, confirming your identity, and preloading your account with the necessary funds, you are finally ready to buy cryptocurrency from a crypto exchange.

First, you will need to navigate to the trading section of the platform, typically labeled as “Markets” or “Trade,” depending on which crypto exchange you are using. Then you will find the cryptocurrency you want to buy and select it to pull up the trading interface.

From there, choose “Buy” or “Place Order” to initiate the trading process and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction.

For a straightforward purchase of cryptocurrency, just choose to place a buy order and insert the amount of the cryptocurrency you wish to buy. Choose the preloaded funds as a payment method to pay with the money you deposited into your account, and confirm to finalize the process.

Once again, be sure to double-check the transaction details and look out for any unwanted fees, charges, or additional costs. If you are happy with the final amount, you can confirm your payment and complete the transaction.

Securing Your Cryptocurrency

Once the transaction is complete, the cryptocurrency you just bought will be credited to your crypto exchange account’s balance. This means the cryptocurrency is now yours, and you are its rightful owner. However, because it is still stored in the crypto exchange’s wallet, it is still technically under its custody.

To get full access and control over your newly purchased cryptocurrency, we suggest you move it to your own crypto wallet as soon as you purchase it. This will not only let you have complete control over your assets, but it will also secure them from cyber attacks and potential losses in case the exchange goes insolvent.

Supposing you already have a crypto wallet, to transfer the cryptocurrency, simply navigate to the "Withdraw" or "Send" section on the crypto exchange’s platform and choose "Withdraw Funds" or "Transfer," depending on the terminology used by the exchange.

Then, select the cryptocurrency you want to transfer and insert your wallet’s public key, specify the amount of the crypto you want to transfer, and complete the transaction.

Why Trust Us?

Webopedia is a trusted source of reliable and insightful knowledge in the constantly evolving cryptocurrency space. Our team is composed of seasoned experts with extensive experience in the cryptocurrency field, dedicated to providing content that is both objective and free from personal bias.

Our unwavering commitment to quality is reflected in our meticulous research process, which involves an in-depth analysis of all available information. That said, we don't just rely on theory but go a step further and conduct firsthand testing of everything.

This rigorous approach ensures that the information we present is not only comprehensive but also demonstrably accurate. By prioritizing clear and factual explanations, Webopedia empowers you to navigate the dynamic crypto market with confidence.

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions based on a robust understanding of how to invest in crypto, equipping you with the knowledge needed to thrive in this complex and ever-changing market.

Alternative Methods to Buy Crypto in 2025

So far, we have explained how to start investing in crypto using a centralized crypto exchange. However, if you have problems accessing these exchanges or simply prefer not to use them, there are many other crypto marketplaces from which you can purchase cryptocurrencies.

Some of the most popular choices used by crypto investors worldwide include:

• Decentralized Exchanges: Completely autonomous platforms that facilitate crypto trading by leveraging smart contracts directly on the blockchain without the need for oversight from a central authority.

• Peer-to-Peer Platforms: Decentralized crypto marketplaces that facilitate direct connection between buyers and sellers and allow them to trade cryptocurrencies without an intermediary.

• Brokerage Services: Online trading platforms, popular with investors who deal with more traditional investment classes. In recent times, many online brokerages have added crypto trading to their offerings.

• Payment Service Platforms: Widely used for making online payments and purchases, many e-wallets nowadays come with crypto trading features that allow users to buy cryptocurrency from within their interface.

• Crypto ATMs: Physical machines, similar to traditional cash dispensers, that facilitate on-the-spot crypto transactions. Users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies from these ATMs using cash and debit cards.

• Crypto Wallets: Typically used for storing crypto assets, some wallets come with integrated purchase options that allow users to buy cryptocurrency directly from their user interface.

Even though we believe that using a centralized crypto exchange is the best way to invest in cryptocurrency, we’ll still explore how to get cryptocurrency from each one of these platforms and provide insights into which option might be best for your needs and preferences.

Decentralized Exchanges

Decentralized exchanges, commonly known as DEXs, are trading platforms that operate without a central authority, giving them unique advantages.

Unlike centralized exchanges, where every trade is facilitated and controlled by the platform, DEXs use smart contracts and allow users to trade directly with each other fairly and transparently without intermediation.

This lack of central oversight makes DEXs appealing to users who value reduced costs, privacy, and asset control. They allow them to buy cryptocurrency from their wallets, potentially lowering costs associated with deposit and withdrawal fees.

However, one major setback, particularly for beginners, is that DEXs generally do not support fiat currencies, so users need to already have cryptocurrency to start trading on them.

Peer-to-Peer Platforms

Similar to DEXs, P2P platforms are also decentralized crypto marketplaces. However, instead of relying on smart contracts, these platforms facilitate direct transactions between buyers and sellers through an escrow service.

This means that users can use fiat money to buy cryptocurrency from a P2P platform, though the process may be slower and less automated compared to centralized exchanges. On these platforms, users browse through listings to find a suitable offer and then negotiate the terms directly with the seller, which can be both beneficial and risky.

Users may be able to secure a better deal or use a payment method typically not supported by centralized exchanges. At the same time, they also risk encountering scams or fraudulent sellers, which is why we only recommend buying cryptocurrency from a P2P platform to experienced investors who understand the risks and know how to verify sellers.

Brokerage Services

Unlike the other crypto marketplaces we discussed, online brokerages are trading platforms that facilitate investing in multiple asset classes, including traditional financial instruments such as stocks, ETFs, etc.

While not all of them do, many popular online brokers now offer crypto trading and investing in cryptocurrencies, making them a viable choice for investors who want to have a diversified portfolio and manage all their investments in one place.

However, for beginners who are just looking for a simple and easy way to buy cryptocurrency, they may not be ideal. They may be more convoluted and costlier and even offer a smaller selection of cryptocurrencies available for purchase than crypto exchanges.

Additionally, some brokerages don’t allow transferring cryptocurrencies to external wallets, which is another significant drawback to think about.

Payment Service Platforms

Payment service platforms are commonly used for everyday purchases and digital transactions, and on some of them, you can even trade crypto. Some popular e-wallets, including PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App, have built-in cryptocurrency exchange features and allow users to buy cryptocurrencies without ever leaving the platform.

This method is a very convenient method of purchasing cryptocurrencies, especially for users who have used these services before and are familiar with their interface. They are secure, easy to use, and don’t require users to register with any exchanges to buy crypto.

On the other hand, buying crypto on payment service platforms is also very limiting as these platforms only sell a handful of select cryptocurrencies. You can use them to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a couple of other major cryptos, but no niche cryptocurrencies.

Additionally, the transaction fees associated with buying cryptocurrency through a payment service platform are usually considerably higher than buying it on a crypto exchange.

Crypto ATMs

Similar to traditional cash ATMs, crypto ATMs allow users to buy cryptocurrency through an in-person transaction using debit cards and cash. They are the best option for users who have restricted access to online crypto exchanges or banking services and must use cash to invest in crypto.

While these unique advantages make them a last-resort option for a specific group of crypto investors, there aren’t too many reasons why you should buy cryptocurrencies from a crypto ATM rather than a crypto exchange. There are, however, a few reasons to avoid them.

First of all, crypto ATMs only support the trading of select cryptocurrencies, and some of them are even limited to Bitcoin. Second, you have to be physically present to use them, which may not be ideal if you don’t have one near you.

Third, the transaction fees associated with trading on crypto ATMs are almost always higher than trading on crypto exchanges. Overall, if you have the option to choose, it is always better to buy cryptocurrency from a crypto exchange.

Crypto Wallets

In addition to their primary purpose of granting you enhanced control of your crypto assets and keeping them safe, some crypto wallets also allow you to buy cryptocurrency through their integrated crypto exchanges.

This is another convenient method of purchasing cryptocurrencies as it streamlines the whole process and doesn’t require you to transfer the crypto after you purchase it on an exchange. That said, it is somewhat limiting as it forces you to use a specific brand of crypto wallet, one that supports this feature.

Moreover, these built-in exchanges are typically less liquid than centralized crypto exchanges, and because of this, they suffer from delays and long processing times, which can make your crypto trading experience less efficient and frustrating.

What Can You Do With Crypto?

Now that you know how to buy crypto and what are the best crypto marketplaces on which you can purchase it, it is time to turn our attention to what to do with your crypto once you buy it. Nowadays, cryptocurrencies have reached a mainstream level of acceptance and can be used as a multi-purpose asset in all kinds of scenarios, including:

1. Trading and investing
2. Making payments online
3. Sending remittances
4. Earning interest
5. Tipping and donations
6. Join decentralized finance

Let’s go over each one of these use cases and explain how you can leverage cryptocurrency in your favor and maximize its potential.

Trading and Investing

While not everyone accepts it as such, cryptocurrency is an investment asset class, and it definitely has the potential for profit. Whether you decide to hold it long-term and in hopes of benefiting from its price appreciation, or you buy it and sell it for short-term profit on price fluctuations, cryptocurrency grants plenty of investment opportunities.

Making Payments Online

Things have changed from a decade ago, and there is a huge and continuously increasing list of vendors and merchants who accept cryptocurrency as a method of payment in 2025. With minimal transaction fees, short processing times, and robust security, cryptocurrency is a great alternative to traditional digital payment methods for online purchases.

Sending Remittances

Not only for transactions for payment purchases, but you can also use cryptocurrency to send money overseas. Given its ability to facilitate quick and secure transfers, more and more people realize crypto’s potential, and rather than using banks, they send money using a stablecoin to pay lower transaction and currency exchange fees when remitting.

Microtransactions

Almost every game nowadays relies on a micropayment business model, and if you are one of the gamers who has fallen victim to them, cryptocurrencies might help you save at least a bit. One of the worst parts of making a microtransaction is paying a fixed transaction fee, no matter how small your purchase is. With crypto, this fee is almost non-existent.

Tipping and Donations

Just like in-game microtransactions, donations or tips for streamers or other types of content creators are plagued by fixed transaction fees charged by traditional digital payment methods. With crypto, you can support your favorite content creator efficiently without paying ridiculously large fixed transaction fees.

Join Decentralized Finance

Finally, you can use your cryptocurrency to join the dynamic and promising world of decentralized finance. DeFi is a rapidly growing ecosystem of financial applications built on blockchain technology that operates without intermediaries.

On it, you can use your crypto in various ways, including supporting DeFi projects, lending it to other crypto users for interest, staking it to earn crypto rewards, and many other activities with potential for profit.

Conclusion: Final Tips

As a final thought, we would like to remind you that the crypto market and the entire crypto industry are very dynamic and constantly evolving. Our article may have shown you how to get started in crypto and how to buy your first cryptocurrency, but to become a successful crypto trader, you need to keep up with market trends.

Staying informed and adapting to changes is a must in any investment strategy, and crypto is no exception. Only by continuously learning and keeping up-to-date can you grow as a trader and maximize your potential for success in the cryptocurrency market.

FAQs on Where & How to Buy Crypto