If you're looking to buy XSwap (XSWAP), you've come to the right place. XSwap is one of the first cross-chain swap protocols built on Chainlink's CCIP infrastructure, making it a genuinely...
Buy XSwap (XSWAP) — A simple guide
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How To Buy Crypto
Find a cryptocurrency by name or ticker, or explore buying guides by topic, blockchain network and exchange. Each guide brings together exchange availability and step-by-step instructions, with links to the concepts and tools you need to compare your options before buying.
Browse the buying guides
Buy Gaia (GAIA) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Gaia (GAIA), an AI infrastructure token built for developers and enterprises running customized inference and agent workflows, you've come to the right place. GAIA operates...
Buy Kadena (KDA) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Kadena (KDA), you've come to the right place. Kadena is one of the few proof-of-work blockchains built from the ground up to handle real-world scale — combining security...
Buy MARS4 (MARS4) — A simple guide
If you've ever dreamed of owning a piece of Mars, MARS4 (MARS4) makes that surprisingly possible through a 3D virtual Martian metaverse built on Ethereum. From land ownership to play-to-earn gaming,...
Buy MANEKI (MANEKI) — A simple guide
If you've been curious about MANEKI (MANEKI), the Japanese beckoning cat token taking the Solana meme scene by storm, you've landed in the right place. This guide walks you through everything you...
Buy Dream Machine Token (DMT) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Dream Machine Token (DMT), you've come to the right place. DMT sits at the intersection of entertainment, gaming, and decentralized social platforms — making it one of the...
Buy Divergence Protocol (DIVER) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Divergence Protocol (DIVER), you've come to the right place. DIVER is the native token of a decentralized platform built for trading and hedging volatility in DeFi markets —...
Buy Palm Economy (PALM) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Palm Economy (PALM), you've come to the right place. PALM is the utility token powering a real-world asset commodities and trade finance ecosystem with genuine deployment...
Buy NodeAI (GPU) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy NodeAI (GPU), you've come to the right place. NodeAI sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized infrastructure, giving everyday users access to...
Buy Cudis (CUDIS) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Cudis (CUDIS), you've come to the right place. Cudis is a blockchain project operating across both the BNB Chain and Solana ecosystems, giving it a broader reach than many...
Buy iMe Lab (LIME) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy iMe Lab (LIME), you've come to the right place. LIME is the native utility token of the iMe ecosystem — a Telegram-based platform that blends messaging with crypto wallets...
Buy GemHUB (GHUB) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy GemHUB (GHUB), you've come to the right place. GHUB is the core utility token powering Poplus, a blockchain-based social platform built on the Kaia ecosystem. Whether you're...
Buying cryptocurrency for the first time can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Our How to Buy Crypto section is designed to make the process simple, safe, and accessible—whether you’re purchasing Bitcoin, Ethereum, or lesser-known altcoins. These step-by-step guides walk you through everything you need to know: choosing the right platform, setting up a wallet, verifying your identity, and making your first purchase with confidence.
We cover a variety of buying methods including centralized exchanges, peer-to-peer platforms, crypto ATMs, and decentralized apps—highlighting the pros, cons, and risks of each. You’ll also learn how payment methods like credit cards, bank transfers, and even stablecoins can affect cost, speed, and security. Whether you’re using a mobile app or a hardware wallet, these guides are tailored to your experience level and regional availability.
For those looking to go deeper, we also explain how to store your crypto safely after buying, how to track portfolio value, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes. Whether you’re investing for the long haul or testing the waters with a small amount, this category gives you the tools to take your first step into the world of crypto with clarity and caution.
A little groundwork goes a long way
Before your next purchase or transfer, understand who controls access, where your crypto is going and what the trade will actually cost.
Protect access to your crypto
An exchange account and a self-custody wallet need different safeguards. Protect exchange logins with a unique password and strong two-factor authentication. For self-custody, your recovery backup is what lets you restore access.
Keep recovery words offline and private. A support agent or website asking for them is a reason to stop.
See a recovery example
Your phone breaks. An exchange may help you recover your account after identity checks. A self-custody wallet cannot reset your recovery phrase. Check your wallet’s official backup instructions before relying on it.
Choose the right transfer network
The asset, token version and network must be supported at the destination. A familiar ticker or a matching address format is not enough. Read the receiving platform’s deposit instructions before selecting a withdrawal network.
Check the address, any required memo or tag, fees and minimums. Consider a small test transfer first.
See a network example
Your destination accepts USDC on Ethereum. Selecting a cheaper network at the sending exchange does not make it an Ethereum transfer. Use a network both ends support; an ordinary withdrawal does not bridge tokens.
Understand the price you pay
Trading fees are only part of the cost. The spread, available liquidity and withdrawal charges also matter. A market order prioritizes execution; a limit order controls the price but may remain unfilled or fill only partly.
Check the order preview and the amount you will receive, then compare the full cost of your intended purchase and withdrawal.
Work through a cost example
Hypothetical example: a $200 trade with a 0.1% trading fee costs $0.20 in trading fees. A separate $5 withdrawal fee brings those charges to $5.20. Spread or slippage may add more; these are not quoted exchange rates.
