If you're looking to buy c0mpute (ZERO), you've come to the right place. c0mpute is a Solana-based AI project with an interesting twist — it's built around the idea of human-powered AI rather than...
Buy c0mpute (ZERO) — 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 LUCKY (LUCKY) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy LUCKY (LUCKY), the native token of B-Lucky's decentralized lottery platform on BNB Smart Chain, you've come to the right place. LUCKY combines the excitement of...
Buy RE (RE) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy RE (RE), you've come to the right place. RE is a cryptocurrency currently available on MEXC, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to purchase it...
Buy Corning (Ondo Tokenized) (GLWON) — A simple guide
If you're looking to gain exposure to Corning Inc through the blockchain, Corning (Ondo Tokenized) — ticker GLWON — offers a novel way to do just that without going through a traditional broker....
Buy Planet Labs (Ondo Tokenized) (PLON) — A simple guide
If you're looking to get exposure to Planet Labs PBC through the blockchain, Planet Labs (Ondo Tokenized) (PLON) offers a unique way to do just that without a traditional brokerage account. PLON is...
Buy XPD3L (XPD3L) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy XPD3L (XPD3L), you've come to the right place. XPD3L is currently available on Gate.io, one of the more widely used crypto exchanges for discovering newer and niche digital...
Buy ACN3S (ACN3S) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy ACN3S (ACN3S), you've come to the right place. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from understanding what ACN3S is to finding the right exchange and...
Buy KAZAR (KAZAR) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy KAZAR (KAZAR), you've come to the right place. KAZAR is currently available on MEXC, one of the more accessible global crypto exchanges for newer and experienced traders...
Buy O (O) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy O (O), you've come to the right place. O is a cryptocurrency currently available on MEXC, and this guide walks you through everything you need to know before making your...
Buy AVV (AVV) — A simple guide
If you've been looking to buy AVV (AVV), you're in the right place. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from understanding what AVV is to making your first purchase with...
Buy GRAM3L (GRAM3L) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy GRAM3L (GRAM3L), you've come to the right place. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from understanding what GRAM3L is to making your first purchase....
Buy GRAM5L (GRAM5L) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy GRAM5L (GRAM5L), you've come to the right place. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from understanding what GRAM5L is to making your first purchase....
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.
