How to Buy Bitcoin in 2024?
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Bitcoin has been the biggest and most popular cryptocurrency since its inception. Ten years ago, it traded at ~ $500. Recently, BTC surpassed its all-time high of $73,780. Crypto aficionados expect BTC to break more price records, possibly reaching $85,000 by the end of 2024. BTC might be the best crypto to buy now. So how do you buy Bitcoin in 2024? Our “cryptocurrency for beginners” guide answers the following questions:
Overview
How to Buy Bitcoin on a Cryptocurrency Exchange?
You can buy Bitcoin on cryptocurrency exchanges. If you don’t have an exchange account, follow these steps:
- 1
Find a reliable crypto exchange. Choose a cryptocurrency exchange (like Binance Exchange or Changelly) available in your region. Make sure it accepts your preferred currency. Also, consider the exchange fees.
- 2
Create an exchange account. It typically involves providing an email address, a name, and a password for your account. You may provide identity proof during registration, as many crypto exchanges require users to complete the KYC (know your customer) checks.
- 3
Deposit funds. Fund your cryptocurrency exchange account with fiat currency using a preferred payment method. Popular payment methods include debit/credit cards and bank transfers.
- 4
Make a transaction. Purchase BTC with your preferred payment method. Also, you can exchange other cryptocurrencies for BTC (like Ethereum or BNB).
- 5
Check your BTC balance. Your BTC will be available in your crypto exchange balance shortly after you complete the transaction. You can store, trade, and earn interest on your cryptocurrency on crypto exchanges. However, long-term storage is not advised with these services. Transferring BTC directly to your wallet is the safest option.
How to Buy BTC to a Wallet?
You can purchase BTC in a cryptocurrency wallet directly. Check the quick steps to buy BTC using a wallet.
Get a Secure Web Wallet
You can choose web-based cryptocurrency wallets, such as Trust Wallet or Metamask. These wallets are trusted, secure, and beginner-friendly. Check the following steps to get a web-based wallet:
- 1
Install a mobile application. Trust Wallet and Metamask are available on iOS and Android devices. Download the wallet app from the official website, Google Play or App Store. Tap to install once you download the app.
- 2
Create a new wallet. Open the app and tap “Get Started” to create a new wallet. The app will require you to write down a 12-word security phrase. It’s crucial to save your seed phrase in the order shown in the app. This is a private key to your Blockchain address. Store this password securely. If you lose your security phrase, you will lose access to your account forever. You can back up your private key in settings.
Buy BTC to a Wallet with a Debit Card
Follow these steps to purchase BTC in Trust Wallet or Metamask directly:
- 1
Select BTC. Tap on BTC in the main wallet layout and select Buy.
- 2
Purchase BTC with a debit card. Choose the payment option (Transak, Moonpay, Ramp, etc.) with the highest fiat-BTC rate and select the fiat amount. Then select the debit card and enter your card details. Payment options, like Transak, Ramp, and Moonpay, may require identity verification.
- 3
Check your BTC balance. BTC will appear on your wallet balance shortly after you complete the transaction. If it doesn’t appear, switch BTC on in the Cryptocurrencies section of your wallet.
3 Alternative Ways to Buy Bitcoin in 2024
You can buy BTC outside centralized exchanges using ATMs and online brokerages. You may also pay fewer fees if you buy BTC on other blockchain networks.
Buy Bitcoin via Bitcoin ATM
Bitcoin automated teller machines (ATMs) are popular choices for purchasing cryptocurrency. There are around 31,000 Bitcoin ATMs across the United States. Follow these steps to buy Bitcoin via a Bitcoin ATM:
- 1
Get a cryptocurrency wallet. You need to have a blockchain address to buy Bitcoin using ATMs.
- 2Locate a Bitocoin ATM. Check nearby Bitcoin ATMs. They are situated in public places like shopping malls, restaurants, retail stores, airports, etc.
- 3
Select the Bitcoin transaction. Approach the ATM and select “Buy Bitcoin.” Many ATMs offer other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), and Tether (USDT). Double-check to select the correct transaction type (Buy Bitcoin) and enter the BTC amount you want to purchase.
- 4
Verify your identity. You may be required to provide your phone number, email address, or another means of verification. It depends on federal, state, and local regulations.
- 5
Enter your Bitcoin address. Scan the QR code in your wallet app to send Bitcoin to your receiving BTC address. It’s a convenient, error-free method. If you send BTC to the incorrect address, you will lose your funds forever.
- 6
Insert cash or debit card. Insert the amount of cash equal to the BTC amount you want to purchase. Many BTC ATMs also accept debit/credit cards. You can use them too.
- 7
Confirm the transaction. Review the transaction details and press confirm. You may go back and modify transaction details before confirmation.
- 8
Wait for confirmation. BTC transactions may take a few minutes to complete. Wait until the ATM confirms a successful transaction. Some ATMs provide printed receipts, and it’s advisable to keep the receipt for your record.
While BTC is easier to buy with an ATM than a crypto exchange, ATM users pay higher fees. Bitcoin ATMs charge 5% – 20% per transaction.
Buy Bitcoin Spot ETF
You can purchase BTC exchange-traded funds (ETFs) instead of buying the cryptocurrency directly. All major online brokerages started introducing Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024. Follow these steps to buy Bitcoin ETFs:
- 1
Select an online broker. Make sure the online broker is available in your area. Consider trading fees and available assets.
- 2
Create an account. Provide your name, email address, and phone number, as per the requirements of your online brokerage. The online broker may also ask you to verify your identity to unlock withdrawals and extend transaction limits.
- 3
Deposit funds. Deposit funds using available payment options. You can typically choose between wire transfers, debit/credit cards, and online wallets.
- 4
Purchase Bitcoin ETF. Select a Bitcoin ETF, enter the amount you want to purchase, and confirm the transaction.
- 5
Check your brokerage balance. Your BTC ETF will be instantly available on the balance of your brokerage account.
Buy BTCB
Bitcoin transactions cost fees. When a particular cryptocurrency network approaches its capacity limits, its fees increase. The problem with BTC is that its network can process only 7 transactions per second (TPS). The blockchain network may be overloaded with transactions frequently, and its fees may fluctuate considerably. While BTC fees average $3.68 per transaction, they can reach as high as $20 per transaction when the network experiences congestion. It may be inconvenient for some users. As a result, they purchase BTC on high-capacity networks such as Binance Chain (over 2,000 TPS).
The Binance network charges as low as $0.04 per transaction for its tokens and $0.01 for BNB, its native coin. If you want to enjoy all the benefits of Bitcoin AND pay lower fees, you can buy Bitcoin BEP2 (BTCB), a Bitcoin-pegged token on the Binance network. Its price equals Bitcoin, and it has over $4 billion in market capitalization. Follow these steps to buy BTCB:
- 1
Purchase BNB. Binance Chain charges fees in BNB, its native coin. One can purchase BNB Chain tokens for BNB or exchange them for other BNB Chain tokens while paying network fees in BNB. Therefore, you will need BNB to purchase BTCB and pay network fees. You can buy BNB in your cryptocurrency wallet or on crypto exchanges.
- 2
Purchase BTCB on your crypto exchange. Once you have BNB, you can exchange it for BTCB in the exchange menu on your crypto exchange. Select the amount you want to exchange and confirm the transaction.
- 3
Purchase BTCB in your cryptocurrency wallet. Open the built-in browser in your cryptocurrency wallet and go to Pancakeswap, an automated, decentralized exchange. In the upper right corner, tap Connect Wallet. Choose the cryptocurrency pair for exchange — BNB for BTCB. Enter the desired amount and set the slippage to 0.5% (or higher if the transaction fails). Confirm the transaction.