Coinbase
Review available cryptocurrencies, supported payment methods, identity checks, and transaction costs before buying.
Visit CoinbaseOfficial buying guide: How to buy crypto
Beginner’s Learning Center
How to Buy Cryptocurrency
Learn how to purchase cryptocurrency safely using supported mobile banking and payment apps, digital wallets, or eligible payment cards. Follow these simple steps and always verify the payment options available in your country.
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Before you begin
Cryptocurrency prices can rise or fall sharply, and you could lose the money you invest. Only use money you can afford to lose. You do not need to buy crypto to use this guide. Never send money to a stranger simply because they promise to help you purchase it.
1. Choose a trusted cryptocurrency platform
A cryptocurrency exchange is a service that lets eligible customers buy and sell digital assets. Start by visiting the provider’s official website directly, checking that it serves your location, and reviewing its payment methods, fees, and identity-verification requirements.
Kraken
Check regional availability, eligible funding methods, purchase fees, and account verification requirements.
Visit KrakenAlways use the official site and its own support resources.
Important: These are examples of established platforms, not guarantees of suitability or availability. Do not assume every payment method works on every exchange. Confirm the exact option displayed inside your verified account.
2. Buying crypto with a credit or debit card
Many beginners find card purchases straightforward when an exchange supports their card and country. Debit cards are often more widely supported than credit cards.
Create your account
Visit the official exchange website or download its verified app.
Verify your identity
Complete the provider’s official identity checks when required.
Add an eligible card
Choose the payment option shown in your account and follow the secure verification process.
Review and confirm
Check the asset, amount, exchange rate, fees, and total cost before approving the purchase.
Credit-card warning: Some exchanges and card issuers prohibit or decline credit-card crypto purchases. Coinbase says credit cards cannot currently be used to purchase crypto on its platform. PayPal also does not allow credit cards or PayPal Credit for its crypto purchases. Cash advances, interest, and additional fees may apply with other providers. Never misrepresent a payment to get around a restriction.
3. Learn how each payment app works
Select an app below to read its official guidance and find beginner video tutorials. These apps have different features: a payment app may let you buy crypto directly, or it may only be usable as a funding method on a supported third-party platform.
Cash App
Eligible customers can buy Bitcoin within Cash App. Open the Bitcoin section, enter an amount, review the displayed price and fees, and confirm only if everything is correct.
Official guide: Cash App Bitcoin
▶ Watch Cash App tutorials on YouTube Search for Bitcoin buying instructions and safety tips.PayPal
Eligible U.S. customers can buy supported cryptocurrencies through PayPal. Look for the crypto section, choose an asset, enter an amount, review the fees and funding source, and confirm.
Official guide: PayPal Crypto
PayPal crypto purchases use eligible balances, bank accounts, or debit cards, not credit cards or PayPal Credit.
▶ Watch PayPal tutorials on YouTube Learn about buying crypto and account verification.Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a digital payment method, not a cryptocurrency exchange. Some exchanges support it for eligible purchases. If it appears as an option in your verified exchange account, review the card funding source and transaction details first.
Official information: Apple Pay Support
▶ Watch Apple Pay crypto tutorials Learn how supported exchanges use Apple Pay.Zelle
Zelle is a person-to-person payment service, not a crypto exchange. Do not send Zelle payments to an unknown seller, a stranger claiming to be a broker, or someone promising to deliver cryptocurrency. Authorized payments can be difficult to recover.
Official safety guide: Zelle Security
▶ Watch Zelle safety videos Understand payment scams and how to protect yourself.Chime
Chime is a financial technology service, not a direct crypto exchange. Depending on your account and the platform’s rules, an eligible Chime debit card or linked account may work for funding. Transactions can be declined or restricted.
Official guide: Chime Help Center
▶ Watch Chime payment tutorials Learn about linking accounts and payment methods.Venmo
Eligible U.S. customers with verified personal profiles can buy supported cryptocurrencies through Venmo. Open the Crypto section, choose an asset, enter an amount, review fees and transaction details, and confirm.
Official guide: Venmo Cryptocurrency FAQ
▶ Watch Venmo tutorials on YouTube Learn how crypto purchases work in the app.YouTube links open search results, not endorsements of a particular video creator. Prefer official company channels and never follow instructions that ask you to share passwords, PINs, recovery phrases, or one-time verification codes.
4. How to complete your first crypto purchase
- Choose a legitimate exchange that operates in your country.
- Create your own account and complete any required verification.
- Choose a payment method officially supported for your account.
- Select the cryptocurrency you want to buy.
- Enter the amount you intend to spend.
- Review the price, fees, payment source, and amount of crypto you will receive.
- Confirm the transaction only if all details are correct.
- Check your transaction history and secure your account.
5. How to recognize a legitimate website
Check before paying
- Type the official website address yourself.
- Verify the company, app publisher, and customer support details.
- Check fees, withdrawal rules, and local availability.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Start with a small amount if you decide to invest.
Stop if you see these warning signs
- Guaranteed profits or risk-free investment promises.
- Pressure to pay immediately or keep the payment secret.
- Requests for gift cards, Zelle payments, or crypto sent to strangers.
- Requests for passwords, recovery phrases, or remote access.
- Extra payments demanded to release supposed profits.
Remember: A padlock or HTTPS connection alone does not prove a website is legitimate. Never let another person create an account in your name, control your banking app, or tell you to bypass your bank’s security warnings.
6. Frequently asked questions
Can I buy cryptocurrency with a credit card?
Sometimes, depending on the exchange, country, card issuer, and provider rules. Many platforms do not support credit cards for crypto purchases. Check the payment methods shown in your own verified account before proceeding.
Can I use Apple Pay to buy Bitcoin?
Some exchanges support Apple Pay for eligible purchases. Apple Pay itself is not an exchange, and the underlying card must also be eligible for the transaction.
Can I send Zelle to someone who sells cryptocurrency?
Sending money to an unknown seller is risky and not recommended. Zelle advises customers to send money only to people they know and trust. Use an exchange’s official payment flow instead.
Why did my payment fail?
The payment may be unsupported, your bank may have declined it, your identity verification may be incomplete, or a transaction limit may apply. Contact your bank or the exchange through its official support channel. Never pay a third party to unlock an account or reverse a failed payment.
Are cryptocurrency purchases reversible?
Many crypto transactions cannot be reversed once completed. Carefully verify the recipient, wallet address, network, amount, and fees before sending crypto.
7. Important financial disclaimer
This page is for general educational purposes only and is not investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Cryptocurrency is volatile and may result in the loss of some or all of your money. Payment services, fees, identity checks, supported assets, and eligibility vary by country and may change. Review the official terms of each provider and consult a qualified professional if you need personalized advice.