How to Buy Bitcoin (BTC): Quick-Start Guide
Buying Bitcoin can feel like an unfamiliar landscape for someone used to traditional financial products. The good news: There are many ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, from stockbrokers to dedicated exchanges and even…
NerdWallet
Publisher
Sep 2, 2026 at 7:00 AM UTC · Updated vor 2 Tagen · 12 Min. Lesezeit
Entities
bitcoin
Market Impact
BTC-1.38%$79,035
Last Updated
vor 2 Tagen
Buying Bitcoin can feel like an unfamiliar landscape for someone used to traditional financial products. The good news: There are many ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, from stockbrokers to dedicated exchanges and even in-app purchases in some crypto-linked applications.
We should note, though, that Bitcoin has traded as low as $62,000 and as high as $128,000 at different points since late 2025. Be sure to take the time to consider whether you have the stomach for such a volatile asset. And if you do decide to invest, keep this maxim in mind: Only invest what you can afford to lose.
The most common way to buy Bitcoin is through a cryptocurrency exchange, many of which are suitable for beginners. Traditional stockbrokers, Bitcoin ETFs and P2P money apps are also fairly straightforward, while BTC wallets and ATMs are a bit more advanced. | |||
Can withdraw cryptocurrency? | Costs/fees? | Advised for beginners? | |
Cryptocurrency exchanges | Yes | Medium, up to around 4% | Yes |
Traditional stockbrokers | Not always | Low, around 1% | Depends on the broker |
Wallet software | Yes | Highly variable | No |
Bitcoin ETFs | No | Low, 0.15% to 1.5% | Yes |
P2P money apps | Not always | Medium, around 1-4%, but can rise higher depending on amount purchased. | Yes |
Bitcoin ATMs | Yes | High, around 15% | No |
Here's a more detailed overview of the various ways to buy Bitcoin:
1. Cryptocurrency exchanges: Best for seasoned crypto investors
The most common way to buy Bitcoin, especially for beginners, is through a cryptocurrency exchange. Many offer hundreds of cryptocurrency choices, while others simply have Bitcoin and a few alternatives. However, as cryptocurrency has grown in popularity, dozens of crypto exchanges have emerged with varying degrees of consumer protection and customer service, security features and fee structures.
Market Context
Bitcoin
BTC
$79,018
-1.41% (24H)
Market Cap
$1.59T
24H Volume
$19.5B
24H High
$80,402
Article Intelligence
Key Entities
Topics
Related Coverage
CryptoCapital B buys 376 BTC for $29.4M, raising its bitcoin treasury to 3,521 BTC despite current market value below cost.vor einer Stunde · 1 min read
CryptoBitcoin : Capital B goes big with 376 BTC... and raises the stakes!vor einer Stunde · 2 min read
CryptoBitcoin's Biggest Week Tied to Treasury Buybacksvor einer Stunde · 2 min readSponsored
Ad
NewsLayer Premium
Unlock deeper intelligence.
Ad-free reading, exclusive research, and real-time onchain insights.
Go Premium