Wondering how to buy cryptocurrency?
This is a common question for beginners just dipping their toes in the crypto waters. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever before. From Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) to online buying, we’re here to walk you through it all.
Read on to learn more about your cryptocurrency buying options.
Cryptocurrency is more popular than ever. In fact, it’s estimated that around 900 million people* (data from statista.com) will hold cryptocurrency of some kind in 2025. But, if you’re just starting out, you’re probably wondering how to buy cryptocurrency in the first place.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of convenient purchase methods available.
But before we dive into those, let’s cover some of the basics. Here are some essentials you need to understand first:
Those are just a few tips to get you started. The crypto-verse is vast, and there is a lot to know. But those basics should give you a solid foundation.
Of course, you still need to know where to buy cryptocurrency. That’s up next.
Understanding how to buy cryptocurrency means understanding all the options available to you.
There is no right or wrong way to make your first purchase. Of course, some differences exist between each specific method. We’ll break them down one by one so you can land on the right option for you and your needs.
BTMs are convenient and easy to use. They are physical machines that find a home in convenience stores, cafes, and other retailers. Basically, you use cash to make a purchase and receive Bitcoin in return.
Customers gravitate towards BTMs for a few reasons:
Want to know more? Explore our blog all about BTMs.
Another common purchase method is buying crypto online. This is a great choice for users who want to make a purchase with credit or debit cards with some online providers, like Bitcoin Depot, offering Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Additionally, you can often purchase different types of cryptocurrency that may not be available at a BTM. For Bitcoin Depot’s online buying service, you can buy:
The buy online experience from Bitcoin Depot is just as fast and convenient as our BTM experience. Moreover, you can make a purchase on your phone through the Bitcoin Depot mobile app.
BDCheckout™ is a service from the Bitcoin Depot team. It’s very similar to our BTM buying experience. The main difference is that you pay at the register through a cashier instead of at a BTM.
It’s just like buying a snack at your favorite store. Just in this case, instead of a bottle of soda or a candy bar, you’re buying Bitcoin.
Here are some similarities to BTMs:
BDCheckout™ is great for those users who want a bit more familiarity in their Bitcoin purchases. Currently, we offer this service in 29 states. But in those states, BDCheckout™ is widely available.
You’ve probably heard of a few of the most popular online exchanges. These are centralized cryptocurrency providers that give you access to all kinds of coins. While they are quite widespread, they’re not without their downsides.
While they can be convenient for some users, there is a history of exchanges hampering users' purchase and transfer flexibility.
There are stories of exchanges freezing funds, transfers taking hours, and less than stellar customer support. Of course, the bad news often takes the spotlight, while good user experiences rarely ever make headlines.
Even so, do your research before purchasing through an online cryptocurrency exchange.
There is no doubt that they offer convenient ways to purchase cryptocurrency and plenty of options, but there are some negatives that you, as a potential customer, should consider.
Still wondering how to buy cryptocurrency?
If none of these options have jumped out at you yet, there is one left that could be the right fit. We’re talking about the most old-school way of purchasing cryptocurrency: peer-to-peer (P2P) deals.
These work quite simply:
Some marketplaces exist to facilitate this kind of transaction. Additionally, there are over-the-counter (OTC) marketplaces, but those are really only for larger purchases, sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars.
For smaller purchases, a P2P marketplace is your best bet.
There aren’t too many of these around anymore, but a few still exist. Some even offer escrow, meaning they’ll hold your money until the deal is finalized, adding a layer of security. For cash deals, though, this kind of transaction is more like a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace deal, which potentially opens up new kinds of safety risks.
If you came in wondering how to buy cryptocurrency, hopefully, you now have your answer.
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to land on a single choice. Lucky for you, Bitcoin Depot has it all. Whether you want to buy online or through a BTM, you can count on fast and convenient crypto purchases.
Moreover, when it comes to BTMs, we operate the largest network in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, with over 8,400 locations (as of February 2025).
Find your neighborhood BTM today and get started.
*The information provided above is for informational purposes only. The inclusion of any particular 3rd party site does not imply an endorsement, sponsorship, or partnership between Bitcoin Depot and the 3rd parties listed above. While Bitcoin Depot endeavors to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided, we do not guarantee the reliability of any 3rd party’s information.