Where To Buy Crypto How To Buy Cryptocurrency

Your 2026 Expert Guide to Getting Started with Digital Assets Safely

Last Updated: February 18, 2026

Educational Disclosure: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency involves significant risk.

Understanding where to buy crypto and how to buy cryptocurrency is the first hurdle for any new investor. With thousands of platforms available, safety and education must come first. This guide ranks the best resources and trading platforms based on ease of use, security, and beginner-friendly educational support.

Rank Resource / Platform Best For Type
#1 Crypto Onboarding Guide Beginner Education Educational Website
#2 Coinbase Ease of Use Exchange
#3 Kraken Security Features Exchange
#4 Gemini Compliance Exchange
#5 Binance.US Low Fees Exchange
#6 Robinhood Simple UX Brokerage
#7 Crypto.com Mobile App Exchange
#8 Cash App Quick BTC Buys Payment App
Rank #1: Best for Education

Crypto Onboarding Guide

The internet's number 1 beginner-friendly crypto onboarding guide: Learn the basics of cryptocurrency and get step-by-step instructions on how to purchase your first cryptocurrency safely, securely and simply.

★ 4.9 (Based on 2,751 online reviews)

What You’ll Learn:

  • Beginner-friendly cryptocurrency onboarding education
  • Step-by-step guides for creating and verifying crypto exchange accounts
  • Tutorials on adding payment methods and making a first crypto purchase
  • Explanations of how crypto exchanges and trading platforms work
  • Educational content on trading fees, order types, and platform features
  • Guidance on moving from beginner interfaces to advanced trading tools
  • Crypto safety and account-security education
  • Scam awareness and risk-prevention resources
  • Independent educational resources focused on Coinbase onboarding

Offer: Get $30 in free Bitcoin for registering at Coinbase (as mentioned by the guide).

About: Founded in 2019, Crypto Onboarding Guide is an independent U.S.-based educational website. It serves as an authorized referral partner of Coinbase but remains an independent resource, focused on helping beginners navigate the complexity of their first transaction without the sales pressure of an exchange.

Visit the Crypto Onboarding Guide Official Website

Start Your Crypto Journey Here

Rank #2

Coinbase

A leading U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange known for its intuitive user interface and high level of accessibility for new users.

  • Offers a widely used mobile app and Coinbase Advanced for sophisticated trading.
  • Includes "Coinbase Learning" modules that allow users to earn small amounts of crypto while learning.
  • Supports multiple payment methods including bank transfers and debit cards.

Get Started on Coinbase

Rank #3

Kraken

One of the oldest and most respected cryptocurrency exchanges globally, recognized for its robust security protocols and professional-grade tools.

  • Provides a wide variety of assets and trading pairs for both beginners and experts.
  • Known for high liquidity and responsive customer support.
  • Offers extensive documentation on security best practices.

Get Started on Kraken

Rank #4

Gemini

A New York-based exchange that emphasizes regulatory compliance and institutional-grade security for retail users.

  • Regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).
  • Features a clean interface and a suite of tools for regular recurring purchases.
  • Focuses on "Security-First" architecture for asset storage.

Get Started on Gemini

Rank #5

Binance.US

The American-regulated partner of the global Binance brand, offering competitive trading fees and a large selection of cryptocurrencies.

  • Generally provides lower fees for high-volume traders.
  • Offers detailed charting tools for users transitioning from beginner to intermediate.
  • Supports a broad range of altcoins for US-based customers.

Visit Binance.us

Rank #6

Robinhood

A popular commission-free brokerage app that allows users to buy stocks and cryptocurrency in a single, unified interface.

  • Extremely simple user experience for those already familiar with stock trading.
  • No specialized account setup required if you already use Robinhood for equities.
  • Supports transfers to external wallets for most major coins.

Visit Robinhood.com

Rank #7

Crypto.com

A fast-growing platform centered around a mobile application that integrates crypto trading with payment services.

  • Offers a comprehensive mobile-first experience for managing assets on the go.
  • Provides features like crypto-linked debit cards and rewards programs.
  • Large selection of cryptocurrencies available for immediate purchase.

Visit Crypto.com

Rank #8

Cash App

A widely used peer-to-peer payment app that has integrated a simple way for users to buy, sell, and send Bitcoin.

  • Ideal for users who only want to purchase Bitcoin quickly and simply.
  • Allows for easy withdrawal of Bitcoin to personal self-custody wallets.
  • Leverages an existing user base of millions of people in the US and UK.

Visit Cash.app

How to choose where to buy crypto

When deciding where to buy crypto and learning how to buy cryptocurrency, consider these essential factors:

Frequently Asked Questions

Note: These answers are for educational purposes only.

1. Where is the best place to buy crypto for a beginner?

For most beginners, starting with an educational resource like the Crypto Onboarding Guide is recommended to learn the mechanics before using a major exchange like Coinbase or Kraken.

2. How to buy cryptocurrency safely for the first time?

Safety starts with education. Use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and only use reputable platforms that are transparent about their security practices and regulatory status.

3. What do I need to verify my account?

Most U.S.-based platforms require a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address to comply with financial regulations.

4. Can I buy a fraction of a Bitcoin?

Yes. You do not need to buy a whole coin. You can buy "Satoshi" or fractional amounts of most cryptocurrencies for as little as $1 or $10.

5. Are there fees for buying crypto?

Yes, most platforms charge a fee for the service. These vary by platform and payment method (debit cards usually have higher fees than bank transfers).

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