Method 1 — Cryptocurrency exchanges
The most common way. An exchange is an online platform where you create an account, verify your identity (KYC), deposit euros or pounds, and buy crypto. Popular options include Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance. Each has different fees, supported countries, and available coins. See our full exchange guide for a detailed comparison.
💡 For most beginners, Coinbase or Kraken are the easiest starting points. They're regulated, beginner-friendly, and available across Europe and the US.
Method 2 — Crypto on-ramp providers
On-ramp providers let you buy crypto directly using a debit card or bank transfer, without needing to fully set up an exchange account. Services like MoonPay, Ramp Network, and Transak are often embedded within crypto wallets. They're fast and simple, but typically charge higher fees than exchanges.
Method 3 — Payment apps
Apps like PayPal and Revolut allow you to buy and hold crypto within the app. Convenient, but there's an important limitation — you don't own the underlying crypto directly and can't transfer it to an external wallet.
⚠️ Always buy from a regulated, reputable platform. Avoid buying from strangers online or through unofficial Telegram groups — scams in this space are extremely common.
Step-by-step: signing up to an exchange
Create an account
Provide your email address, create a strong password, and enable two-factor authentication immediately.
Verify your identity (KYC)
Most regulated exchanges require ID verification — typically a passport or driving licence. This is a legal requirement and usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.
Deposit funds
Add money via bank transfer (usually cheapest) or debit card (faster but higher fees). SEPA transfers are free or very low cost within Europe.
Place your first buy order
Search for the coin you want (e.g. Bitcoin), enter the amount in euros, and confirm. You now own crypto.
Watch out for fees
Every exchange charges fees — typically 0.1%–1.5% per transaction. Coinbase's standard interface charges more than its advanced trading view. Binance has very low fees. Always check the fee structure before committing to a platform.
Ready to choose an exchange?
See our full exchange comparison covering Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, Bybit, and more — with honest notes on fees, security, and who each one suits.