🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 148 (from laksa189)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa148.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/","crawl_time":1776965398,"first_indexed_time":1513731946,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,bankrate!www,\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/ s443","src_root_hash":"16841441868536461148","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"5 Ways To Buy Bitcoin | Bankrate","meta_descriptions":["You can buy Bitcoin directly or indirectly from a few traditional brokers, as well as some newer upstarts, such as crypto exchanges.","You can buy Bitcoin directly or indirectly from a few traditional brokers, as well as some newer upstarts, such as crypto exchanges."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key takeaways\nThere are now several easy ways to buy Bitcoin, including apps, crypto exchanges, brokers and Bitcoin ATMs.\nCosts, security and type of ownership are top considerations. For instance, crypto exchanges might offer lower costs, traditional brokers might provide better security and ETFs give you easy exposure but not direct ownership of Bitcoin.\nBitcoin is too risky to be suitable for all investors. It’s highly volatile and not a reliable hedge against inflation.\nBitcoin has seen dramatic\nprice swings since its 2009 debut\nthat have created fortunes for some investors and great losses for others. If you’re considering investing in\nBitcoin\n, you have options — including Bitcoin ETFs that make it possible to invest without actually owning the tokens themselves — and don’t need a specialized account unless that’s the route you prefer. Each method offers a different combination of cost, security and potential upside and downside.\nMethod\nBest for\nAverage cost\nFinancial apps\nCasual or beginner investors\n2.2 percent for trades < $75; fees fall from there\nCrypto exchanges\nIntermediate or active crypto investors\nFees start at 0.40 percent\nTrading apps\nBeginner or intermediate investors; passive traders\nNo direct commission, but traders pay spread markup\nTraditional brokers\nInvestors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures\n$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value\nBitcoin ATMs\nInvestors who prefer cash or convenience\n6 percent to 20 percent\nBitcoin Icon\nBitcoin (BTC) is the world’s\nmost popular cryptocurrency\n— a currency that exists only virtually — with a market cap over $2 trillion. Bitcoin debuted in 2009 and really broke into mainstream consciousness in 2017 with its rapid rise that year. Coins are created, or “mined,” when computers that organize the currency\nprocess and legitimize transactions in the currency\n.\n1. Financial apps\nBest for:\nCasual or beginner investors who might already be using a financial app\nAverage cost to buy:\n2.2 percent for trades < $75; fees drop from there\nMany financial apps such as PayPal and Venmo now allow you to trade cryptocurrency.\nPayPal makes it tremendously easy to directly buy or sell bitcoins using the same app that you’ve come to trust with your online payments. You’ll pay a 2.2 percent fee for trades involving less than $75, and the fees fall from there. Trades involving $75 to $200 cost 2 percent, $200.01 to $1,000 cost 1.8 percent, while those above $1,000 come in at 1.5 percent.\nThere’s a spread markup on trades, but you won’t pay a fee for holding cryptocurrency in your account, and you can trade as little as $1 at a time.\nEthereum\n(ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Solana (SOL) and Chainlink (LINK) are also tradable here, as is a PayPal stablecoin (PYUSD).\nVenmo charges the same fees, since it’s owned by PayPal.\n2. Crypto exchanges\nBest for:\nIntermediate or active crypto investors who want more control over their assets or a wider coin selection\nAverage cost to buy:\nFees start at 0.40 percent\nCrypto exchanges are another popular option for those looking to buy Bitcoin. Exchanges offer a few key advantages to traders. First, the\nbest crypto exchanges\noffer among the lowest possible all-in costs for trading cryptocurrency. So they’re a good bet if cost is your key objective. Second, many exchanges don’t charge spread mark-ups, which are hidden fees built into the trading prices. Third, many exchanges offer wallets, allowing you to securely store your cryptocurrency.\nThe fees at various crypto exchanges can differ markedly, so it’s worthwhile looking around to find which offers the best combination of price, crypto choice and service. Popular options include\nBinance and Coinbase\n.\n3. Trading apps\nBest for:\nBeginner or intermediate investors; passive traders who like a simple interface\nAverage cost to buy:\nNo direct commission, but traders pay spread markup\nYou can pick up Bitcoin with no direct commission by using a trading app such as Webull or Robinhood, though you’ll end up making up for it with a spread markup. These apps also allow you to purchase\nBitcoin ETFs\n.\nRobinhood\ntakes its best trick — no commissions — and applies it to cryptocurrency, but it does charge a spread markup, the exact cost of which it does not reveal. You’ll be able to buy Bitcoin directly and will have access to other digital currencies, too. Of course, you’ll be able to buy stocks, ETFs and options while you’re on the easy-to-use platform, including Bitcoin ETFs.\nWebull\nlets you trade a handful of cryptos, including Bitcoin. You’ll pay a spread markup of 1 percent on each transaction, however. You can also trade stocks, Bitcoin ETFs and options.\n4. Traditional brokers\nBest for:\nInvestors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures rather than the cryptocurrency itself\nAverage cost to buy:\n$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value\nSome\ntraditional brokers\nhave also ventured into the cryptocurrency arena, including Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab. And with the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs, major brokers offer funds that let you buy the crypto, too.\nAt\nInteractive Brokers\n, you’ll be able to buy\nfutures contracts on Bitcoin\nas well as trade the coin directly. The broker charges $5 per futures contract, which gives you exposure to five bitcoins. If you want to trade Bitcoin directly, you’ll pay a competitive commission of 0.12 to 0.18 percent of your trade value, depending on your monthly volume. You’ll also have access to Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin and others. Interactive Brokers provides a whole range of other tradable securities, giving you access to securities across the world.\n5. Bitcoin ATMs\nBest for:\nInvestors who prefer cash or convenience\nAverage cost to buy:\n6 percent to 20 percent\nAnother option is to buy bitcoins directly through a\nBitcoin ATM\n, though you’re likely to pay much more in commissions than you would elsewhere. You’ll be able to buy bitcoins, and some ATMs will allow you to sell them, too, using cash or a debit card. But you need a Bitcoin wallet to make the transaction. Commissions can be pricey, with some ATMs charging around 20 percent per transaction.\nBuying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for\nAs you’re considering how to buy Bitcoin, you’ll want to evaluate the following factors, since they should influence your choice of where to buy it or whether to ultimately avoid it altogether.\nOwnership:\nWhat do you want to own exactly? You can own Bitcoin directly or indirectly (say, through an ETF) or a derivative such as a futures contract, which offers a return on the currency’s movement.\nUpside\/downside:\nYour potential gain is related directly to whether you own the currency directly or via futures contract. By owning Bitcoin directly, your profit increases by a dollar with every dollar increase in the currency. In contrast, with futures, you can gain much more quickly without having to front as much capital. However, your downside is more limited by owning directly, while you can lose more money with futures.\nCost:\nCommissions can vary widely depending on how you purchase Bitcoin. Futures contracts get you a big piece of the action relatively cheaply, while some brokers may charge you several percent to buy directly. A few percent might not sound like a lot, but if you’re trading in and out of the market, it will quickly eat away at your profits. In contrast, a\nBitcoin ETF\ngets you in the game quickly with no direct commission and a low annual\nexpense ratio\n, and it’s simpler to trade that way, too.\nSecurity:\nOne of the biggest concerns with any investment is making sure that it’s secure. Some newer cryptocurrency players have had serious problems with security. For example, hackers stole $1.5 billion in Ethereum from ByBit earlier this year. More traditional brokers may offer better security because they’ve been dealing with the issue for much longer. And with Bitcoin ETFs, the fund company manages security, making it an easy way to own the cryptocurrency.\nYou may also receive bitcoins as part of commercial transactions. Regardless of how you came by your coins,\nany crypto transaction is reportable to the IRS at tax time.\nWhat do you need to buy Bitcoin?\nWhen you open an account at a traditional brokerage or a crypto exchange, you’ll need to provide basic personal information.\nYour name, address, and phone number\nYour Social Security number\nYour bank account number\nYou may also have to detail how much trading experience you have and how comfortable you are with trading, depending on the institution.\nThis information allows the firm to identify you and verify who you are. It’s also vital during tax time when the broker or exchange prepares documents on your gains and losses, reports that you’ll need to accurately file your taxes.\nFAQs about buying Bitcoin\nBottom line\nIf you’re looking to purchase Bitcoin or other digital currencies as an investment, it’s important to keep costs to a minimum. Given the novelty of the crypto market, many brokers would love to maximize their commissions (in contrast to the stock market, where trading fees have gone to zero). Those fees eat into your profits, so look for a way to minimize those frictional costs. But the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs provides a cheaper and more secure way for traders to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency.\nWhile the price of Bitcoin has run high quickly, it still carries serious risks that make it not suitable for everyone. Those looking for\nconservative investments\nor who cannot afford to lose money should consider avoiding Bitcoin or trading only with an amount they are willing to lose.\n—\nKim Husband\ncontributed to an update.\nEditorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.\nDid you find this page helpful?\nInfo Icon\nHelp us improve our content","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#main-content)\n\n- [Banking](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/)\n  All\n  \n  Banking\n  \n  Checking & savings\n  \n  CDs\n  \n  Money market\n  \n  Banks\n  \n  [Explore all banking resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/)\n  \n  Banking\n  \n  Compare accounts\n  \n  - [Best high-yield savings accounts](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/savings\/best-high-yield-interests-savings-accounts\/)\n  - [Best checking accounts](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/checking\/best-checking-accounts\/)\n  - [Best free checking accounts](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/checking\/best-free-checking-accounts\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Savings calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/savings\/simple-savings-calculator\/)\n  - 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[Retirement resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/retirement\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/59a3f533a8\/best-worst-states-for-retirement-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Best & worst states for retirement 6 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/retirement\/best-and-worst-states-for-retirement\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/a6b1dc15ca\/how-to-save-for-retirement-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to save for retirement 15 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/retirement\/how-to-save-for-retirement\/)\n  \n  Finding an advisor\n  \n  - [Find a financial advisor](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/financial-advisors\/financial-advisor-matching\/)\n  - [Best financial advisors](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/financial-advisors\/best-financial-advisors\/)\n  - [How to choose a financial advisor](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/financial-advisors\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor\/)\n  - 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[![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/38750a2d5a\/what-is-a-certified-financial-planner-s.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Pros & cons of financial advising 7 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/financial-advisors\/pros-cons-financial-advisor\/)\n  \n  [Explore all investing resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/)\n- [Credit cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/)\n  All\n  \n  Credit cards\n  \n  Cards by category\n  \n  Cards by credit\n  \n  Tools & reviews\n  \n  Guides & resources\n  \n  [Explore all credit cards resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/)\n  \n  Credit cards\n  \n  Compare cards\n  \n  - [Best cards of 2026](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/best-credit-cards\/)\n  - [Best cash back cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/cash-back\/best-cash-back-cards\/)\n  - [Best balance transfer cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/balance-transfer\/best-balance-transfer-cards\/)\n  - [Best 0% APR cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/zero-interest\/best-zero-interest-cards\/)\n  - [Best travel cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/travel\/best-travel-cards\/)\n  - [Best rewards cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/rewards\/best-rewards-cards\/)\n  - [Best business cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/business\/best-business-cards\/)\n  - [Best sign up bonus cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/rewards\/best-bonus-offer-cards\/)\n  \n  Find my matches\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/4f02ac6944\/cardmatch-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) CardMatch™ Get personalized card recommendations](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/cardmatch\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/10ad7295ae\/card-comparison-tool-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Card comparison tool Compare credit cards side-by-side](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/compare\/)\n  \n  See your card matches\n  \n  Answer a few quick questions and we’ll show you your top credit card options.\n  \n  [Find my matches](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/cardmatch\/)\n  \n  Compare cards\n  \n  - 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[Credit card payoff calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/credit-card-payoff-calculator\/)\n  - [Balance transfer calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/credit-card-balance-transfer-calculator\/)\n  - [Credit utilization calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/credit-utilization-calculator\/)\n  - [Points and miles calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/points-and-miles-calculator\/)\n  - [All credit card calculators](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/43548bf9cd\/spender-type-tool-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Spender type tool Find cards that fit your needs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/spender-type-tool\/)\n  \n  Get advice\n  \n  - [Credit cards 101](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/advice\/)\n  - [Balance transfer advice](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/balance-transfer\/)\n  - 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[Best personal loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/rates\/)\n  - [Best personal loans for bad credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/bad-credit-loans\/)\n  - [Best debt consolidation loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/debt-consolidation-loans\/)\n  - [Best home improvement loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/home-improvement\/rates\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Personal loan resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/)\n  - [Personal loan lender reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/reviews\/)\n  - [Personal loans calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/personal-loan-calculator\/)\n  - [Average personal loan interest rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/average-personal-loan-rates\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/38750a2d5a\/what-is-a-certified-financial-planner-s.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Personal loan basics 9 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/what-is-a-personal-loan\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/4c26764452\/how-to-start-saving.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to get a personal loan 11 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/how-to-get-personal-loan\/)\n  \n  Compare lenders\n  \n  - [Best auto loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/rates\/)\n  - [Best auto loan refinance rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/refinance-rates\/)\n  - [Best car loans for bad credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/bad-credit-loans\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Auto loan resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/)\n  - [Auto loan lender reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/reviews\/)\n  - [Auto loan calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/auto-loan-calculator\/)\n  - [Auto loan refinancing guide](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/how-to-refinance-car-loan\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/d1a328a134\/auto-loan-refinancing-guide-nav.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to get the best auto loan rate 10 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/how-to-get-the-best-auto-loan-rate\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/720x720\/c481afa0d2\/auto-loan-refinancing-guide-s.jpg\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Auto loan basics 5 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/what-is-an-auto-loan\/)\n  \n  Compare lenders\n  \n  - [Student loan rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/rates\/)\n  - [Student loan refinancing rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/refinance-rates\/)\n  - [Best bad credit student loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/bad-credit-loans\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Student loan resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/)\n  - [Student loan lender reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/reviews\/)\n  - [Student loan calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/student-loan-calculator\/)\n  - [Student loan refinance calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/student-loan-refinance-calculator\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/3d6f458d84\/how-to-start-investing-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Private student loan basics 10 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/private-student-loans-guide\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/4c26764452\/how-to-start-saving.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to get a student loan 11 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/how-to-get-student-loan\/)\n  \n  Compare lenders\n  \n  - [Best small business loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/best-small-business-loans\/)\n  - [Bad credit small business loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/bad-credit-business-loans\/)\n  - [Business lines of credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/business-line-of-credit\/)\n  - [Small business loan banks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/best-banks-for-small-business-loans\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Small business loans resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/)\n  - [Small business loan reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/reviews\/)\n  - [Small business loan calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/business-loan-calculator\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/4c26764452\/how-to-start-saving.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How small business loans work 9 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/how-do-small-business-loans-work\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/38750a2d5a\/what-is-a-certified-financial-planner-s.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to get a business loan 9 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/how-to-get-a-business-loan\/)\n  \n  [Explore all loans resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/)\n- [Home equity](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/)\n  All\n  \n  Home equity\n  \n  HELOC\n  \n  Home equity loans\n  \n  [Explore all home equity resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/)\n  \n  Home equity\n  \n  HELOC\n  \n  A HELOC is a variable-rate line of credit that lets you borrow funds for a set period and repay them later.\n  \n  [HELOC Rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/heloc-rates\/)\n  \n  Home equity basics\n  \n  - [Best HELOC lenders](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/heloc-lenders\/)\n  - [HELOC calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/heloc-calculator\/)\n  - [What is a HELOC?](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/what-is-heloc\/)\n  - [Pros and cons of HELOCs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/pros-cons-of-home-equity-lines\/)\n  - [Home equity lender reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/reviews\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/e9e92b7729\/home-equity-heloc-guide-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) What is home equity? 8 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/what-is-home-equity\/)\n  - [![Home purchase](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1280x720\/98576f9f53\/home-purchase.jpeg\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to calculate home equity 6 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/how-to-calculate-equity-in-your-home\/)\n  \n  Home equity loans\n  \n  Home equity loans let you borrow a lump sum at a fixed rate, based on how much of the home you own outright.\n  \n  [Home equity loan rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/home-equity-loan-rates\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [What is a home equity loan?](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/what-is-home-equity-loan\/)\n  - [Home equity loan pros and cons](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/pros-cons-home-equity-loan\/)\n  - [Home equity loan requirements](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/requirements-to-borrow-from-home-equity\/)\n  - [HELOC vs home equity loan](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/home-equity-loan-vs-line-of-credit\/)\n  - [How to build home equity](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/how-to-build-equity-in-your-home\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/721x720\/bad3fd8f56\/heloc-lender-reviews-s.jpg\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Best home equity loan lenders Compare top home equity lenders](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/home-equity-loan-lenders\/)\n  - [![CD Rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1920x1080\/2654611691\/cd-rates.jpeg\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Home equity calculator Calculate how much you can borrow](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/home-equity-calculator\/)\n  \n  [Explore all home equity resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/)\n- [Insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/)\n  All\n  \n  Insurance\n  \n  Auto insurance\n  \n  Home insurance\n  \n  Tools & reviews\n  \n  [Explore all insurance resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/)\n  \n  Insurance\n  \n  Compare rates\n  \n  - [Car insurance quotes](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/car-insurance-quotes\/)\n  - [Best car insurance companies](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/best-car-insurance-companies\/)\n  - [Cheapest car insurance companies](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/cheap-car-insurance-companies\/)\n  - [Compare car insurance rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/average-cost-of-car-insurance\/)\n  \n  Popular states\n  \n  - [California](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/california\/)\n  - [Florida](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/florida\/)\n  - [Texas](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/texas\/)\n  - [Ohio](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/ohio\/)\n  - [Auto insurance by state](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/states\/)\n  \n  - [![Person smiling while sitting in car](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/5bfb00cc0b\/auto-insurance-by-state.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How much is car insurance? Average cost of car insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/average-cost-of-car-insurance\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/20e5cbc3e7\/how-much-is-car-insurance-nav.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Car insurance resources Learn more about car insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/)\n  \n  Compare rates\n  \n  - [Home insurance quotes](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/home-insurance-quotes\/)\n  - [Best home insurance companies](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/best-home-insurance-companies\/)\n  - [Cheapest home insurance companies](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/cheap-homeowners-insurance\/)\n  - [Best home and auto bundles](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car-and-home-insurance-bundle\/)\n  \n  Popular states\n  \n  - [California](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/california\/)\n  - [Florida](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/florida\/)\n  - [Texas](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/texas\/)\n  - [New Jersey](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/new-jersey\/)\n  - [Home insurance by state](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/states\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/8af9dfc8a2\/home-insurance-by-state-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Home insurance cost Average cost of home insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/homeowners-insurance-cost\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/e85a91b40b\/how-much-is-home-insurance-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Home insurance resources Learn more about home insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/)\n  \n  Calculators\n  \n  - [Car insurance calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/car-insurance-calculator\/)\n  - [Home insurance calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/home-insurance-calculator\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Allstate insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/allstate\/)\n  - [Progressive insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/progressive\/)\n  - [State Farm insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/state-farm\/)\n  - [Travelers insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/travelers\/)\n  - [Lemonade insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/lemonade\/)\n  \n  - [![Design element two people looking at a car](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/475x270\/8e81cf93f6\/insurance_best_car_insurance_companies.webp\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) All insurance company reviews Browse insurance carrier reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/)\n  \n  [Explore all insurance resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/)\n\n[Log in Log in or sign up](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/member\/auth\/login?returnTo=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Fauth%2Freturn%3Fpath%3D%252Finvesting%252Fhow-to-buy-bitcoins%252F)\n\n**Popular searches**\n\n- [Mortgage rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/mortgages\/mortgage-rates\/)\n- [Balance transfer credit cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/balance-transfer\/best-balance-transfer-cards\/)\n- [Car insurance quotes](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/car-insurance-quotes\/)\n\n**Tools**\n\n- [Mortgage calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/mortgages\/mortgage-calculator\/)\n- [Loan calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/loan-calculator\/)\n- [CD calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/cds\/cd-calculator\/)\n\n1. [Investing](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/)  ›\n2. How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio\n\nAdvertiser Disclosure\n\n# How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio\n![James Royal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/10\/26151853\/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) ![Johna Strickland](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2024\/06\/13164005\/Johna-Strickland.jpeg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\nWritten by\n\nJames Royal, Ph.D.\n\n,\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/10\/26151853\/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\n[James Royal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\nFormer Principal Writer, Investing and Wealth Management\n\nExpertise\n\n- •  Investing\n- •  Wealth management\n\nFormer Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D., covers investing and wealth management. His work has been cited by CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times and more.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\n- [Connect with James Royal, Ph.D. on Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/JimRoyalPhD)\n- [Connect with James Royal, Ph.D. on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/james-royal-phd-809b929\/)\n- [Get in contact with James Royal, Ph.D. via Email](mailto:jroyal@redventures.com)\n\nClose\n\n[James Royal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/),\n\nEdited by\n\nJohna Strickland\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2024\/06\/13164005\/Johna-Strickland.jpeg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\n[Johna Strickland](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/johna-strickland\/)\n\nFormer Editor, Investing\n\nExpertise\n\n- •  Investing for beginners\n- •  Retirement\n\nFormer Bankrate investing editor Johna Strickland has explained complicated topics to everyday people for more than 15 years. As an editor and journalist, she has touched on nearly every aspect of personal finance.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/johna-strickland\/)\n\n- [Connect with Johna Strickland on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/johna-strickland\/)\n\nClose\n\n[Johna Strickland](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/johna-strickland\/)\n\nPublished on September 16, 2025 \\| 6 min read\n\nBankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money . Our Bankrate promise is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.\n\n![A photo of a bitcoin ATM in a train station](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/01\/06115113\/how-to-buy-bitcoin.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9)\n\nNurPhoto\/Getty Images\n\nTable of contents\n\n- [1\\. Financial apps](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#1)\n- [2\\. Crypto exchanges](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#2)\n- [3\\. Trading apps](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#3)\n- [4\\. Traditional brokers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#4)\n- [5\\. Bitcoin ATMs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#5)\n- [Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#buying)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#faqs)\n\nTable of contents\n\nBack to top\n\n## Key takeaways\n- There are now several easy ways to buy Bitcoin, including apps, crypto exchanges, brokers and Bitcoin ATMs.\n- Costs, security and type of ownership are top considerations. For instance, crypto exchanges might offer lower costs, traditional brokers might provide better security and ETFs give you easy exposure but not direct ownership of Bitcoin.\n- Bitcoin is too risky to be suitable for all investors. It’s highly volatile and not a reliable hedge against inflation.\n\nBitcoin has seen dramatic [price swings since its 2009 debut](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/bitcoin-price-history\/) that have created fortunes for some investors and great losses for others. If you’re considering investing in [Bitcoin](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-bitcoin\/), you have options — including Bitcoin ETFs that make it possible to invest without actually owning the tokens themselves — and don’t need a specialized account unless that’s the route you prefer. Each method offers a different combination of cost, security and potential upside and downside.\n\n| Method | Best for | Average cost |\n|---|---|---|\n| Financial apps | Casual or beginner investors | 2\\.2 percent for trades \\< \\$75; fees fall from there |\n| Crypto exchanges | Intermediate or active crypto investors | Fees start at 0.40 percent |\n| Trading apps | Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders | No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup |\n| Traditional brokers | Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures | \\$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value |\n| Bitcoin ATMs | Investors who prefer cash or convenience | 6 percent to 20 percent |\n\nBitcoin (BTC) is the world’s [most popular cryptocurrency](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/types-of-cryptocurrency\/) — a currency that exists only virtually — with a market cap over \\$2 trillion. Bitcoin debuted in 2009 and really broke into mainstream consciousness in 2017 with its rapid rise that year. Coins are created, or “mined,” when computers that organize the currency [process and legitimize transactions in the currency](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-bitcoin-mining\/).\n\n## 1\\. Financial apps\n- **Best for:** Casual or beginner investors who might already be using a financial app\n- **Average cost to buy:** 2.2 percent for trades \\< \\$75; fees drop from there\n\nMany financial apps such as PayPal and Venmo now allow you to trade cryptocurrency.\n\nPayPal makes it tremendously easy to directly buy or sell bitcoins using the same app that you’ve come to trust with your online payments. You’ll pay a 2.2 percent fee for trades involving less than \\$75, and the fees fall from there. Trades involving \\$75 to \\$200 cost 2 percent, \\$200.01 to \\$1,000 cost 1.8 percent, while those above \\$1,000 come in at 1.5 percent.\n\nThere’s a spread markup on trades, but you won’t pay a fee for holding cryptocurrency in your account, and you can trade as little as \\$1 at a time. [Ethereum](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-ethereum\/) (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Solana (SOL) and Chainlink (LINK) are also tradable here, as is a PayPal stablecoin (PYUSD).\n\nVenmo charges the same fees, since it’s owned by PayPal.\n\n![](https:\/\/navi.cohesionapps.com\/display?write_key=wk_2M3TlVcWbz8i1RTZjLkSmbWfyQC&adId=adfec188b7&req=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Finvesting%2Fhow-to-buy-bitcoins%2F&ref=)\n\n## 2\\. Crypto exchanges\n- **Best for:** Intermediate or active crypto investors who want more control over their assets or a wider coin selection\n- **Average cost to buy:** Fees start at 0.40 percent\n\nCrypto exchanges are another popular option for those looking to buy Bitcoin. Exchanges offer a few key advantages to traders. First, the [best crypto exchanges](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading\/) offer among the lowest possible all-in costs for trading cryptocurrency. So they’re a good bet if cost is your key objective. Second, many exchanges don’t charge spread mark-ups, which are hidden fees built into the trading prices. Third, many exchanges offer wallets, allowing you to securely store your cryptocurrency.\n\nThe fees at various crypto exchanges can differ markedly, so it’s worthwhile looking around to find which offers the best combination of price, crypto choice and service. Popular options include [Binance and Coinbase](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading\/).\n\n## 3\\. Trading apps\n- **Best for:** Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders who like a simple interface\n- **Average cost to buy:** No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup\n\nYou can pick up Bitcoin with no direct commission by using a trading app such as Webull or Robinhood, though you’ll end up making up for it with a spread markup. These apps also allow you to purchase [Bitcoin ETFs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/bitcoin-etfs\/).\n\n[Robinhood](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/brokerage-reviews\/robinhood\/) takes its best trick — no commissions — and applies it to cryptocurrency, but it does charge a spread markup, the exact cost of which it does not reveal. You’ll be able to buy Bitcoin directly and will have access to other digital currencies, too. Of course, you’ll be able to buy stocks, ETFs and options while you’re on the easy-to-use platform, including Bitcoin ETFs.\n\n[Webull](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/brokerage-reviews\/webull\/) lets you trade a handful of cryptos, including Bitcoin. You’ll pay a spread markup of 1 percent on each transaction, however. You can also trade stocks, Bitcoin ETFs and options.\n\n## 4\\. Traditional brokers\n- **Best for:** Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures rather than the cryptocurrency itself\n- **Average cost to buy:** \\$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value\n\nSome [traditional brokers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading\/) have also ventured into the cryptocurrency arena, including Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab. And with the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs, major brokers offer funds that let you buy the crypto, too.\n\nAt [Interactive Brokers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/brokerage-reviews\/interactive-brokers\/), you’ll be able to buy [futures contracts on Bitcoin](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/bitcoin-etfs\/) as well as trade the coin directly. The broker charges \\$5 per futures contract, which gives you exposure to five bitcoins. If you want to trade Bitcoin directly, you’ll pay a competitive commission of 0.12 to 0.18 percent of your trade value, depending on your monthly volume. You’ll also have access to Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin and others. Interactive Brokers provides a whole range of other tradable securities, giving you access to securities across the world.\n\n## 5\\. Bitcoin ATMs\n- **Best for:** Investors who prefer cash or convenience\n- **Average cost to buy:** 6 percent to 20 percent\n\nAnother option is to buy bitcoins directly through a [Bitcoin ATM](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/what-are-bitcoin-atms\/), though you’re likely to pay much more in commissions than you would elsewhere. You’ll be able to buy bitcoins, and some ATMs will allow you to sell them, too, using cash or a debit card. But you need a Bitcoin wallet to make the transaction. Commissions can be pricey, with some ATMs charging around 20 percent per transaction.\n\n![](https:\/\/navi.cohesionapps.com\/display?write_key=wk_2M3TlVcWbz8i1RTZjLkSmbWfyQC&adId=2cea6ced29&req=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Finvesting%2Fhow-to-buy-bitcoins%2F&ref=)\n\n## Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for\nAs you’re considering how to buy Bitcoin, you’ll want to evaluate the following factors, since they should influence your choice of where to buy it or whether to ultimately avoid it altogether.\n\n- **Ownership:** What do you want to own exactly? You can own Bitcoin directly or indirectly (say, through an ETF) or a derivative such as a futures contract, which offers a return on the currency’s movement.\n- **Upside\/downside:** Your potential gain is related directly to whether you own the currency directly or via futures contract. By owning Bitcoin directly, your profit increases by a dollar with every dollar increase in the currency. In contrast, with futures, you can gain much more quickly without having to front as much capital. However, your downside is more limited by owning directly, while you can lose more money with futures.\n- **Cost:** Commissions can vary widely depending on how you purchase Bitcoin. Futures contracts get you a big piece of the action relatively cheaply, while some brokers may charge you several percent to buy directly. A few percent might not sound like a lot, but if you’re trading in and out of the market, it will quickly eat away at your profits. In contrast, a [Bitcoin ETF](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-etfs\/) gets you in the game quickly with no direct commission and a low annual [expense ratio](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-an-expense-ratio\/), and it’s simpler to trade that way, too.\n- **Security:** One of the biggest concerns with any investment is making sure that it’s secure. Some newer cryptocurrency players have had serious problems with security. For example, hackers stole \\$1.5 billion in Ethereum from ByBit earlier this year. More traditional brokers may offer better security because they’ve been dealing with the issue for much longer. And with Bitcoin ETFs, the fund company manages security, making it an easy way to own the cryptocurrency.\n\nYou may also receive bitcoins as part of commercial transactions. Regardless of how you came by your coins, [any crypto transaction is reportable to the IRS at tax time.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/crypto-taxes-guide-bitcoin-ethereum\/)\n\n### What do you need to buy Bitcoin?\nWhen you open an account at a traditional brokerage or a crypto exchange, you’ll need to provide basic personal information.\n\n- Your name, address, and phone number\n- Your Social Security number\n- Your bank account number\n- You may also have to detail how much trading experience you have and how comfortable you are with trading, depending on the institution.\n\nThis information allows the firm to identify you and verify who you are. It’s also vital during tax time when the broker or exchange prepares documents on your gains and losses, reports that you’ll need to accurately file your taxes.\n\n## FAQs about buying Bitcoin\n- ### How much does it cost to buy Bitcoin?\n  Fees for buying Bitcoin vary depending on how you buy it. Crypto exchanges might charge 0.4 percent to 2 percent per trade; brokerages and trading apps may charge no fee but add a spread markup; Bitcoin ETFs cost around 0.15 percent to 1.5 percent annually.\n- ### Can you cash out your money from Bitcoin?\n  Yes. You can sell your Bitcoin for a fiat currency like U.S. dollars, transfer it to your bank account or linked card.\n- ### What is the best way to store Bitcoin?\n  Where you store your Bitcoin depends on what you want to do with it. Frequent traders might keep it on an exchange or with a broker, while long-term investors or spenders might opt for a [crypto wallet](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-a-crypto-wallet\/). Note that a crypto wallet is entirely your responsibility. If you’re not careful about security, [you could wind up losing your cryptocurrency](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-recover-lost-bitcoins-and-other-crypto\/).\n  \n  Two popular options include hot wallets and cold wallets.\n  \n  - **Hot wallets:** A hot wallet allows your cryptocurrency to be used or moved around easily. Because your coins are secured by software rather than hardware and are still connected to the internet, they are more accessible but less secure than in a cold wallet. Some options include MetaMask, Trust Wallet (owned by Binance) and Coinbase Wallet, which is separate from the exchange.\n  - **Cold wallets:** A cold wallet relies on hardware — a physical device — to secure your holdings, and it looks like a USB thumb drive. This can be disconnected from the internet, making your holdings very secure. When you’re ready to transact, you can plug it in and conduct business. Some options include Ledger, Trezor and Coldcard.\n## Bottom line\nIf you’re looking to purchase Bitcoin or other digital currencies as an investment, it’s important to keep costs to a minimum. Given the novelty of the crypto market, many brokers would love to maximize their commissions (in contrast to the stock market, where trading fees have gone to zero). Those fees eat into your profits, so look for a way to minimize those frictional costs. But the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs provides a cheaper and more secure way for traders to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency.\n\nWhile the price of Bitcoin has run high quickly, it still carries serious risks that make it not suitable for everyone. Those looking for [conservative investments](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/low-risk-investments\/) or who cannot afford to lose money should consider avoiding Bitcoin or trading only with an amount they are willing to lose.\n\n*—* [*Kim Husband*](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/kim-husband\/) *contributed to an update.*\n\n*Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.*\n\nDid you find this page helpful?\n\n**Why we ask for feedback** Your feedback helps us improve our content and services. It takes less than a minute to complete.\n\nYour responses are anonymous and will only be used for improving our website.\n\nHelp us improve our content\n\nYes\n\nNo\n\nThank you for your feedback\\!\n\nYour input helps us improve our content and services.\n\nCite us\n\nShare this article\n\nShare this article\n\nClose\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/10\/26151853\/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=96&height=96&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\nWritten by\n\n[James Royal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\nFormer Principal Writer, Investing and Wealth Management\n\n- [Connect with James Royal, Ph.D. on Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/JimRoyalPhD)\n- [Connect with James Royal, Ph.D. on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/james-royal-phd-809b929\/)\n- [Get in contact with James Royal, Ph.D. via Email](mailto:jroyal@redventures.com)\n\n[Read more from James](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\nFormer Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D., covers investing and wealth management. His work has been cited by CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times and more.\n\n![A photo of a bitcoin ATM in a train station](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/01\/06115113\/how-to-buy-bitcoin.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9)\n\nNurPhoto\/Getty Images\n\nBankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money . Our Bankrate promise is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.\n\nTable of contents\n\n- [1\\. Financial apps](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#1)\n- [2\\. Crypto exchanges](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#2)\n- [3\\. Trading apps](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#3)\n- [4\\. Traditional brokers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#4)\n- [5\\. Bitcoin ATMs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#5)\n- [Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#buying)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#faqs)\n\nBack to top\n\n## You may also like\n![Mid adult man wearing headphones using laptop and looking away](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2023\/11\/30194322\/3-simple-rules-to-retire-as-a-millionaire-300x169.jpg)\n\n[3 simple rules to retire as a millionaire](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/retirement\/retire-a-millionaire\/)\n\nRetirement\n\nBy [James Royal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\n7 min read\n\n![hand passing bag of bitcoin](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2024\/09\/10170526\/Investments-How-to-give-cryptocurrency-as-a-gift-300x169.jpg)\n\n[How to give cryptocurrency as a gift](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-gift-crypto\/)\n\nInvesting\n\nBy [Logan Jacoby](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/logan-jacoby\/)\n\n4 min read\n\n![Man using cellphone](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2024\/09\/05134539\/How-to-buy-crypto-300x169.jpg)\n\n[How to buy cryptocurrency](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-crypto\/)\n\nInvesting\n\nBy [Logan Jacoby](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/logan-jacoby\/)\n\n4 min read\n\n![An artist's rendering of three crypto coins on a yellow background.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2025\/07\/14171327\/Investments-How-to-start-investing-in-cryptocurrency-A-guide-for-beginners-300x169.jpg)\n\n[How to start investing in cryptocurrency: 5 tips for beginners](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-invest-in-cryptocurrency-beginners-guide\/)\n\nInvesting\n\nBy [James Royal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\n6 min read\n\n## [Bankrate logo](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/)\n### About\n- [About us](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/about\/)\n- [Leadership](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/leadership\/)\n- [Press room](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/press-releases\/)\n- [Bankrate Data Center](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/data-center\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/careers\/)\n- [Site map](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/corporate\/site-map\/)\n\n### Help\n- [Compare rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/compare-rates\/)\n- [Latest news](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/news\/)\n- [Popular topics](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/popular-finance-topics\/)\n- [Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/media-kit\/)\n\n### Legal\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/privacy\/)\n- Cookie settings\n- [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information\/)\n- [Consumer Health Information Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/consumer-health-information-privacy-policy\/)\n- [Understanding Bankrate’s averages](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/understanding-bankrates-rate-averages\/)\n- [Terms of use](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/terms\/)\n- [GLBA annual notice](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/glba-notice\/)\n- [California Consumer Financial Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2022\/02\/15094901\/california-notice.pdf)\n- [Licenses](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/licenses\/)\n\n### How we make money\nBankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. 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Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.\n\nTable of contents\n\n- [1\\. Financial apps](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#1)\n- [2\\. Crypto exchanges](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#2)\n- [3\\. Trading apps](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#3)\n- [4\\. Traditional brokers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#4)\n- [5\\. Bitcoin ATMs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#5)\n- [Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#buying)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/#faqs)\n\n**Quick citation guide**   Select a citation to automatically copy to clipboard.\n\n**APA:**  Royal, J. (2025, September 16). *How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio.* Bankrate. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/\n\nCopied to clipboard\\!\n\n**MLA:**  Royal, James. \"How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio.\" *Bankrate*. 16 September 2025, https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/.\n\nCopied to clipboard\\!\n\n**Chicago:**  Royal, James. \"How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio.\" Bankrate. September 16, 2025. https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-buy-bitcoins\/.\n\nCopied to clipboard\\!\n\n![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=1805085980359671&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=1564326531369118&ev=PageView&noscript=1)","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Key takeaways\n- There are now several easy ways to buy Bitcoin, including apps, crypto exchanges, brokers and Bitcoin ATMs.\n- Costs, security and type of ownership are top considerations. For instance, crypto exchanges might offer lower costs, traditional brokers might provide better security and ETFs give you easy exposure but not direct ownership of Bitcoin.\n- Bitcoin is too risky to be suitable for all investors. It’s highly volatile and not a reliable hedge against inflation.\n\nBitcoin has seen dramatic [price swings since its 2009 debut](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/bitcoin-price-history\/) that have created fortunes for some investors and great losses for others. If you’re considering investing in [Bitcoin](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-bitcoin\/), you have options — including Bitcoin ETFs that make it possible to invest without actually owning the tokens themselves — and don’t need a specialized account unless that’s the route you prefer. Each method offers a different combination of cost, security and potential upside and downside.\n\n| Method | Best for | Average cost |\n|---|---|---|\n| Financial apps | Casual or beginner investors | 2\\.2 percent for trades \\< \\$75; fees fall from there |\n| Crypto exchanges | Intermediate or active crypto investors | Fees start at 0.40 percent |\n| Trading apps | Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders | No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup |\n| Traditional brokers | Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures | \\$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value |\n| Bitcoin ATMs | Investors who prefer cash or convenience | 6 percent to 20 percent |\n\nBitcoin (BTC) is the world’s [most popular cryptocurrency](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/types-of-cryptocurrency\/) — a currency that exists only virtually — with a market cap over \\$2 trillion. Bitcoin debuted in 2009 and really broke into mainstream consciousness in 2017 with its rapid rise that year. Coins are created, or “mined,” when computers that organize the currency [process and legitimize transactions in the currency](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-bitcoin-mining\/).\n\n## 1\\. Financial apps\n- **Best for:** Casual or beginner investors who might already be using a financial app\n- **Average cost to buy:** 2.2 percent for trades \\< \\$75; fees drop from there\n\nMany financial apps such as PayPal and Venmo now allow you to trade cryptocurrency.\n\nPayPal makes it tremendously easy to directly buy or sell bitcoins using the same app that you’ve come to trust with your online payments. You’ll pay a 2.2 percent fee for trades involving less than \\$75, and the fees fall from there. Trades involving \\$75 to \\$200 cost 2 percent, \\$200.01 to \\$1,000 cost 1.8 percent, while those above \\$1,000 come in at 1.5 percent.\n\nThere’s a spread markup on trades, but you won’t pay a fee for holding cryptocurrency in your account, and you can trade as little as \\$1 at a time. [Ethereum](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-ethereum\/) (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Solana (SOL) and Chainlink (LINK) are also tradable here, as is a PayPal stablecoin (PYUSD).\n\nVenmo charges the same fees, since it’s owned by PayPal.\n\n## 2\\. Crypto exchanges\n- **Best for:** Intermediate or active crypto investors who want more control over their assets or a wider coin selection\n- **Average cost to buy:** Fees start at 0.40 percent\n\nCrypto exchanges are another popular option for those looking to buy Bitcoin. Exchanges offer a few key advantages to traders. First, the [best crypto exchanges](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading\/) offer among the lowest possible all-in costs for trading cryptocurrency. So they’re a good bet if cost is your key objective. Second, many exchanges don’t charge spread mark-ups, which are hidden fees built into the trading prices. Third, many exchanges offer wallets, allowing you to securely store your cryptocurrency.\n\nThe fees at various crypto exchanges can differ markedly, so it’s worthwhile looking around to find which offers the best combination of price, crypto choice and service. Popular options include [Binance and Coinbase](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading\/).\n\n## 3\\. Trading apps\n- **Best for:** Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders who like a simple interface\n- **Average cost to buy:** No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup\n\nYou can pick up Bitcoin with no direct commission by using a trading app such as Webull or Robinhood, though you’ll end up making up for it with a spread markup. These apps also allow you to purchase [Bitcoin ETFs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/bitcoin-etfs\/).\n\n[Robinhood](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/brokerage-reviews\/robinhood\/) takes its best trick — no commissions — and applies it to cryptocurrency, but it does charge a spread markup, the exact cost of which it does not reveal. You’ll be able to buy Bitcoin directly and will have access to other digital currencies, too. Of course, you’ll be able to buy stocks, ETFs and options while you’re on the easy-to-use platform, including Bitcoin ETFs.\n\n[Webull](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/brokerage-reviews\/webull\/) lets you trade a handful of cryptos, including Bitcoin. You’ll pay a spread markup of 1 percent on each transaction, however. You can also trade stocks, Bitcoin ETFs and options.\n\n## 4\\. Traditional brokers\n- **Best for:** Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures rather than the cryptocurrency itself\n- **Average cost to buy:** \\$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value\n\nSome [traditional brokers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading\/) have also ventured into the cryptocurrency arena, including Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab. And with the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs, major brokers offer funds that let you buy the crypto, too.\n\nAt [Interactive Brokers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/brokerage-reviews\/interactive-brokers\/), you’ll be able to buy [futures contracts on Bitcoin](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/bitcoin-etfs\/) as well as trade the coin directly. The broker charges \\$5 per futures contract, which gives you exposure to five bitcoins. If you want to trade Bitcoin directly, you’ll pay a competitive commission of 0.12 to 0.18 percent of your trade value, depending on your monthly volume. You’ll also have access to Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin and others. Interactive Brokers provides a whole range of other tradable securities, giving you access to securities across the world.\n\n## 5\\. Bitcoin ATMs\n- **Best for:** Investors who prefer cash or convenience\n- **Average cost to buy:** 6 percent to 20 percent\n\nAnother option is to buy bitcoins directly through a [Bitcoin ATM](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/what-are-bitcoin-atms\/), though you’re likely to pay much more in commissions than you would elsewhere. You’ll be able to buy bitcoins, and some ATMs will allow you to sell them, too, using cash or a debit card. But you need a Bitcoin wallet to make the transaction. Commissions can be pricey, with some ATMs charging around 20 percent per transaction.\n\n## Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for\nAs you’re considering how to buy Bitcoin, you’ll want to evaluate the following factors, since they should influence your choice of where to buy it or whether to ultimately avoid it altogether.\n\n- **Ownership:** What do you want to own exactly? You can own Bitcoin directly or indirectly (say, through an ETF) or a derivative such as a futures contract, which offers a return on the currency’s movement.\n- **Upside\/downside:** Your potential gain is related directly to whether you own the currency directly or via futures contract. By owning Bitcoin directly, your profit increases by a dollar with every dollar increase in the currency. In contrast, with futures, you can gain much more quickly without having to front as much capital. However, your downside is more limited by owning directly, while you can lose more money with futures.\n- **Cost:** Commissions can vary widely depending on how you purchase Bitcoin. Futures contracts get you a big piece of the action relatively cheaply, while some brokers may charge you several percent to buy directly. A few percent might not sound like a lot, but if you’re trading in and out of the market, it will quickly eat away at your profits. In contrast, a [Bitcoin ETF](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-etfs\/) gets you in the game quickly with no direct commission and a low annual [expense ratio](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-an-expense-ratio\/), and it’s simpler to trade that way, too.\n- **Security:** One of the biggest concerns with any investment is making sure that it’s secure. Some newer cryptocurrency players have had serious problems with security. For example, hackers stole \\$1.5 billion in Ethereum from ByBit earlier this year. More traditional brokers may offer better security because they’ve been dealing with the issue for much longer. And with Bitcoin ETFs, the fund company manages security, making it an easy way to own the cryptocurrency.\n\nYou may also receive bitcoins as part of commercial transactions. Regardless of how you came by your coins, [any crypto transaction is reportable to the IRS at tax time.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/crypto-taxes-guide-bitcoin-ethereum\/)\n\n### What do you need to buy Bitcoin?\nWhen you open an account at a traditional brokerage or a crypto exchange, you’ll need to provide basic personal information.\n\n- Your name, address, and phone number\n- Your Social Security number\n- Your bank account number\n- You may also have to detail how much trading experience you have and how comfortable you are with trading, depending on the institution.\n\nThis information allows the firm to identify you and verify who you are. It’s also vital during tax time when the broker or exchange prepares documents on your gains and losses, reports that you’ll need to accurately file your taxes.\n\n## FAQs about buying Bitcoin\n## Bottom line\nIf you’re looking to purchase Bitcoin or other digital currencies as an investment, it’s important to keep costs to a minimum. Given the novelty of the crypto market, many brokers would love to maximize their commissions (in contrast to the stock market, where trading fees have gone to zero). Those fees eat into your profits, so look for a way to minimize those frictional costs. But the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs provides a cheaper and more secure way for traders to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency.\n\nWhile the price of Bitcoin has run high quickly, it still carries serious risks that make it not suitable for everyone. Those looking for [conservative investments](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/low-risk-investments\/) or who cannot afford to lose money should consider avoiding Bitcoin or trading only with an amount they are willing to lose.\n\n*—* [*Kim Husband*](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/kim-husband\/) *contributed to an update.*\n\n*Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.*\n\nDid you find this page helpful?\n\nHelp us improve our content","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Finance\":997,\"\/Finance\/Investing\":995,\"\/Finance\/Investing\/Currencies_and_Foreign_Exchange\":563}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":998,\"\/Article\/How_to\":839}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":640,\"Commercial\":517,\"Transactional\":121}","meta_language":"en-us","attrs_author":"James Royal","attrs_publish_time":1758029100,"attrs_original_publish_time":1513731946,"attrs_is_republished":1,"attrs_nr_words":"6407","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"1648","body_ext_links_number":16,"body_int_links_number":266,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":1,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":188,"download_ttfb_msec":156,"download_size":116021}

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Key takeaways There are now several easy ways to buy Bitcoin, including apps, crypto exchanges, brokers and Bitcoin ATMs. Costs, security and type of ownership are top considerations. For instance, crypto exchanges might offer lower costs, traditional brokers might provide better security and ETFs give you easy exposure but not direct ownership of Bitcoin. Bitcoin is too risky to be suitable for all investors. It’s highly volatile and not a reliable hedge against inflation. Bitcoin has seen dramatic price swings since its 2009 debut that have created fortunes for some investors and great losses for others. If you’re considering investing in Bitcoin , you have options — including Bitcoin ETFs that make it possible to invest without actually owning the tokens themselves — and don’t need a specialized account unless that’s the route you prefer. Each method offers a different combination of cost, security and potential upside and downside. Method Best for Average cost Financial apps Casual or beginner investors 2.2 percent for trades < $75; fees fall from there Crypto exchanges Intermediate or active crypto investors Fees start at 0.40 percent Trading apps Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup Traditional brokers Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures $0 or low fee + percentage of trade value Bitcoin ATMs Investors who prefer cash or convenience 6 percent to 20 percent Bitcoin Icon Bitcoin (BTC) is the world’s most popular cryptocurrency — a currency that exists only virtually — with a market cap over $2 trillion. Bitcoin debuted in 2009 and really broke into mainstream consciousness in 2017 with its rapid rise that year. Coins are created, or “mined,” when computers that organize the currency process and legitimize transactions in the currency . 1. Financial apps Best for: Casual or beginner investors who might already be using a financial app Average cost to buy: 2.2 percent for trades < $75; fees drop from there Many financial apps such as PayPal and Venmo now allow you to trade cryptocurrency. PayPal makes it tremendously easy to directly buy or sell bitcoins using the same app that you’ve come to trust with your online payments. You’ll pay a 2.2 percent fee for trades involving less than $75, and the fees fall from there. Trades involving $75 to $200 cost 2 percent, $200.01 to $1,000 cost 1.8 percent, while those above $1,000 come in at 1.5 percent. There’s a spread markup on trades, but you won’t pay a fee for holding cryptocurrency in your account, and you can trade as little as $1 at a time. Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Solana (SOL) and Chainlink (LINK) are also tradable here, as is a PayPal stablecoin (PYUSD). Venmo charges the same fees, since it’s owned by PayPal. 2. Crypto exchanges Best for: Intermediate or active crypto investors who want more control over their assets or a wider coin selection Average cost to buy: Fees start at 0.40 percent Crypto exchanges are another popular option for those looking to buy Bitcoin. Exchanges offer a few key advantages to traders. First, the best crypto exchanges offer among the lowest possible all-in costs for trading cryptocurrency. So they’re a good bet if cost is your key objective. Second, many exchanges don’t charge spread mark-ups, which are hidden fees built into the trading prices. Third, many exchanges offer wallets, allowing you to securely store your cryptocurrency. The fees at various crypto exchanges can differ markedly, so it’s worthwhile looking around to find which offers the best combination of price, crypto choice and service. Popular options include Binance and Coinbase . 3. Trading apps Best for: Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders who like a simple interface Average cost to buy: No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup You can pick up Bitcoin with no direct commission by using a trading app such as Webull or Robinhood, though you’ll end up making up for it with a spread markup. These apps also allow you to purchase Bitcoin ETFs . Robinhood takes its best trick — no commissions — and applies it to cryptocurrency, but it does charge a spread markup, the exact cost of which it does not reveal. You’ll be able to buy Bitcoin directly and will have access to other digital currencies, too. Of course, you’ll be able to buy stocks, ETFs and options while you’re on the easy-to-use platform, including Bitcoin ETFs. Webull lets you trade a handful of cryptos, including Bitcoin. You’ll pay a spread markup of 1 percent on each transaction, however. You can also trade stocks, Bitcoin ETFs and options. 4. Traditional brokers Best for: Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures rather than the cryptocurrency itself Average cost to buy: $0 or low fee + percentage of trade value Some traditional brokers have also ventured into the cryptocurrency arena, including Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab. And with the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs, major brokers offer funds that let you buy the crypto, too. At Interactive Brokers , you’ll be able to buy futures contracts on Bitcoin as well as trade the coin directly. The broker charges $5 per futures contract, which gives you exposure to five bitcoins. If you want to trade Bitcoin directly, you’ll pay a competitive commission of 0.12 to 0.18 percent of your trade value, depending on your monthly volume. You’ll also have access to Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin and others. Interactive Brokers provides a whole range of other tradable securities, giving you access to securities across the world. 5. Bitcoin ATMs Best for: Investors who prefer cash or convenience Average cost to buy: 6 percent to 20 percent Another option is to buy bitcoins directly through a Bitcoin ATM , though you’re likely to pay much more in commissions than you would elsewhere. You’ll be able to buy bitcoins, and some ATMs will allow you to sell them, too, using cash or a debit card. But you need a Bitcoin wallet to make the transaction. Commissions can be pricey, with some ATMs charging around 20 percent per transaction. Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for As you’re considering how to buy Bitcoin, you’ll want to evaluate the following factors, since they should influence your choice of where to buy it or whether to ultimately avoid it altogether. Ownership: What do you want to own exactly? You can own Bitcoin directly or indirectly (say, through an ETF) or a derivative such as a futures contract, which offers a return on the currency’s movement. Upside/downside: Your potential gain is related directly to whether you own the currency directly or via futures contract. By owning Bitcoin directly, your profit increases by a dollar with every dollar increase in the currency. In contrast, with futures, you can gain much more quickly without having to front as much capital. However, your downside is more limited by owning directly, while you can lose more money with futures. Cost: Commissions can vary widely depending on how you purchase Bitcoin. Futures contracts get you a big piece of the action relatively cheaply, while some brokers may charge you several percent to buy directly. A few percent might not sound like a lot, but if you’re trading in and out of the market, it will quickly eat away at your profits. In contrast, a Bitcoin ETF gets you in the game quickly with no direct commission and a low annual expense ratio , and it’s simpler to trade that way, too. Security: One of the biggest concerns with any investment is making sure that it’s secure. Some newer cryptocurrency players have had serious problems with security. For example, hackers stole $1.5 billion in Ethereum from ByBit earlier this year. More traditional brokers may offer better security because they’ve been dealing with the issue for much longer. And with Bitcoin ETFs, the fund company manages security, making it an easy way to own the cryptocurrency. You may also receive bitcoins as part of commercial transactions. Regardless of how you came by your coins, any crypto transaction is reportable to the IRS at tax time. What do you need to buy Bitcoin? When you open an account at a traditional brokerage or a crypto exchange, you’ll need to provide basic personal information. Your name, address, and phone number Your Social Security number Your bank account number You may also have to detail how much trading experience you have and how comfortable you are with trading, depending on the institution. This information allows the firm to identify you and verify who you are. It’s also vital during tax time when the broker or exchange prepares documents on your gains and losses, reports that you’ll need to accurately file your taxes. FAQs about buying Bitcoin Bottom line If you’re looking to purchase Bitcoin or other digital currencies as an investment, it’s important to keep costs to a minimum. Given the novelty of the crypto market, many brokers would love to maximize their commissions (in contrast to the stock market, where trading fees have gone to zero). Those fees eat into your profits, so look for a way to minimize those frictional costs. But the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs provides a cheaper and more secure way for traders to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency. While the price of Bitcoin has run high quickly, it still carries serious risks that make it not suitable for everyone. Those looking for conservative investments or who cannot afford to lose money should consider avoiding Bitcoin or trading only with an amount they are willing to lose. — Kim Husband contributed to an update. Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation. Did you find this page helpful? Info Icon Help us improve our content

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How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio Advertiser Disclosure # How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio ![James Royal, Ph.D.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/26151853/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) ![Johna Strickland](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/06/13164005/Johna-Strickland.jpeg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) Written by James Royal, Ph.D. , ![](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/26151853/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) [James Royal, Ph.D.](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/) Former Principal Writer, Investing and Wealth Management Expertise - • Investing - • Wealth management Former Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D., covers investing and wealth management. His work has been cited by CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times and more. [Read more](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/) - [Connect with James Royal, Ph.D. on Twitter](https://twitter.com/JimRoyalPhD) - [Connect with James Royal, Ph.D. on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-royal-phd-809b929/) - [Get in contact with James Royal, Ph.D. via Email](mailto:jroyal@redventures.com) Close [James Royal, Ph.D.](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/), Edited by Johna Strickland ![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/06/13164005/Johna-Strickland.jpeg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) [Johna Strickland](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/johna-strickland/) Former Editor, Investing Expertise - • Investing for beginners - • Retirement Former Bankrate investing editor Johna Strickland has explained complicated topics to everyday people for more than 15 years. As an editor and journalist, she has touched on nearly every aspect of personal finance. [Read more](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/johna-strickland/) - [Connect with Johna Strickland on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johna-strickland/) Close [Johna Strickland](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/johna-strickland/) Published on September 16, 2025 \| 6 min read Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money . Our Bankrate promise is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. ![A photo of a bitcoin ATM in a train station](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/01/06115113/how-to-buy-bitcoin.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9) NurPhoto/Getty Images Table of contents - [1\. Financial apps](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#1) - [2\. Crypto exchanges](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#2) - [3\. Trading apps](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#3) - [4\. Traditional brokers](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#4) - [5\. Bitcoin ATMs](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#5) - [Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#buying) - [FAQs](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#faqs) Table of contents Back to top ## Key takeaways - There are now several easy ways to buy Bitcoin, including apps, crypto exchanges, brokers and Bitcoin ATMs. - Costs, security and type of ownership are top considerations. For instance, crypto exchanges might offer lower costs, traditional brokers might provide better security and ETFs give you easy exposure but not direct ownership of Bitcoin. - Bitcoin is too risky to be suitable for all investors. It’s highly volatile and not a reliable hedge against inflation. Bitcoin has seen dramatic [price swings since its 2009 debut](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/bitcoin-price-history/) that have created fortunes for some investors and great losses for others. If you’re considering investing in [Bitcoin](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-bitcoin/), you have options — including Bitcoin ETFs that make it possible to invest without actually owning the tokens themselves — and don’t need a specialized account unless that’s the route you prefer. Each method offers a different combination of cost, security and potential upside and downside. | Method | Best for | Average cost | |---|---|---| | Financial apps | Casual or beginner investors | 2\.2 percent for trades \< \$75; fees fall from there | | Crypto exchanges | Intermediate or active crypto investors | Fees start at 0.40 percent | | Trading apps | Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders | No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup | | Traditional brokers | Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures | \$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value | | Bitcoin ATMs | Investors who prefer cash or convenience | 6 percent to 20 percent | Bitcoin (BTC) is the world’s [most popular cryptocurrency](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/types-of-cryptocurrency/) — a currency that exists only virtually — with a market cap over \$2 trillion. Bitcoin debuted in 2009 and really broke into mainstream consciousness in 2017 with its rapid rise that year. Coins are created, or “mined,” when computers that organize the currency [process and legitimize transactions in the currency](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-bitcoin-mining/). ## 1\. Financial apps - **Best for:** Casual or beginner investors who might already be using a financial app - **Average cost to buy:** 2.2 percent for trades \< \$75; fees drop from there Many financial apps such as PayPal and Venmo now allow you to trade cryptocurrency. PayPal makes it tremendously easy to directly buy or sell bitcoins using the same app that you’ve come to trust with your online payments. You’ll pay a 2.2 percent fee for trades involving less than \$75, and the fees fall from there. Trades involving \$75 to \$200 cost 2 percent, \$200.01 to \$1,000 cost 1.8 percent, while those above \$1,000 come in at 1.5 percent. There’s a spread markup on trades, but you won’t pay a fee for holding cryptocurrency in your account, and you can trade as little as \$1 at a time. [Ethereum](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-ethereum/) (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Solana (SOL) and Chainlink (LINK) are also tradable here, as is a PayPal stablecoin (PYUSD). Venmo charges the same fees, since it’s owned by PayPal. ![](https://navi.cohesionapps.com/display?write_key=wk_2M3TlVcWbz8i1RTZjLkSmbWfyQC&adId=adfec188b7&req=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Finvesting%2Fhow-to-buy-bitcoins%2F&ref=) ## 2\. Crypto exchanges - **Best for:** Intermediate or active crypto investors who want more control over their assets or a wider coin selection - **Average cost to buy:** Fees start at 0.40 percent Crypto exchanges are another popular option for those looking to buy Bitcoin. Exchanges offer a few key advantages to traders. First, the [best crypto exchanges](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading/) offer among the lowest possible all-in costs for trading cryptocurrency. So they’re a good bet if cost is your key objective. Second, many exchanges don’t charge spread mark-ups, which are hidden fees built into the trading prices. Third, many exchanges offer wallets, allowing you to securely store your cryptocurrency. The fees at various crypto exchanges can differ markedly, so it’s worthwhile looking around to find which offers the best combination of price, crypto choice and service. Popular options include [Binance and Coinbase](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading/). ## 3\. Trading apps - **Best for:** Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders who like a simple interface - **Average cost to buy:** No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup You can pick up Bitcoin with no direct commission by using a trading app such as Webull or Robinhood, though you’ll end up making up for it with a spread markup. These apps also allow you to purchase [Bitcoin ETFs](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/bitcoin-etfs/). [Robinhood](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/brokerage-reviews/robinhood/) takes its best trick — no commissions — and applies it to cryptocurrency, but it does charge a spread markup, the exact cost of which it does not reveal. You’ll be able to buy Bitcoin directly and will have access to other digital currencies, too. Of course, you’ll be able to buy stocks, ETFs and options while you’re on the easy-to-use platform, including Bitcoin ETFs. [Webull](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/brokerage-reviews/webull/) lets you trade a handful of cryptos, including Bitcoin. You’ll pay a spread markup of 1 percent on each transaction, however. You can also trade stocks, Bitcoin ETFs and options. ## 4\. Traditional brokers - **Best for:** Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures rather than the cryptocurrency itself - **Average cost to buy:** \$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value Some [traditional brokers](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading/) have also ventured into the cryptocurrency arena, including Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab. And with the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs, major brokers offer funds that let you buy the crypto, too. At [Interactive Brokers](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/brokerage-reviews/interactive-brokers/), you’ll be able to buy [futures contracts on Bitcoin](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/bitcoin-etfs/) as well as trade the coin directly. The broker charges \$5 per futures contract, which gives you exposure to five bitcoins. If you want to trade Bitcoin directly, you’ll pay a competitive commission of 0.12 to 0.18 percent of your trade value, depending on your monthly volume. You’ll also have access to Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin and others. Interactive Brokers provides a whole range of other tradable securities, giving you access to securities across the world. ## 5\. Bitcoin ATMs - **Best for:** Investors who prefer cash or convenience - **Average cost to buy:** 6 percent to 20 percent Another option is to buy bitcoins directly through a [Bitcoin ATM](https://www.bankrate.com/banking/what-are-bitcoin-atms/), though you’re likely to pay much more in commissions than you would elsewhere. You’ll be able to buy bitcoins, and some ATMs will allow you to sell them, too, using cash or a debit card. But you need a Bitcoin wallet to make the transaction. Commissions can be pricey, with some ATMs charging around 20 percent per transaction. ![](https://navi.cohesionapps.com/display?write_key=wk_2M3TlVcWbz8i1RTZjLkSmbWfyQC&adId=2cea6ced29&req=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Finvesting%2Fhow-to-buy-bitcoins%2F&ref=) ## Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for As you’re considering how to buy Bitcoin, you’ll want to evaluate the following factors, since they should influence your choice of where to buy it or whether to ultimately avoid it altogether. - **Ownership:** What do you want to own exactly? You can own Bitcoin directly or indirectly (say, through an ETF) or a derivative such as a futures contract, which offers a return on the currency’s movement. - **Upside/downside:** Your potential gain is related directly to whether you own the currency directly or via futures contract. By owning Bitcoin directly, your profit increases by a dollar with every dollar increase in the currency. In contrast, with futures, you can gain much more quickly without having to front as much capital. However, your downside is more limited by owning directly, while you can lose more money with futures. - **Cost:** Commissions can vary widely depending on how you purchase Bitcoin. Futures contracts get you a big piece of the action relatively cheaply, while some brokers may charge you several percent to buy directly. A few percent might not sound like a lot, but if you’re trading in and out of the market, it will quickly eat away at your profits. In contrast, a [Bitcoin ETF](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-etfs/) gets you in the game quickly with no direct commission and a low annual [expense ratio](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-an-expense-ratio/), and it’s simpler to trade that way, too. - **Security:** One of the biggest concerns with any investment is making sure that it’s secure. Some newer cryptocurrency players have had serious problems with security. For example, hackers stole \$1.5 billion in Ethereum from ByBit earlier this year. More traditional brokers may offer better security because they’ve been dealing with the issue for much longer. And with Bitcoin ETFs, the fund company manages security, making it an easy way to own the cryptocurrency. You may also receive bitcoins as part of commercial transactions. Regardless of how you came by your coins, [any crypto transaction is reportable to the IRS at tax time.](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/crypto-taxes-guide-bitcoin-ethereum/) ### What do you need to buy Bitcoin? When you open an account at a traditional brokerage or a crypto exchange, you’ll need to provide basic personal information. - Your name, address, and phone number - Your Social Security number - Your bank account number - You may also have to detail how much trading experience you have and how comfortable you are with trading, depending on the institution. This information allows the firm to identify you and verify who you are. It’s also vital during tax time when the broker or exchange prepares documents on your gains and losses, reports that you’ll need to accurately file your taxes. ## FAQs about buying Bitcoin - ### How much does it cost to buy Bitcoin? Fees for buying Bitcoin vary depending on how you buy it. Crypto exchanges might charge 0.4 percent to 2 percent per trade; brokerages and trading apps may charge no fee but add a spread markup; Bitcoin ETFs cost around 0.15 percent to 1.5 percent annually. - ### Can you cash out your money from Bitcoin? Yes. You can sell your Bitcoin for a fiat currency like U.S. dollars, transfer it to your bank account or linked card. - ### What is the best way to store Bitcoin? Where you store your Bitcoin depends on what you want to do with it. Frequent traders might keep it on an exchange or with a broker, while long-term investors or spenders might opt for a [crypto wallet](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-a-crypto-wallet/). Note that a crypto wallet is entirely your responsibility. If you’re not careful about security, [you could wind up losing your cryptocurrency](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-recover-lost-bitcoins-and-other-crypto/). Two popular options include hot wallets and cold wallets. - **Hot wallets:** A hot wallet allows your cryptocurrency to be used or moved around easily. Because your coins are secured by software rather than hardware and are still connected to the internet, they are more accessible but less secure than in a cold wallet. Some options include MetaMask, Trust Wallet (owned by Binance) and Coinbase Wallet, which is separate from the exchange. - **Cold wallets:** A cold wallet relies on hardware — a physical device — to secure your holdings, and it looks like a USB thumb drive. This can be disconnected from the internet, making your holdings very secure. When you’re ready to transact, you can plug it in and conduct business. Some options include Ledger, Trezor and Coldcard. ## Bottom line If you’re looking to purchase Bitcoin or other digital currencies as an investment, it’s important to keep costs to a minimum. Given the novelty of the crypto market, many brokers would love to maximize their commissions (in contrast to the stock market, where trading fees have gone to zero). Those fees eat into your profits, so look for a way to minimize those frictional costs. But the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs provides a cheaper and more secure way for traders to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency. While the price of Bitcoin has run high quickly, it still carries serious risks that make it not suitable for everyone. Those looking for [conservative investments](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/low-risk-investments/) or who cannot afford to lose money should consider avoiding Bitcoin or trading only with an amount they are willing to lose. *—* [*Kim Husband*](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/kim-husband/) *contributed to an update.* *Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.* Did you find this page helpful? **Why we ask for feedback** Your feedback helps us improve our content and services. It takes less than a minute to complete. Your responses are anonymous and will only be used for improving our website. Help us improve our content Yes No Thank you for your feedback\! Your input helps us improve our content and services. Cite us Share this article Share this article Close ![](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/26151853/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=96&height=96&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) Written by [James Royal, Ph.D.](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/) Former Principal Writer, Investing and Wealth Management - [Connect with James Royal, Ph.D. on Twitter](https://twitter.com/JimRoyalPhD) - [Connect with James Royal, Ph.D. on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-royal-phd-809b929/) - [Get in contact with James Royal, Ph.D. via Email](mailto:jroyal@redventures.com) [Read more from James](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/) Former Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D., covers investing and wealth management. His work has been cited by CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times and more. ![A photo of a bitcoin ATM in a train station](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/01/06115113/how-to-buy-bitcoin.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9) NurPhoto/Getty Images Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money . Our Bankrate promise is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Table of contents - [1\. Financial apps](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#1) - [2\. Crypto exchanges](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#2) - [3\. Trading apps](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#3) - [4\. Traditional brokers](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#4) - [5\. Bitcoin ATMs](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#5) - [Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#buying) - [FAQs](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#faqs) Back to top ## You may also like ![Mid adult man wearing headphones using laptop and looking away](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/30194322/3-simple-rules-to-retire-as-a-millionaire-300x169.jpg) [3 simple rules to retire as a millionaire](https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/retire-a-millionaire/) Retirement By [James Royal, Ph.D.](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/) 7 min read ![hand passing bag of bitcoin](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/10170526/Investments-How-to-give-cryptocurrency-as-a-gift-300x169.jpg) [How to give cryptocurrency as a gift](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-gift-crypto/) Investing By [Logan Jacoby](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/logan-jacoby/) 4 min read ![Man using cellphone](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/05134539/How-to-buy-crypto-300x169.jpg) [How to buy cryptocurrency](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-crypto/) Investing By [Logan Jacoby](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/logan-jacoby/) 4 min read ![An artist's rendering of three crypto coins on a yellow background.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/07/14171327/Investments-How-to-start-investing-in-cryptocurrency-A-guide-for-beginners-300x169.jpg) [How to start investing in cryptocurrency: 5 tips for beginners](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-cryptocurrency-beginners-guide/) Investing By [James Royal, Ph.D.](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/) 6 min read ## [Bankrate logo](https://www.bankrate.com/) ### About - [About us](https://www.bankrate.com/about/) - [Leadership](https://www.bankrate.com/leadership/) - [Press room](https://www.bankrate.com/press-releases/) - [Bankrate Data Center](https://www.bankrate.com/data-center/) - [Careers](https://www.bankrate.com/careers/) - [Site map](https://www.bankrate.com/corporate/site-map/) ### Help - [Compare rates](https://www.bankrate.com/compare-rates/) - [Latest news](https://www.bankrate.com/news/) - [Popular topics](https://www.bankrate.com/popular-finance-topics/) - [Advertise with us](https://www.bankrate.com/media-kit/) ### Legal - [Privacy policy](https://www.bankrate.com/privacy/) - Cookie settings - [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://www.bankrate.com/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information/) - [Consumer Health Information Privacy Policy](https://www.bankrate.com/consumer-health-information-privacy-policy/) - [Understanding Bankrate’s averages](https://www.bankrate.com/understanding-bankrates-rate-averages/) - [Terms of use](https://www.bankrate.com/terms/) - [GLBA annual notice](https://www.bankrate.com/glba-notice/) - [California Consumer Financial Privacy Notice](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/02/15094901/california-notice.pdf) - [Licenses](https://www.bankrate.com/licenses/) ### How we make money Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. 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So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information. ## How we make money You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict [editorial policy](https://www.bankrate.com/editorial-guidelines/ "editorial policy"), so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Table of contents - [1\. Financial apps](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#1) - [2\. Crypto exchanges](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#2) - [3\. Trading apps](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#3) - [4\. Traditional brokers](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#4) - [5\. Bitcoin ATMs](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#5) - [Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#buying) - [FAQs](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/#faqs) **Quick citation guide** Select a citation to automatically copy to clipboard. **APA:** Royal, J. (2025, September 16). *How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio.* Bankrate. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/ Copied to clipboard\! **MLA:** Royal, James. "How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio." *Bankrate*. 16 September 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/. Copied to clipboard\! **Chicago:** Royal, James. "How to buy Bitcoin: 5 ways to add the popular cryptocurrency to your portfolio." Bankrate. September 16, 2025. https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-buy-bitcoins/. Copied to clipboard\! ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1805085980359671&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1564326531369118&ev=PageView&noscript=1)

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## Key takeaways - There are now several easy ways to buy Bitcoin, including apps, crypto exchanges, brokers and Bitcoin ATMs. - Costs, security and type of ownership are top considerations. For instance, crypto exchanges might offer lower costs, traditional brokers might provide better security and ETFs give you easy exposure but not direct ownership of Bitcoin. - Bitcoin is too risky to be suitable for all investors. It’s highly volatile and not a reliable hedge against inflation. Bitcoin has seen dramatic [price swings since its 2009 debut](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/bitcoin-price-history/) that have created fortunes for some investors and great losses for others. If you’re considering investing in [Bitcoin](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-bitcoin/), you have options — including Bitcoin ETFs that make it possible to invest without actually owning the tokens themselves — and don’t need a specialized account unless that’s the route you prefer. Each method offers a different combination of cost, security and potential upside and downside. | Method | Best for | Average cost | |---|---|---| | Financial apps | Casual or beginner investors | 2\.2 percent for trades \< \$75; fees fall from there | | Crypto exchanges | Intermediate or active crypto investors | Fees start at 0.40 percent | | Trading apps | Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders | No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup | | Traditional brokers | Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures | \$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value | | Bitcoin ATMs | Investors who prefer cash or convenience | 6 percent to 20 percent | Bitcoin (BTC) is the world’s [most popular cryptocurrency](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/types-of-cryptocurrency/) — a currency that exists only virtually — with a market cap over \$2 trillion. Bitcoin debuted in 2009 and really broke into mainstream consciousness in 2017 with its rapid rise that year. Coins are created, or “mined,” when computers that organize the currency [process and legitimize transactions in the currency](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-bitcoin-mining/). ## 1\. Financial apps - **Best for:** Casual or beginner investors who might already be using a financial app - **Average cost to buy:** 2.2 percent for trades \< \$75; fees drop from there Many financial apps such as PayPal and Venmo now allow you to trade cryptocurrency. PayPal makes it tremendously easy to directly buy or sell bitcoins using the same app that you’ve come to trust with your online payments. You’ll pay a 2.2 percent fee for trades involving less than \$75, and the fees fall from there. Trades involving \$75 to \$200 cost 2 percent, \$200.01 to \$1,000 cost 1.8 percent, while those above \$1,000 come in at 1.5 percent. There’s a spread markup on trades, but you won’t pay a fee for holding cryptocurrency in your account, and you can trade as little as \$1 at a time. [Ethereum](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-ethereum/) (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Solana (SOL) and Chainlink (LINK) are also tradable here, as is a PayPal stablecoin (PYUSD). Venmo charges the same fees, since it’s owned by PayPal. ## 2\. Crypto exchanges - **Best for:** Intermediate or active crypto investors who want more control over their assets or a wider coin selection - **Average cost to buy:** Fees start at 0.40 percent Crypto exchanges are another popular option for those looking to buy Bitcoin. Exchanges offer a few key advantages to traders. First, the [best crypto exchanges](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading/) offer among the lowest possible all-in costs for trading cryptocurrency. So they’re a good bet if cost is your key objective. Second, many exchanges don’t charge spread mark-ups, which are hidden fees built into the trading prices. Third, many exchanges offer wallets, allowing you to securely store your cryptocurrency. The fees at various crypto exchanges can differ markedly, so it’s worthwhile looking around to find which offers the best combination of price, crypto choice and service. Popular options include [Binance and Coinbase](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading/). ## 3\. Trading apps - **Best for:** Beginner or intermediate investors; passive traders who like a simple interface - **Average cost to buy:** No direct commission, but traders pay spread markup You can pick up Bitcoin with no direct commission by using a trading app such as Webull or Robinhood, though you’ll end up making up for it with a spread markup. These apps also allow you to purchase [Bitcoin ETFs](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/bitcoin-etfs/). [Robinhood](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/brokerage-reviews/robinhood/) takes its best trick — no commissions — and applies it to cryptocurrency, but it does charge a spread markup, the exact cost of which it does not reveal. You’ll be able to buy Bitcoin directly and will have access to other digital currencies, too. Of course, you’ll be able to buy stocks, ETFs and options while you’re on the easy-to-use platform, including Bitcoin ETFs. [Webull](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/brokerage-reviews/webull/) lets you trade a handful of cryptos, including Bitcoin. You’ll pay a spread markup of 1 percent on each transaction, however. You can also trade stocks, Bitcoin ETFs and options. ## 4\. Traditional brokers - **Best for:** Investors who are comfortable trading in Bitcoin futures rather than the cryptocurrency itself - **Average cost to buy:** \$0 or low fee + percentage of trade value Some [traditional brokers](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-online-brokers-cryptocurrency-trading/) have also ventured into the cryptocurrency arena, including Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab. And with the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs, major brokers offer funds that let you buy the crypto, too. At [Interactive Brokers](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/brokerage-reviews/interactive-brokers/), you’ll be able to buy [futures contracts on Bitcoin](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/bitcoin-etfs/) as well as trade the coin directly. The broker charges \$5 per futures contract, which gives you exposure to five bitcoins. If you want to trade Bitcoin directly, you’ll pay a competitive commission of 0.12 to 0.18 percent of your trade value, depending on your monthly volume. You’ll also have access to Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin and others. Interactive Brokers provides a whole range of other tradable securities, giving you access to securities across the world. ## 5\. Bitcoin ATMs - **Best for:** Investors who prefer cash or convenience - **Average cost to buy:** 6 percent to 20 percent Another option is to buy bitcoins directly through a [Bitcoin ATM](https://www.bankrate.com/banking/what-are-bitcoin-atms/), though you’re likely to pay much more in commissions than you would elsewhere. You’ll be able to buy bitcoins, and some ATMs will allow you to sell them, too, using cash or a debit card. But you need a Bitcoin wallet to make the transaction. Commissions can be pricey, with some ATMs charging around 20 percent per transaction. ## Buying Bitcoin: Here’s what to watch for As you’re considering how to buy Bitcoin, you’ll want to evaluate the following factors, since they should influence your choice of where to buy it or whether to ultimately avoid it altogether. - **Ownership:** What do you want to own exactly? You can own Bitcoin directly or indirectly (say, through an ETF) or a derivative such as a futures contract, which offers a return on the currency’s movement. - **Upside/downside:** Your potential gain is related directly to whether you own the currency directly or via futures contract. By owning Bitcoin directly, your profit increases by a dollar with every dollar increase in the currency. In contrast, with futures, you can gain much more quickly without having to front as much capital. However, your downside is more limited by owning directly, while you can lose more money with futures. - **Cost:** Commissions can vary widely depending on how you purchase Bitcoin. Futures contracts get you a big piece of the action relatively cheaply, while some brokers may charge you several percent to buy directly. A few percent might not sound like a lot, but if you’re trading in and out of the market, it will quickly eat away at your profits. In contrast, a [Bitcoin ETF](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-etfs/) gets you in the game quickly with no direct commission and a low annual [expense ratio](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-an-expense-ratio/), and it’s simpler to trade that way, too. - **Security:** One of the biggest concerns with any investment is making sure that it’s secure. Some newer cryptocurrency players have had serious problems with security. For example, hackers stole \$1.5 billion in Ethereum from ByBit earlier this year. More traditional brokers may offer better security because they’ve been dealing with the issue for much longer. And with Bitcoin ETFs, the fund company manages security, making it an easy way to own the cryptocurrency. You may also receive bitcoins as part of commercial transactions. Regardless of how you came by your coins, [any crypto transaction is reportable to the IRS at tax time.](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/crypto-taxes-guide-bitcoin-ethereum/) ### What do you need to buy Bitcoin? When you open an account at a traditional brokerage or a crypto exchange, you’ll need to provide basic personal information. - Your name, address, and phone number - Your Social Security number - Your bank account number - You may also have to detail how much trading experience you have and how comfortable you are with trading, depending on the institution. This information allows the firm to identify you and verify who you are. It’s also vital during tax time when the broker or exchange prepares documents on your gains and losses, reports that you’ll need to accurately file your taxes. ## FAQs about buying Bitcoin ## Bottom line If you’re looking to purchase Bitcoin or other digital currencies as an investment, it’s important to keep costs to a minimum. Given the novelty of the crypto market, many brokers would love to maximize their commissions (in contrast to the stock market, where trading fees have gone to zero). Those fees eat into your profits, so look for a way to minimize those frictional costs. But the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs provides a cheaper and more secure way for traders to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency. While the price of Bitcoin has run high quickly, it still carries serious risks that make it not suitable for everyone. Those looking for [conservative investments](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/low-risk-investments/) or who cannot afford to lose money should consider avoiding Bitcoin or trading only with an amount they are willing to lose. *—* [*Kim Husband*](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/kim-husband/) *contributed to an update.* *Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.* Did you find this page helpful? Help us improve our content

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