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No results match your search criteria. - Explore by topic - [Investing](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/investing/) - [Crypto](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/crypto/) - [Stocks](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/stocks/) - [Options](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/options/) - [ETFs](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/etf/) - [Guides](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/guides/?essentials) - [Courses](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/courses/) [Help](https://help.etoro.com/en-us/s/) [Log in](https://www.etoro.com/login)[Sign Up](https://www.etoro.com/accounts/sign-up?funnelFromId=71)[Download the App](https://etoro.onelink.me/2615279504/3ff5f19f) Search [Log in](https://www.etoro.com/login) [Sign Up](https://www.etoro.com/accounts/sign-up?funnelFromId=71) [Go to eToro](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/) [PlatformeToro Platform](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/)  # HOW TO BUY BITCOIN FOR THE FIRST TIME -  By: [Samuel Atkins](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/editorial/contributors/samuel-atkins/)  Samuel Atkins Crypto content writer Sam is a copywriter and editor with years of experience writing about cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and DeFi. He has contributed to content for leading crypto exchanges and companies working in the Web3 industry. - [Full Bio](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/editorial/contributors/samuel-atkins/) × -  Reviewed by: [Simon Peters](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/editorial/analysts/simon-peters/)  Simon Peters Crypto Market Analyst and UK Account Management Team Leader [Follow](https://www.etoro.com/people/simon_etoro) An experienced Team Leader within the UK Retention Team at eToro, as well as a Market Analyst and spokesperson for eToro covering crypto. - [Full Bio](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/editorial/analysts/simon-peters/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjpeters) - [X](https://twitter.com/simonjapeters) × **Table of Contents** *** [Facebook](https://www.etoro.com/#facebook "Facebook") [LinkedIn](https://www.etoro.com/#linkedin "LinkedIn") [X](https://www.etoro.com/#x "X") [WhatsApp](https://www.etoro.com/#whatsapp "WhatsApp") [Share](https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etoro.com%2Fen-us%2Fcrypto%2Fhow-to-buy-bitcoin%2F&title=How%20to%20Buy%20Bitcoin%20for%20the%20First%20Time) Updated: 10/09/2025•Beginners•9 min [Crypto](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/crypto/) Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency in the world. For most people, the best place to buy Bitcoin is a crypto exchange. These are online platforms, similar to online brokers, that specialize in facilitating crypto trading. *** The innovative technology behind Bitcoin ([BTC](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/what-is-bitcoin/)) offers a revolutionary way of carrying out transactions and storing your wealth. While some of the jargon surrounding cryptos can be challenging at times, the ways to buy and hold cryptos such as Bitcoin can be a lot more straightforward.  ## Bitcoin for Beginners It can be intimidating to get into [crypto](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/what-is-cryptocurrency/), especially for the first time. However, **buying bitcoin doesn’t have to be difficult.** In fact, you can learn how to purchase bitcoin with confidence and ease as long as you follow these steps: - **Ask yourself the right questions:** Think about all of the things you don’t yet understand about Bitcoin, or how to trade **cryptocurrency** in general. - **Learn about Bitcoin:** Like all assets, including stocks and ETFs, it is important to establish how a market works before entering into it. - **Buy Bitcoin:** Make your initial bitcoin purchase somewhere you trust. - **Store Bitcoin:** Make sure that your bitcoin is secure and accessible for future use. **Tip:** Online [social trading chat rooms](https://www.etoro.com/markets/btc?funnelFromId=71) can be a good place to start finding out more about Bitcoin. ## How to Buy Bitcoin Once you’ve established that you want to buy Bitcoin, the next step is to consider the different ways of making your first purchase. You can [buy Bitcoin with a bank account](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/buy-bitcoin-with-bank-account/) using a broker platform or even buy it in person. **Each approach has its own benefits and drawbacks**.  ### Broker platforms and exchanges When it comes to buying bitcoin, **exchanges** and **trading platforms** are a good place to start. **These online sites match buyers and sellers in an efficient manner and allow you to get the best price for your bitcoin purchase**. **Multi-asset trading platforms** support trading in Bitcoin as well as more conventional assets such as stocks, ETFs and options. Once you’ve deposited funds into your account using fiat or crypto, orders to buy Bitcoin can be executed by clicking a button. ### Peer-to-Peer The original advocates of crypto would transact in a peer-to-peer nature, whether it be through in-person meetups or online message boards and forums. Today, **you can** **still** **buy bitcoin from online peer-to-peer marketplaces**. Sites still **match** crypto holders (i.e., crypto owners) with those looking to buy bitcoin and **facilitate a transaction**. The buyer and seller agree to a price and transact using the site’s escrow service. While the P2P nature of LocalBitcoins makes it ideal for purists who avoid centralized entities at all costs, don’t expect to get the best price for your bitcoin purchase, as **such marketplaces are much less efficient than traditional exchanges,** and **scammers** have been known to flock to unsuspecting users of P2P sites. ## How to Keep Your Crypto Secure You can choose to have total control over your own cryptos, or hand over the reins to a trusted financial institution to provide custody for you. **Storage and security is of the utmost importance**, as those without proper storage are at risk of having their Bitcoin stolen or lost forever. Digital wallets Digital wallets hold an online record of your Bitcoin holding in the same way that a bank or broker keeps a record of your cash balance or stock portfolio. The pros and cons are also similar. With digital wallets such as the [eToro Wallet](https://help.etoro.com/en-us/s/topic/0TO08000000kXunGAE/etoro-money-crypto-wallet), you are relying on a third party to securely store your Bitcoin. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but proponents of this approach take the view that **specialist service providers** are in a good position to perform the task. Digital wallets also enable you to send and receive cryptocurrency from other wallets with relative ease.  ### Self-Custody If you want to manage the security of bitcoin yourself, you could opt for self-custody and store your Bitcoin in “cold storage” using a **hardware wallet** such as a hard drive. While storing your Bitcoin in a “cold wallet” **reduces the risk** of it being exposed to online security risks, your Bitcoin won’t be very accessible, and losing the hard drive would equate to losing your Bitcoin. ## How to Buy Bitcoin on eToro In order to buy Bitcoin on eToro, you will need to **sign up and deposit funds.** **Step 1: Sign up** — If you’d like to [buy bitcoin](https://www.etoro.com/markets/btc?funnelFromId=71) through eToro, all you need to do is sign up, using the online [account registration](https://www.etoro.com/accounts/sign-up?funnelFromId=71) page. **Step 2: Deposit funds** — Link your bank, and transfer [fiat currency or crypto assets](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/how-to-convert-crypto-to-fiat/) into your eToro account. **Step 3: Buy Bitcoin** — Bitcoin can be purchased fractionally, so you don’t need to buy a full bitcoin to own some. For example, if Bitcoin’s price is \$60,000, you can purchase 0.1 bitcoin for \$6,000. ## Final thoughts Bitcoin may be based on ground-breaking technology and offer a route to a wholesale transformation of the global financial system, but at the same time, **mainstream adoption of crypto has resulted in a wider range of ways of buying it**. **This doesn’t necessarily mean that the price of Bitcoin will go up**, but carrying out research about how you buy and hold Bitcoin will at least allow you to avoid some of the pitfalls that used to be associated with the crypto markets. Learn more about Bitcoin by joining the [eToro Academy](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/). ## FAQs What are “Altcoins”? Altcoins or “alternative coins” are cryptos other than Bitcoin. The list of altcoins includes alternatives like Ethereum ([ETH](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/what-is-ethereum/)) and Doge ([DOGE](https://www.etoro.com/markets/doge?funnelFromId=71)). Altcoins have often been designed to address the perceived limitations of Bitcoin or explore new applications of blockchain technology. What is a “hot wallet”? A “hot wallet” is a digital cryptocurrency [wallet](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/wallet-guide/) that is always connected to the internet. It allows users to access their crypto holdings with relative ease and carry out transactions, but it potentially poses a higher security risk compared to cold wallets, which store crypto offline. Can I hold Bitcoin in physical form? No, you cannot hold Bitcoin in physical form. It is a digital currency where ownership and transactions are tracked using [blockchain](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/blockchain-guide/) technology. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice, personal recommendation, or an offer of, or solicitation to, buy or sell any financial instruments. This material has been prepared without regard to any particular investment objectives or financial situation and has not been prepared in accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements to promote independent research. **Not all of the financial instruments and services referred to are offered by eToro** and any references to past performance of a financial instrument, index, or a packaged investment product are not, and should not be taken as, a reliable indicator of future results. eToro makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this guide. Make sure you understand the risks involved in trading before committing any capital. Never risk more than you are prepared to lose. ## Related Articles Previous [What Is Blockchain and How Does It Work?](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/blockchain-guide/) [Investing in Crypto 101: A Beginner’s Guide](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/how-to-invest-in-cryptocurrency/) [A Guide to Crypto Wallets](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/wallet-guide/) [Coins vs Tokens: What’s the Difference?](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/coins-vs-tokens/) [What Is Blockchain and How Does It Work?](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/blockchain-guide/) [Investing in Crypto 101: A Beginner’s Guide](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/how-to-invest-in-cryptocurrency/) [A Guide to Crypto Wallets](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/wallet-guide/) [Coins vs Tokens: What’s the Difference?](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/coins-vs-tokens/) [What Is Blockchain and How Does It Work?](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/blockchain-guide/) [Investing in Crypto 101: A Beginner’s Guide](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/how-to-invest-in-cryptocurrency/) [A Guide to Crypto Wallets](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/wallet-guide/) Next  With innovative investment tools and a collaborative trading community, eToro empowers millions of users in over 75 countries to trade and invest in a simple and transparent way. ### Find us on ### Download our app from the stores [](https://etoro.onelink.me/2615279504/3ff5f19f) [](https://etoro.onelink.me/2615279504/3ff5f19f) - Top Instruments - [Bitcoin (BTC)](https://www.etoro.com/markets/btc) - [Ethereum (ETH)](https://www.etoro.com/markets/eth) - [Bitcoin Cash (BCH)](https://www.etoro.com/markets/bch) - [Nvidia](https://www.etoro.com/markets/nvda) - Copy And Get Copied - [Top Investors](https://www.etoro.com/discover/people) - [How We Calculate Stats](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/?p=33269) - [How CopyTrading Works](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/copytrader/how-it-works/) - [Smart Portfolios](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/investing/portfolios/) - Account - [How to Deposit](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/deposit-faq/) - [How to Withdraw](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/withdraw-faq/) - [How to Verify Your eToro Account](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/account-verification/) - About Us - [Why Choose eToro?](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/about/why-choose-us/) - [eToro Club](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/about/club/) - [Supported States](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/trading/live-states/) - [Careers](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/about/careers/) - Legal - [Licenses](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/state-disclosures/) - [Disclosures](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/disclosures/) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/cookies/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/privacy/) - [Legal Request](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/help/1686417862/how-to-contact-etoro-for-a-legal-request/) - Help And Education - [Help Center](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/?page_id=33235) - [Customer Service](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/) - [eToro Academy](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/) - [Status](https://status.etoro.com/) - [Accessibility](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/accessibility/) eToro USA LLC. © 2026\| 221 River St., 9th Floor\| Hoboken NJ 07030\| NMLS ID: 1769299 Securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities Inc. , member of [FINRA](http://www.finra.org/) and [SIPC](http://www.sipc.org/), a self-directed broker-dealer that does not provide recommendations or investment advice. eToro Options is a product and mobile application offered by the eToro broker-dealer. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Please review [Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options](https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdf;) prior to engaging in options trading. Content, research, tools, and stock symbols on eToro’s website are for educational purposes only and do not imply a recommendation or solicitation to engage in any specific investment strategy. All investments involve risk, losses may exceed the amount of principal invested, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Crypto trading is offered by eToro USA LLC or eToro NY LLC, as applicable based on the customers residence and is not available in HI, NV, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. These entities are not registered broker-dealers or FINRA members and your cryptocurrency holdings are not [FDIC](https://www.fdic.gov/) or [SIPC](https://www.sipc.org/) insured. Visit our [Disclosure Library](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/customer-service/disclosures/) for additional important disclosures including our [Customer Relationship Summary](https://www.etoro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Etoro-USA-Securities-Form-Customer-Relationship-Summary-1.7.22-FPSL-Final.docx.pdf) and [order routing information and statistics](https://www.etoro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/eToro-Execution-Policy-and-Order-Routing-Disclosures.pdf). [FINRA Brokercheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/298361) © 2026  ![logo]() ![qr-code]() Great job\! Great job! You've completed 50% of the course. Keep it up! Only 2 lessons left to finish. [Continue]() ### Before we continue… *** This course is available exclusively for eToro users. To continue learning, please log in. Not an eToro user yet? Sign up now and gain free access to our Academy courses. Log in Sign Up Not a good time? [Explore eToro Academy](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/) and join us later\! ### Gain an edge in trading *** Join eToro and get access to exclusive eToro Academy content such as online courses, inspirational webinars, financial guides and monthly insights directly to your inbox. Log in Sign up Not a good time? [Explore eToro Academy](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/) and join us later\! ### Exclusive Content for Higher Tier Members *** This course is reserved for eToro Club members of \_\_CLUBTIER\_\_ tier and above. To access this content, you’ll need to upgrade your eToro Club membership. Explore the benefits of our higher tiers and unlock a world of exclusive learning opportunities. [Explore Club Tiers](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/about/club/) [Return to Academy.](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/academy/) ### You’re in\! Ready to begin learning? [Let's go](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/how-to-buy-bitcoin/) ✓ Thanks for sharing\! [AddToAny](https://www.addtoany.com/ "Share Buttons") [More…](https://www.etoro.com/en-us/crypto/how-to-buy-bitcoin/#addtoany "Show all") Digital assets or currency on a decentralised and unregulated blockchain.Open, organised marketplaces for commodities, stocks, securities, derivatives and other financial instruments.A computer software program that allows investors and traders to buy and sell financial instruments and track accounts.

Great job\! ### Before we continue… *** This course is available exclusively for eToro users. To continue learning, please log in. Not an eToro user yet? Sign up now and gain free access to our Academy courses. ### Gain an edge in trading *** Join eToro and get access to exclusive eToro Academy content such as online courses, inspirational webinars, financial guides and monthly insights directly to your inbox. ### Exclusive Content for Higher Tier Members *** This course is reserved for eToro Club members of \_\_CLUBTIER\_\_ tier and above. To access this content, you’ll need to upgrade your eToro Club membership. Explore the benefits of our higher tiers and unlock a world of exclusive learning opportunities. ### You’re in\! Ready to begin learning? Digital assets or currency on a decentralised and unregulated blockchain.Open, organised marketplaces for commodities, stocks, securities, derivatives and other financial instruments.A computer software program that allows investors and traders to buy and sell financial instruments and track accounts.