How to buy Bitcoin in the USA: A beginner’s guide to cryptocurrency
May 30, 2025
As Bitcoin hovers around $95,000, coming off a record-breaking year, new investors may worry they’re too late to cryptocurrency — but proponents argue the digital currency is still new and untapped compared to traditional investments.
“It’s still early. It’s the best time to get involved now,” Charles St. Louis, chief executive of DELV, which builds crypto infrastructure, told The Post. “There’s still a lot to do, a lot to build before it really becomes mainstream.”
For newbies, investing in cryptocurrency can be overwhelming – so here are the first steps to take when you’re ready to buy or invest in cryptocurrency in the US.
Payment method
Your first step when investing in Bitcoin or cryptocurrency is to choose a form of payment.
These methods include credit cards, mobile apps like PayPal or Apple Pay, bank transfers or even cash at physical Bitcoin ATMs.
Each payment method comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Credit cards are a popular choice, since they are accepted by most crypto platforms and make for speedy transactions. Purchases are processed almost immediately when using a card.
Some crypto platforms, however, charge fees for credit card use, which can quickly add up.
Credit card use also welcomes more oversight from your bank. Banks often flag crypto purchases as potential fraud and blocking the transaction. In some cases, certain credit card companies may refuse to authorize crypto transactions.
Another option is mobile payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
These apps offer enhanced biometric security measures, requiring users provide their fingerprint or a scan of their face to unlock the payment.
Investors will need to select a payment method, like credit cards, bank transfers or mobile apps.
And like credit cards, mobile payment systems make the process quick and simple – just a few taps and you could own some crypto.
But most mobile payment systems link to a credit or debit card, so you could end up facing the same high fees and regulatory roadblocks from your bank.
Payment apps are also not accepted by as many crypto platforms as credit cards.
A third option is open banking, which transfers money directly from your bank account to your chosen crypto platform.
It typically offers much lower fees than credit credit or mobile payment use, and is highly secure.
However, open banking can take longer than other kinds of transactions, and it’s also not as widely available on crypto platforms as a simple credit card transaction.
Platform
Once you’ve chosen your payment method, it’s time to find a crypto platform that works for you.
“Most folks I know…will just download an app like Coinbase, CashApp, whatever it might be, that has an accessibility to take cash you already have and buy some crypto,” Chris Kline, co-founder and COO of BitcoinIRA, told The Post.
“That’s what most folks do, and then they get a feel for it,” he added.
While most platforms allow you to buy and hold crypto within their own system, more privacy-focused users may prefer a standalone wallet like Best Wallet, which prioritizes user control and self-custody.
Another option is to call up a crypto site with relevant expertise – Kline’s BitcoinIRA, for example, helps users invest in their retirement with crypto – and ask them for advice choosing the right app for your investments.
Coinbase is one of the most popular Bitcoin and crypto platforms, and a favorite among new investors. It has an easy-to-use interface and solid security measures, as well as reasonable fees.
It does not offer margin or options trading, and only allows future trading on select cryptocurrencies, so it might not be the best tool for more advanced investors.
Kraken is another good choice for beginners with reasonable fees. Like Coinbase, it does not offer options trading.
Experienced investors might prefer Crypto.com, which offers reasonable fees and strong security measures, as well as the ability to trade Bitcoin options and futures.
It offers only chat service to customers who need assistance, though — no phone calls — and limits users to a hot wallet – more on that later.
Another platform well-equipped for experienced investors is Gemini. The platform is highly secure, though it does not offer many cryptocurrencies and its customer support system isn’t great, offering only a request form.
After signing up for your chosen platform, you’re ready to invest in cryptocurrency.
Wallet
The next step is to decide where you want to store your crypto or Bitcoin – in the chosen platform, or in a hot or cold wallet.
A digital wallet, also known as a hot wallet, remains connected to the internet at all times, so it’s quicker and easier to make future transactions, but they’re more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
There are many different digital wallets to choose from, like Best Wallet or “cold wallets” like Ledger.
Several platforms, including Coinbase, Crypto.com and Kraken, also offer their own wallets.
Hot wallets are connected to the internet, making them convenient for quick access and frequent trading.
You can choose to store your newly bought crypto offline, instead. This is known as a cold wallet, and provides extra security to your investments, since it’s not constantly connected to the internet. Most investors use a mix of both for flexibility and security.
The most important thing to know if you take this route is to never lose your private key or seed phrase — this is the critical backup that gives you full control over your crypto.
Think of it like the keys to your house. Your wallet address is more like your street address: it’s how others send you crypto, but it doesn’t grant access. If you lose your seed phrase or private key, there’s no way to recover your funds.
For long-term holdings and full ownership, self-custody wallets like Best Wallet are designed to put you in control — just make sure you store your recovery phrase somewhere safe and secure.
Advice for new investors
Buying Bitcoin or crypto for the first time can be daunting, and there’s a lot to learn – so experts advise newbies start off slow.
How to start crypto trading today
Download a trusted exchange app — Start by choosing a licensed crypto exchange. We recommend starting with the Best Wallet app, available for both iOS and Android.
Create and verify your account — Sign up using your email, Google, or Apple ID. To complete registration, you’ll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Fund your account — Deposit money into your account by linking a bank account or credit card or even using gift cards. Choose an option that best fits your lifestyle.
Buy your first cryptocurrency — Use the app’s marketplace or swap tool to purchase crypto by entering the ticker symbol — like BTC for Bitcoin or ETH for Ethereum — and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
Choose how to store your crypto — Decide whether you’ll keep your crypto in the exchange, move it to a digital wallet (hot wallet), or store it offline (cold wallet) for extra protection.
“My advice would be like, don’t rush it. If something piques your curiosity, look into it more,” St. Louis told The Post.
“Definitely don’t FOMO [fear of missing out] in because your neighbor or your barber or your hairdresser is telling you to buy something. Definitely don’t take advice from TikTok, they’re all there to make money off of you,” he added.
New investors should start off with a small investment in well-known assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum to get a feel for the process, experts told The Post.
Know the rules: U.S. investors should be aware that crypto gains are taxable and that platforms may report transactions to the IRS. Always keep track of your trades and consult a tax advisor to stay compliant with evolving regulations.
New York Post Approved
Best Wallet
The Best Wallet app puts security first with biometric logins, two-factor authentication, and full non-custodial control — so you hold your keys, not just your coins. With support for thousands of altcoins across 60+ blockchains, it pairs top-tier security with powerful, user-friendly tools — making it the safest, most innovative way to HODL, swap, and manage your crypto.
Coinbase
Coinbase is building a more inclusive financial future for over a billion people, enabling them to trade, stake, spend, and transfer crypto on a secure and trusted platform. It powers the on-chain economy with essential infrastructure, global access, and a commitment to fair, responsible innovation.
Kraken
Kraken takes crypto security seriously, with FIDO2-compliant Passkey logins, encrypted communications, and customizable API permissions that keep your account firmly in your control. With no phone-based recovery, time-locked global settings, and real-time threat monitoring, it’s built to protect your assets at every layer.
Robinhood
Robinhood Crypto offers a user-friendly platform for trading and transferring digital assets, including the ability to securely and easily send and receive crypto to and from external wallets. With its self-custody Robinhood Wallet, it manages crypto holdings across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana.
Ledger
Ledger is a leading provider of secure hardware wallets, offering devices like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Stax that protect private keys offline using industry-leading Secure Element chips and a proprietary operating system. Paired with the Ledger Live app, manage over 5,500 digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Crypto.com
Crypto.com lets you buy, sell and trade over 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, with zero-fee USD deposits, wire, and Apple/Google Pay. With a user base exceeding 140 million, the platform gives advanced trading options, a self-custodial wallet through Crypto.com Onchain, and industry-leading security certifications.
Uphold
Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform that enables users to buy, sell, and swap over 360 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, and four precious metals, all in a single step. With features like assisted self-custody via the Uphold Vault, staking rewards up to 16.8%, and real-time reserve transparency, it offers a secure and versatile experience for both beginners and seasoned investors.
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