How to buy Bitcoin (BTC) in the US

Why consider Bitcoin (BTC)?

Bitcoin is incontestably the most recognized and widely adopted cryptocurrency in the world. As the first ever digital currency, it has established itself as the crypto market leader by both market capitalization and daily trading volume. Its popularity continues to grow among retail investors, institutions and even some governments – which all now recognize BTC as a potential store of value.

1. Sign up for a free Crypto.com account today.
2. Deposit funds securely and instantly.
3. Buy Bitcoin (BTC) easily through the Crypto.com App.

One of Bitcoin’s biggest draws is its decentralized nature. Unlike fiat currencies like the US Dollar which are controlled by central banks, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network, making it resistant to censorship and government interference. 

Another is the diversification benefits for traditional investors. As Bitcoin’s risk and return characteristics often differ from those of established asset classes, by incorporating BTC into your portfolio, you gain exposure to a non-correlated asset class that may perform independently to traditional markets – which may help to reduce your overall risk profile.

On a broader level, many investors view Bitcoin as ‘digital gold’; a hedge against inflation and economic instability, especially during times of fiat currency devaluation or geopolitical uncertainty.

And historically, Bitcoin has delivered impressive long-term growth.

Since its launch in 2009, its price has risen from fractions of a cent to all-time highs over $120,000, with early adopters enjoying extraordinary returns. While past performance isn't a guarantee of future results, BTC’s track record has solidified its reputation as a high-potential asset class.

However, it’s important to understand that Bitcoin is also famous for its price volatility. Its value can and does fluctuate significantly in short periods, often driven by regulatory news, macroeconomic factors, or simply investor sentiment. While many long-term holders remain confident in Bitcoin’s continued adoption and integration into the global financial system, it’s also true that investors hoping to generate a large paper gain must accept a high chance of paper losses during the investing journey. 

Overall though, for those seeking exposure to the new frontier of financial technology and a potentially inflation-resistant asset, Bitcoin continues to be a key investment option.

How to Buy Bitcoin (BTC) in 5 steps

Looking to buy Bitcoin online? We make it as simple as possible to start:

1. Choose a trusted crypto platform 
2. Create an account 
3. Deposit funds 
4. Buy Bitcoin 
5. Secure your BTC 
   

1. Choose a trusted crypto platform

The first and possibly most important step when you start planning the safest way to buy Bitcoin is selecting a reliable crypto platform. With hundreds of exchanges available, it’s essential to choose one that offers robust security, transparent fees and a user-friendly interface – especially if you’re new to the asset class.

Security should be your top priority. Look for platforms that use multi-layered security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for digital assets and high level regulatory compliance. Next, consider the fee structure. Some platforms charge high commissions or hidden spreads that eat into your investment over time. Finally, you might prioritize a simple user experience and clean UX design.

Our Crypto.com App stands out as an excellent choice, offering zero-fee deposits* via bank transfers in supported regions, making it cost-effective to fund your account. The app has been designed for intuitive navigation, allowing you to buy Bitcoin in just a few taps. 

More importantly, Crypto.com employs industry-leading security, cold storage for most client funds and 24/7 monitoring. In addition to these core features, the app supports over 400 cryptocurrencies, offers real-time price tracking. They also offer aCrypto.com Visa Signature credit card and Prepaid Visa card along with DeFi tools – making it more than just a trading platform.

2. Create an account

Once you've chosen your crypto platform, the next step is to create your account. We make the process as straightforward as possible, designed to get you trading securely in just a few minutes.

First, download the Crypto.com App from the Apple or Google Play store. Launch the app and tap ‘Sign Up’. You'll be asked to enter your email address, create a secure password and agree to the terms of service. Make sure to choose a strong, unique password that includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

Next, complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. This is a mandatory legal requirement and helps prevent fraud. You'll also need to submit basic personal information, including your full name, date of birth and residential address – along with a photo of a government-issued ID (in most cases a passport or driver’s license). You may also be asked to take a selfie to confirm your identity.

For added account protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), an extra layer of security which makes it much harder for unauthorized users to access your account, even if they somehow obtain your password.

Once your identity is verified, your account will be activated and ready to use. From here, you can deposit funds, buy Bitcoin and manage your portfolio, all from an easy-to-use platform.

3. Deposit funds

Before buying your Bitcoin, you'll need to deposit funds into your crypto account. The Crypto.com App offers multiple funding methods to suit your preferences and region, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards and third-party payment providers.

Bank transfers are often the most cost-effective option, especially since we offer zero-fee deposits* for many local currencies, such as USD, EUR and GBP. This method typically takes 1 to 3 business days to process, depending on your bank. For instant access, you can also use a credit or debit card, which allows you to buy crypto immediately – although card transactions may incur processing fees. We also support both Apple and Google Pay.

When placing a deposit, always double-check that your bank account name matches the name on your Crypto.com account to avoid delays. If using a card, you also need to check that it’s authorized for international and online transactions.

To ensure faster and more secure deposits, consider these tips:

• Use a verified bank account that's been linked to your Crypto.com account for smoother processing.
• Avoid third-party transfers, which can result in rejection or delays.
• Deposit during business hours, when banks are actively processing transactions, to reduce any wait times.
• Monitor the transaction status within the app to track when your funds become available.
• Once your funds have been successfully deposited, you’re ready to buy Bitcoin instantly.
  

4. Buy Bitcoin

With funds in your account, you’re ready to purchase Bitcoin (BTC). On our platform, you can choose between a market order or a limit order. 

A market order executes instantly at the current market price. This is a good option for beginners who want to buy quickly, though it may result in slightly higher costs, especially during volatile conditions. Meanwhile, a limit order involves you setting a price you’re happy to pay and we execute only when that target is hit. 

Naturally, if the price doesn’t fall to your target, then you may miss out, but this option offers greater control and you tend to enjoy better pricing overall

To buy Bitcoin in the Crypto.com App:

1. Open the app and tap the ‘Trade’ button.
2. Select ‘Buy’, then choose Bitcoin (BTC).
3. Enter the amount you want to purchase.
4. Choose your funding source (e.g., crypto wallet, fiat wallet, or linked credit/debit card to fund your fiat wallet).
5. Review the transaction details and tap ‘Confirm’.

For added convenience, we offer a Recurring Buy option, which lets you automate your purchases on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule – otherwise known as dollar-cost averaging (DCA). This can help to smooth out Bitcoin’s inherent volatility and reduce your overall risk profile. You can also set Price Alerts to get notified when Bitcoin reaches your target price. 

Critically, you don’t need to buy an entire Bitcoin to get started. You can buy small percentages of a whole coin (known as a Satoshi, after its founder) – one Bitcoin contains 100 million satoshis, so you can get started with even a small amount of capital.

5. Secure your BTC

After purchasing your Bitcoin, your top priority is likely to be crypto security. The Crypto.com App provides a highly secure environment for storing your BTC.

We use industry-leading security measures, including multi-layered encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA) and real-time risk monitoring to protect your assets. The platform also keeps the majority of user funds in offline cold storage, significantly reducing the risk of hacking. Additionally, Crypto.com maintains a $120 million insurance policy that covers potential breaches of its custodial assets – offering extra peace of mind.

For many users, storing Bitcoin directly in the Crypto.com App is both reasonably safe and practical, allowing instant access to trading, spending, or sending BTC while benefiting from institutional-grade protection.

Alternatively, advanced users sometimes transfer assets to their own hot wallet (connected to the internet) or cold wallet (offline devices like hardware wallets) for personal custody. While these options offer more control, they require greater responsibility and technical know-how.

Ultimately, how you store your Bitcoin depends on your goals and risk tolerance. For many, Crypto.com offers a secure and accessible solution backed by top-tier security infrastructure – helping you protect your investment while keeping it at your fingertips.

Strengths and weaknesses Bitcoin

Like any investment, Bitcoin (BTC) comes with both advantages and drawbacks:

Strengths of Bitcoin

• High growth potential – Bitcoin has shown strong long-term price appreciation, with early investors seeing significant returns
• Decentralization – Bitcoin operates independently of banks and governments, offering financial freedom and transparency
• Limited supply – only 21 million BTC will ever exist, making it a deflationary asset and potential hedge against inflation
• Global accessibility – anyone with an internet connection can buy, sell, or use Bitcoin, regardless of location or banking status

Weaknesses of Bitcoin

• High volatility – Bitcoin’s price can swing dramatically in short periods, which may not suit risk-averse or retired investors
• Security risks – poor storage practices or phishing scams can lead to loss of funds if users don’t take proper precautions
• Regulatory uncertainty – changes in government policies can affect BTC’s price and availability in different regions
• No buyer protection – transactions are irreversible, so mistaken or fraudulent transfers can’t be reversed

Bitcoin can be a solid addition to your portfolio, but only if you understand both the potential upside and the risks. 

What to know before buying and investing in Bitcoin (BTC)

Before investing in Bitcoin, it’s important to understand three key factors that can affect its value.

First, Bitcoin is famous for its volatility. Prices can swing dramatically due to market sentiment, economic news, or geopolitical events. While this can create opportunities for gains, it also poses risks, especially for short-term investors or those who struggle with holding paper losses.

Second, the regulatory landscape in the US is evolving. The SEC, CFTC and IRS continue to shape how crypto assets are classified and governed. Investors should stay informed about any new regulations – while the current President is generally pro-crypto, this status quo may change at the next election.

Third, Bitcoin is considered taxable property in the U.S. This means that selling, spending, or trading BTC can trigger capital gains taxes. Even converting BTC into another crypto counts as a taxable event, so recording and keeping capital aside for your liabilities remains crucial.

Bitcoin buying tips for beginners

If you’re new to Bitcoin, starting with an approach that is both cautious and informed may be the right idea. Here are some essential tips:

• Start small – there’s nothing wrong with beginning with a small amount you’re comfortable risking. Bitcoin’s price can be volatile, so investing gradually rather than committing a large sum all at once can be easier for newcomers
• Diversify your crypto holdings – a common refrain isn't to put all your eggs in one crypto basket. Consider spreading your investment across multiple cryptocurrencies or using a basket feature to reduce your risk
• Use secure platforms – always buy and store Bitcoin on trusted, secure exchanges like the Crypto.com App, that offer strong security measures and a level of insurance protection
• Stay informed – set up Price Alerts to track Bitcoin’s market movements and use educational resources to understand crypto trends and risks better

With the Crypto.com App, verification is fast and straightforward:

1. Open the app and tap Sign Up.
2. Enter your email address and create a password.
3. Submit your mobile number for SMS verification.
4. Proceed to KYC verification by uploading a photo of your ID and taking a live selfie.
5. If required, upload a document for proof of address.

Important Information: This is informational content sponsored by Crypto.com and should not be considered as investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies carries risks, such as price volatility and market risks. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrencies, consider your risk appetite. Services, features and other benefits referenced in this article may be subject to eligibility requirements, token holdings, and may change at the discretion of Crypto.com. The Crypto.com Visa Card is subject to approval.

* Other transaction fees and spread may apply