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How to buy Bittensor (TAO) in the US

Bittensor is a decentralized machine learning network that connects AI models, contributors and validators through a shared, open marketplace for intelligence. In this guide, we explain what Bittensor is, why people buy it and how to purchase the TAO token in the US using the Crypto.com App.

author imageAnzél Killian
Anzél Killian is the Lead Financial Writer at Crypto.com. For nearly a decade, she’s crafted educational content across trading and investing, blending deep global experience with a strong belief in crypto’s potential for financial sovereignty and systemic innovation. Anzél is passionate about making complex markets accessible for everyone.
What is Bittensor  TAO  and how does it work

What is Bittensor?

Bittensor is a decentralized, blockchain-based network that helps people build and share AI models in the open. Instead of AI living inside closed platforms, Bittensor lets models plug into a global network, where they can share information and earn crypto rewards when they provide useful results.

The network’s native cryptocurrency, TAO, is used for incentives, governance and participation. TAO is required to interact with Bittensor’s subnets, pay network fees and support validator operations.

Bittensor is often discussed in the context of decentralized AI because it‘s built to help developers train, deploy and monetize machine-learning models in an open, permissionless environment.



Why do people buy and invest in Bittensor (TAO)?

People buy TAO for different reasons, depending on how they view the network and its role in the emerging decentralized AI ecosystem. Common considerations include the project’s focus on open machine learning and economic incentives for model contributors.

Here are a few factors investors often consider:

  • AI network participation: TAO is required to operate validators or interact with Bittensor subnets, making it relevant for users who want to contribute AI models or compute.
  • Open-source AI ecosystem: Bittensor aims to create an open and collaborative environment for model development, which some users find appealing compared with closed-platform AI.
  • Reward mechanisms: Contributors can earn TAO based on the value their models provide to the network, tying the token to on-chain activity.
  • Market exposure: Some buyers view TAO as a way to gain exposure to the decentralized AI sector as it grows.

Download the Crypto.com App to buy TAO and more than 400 other cryptocurrencies.



How to buy Bittensor (TAO) in 5 steps

1. Choose a cryptocurrency platform

Start by choosing a platform that supports TAO in the US and clearly explains fees, features and account requirements.

You can:

2. Create and verify your account

Create an account using your email and set a secure password. Many platforms provide additional security features such as two-factor authentication (2FA).

To meet regulatory requirements, identity verification is typically required. This usually involves uploading a government-issued ID and completing additional checks depending on your region.

3. Deposit funds

Before buying TAO, add funds using the methods available to you on the Crypto.com App:

  • Bank transfer (ACH) – Free* and suitable for larger deposits.
  • Credit or debit card – Fast and convenient, though fees may apply.
  • Crypto transfer – Deposit another asset, then swap it for TAO.
  • Apple Pay or Google Pay – Available in some app flows depending on eligibility.

4. Buy Bittensor (TAO)

Once your account is funded, the basic purchase flow typically looks like:

  • Search for ‘Bittensor (TAO)’.
  • Enter the amount you want to buy.
  • Review details such as price, fees and estimated amount received.
  • Confirm the purchase.

5. Store and manage your TAO

After buying TAO, choose how you want to store it depending on your needs:

  • Hot wallets: Convenient software wallets (including the Crypto.com App) suitable for frequent access.
  • Cold wallets: Hardware wallets or other offline storage methods like paper wallets for enhanced security.



Strengths and weaknesses of Bittensor (TAO)

Strengths of TAO

  • AI-driven network design: Built specifically to coordinate and reward machine learning contributions across decentralized subnets.
  • Incentive-aligned model: TAO rewards contributors based on value, creating a competitive and self-optimizing ecosystem.
  • Open participation: Developers, validators and model creators can join permissionlessly.
  • Growing interest in decentralized AI: Positioned within a rapidly developing sector that attracts attention from researchers and builders.

Weaknesses of TAO

  • Highly specialized ecosystem: Bittensor’s AI-centric design may be harder for non-technical users to understand or participate in.
  • Infrastructure dependencies: Network activity relies on subnets, validators and model contributions, which may fluctuate over time.
  • Volatility: TAO’s price can move significantly with wider crypto market conditions, liquidity and news.
  • Complex onboarding: Interacting deeply with the network (for example, running a validator) requires technical knowledge many users may not have.



What to know before buying Bittensor (TAO)

Before buying TAO, think about how you might use it – whether you simply want price exposure, or you eventually want to take part in the Bittensor network (for example by staking with validators or interacting with subnets). That can influence which platform and wallet you choose.

On the practical side, check whether your chosen platform supports TAO deposits and withdrawals on the Bittensor network, what purchase and withdrawal limits apply, and how fees and spreads appear in the order preview. 

If you plan to move TAO into a self-custody wallet or toward network participation, confirm that the wallet or tooling you plan to use explicitly supports TAO and Bittensor’s chain.

Because TAO is tied to a decentralized AI protocol, its price can be influenced both by general crypto market conditions and by Bittensor-specific developments such as subnet growth, changes to incentives or new tooling. It can also react to broader AI narratives and regulation. 

As a result, TAO’s price and trading activity can change quickly, even when you are mainly interested in using it to interact with the network rather than trading it short term.



What affects the price of Bittensor (TAO)?

Several factors can influence TAO’s price and market behavior:

  • AI network usage: Growth in model contributions, subnet activity or validator participation can influence long-term demand.
  • Market sentiment and liquidity: Broader crypto conditions often impact TAO’s price.
  • Exchange support and trading depth: The level of liquidity affects volatility.
  • Technology and ecosystem development: Upgrades, new subnets or tooling improvements can affect user perception and adoption.
  • Regulation: Policy changes may influence access, availability and demand.



Bittensor (TAO) investment tips for beginners

If you’re new to TAO or crypto in general, a few habits may help:

  • Start small: Learn how wallets and transfers work before committing larger amounts.
  • Use dollar-cost averaging (DCA): Spread purchases over time instead of relying on a single entry price.
  • Avoid concentration: Diversifying across assets can reduce reliance on one project.
  • Follow credible updates: Monitor official Bittensor announcements, subnet progress and ecosystem development.

Crypto.com offers features like recurring buys, price alerts and portfolio tracking tools to help users monitor holdings.


Bittensor (TAO) price outlook

TAO’s future price depends on many factors, including adoption, network usage, market sentiment, technological advancements and regulation. Broader macro trends can also shape demand for AI-oriented crypto networks.

Because crypto markets change quickly, price outlooks are inherently uncertain.

If you’re researching TAO, focus on what the Bittensor network is designed to do, how it’s used in practice (especially AI-driven workloads and subnet participation) and what risks may influence demand over time.

Tracking ecosystem updates and network activity can provide more context than short-term price movements alone.



Ready to get started?

  1. Sign up on the Crypto.com App in minutes.
  2. Verify your account with quick KYC.
  3. Deposit funds using your preferred method.
  4. Buy Bittensor (TAO) and keep an eye on your investment.



FAQs about Bittensor (TAO)

What does Bittensor do?
Bittensor is a decentralized machine learning network where developers plug in AI models and get rewarded in TAO when their models provide useful outputs. Instead of one company owning the AI, many independent contributors share a common protocol and incentive system.

What is TAO used for on Bittensor?
TAO is the native token of the Bittensor network. It’s used to:

  • Pay network fees.
  • Incentivize and reward model providers.
  • Support validator operations and staking.
  • Take part in governance-related decisions (where supported).

Can I buy TAO with USD in the US?
Yes, you can buy TAO in the Crypto.com App using supported funding methods such as bank transfers, credit or debit cards or mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay (where available). Availability, limits and fees depend on your region and payment method.

Do I need TAO to use the Bittensor network?
To participate directly in the Bittensor protocol – such as running validators, contributing models on certain subnets or paying network fees – you typically need TAO. If you are only interested in price exposure, you can hold TAO on a platform or in a wallet without using the network features.

How much does TAO cost to buy?
TAO’s price changes with market activity, liquidity and sentiment around both crypto and decentralized AI. Most platforms show a live TAO price plus an order preview with the estimated amount you’ll receive, any fees and the spread before you confirm your purchase.




* Other transaction fees and spread may apply.

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.

Past performance may not indicate future results. There’s no assurance of future profitability, and content may not reflect current opinions.


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