How to buy Cardano (ADA) in the US

What is Cardano (ADA)?

Cardano is a third-generation blockchain platform founded by Charles Hoskinson, one of Ethereum’s co-founders. Launched in 2017, it’s designed around peer-reviewed research and a rigorous academic approach. This scientific foundation sets Cardano apart from many blockchain projects that prioritize speed over security or scalability.

The network runs on ADA, its native token. ADA plays several roles:

• Paying for transaction fees
• Participating in staking and governance
• Powering decentralized apps (dApps) and smart contracts

ADA has a capped maximum supply of 45 billion coins, making it a scarce digital asset. Unlike inflationary currencies, this finite supply helps shape ADA’s long-term value dynamics.

How does Cardano work?

Cardano is built on a dual-layer architecture:

• A settlement layer, which processes ADA transactions quickly and cost-effectively
• A computation layer, which runs smart contracts and dApps through Plutus, Cardano’s programming framework

The network runs on Ouroboros, a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Unlike Proof-of-Work (PoW) blockchains such as Bitcoin, PoS requires less computational power, making Cardano more energy efficient. ADA holders can participate in securing the network by staking their tokens, either through staking pools or personal nodes.

Cardano’s roadmap is divided into phases: Byron (foundation), Shelley (decentralization), Goguen (smart contracts), Basho (scalability) and Voltaire (governance). This structured rollout ensures sustainable progress and gives ADA long-term adoption potential.

Why do people buy and invest in ADA?

People generally buy ADA for either practical use or investment reasons:

• Sustainability and efficiency: Cardano’s PoS design consumes far less energy than many competitors.
• Real-world applications: From decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to government and corporate use cases, Cardano is building adoption across industries.
• Ecosystem expansion: As more dApps launch, demand for ADA grows because it powers transactions and network activity.
• Investment potential: ADA offers exposure to one of the most rigorously developed blockchain ecosystems, popular among those who want both utility and long-term opportunities.

How to buy Cardano (ADA) in 5 steps

1. Choose a crypto exchange

To buy Cardano in the US, you’ll need a trusted exchange. Most people look for:

Ease of use
Choose an exchange with a clean, intuitive interface that works well on both desktop and mobile. A user-friendly platform makes it easier to navigate your first transactions with confidence.

Security features
Make security a priority. Look for exchanges that use strong encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and follow strict regulatory standards to store your funds and personal data.

Fees and rewards
Not all platforms charge the same. Compare deposit, withdrawal and trading fees, and check whether the exchange offers additional perks such as staking rewards for holding ADA.

Supported features
Think beyond just buying ADA. If you want to trade actively, stake for rewards or store your coins long-term, choose a platform that supports these functions within its ecosystem.

To get started, you can:

1. Buy ADA on the Crypto.com App – it’s a beginner-friendly platform and it’s integrated with staking tools
2. Trade Cardano on Crypto.com Exchange, if you want more advanced trading features

2. Register and verify your account

Start by creating your profile with a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security. To comply with regulations, most exchanges also require identity verification (KYC). This usually means uploading a government-issued ID such as a passport or driver’s license. Once approved, your account will be ready to use.

3. Fund your account

Next, add funds so you can purchase ADA. In the US, most exchanges support several options:

• ACH bank transfers – often free and widely supported
• Debit or credit cards – generally convenient but may involve higher fees
• Apple Pay or Google Pay – quick mobile payment methods on supported apps
• Crypto transfers – move assets in from another wallet if you already hold crypto

4. Buy ADA

With your account funded, you can place your order:

1. Search for ADA in the app or exchange
2. Enter the amount you want to purchase
3. Choose between a market order (buys instantly at current price) or a limit order (buys once ADA reaches your chosen price)
4. Review the details, confirm and complete your purchase

5. Store ADA 

After buying ADA, consider in what type of wallet you’ll store it:

• Hot wallets: Exchange or mobile wallets that stay online (easy access but more exposure to risk).
• Cold wallets: Hardware devices like Ledger or paper wallets, which store ADA offline for stronger protection.
• Dedicated ADA wallets: Daedalus (full-node desktop wallet) or Yoroi (lightweight browser/mobile wallet), both built specifically for Cardano users.

Strengths and weaknesses of ADA

Strengths of Cardano (ADA)

• Academic foundation: Built on peer-reviewed research, giving the project credibility and long-term focus.
• Energy efficiency: Proof-of-Stake consensus consumes far less energy than Proof-of-Work systems.
• Low fees and scalability: Designed for affordable transactions with scaling solutions like Hydra on the roadmap.
• Ecosystem growth: Expanding into DeFi, NFTs and identity solutions, increasing ADA’s use cases.
• Staking and governance: ADA holders can earn rewards and participate in decision-making through the Voltaire governance phase.

Weaknesses of Cardano (ADA)

• Slower development pace: Cardano’s rigorous approach can mean slower feature rollouts compared with competitors.
• Smaller DeFi activity: Total value locked (TVL) is still lower than on ecosystems like Ethereum or Solana.
• Regulatory uncertainty: Shifting rules in the US and globally may affect how ADA is traded or used.
• Adoption challenge: Despite growth, wider adoption depends on developers and enterprises choosing to build on Cardano.

What to know before buying Cardano (ADA)

Before buying Cardano (ADA), it’s important to understand the key risks. Like all cryptocurrencies, ADA is highly volatile, with prices that can rise or fall sharply within short periods. 

Regulatory uncertainty also plays a role, as global governments continue to define how digital assets should be classified and monitored. Additionally, secure storage is crucial – investors must choose between custodial solutions for convenience or non-custodial wallets for full control.

To help manage these risks, Crypto.com offers tools designed for smarter investing. Price alerts keep you informed about market movements, so you never miss critical shifts. Recurring buys let you automate purchases at regular intervals, helping you practice dollar-cost averaging and reduce the impact of volatility. 

What affects the price of Cardano (ADA)?

The price of Cardano (ADA) is heavily influenced by supply and demand dynamics. ADA has a capped maximum supply of 45 billion coins, meaning scarcity plays a role over time. However, daily trading volumes and staking participation can shift the balance between available supply and market demand, creating price fluctuations.

Market news, adoption and regulations also directly affect ADA’s value. Developments such as upgrades to the Cardano blockchain, institutional support, or new partnerships often drive bullish momentum. 

On the other hand, regulatory uncertainty in key markets can dampen investor confidence and reduce buying pressure. Adoption, whether through decentralized applications, smart contracts or broader ecosystem growth, remains a critical driver of long-term price potential.

Investor sentiment is another powerful force. Positive discussions on social platforms, favorable analyst reports, or general enthusiasm for proof-of-stake projects can quickly push prices higher. Conversely, fear-driven sell-offs or negative publicity may lead to steep declines.

Lastly, historical volatility patterns are an important consideration. Like many cryptocurrencies, ADA has experienced rapid surges followed by sharp corrections. Understanding these past cycles helps investors set realistic expectations and prepare for potential risks.

Cardano (ADA) investment and trading tips for beginners

• Start small
  Begin with modest amounts to limit risk while you learn. Investing only what you can afford to lose ensures you stay comfortable even during downturns.
• Use dollar-cost averaging
  Instead of trying to time the market, invest a fixed amount at regular intervals. On Crypto.com, you can automate this through recurring buys.
• Set alerts and avoid emotional trading
  Crypto prices can move quickly, and emotions often lead to poor decisions. Use price alerts on Crypto.com to get notified when ADA hits your chosen levels, so you can act thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
• Diversify with Crypto Baskets
  Don’t put all your funds into ADA alone. Crypto.com’s Crypto Baskets lets you invest in multiple assets at once, helping reduce risk and provide exposure to different parts of the market.

Cardano (ADA) price outlook

Like most cryptocurrencies, ADA’s price is influenced by a mix of technical milestones, adoption trends, supply limits and broader market forces. Understanding these drivers can help you see what shapes Cardano’s performance over time.

Cardano (ADA) remains one of the most closely watched proof-of-stake blockchains, with its price outlook tied to both ecosystem progress and broader market sentiment. Analysts at Messari note that upgrades like Hydra, Cardano’s layer-2 scaling solution, could significantly expand transaction capacity, while the upcoming Voltaire governance phase may strengthen long-term decentralization. 

Adoption trends are equally important. Growth in DeFi protocols, NFTs and on-chain identity solutions continues to shape demand for ADA. Beyond crypto-native use cases, Cardano has pursued partnerships in education, supply chain, and government initiatives, especially in developing markets, which some observers view as key to expanding real-world utility. 

According to IntoTheBlock data, higher on-chain activity has historically aligned with stronger price performance.

However, ADA’s future price path also depends on macro conditions and regulatory clarity. Broader digital asset cycles, interest rate policies, and evolving regulations in the US and globally can all amplify or suppress momentum, regardless of Cardano’s internal progress.

It’s important to stress that there are no guaranteed returns. While Cardano’s roadmap positions it for long-term sustainability, its price will remain subject to volatility, speculation and external factors.

FAQs about Cardano (ADA)

Does Cardano have a max supply?
Yes, ADA has a capped maximum supply of 45 billion tokens. This means no new ADA can be created beyond that limit, making it a scarce asset. The fixed supply is gradually released into circulation through staking rewards, which could encourage network participation while controlling inflation.

Does Cardano support staking?
Yes, ADA holders can stake their coins either by delegating to a staking pool or running their own pool. Staking enables you to help secure the network and, in return, earn rewards. Many exchanges, including Crypto.com, also make staking accessible directly in-app, so you don’t need to run complex infrastructure yourself.

How does Cardano compare to Ethereum or Solana?
Cardano, Ethereum and Solana each have distinct strengths. Ethereum leads in adoption and developer activity but has historically struggled with high gas fees. Solana is known for speed and low fees but has faced network reliability challenges. 

Cardano focuses on sustainability, security and research-driven development, but its slower rollout means adoption has taken longer to build momentum.

Where is Cardano available?
ADA is widely available on major exchanges worldwide. In the US, you can buy it on the Crypto.com App or Crypto.com Exchange, for example. Availability may vary depending on your state or exchange policies, so it’s always worth checking supported platforms before you start.

What wallets can I use?
You have several choices depending on your needs: Daedalus Wallet – a full-node desktop wallet that downloads the entire blockchain for maximum security and decentralization. Yoroi Wallet – a lightweight browser or mobile wallet, easier for everyday users. 

Hardware wallets – like Ledger or Trezor, which store your ADA offline for extra protection. Exchanges also offer built-in wallets, but many long-term holders prefer moving assets to private wallets for added control.

Can I buy Cardano with a credit card?
Yes, some platforms, including the Crypto.com App, allow ADA purchases through funding with a credit card, after which the fiat funds can be converted to ADA. This option is quick and convenient, though card purchases may carry higher fees compared with ACH transfers or crypto deposits. Always review the fee structure before choosing your payment method.

Ready to get started?

1. Open a Crypto.com account
2. Deposit funds into your account
3. Convert your fiat funds into ADA 
4. Choose your storage method

Important information: ​​This is informational content sponsored by Crypto.com and should not be considered as an investment recommendation or advice. Trading cryptocurrencies carries risks, such as price volatility and market risks. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrencies, consider your risk appetite. Staking rewards, fee reduction, and other benefits referenced in this article may be subject to eligibility requirements, token holdings, and may change at the discretion of Crypto.com.