Buying Bitcoin

Which country trades Bitcoin the most?

How to buy Bitcoin? There are many ways to buy Bitcoin cryptocurrency, with debit or credit card, PayPal, online on cryptocurrency exchange, with bank transfers and etc. It’s difficult to say what is the best way to buy Bitcoin. After the opening Bitcoin address-account you can start buying coins.

Buying Bitcoin from individuals

Buying and selling coins to individuals is carried on specialized sites, such as LocalBitcoins. User should select the country and the city in the special window, fill in the information on the number of coins and select the purchase payment method.

Seller should be chosen according to the grade level on the site. Purchasing Bitcoins at the unaccredited sites or from individuals is not recommended due to the high fraud risk.

Using exchangers

The exchanger (exchange broker, dealer) is a service or individual that exposes a public offer to provide a service of converting various currencies. Using the exchanger, the client deals with only one partner – the administration of the service itself. This method is among the safest to purchase Bitcoins.

There are automatic, semi-automatic and manual online exchangers. They differ only in the method of output-somewhere the computer works, somewhere the person checks with his hands or even completely conducts operations. The only interesting difference is that you have to wait in one case for 30 seconds, in another case – a couple of minutes. The difference is not critical to pay attention to.

It is difficult to withdraw the rating of exchangers for bitcoin due to constant changes. Variations of the cryptocurrency exchange rate, the inclusion or expansion of the functionality, other changes – all this affects the statistics. The list of bitcoin exchangers given below as a rating is indicative:

– hour bitcoin exchanger does not require registration. Transactions are conducted in a manual mode, take up to 10 minutes. The service has a favorable ratio of digital and real currencies.

60сек.сом – offers a semi-automatic exchange with an extensive list of options for withdrawal. Transactions are processed within 15 minutes, day and night. Cryptocurrency exchange can be made without registration, but for users there is a cumulative system of discounts. A referral program is also provided, according to which the invitee receives a certain percentage of referral transactions. However, it should be borne in mind that for different directions of the transaction rate will be different due to the Commission.

ALFAcashier – automatic service for cryptocurrency exchange, works since 2012. It provides a high speed of transactions, but the processing of Bank transfers takes time. Suitable for exchanging large sums due to reliable operation and excellent reputation of the service.

BaksMan – convenient, simple exchanger, in addition to offering bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies. A distinctive feature – high-speed data processing at a favorable rate. All transactions are carried out automatically, registration is carried out immediately after the first exchange and offers certain bonuses to regular customers.

Bit-Changer – is a bitcoin exchanger that allows you to make simple transfers as well. Compared to others, there is a limited choice of destinations. Works around the clock, daily from 9 to 21 – in manual mode. Provides high-speed exchange.

– automatic exchanger with access to several cryptocurrencies and e-wallets. Offers the best affiliate program and the loyal course for the exchange of bitcoins.

ProstoCash – is a simple convenient service for bitcoin withdrawal. Provides a high level of anonymity by requesting only a minimal set of necessary data. The exchange rate is adjusted every three minutes, taking into account not only stock prices but also the reserve exchanger. The transaction speed takes up to 20 minutes.

X-pay – is a convenient bitcoin exchanger working with the main cryptocurrencies. Ensures anonymity of transactions, if the withdrawal is not carried out through the Bank. Please note that different directions are processed at different speeds – from 10 minutes to a couple of days. About all the nuances of the system reports. Bonuses are also provided to registered users for attracting referrals.

– works since 2012 in semi-automatic mode, provides a high speed of transactions-up to 10 minutes. The exchange rate of bitcoin to rubles is different and constantly adjusted, depends on the chosen direction of the transfer.

Changelly – Beside exchanges between different cryptocurrencies, you can also buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Zcash, Ripple and other crypto for USD instantly. Accepts credit card, VISA and Master card

Since there are so many various exchanges, dealers, etc. it makes sense to compare the price before making a choice. ExchangeRates.Pro compares the prices of about 300 exchanges and brokers, P2P marketplaces in 255 countries worldwide. Bitcoin and 33 other cryptocurrencies are supported.

Buying Bitcoin in ATM

Bitcoin ATMs are machines that are connected to the Internet, which allows putting in cash in exchange for between crypto currencies, the amount of which is given in a paper invoice. At that, they take a transaction fee (about 10%). On average, it makes out 8.89% for a purchase and 6.45% for a sale (as of 19.11.2017). Bitcoin ATMs can be used as an alternative to cryptocurrency exchanges. Bitcoins ATMs fully copy the work of conventional ATMs.

Buying Bitcoin on exchanges

Such way of buying Bitcoins and earning on rates difference is possible only if you know the peculiarities of exchanges operation. One of the largest and oldest stock exchanges in the network is Mt. Gox that has held more than 80% of all transactions in early 2013, but at the end of February 2014 it has closed. .

Now the Internet is replete with proposals for registration on a particular cryptocurrency exchange. But in this fast paced and ever-changing flow of information is important to Orient and choose the platform that best suits your current needs and will facilitate a permanent increase digital equity.

To make it possible to update this table frequently we don’t list all exchanges here, only the most relevant. Therefore all listed exchanges must comply with the following criteria:

  • They must be listed on coinmarketcap.com/exchanges/ (market position).
  • They must be listed with $500,000 (compatible with million rounding in the Assets row) or more in assets on a website that specialize on cryptocurrency exhanges like coinmarketcap.com/exchanges/.
  • Must have their own article.
  • No external links are to be put on this page except the official home page.
  • No logo displayed in the table.
  • Notes must be brief and without sales pitch.

Sale of goods and services

You can get Bitcoins in exchange for the sale of goods and services. In this case, the seller receives coins at his personal Bitcoin-account.

Bitcoin mining

Mining the kind of earning Bitcoins conducted via computer software and its power. Mining is a process with the main objective to ensure Bitcoin operability. Computer calculates the Bitcoin tasks without the user, thus confirming the transactions that occur in the network. As a reward for handling Bitcoin miners currently receive 25 BTC.

Mining requires entry into the pool, which is a special service, which is provided by users with the power of their computers. All money received from the mining within the pool is allocated among users in the order prescribed by the master of the pool. The user also can practice solo-mining, but the profit will be minimal, since the user’s computer power is much less than the power of other miners, which greatly reduces the chance to close the block before the rest of the participants. When you participate in the pool, your profit is higher.

Transaction processing

Cryptocurrency transfer is performed directly without the involvement of intermediaries. Transactions with Bitcoins cannot be undone. Any transaction has to be confirmed in the system several times and then it is assumed to occur.


Buying Bitcoin – PayPal

You can’t directly buy Bitcoins using PayPal, because it is risky for the seller, and therefore few sellers will offer this. There are basically 3 reasons for that:

  • The buyer of bitcoins can always perform a chargeback and there is no way for the seller to contest that
  • There are many hacked accounts and when PayPal realizes that such an account has been fraudulently used, they will also perform a chargeback
  • PayPal doesn’t like bitcoin, as the bitcoin network is in direct competition to it. They will ban accounts that have anything to do with Bitcoins, and freeze their balance.

Having said that there is a workaround that can be done in order to use Paypal to buy Bitcoins but it holds within it higher transaction fees. Using the Virtual World Exchange you can buy Second Life Lindens (SLL) with Paypal and then convert your SLL to Bitcoins. This process will charge you transaction fees of around 6% but will let you purchase Bitcoins pretty quickly as opposed to a wire transfer. The reason this method works is because you do not buy Bitcoins with Paypal directly, you only buy SLL with Paypal (which is acceptable by Paypal’s TOS) and then exchange your SLL to Bitcoin.

Note: If you only want to take advantage of Bitcoin‘s price volatility You can trade CFDs on Bitcoin via Paypal on sites like AvaTrade or Plus500. When trading online your capital may be at risk. Trading CFDs is suitable for more experienced traders.

Buying Bitcoin with Credit Card

It’s easy to buy Bitcoin with credit card, users are able to use debit cards too. Cubits – Cubits is an all-inclusive platform to buy, sell and accept Bitcoin. Our easy-to-use interface allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin instantly with 17 supported currencies. Visa and Mastercard accepted.

VirWox – The Virtual World Exchange accepts all major credit cards (via Paypal or Skrill) and allows you to buy SLL which you can then trade to Bitcoin. Using this method is faster then most options but has larger transaction fees involved.

CoinMama uses Western Union to allow you to purchase Bitcoins through your credit card. This service is not available in the US.

Coinbase is one of the most trusted Bitcoin exchanges in the world, with more than 10 million registered users. They specialize in making sure their user experience is the best it can be. With Coinbase you can buy Bitcoin with a credit card instantly. Coinbase is available in 37 countries, including the EU and Australia.

Bank Transfer

You can buy Bitcoin with Bank Transfer or Bank Account online. US Only!! Coinbase allows you to buy and sell bitcoin instantly by connecting any U.S. based bank account. You need an account number and routing number, which can be found on a check. A credit card can be optionally linked to your account as well. Coinbase also acts as a bitcoin wallet which can store the bitcoin once it is purchased. Ideal for beginners first getting involved in bitcoin.

expresscoin.com (info) allows customers to buy Bitcoin with a bank wire transfer. Specific instructions of all payment methods are referenced in the How To Buy page.

Bittylicious allows customers to purchase Bitcoins using an extremely simple interface. All customers need to do is to enter their Bitcoin address and email address and choose how many coins they want. If customers want to purchase more than the default (usually around £50/EUR 55/$80) then they just need to sign up and do some sort of verification. UK bank transfers, Euroean SEPAs, iDEAL and Mister Cash are all accepted.

Kraken allows verified users to buy and sell bitcoin using USD and EUR by depositing via wire transfer. Other national currencies can be converted to USD or EUR at transfer. Kraken is an exchange and the market is determined by orders.

BitQuick.co (info) allows sellers to connect to buyers via cash deposit or SEPA transfer. You can buy bitcoin instantly by providing only your email address and bitcoin address. As soon as the deposit is received, the bitcoin are sent.

bit4coin.net () Buy bitcoins with bit4coin gift vouchers. Easy to use online shop experience, and the vouchers will be delivered to your doorstep. bit4coin.net guides you through the entire process of redeeming the voucher and getting your first bitcoins – and the voucher doubles up as a great gift, too!

Belgacoin allows you to buy bitcoins via SEPA transfer. It is fast, secure and cheap. No registration needed. We do not charge anything for this service, for the time being.

Bitalo enables you to buy Bitcoins directly from another person. If that person is online and you share the same bank, you can get your Bitcoins in a matter of minutes. The transaction is secured by Bitcoin multi-signature addresses, and Bitalo acts as an escrow. You can store bought Bitcoins on your own address, or using a safe multi-signature Bitcoin wallet on Bitalo, for free.

Asia Nexgen (ANX) (info) allow their customers to buy Bitcoin by sending a wire transfer. They are legally registered and based in Hong Kong and hold a Money Services Operator license issued by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. They support most popular cryto-currencies and all major fiat currencies (including USD, EUR, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, GBP, JPY, NZD and SGD). They are currently running a zero transaction fee promotion.

SATOS gives you the option to buy and or sell diverse amount of cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. iDeal (dutch payment system), Bancontact (Belgian payment system) and banktransfer are provided payment methods.No registration needed, and the Bitcoins will be sent instantly after finalizing the payment.

UK Only!! http://www.bitcoinmagnet.co.uk/ allows customers to buy & sell Bitcoin automatically using their UK bank account. All you need to provide is an email address and either your bitcoin wallet address (if buying) or your bank account details (if selling). For buying, they give you a unique reference code to include with your bank transfer. All future transfers that include this code will be automatically converted to Bitcoin and sent to you. You can therefore set up a regular standing order if desired. For selling, they give you a unique Bitcoin deposit address to send coins to. All future payments to this address will be automatically converted to GBP and sent to your UK bank account. They use the latest Bitstamp market price and aim to complete orders within 10 minutes. The fee is currently 5%.

Purchase Bitcoin with Cash

Local Bitcoins is the most popular peer-to-peer platform that allows sellers and buyers who are located nearby to meet and exchange Bitcoins through various methods including cash, wire transfer, Money Bookers, Skrill and more. Local Bitcoins offers a Bitcoin escrow service that holds the funds until the transaction is complete, therefore reducing fraud.

BitQuick.co (info) allows sellers to connect to buyers via cash deposit or SEPA transfer. You can buy bitcoin instantly by providing only your email address and bitcoin address. As soon as the deposit is received, the bitcoin are sent.

Asia Nexgen (ANX) (info) allow their customers to buy Bitcoin by depositing directly into their Australian bank account. They are legally registered and based in Hong Kong and hold a Money Services Operator license issued by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. They support most popular cryto-currencies and all major fiat currencies (including USD, EUR, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, GBP, JPY, NZD and SGD). They are currently running a zero transaction fee promotion.

The company prepared to open Hong Kong’s first physical bitcoin shop, in Sai Ying Pun in February 2014. Customers, who must supply an identity card and proof of address for anti-money laundering regulatory compliance, will be able to purchase bitcoins for cash.

The company brought the first Bitcoin ATM to Hong Kong. Customers must be verified to use this ATM and will need to use their Bitcoin wallet QR code to make a cash deposit.

bitXoin (info) Buy bitcoin via online ordering and bank deposit, cash over the counter at most banks throughout Australia. Fast processing, low reference rate, low commissions.

Bitcoin (Australia) – pay by cash over the counter at local bank branches.

expresscoin.com (info) allows customers to pay with cash at Credit Unions that support shared branching.

Personal Checks

expresscoin.com (info) allows customers to buy Bitcoin with a personal check. Create a purchase request and mail in a personal check to the listed address and match amount. Specific instructions of all payment methods are referenced in the How To Buy page.

Buy Bitcoin with Gift Card (US)

GiftCardDrainer.com allows you to buy bitcoin with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover gift cards. Uses the exchange rate provided by coinbase.com at the time that the customer’s gift card is processed within 24 hours of card submission. Most cards are processed within a few hours of submission, however it can take up to 24 hours. Customer must provide a bank account number for identity verification.

Money Orders

expresscoin.com (info) allows customers to buy Bitcoin with a personal check. Create a purchase request and mail in a USPS Money Order to the listed address and match amount. Specific instructions of all payment methods are referenced in the How To Buy page.

Via IDeal (NL)

SATOS allows you to securely buy Bitcoin with iDeal.

Bitonic allows you to buy bitcoins with IDEAL.

HappyCoins allows you to buy Bitcoins with iDEAL and SEPA bank transfer.

BTCDirect allows you to buy and sell bitcoins with iDEAL.

CleverCoin allows you to buy and sell bitcoins directly on an exchange with iDEAL and SEPA bank transfer.

Josien allows you to buy bitcoins and litecoins with iDEAL and SEPA bank transfer.

Via MoneyGram

You can buy Bitcoins with a Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer via coinmama.com.

Finding a direct seller online

If you can find another person that is willing to sell them to you, you can transfer him money via any payment method (including PayPal), and he’ll send you the Bitcoins. The following websites can be used to find direct sellers online , Local Bitcoins or the Currency Exchange Forum Section. Be extremely cautious of scammers when dealing over the counter. Ask an admin, moderator or a trusted person if you think someone is suspicious.

Physical Trading

You might be able to find an individual with whom you can Buy bitcoins locally. Always choose somebody with many reviews.

Starting in October of 2013, physical Bitcoin ATMs have been installed in Canada, Finland, Slovakia, Australia, Germany, and the UK. Use a Bitcoin ATM Locator to find a machine near you.

Price Comparison

BittyBot – allows users to compare different bitcoin sellers and prices in UK. ExchangeRates.Pro ⁠— compares Bitcoin and Altcoin prices in 255 countries.

Anonymity

There is a huge demand for buying Bitcoins off the grid due to ever-increasing government regulations and private agency intrusions and discrimination against alternative currencies. Due to the possibility of facial recognition cameras at banks and the paper trail involved with credit cards, there are very few options to have high levels of anonymity when buying Bitcoins those ways. DNA, Fingerprints, phone and internet records, audio and video records will not be discussed, but they all are possible tools which attackers could use to uncloak even the stealthiest Bitcoin buyer. There are a couple known ways, depending on your location, to buy Bitcoins outside of the standard banking system with relatively high anonymity. Buying locally with cash using a burner or payphone allows a high level of anonymity with the exchange being the weakest link. Many sellers online will also trade Bitcoins for MoneyPak codes or other cash-like gift codes which can be bought at a local store with cash. Another way to buy Bitcoins with a high level of anonymity is by sending cash in the mail.


Avoiding Scams

Before using any service, it is a good idea to look for reviews and feedback from previous customers. This can be done by performing a Google search of the name of the website or company. The Bitcoin forum is also a good place to find discussions and reviews about services.


See also

External links

References