How to Buy Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin: A Beginner to Advanced Guide (2025)

·

The appeal of cryptocurrencies has significantly increased among investors in recent years. This trend is driven by continuous advances in the financial and technological sectors, with the most recent example being the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs. These investment products are attracting substantial capital from institutional investors. With the ongoing rise of digital assets and the growing adoption of blockchain technology, understanding how to buy cryptocurrencies in 2025 is essential for any investor looking to diversify their portfolio. This guide aims to provide the essential information to get started with crypto. It will share reliable crypto exchange platforms and detail the steps to purchase cryptocurrencies in 2025.

Whether you are new to the cryptocurrency market or seeking to deepen your knowledge to become a more seasoned investor, this guide will provide the necessary foundation to start your investment journey in cryptocurrencies with confidence.

Where to Buy Crypto or Bitcoin?

As explained previously, security is a paramount factor in all our choices within the cryptocurrency sector. Therefore, it is preferable to turn to reliable exchange platforms that have several years of experience and have not experienced a major hack.

Platforms that have not weathered a bear market will be far less interesting than exchanges that survived the violent downturns of 2018 and 2022. Once you believe these criteria are met, you must also pay attention to transaction fees. This might seem trivial, but when you combine deposit fees, withdrawal fees, and transaction fees, it can tend to eat into your portfolio.

Finally, once the security and fee criteria have been studied, one can consider user-friendliness, the quantity of available cryptocurrencies, etc.

A comparison of some popular platforms is provided below, highlighting key features like minimum deposit, pros, cons, and a user rating.

How to Buy Crypto in 5 Simple Steps

Buying Crypto: A secure purchase process guide for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies for beginners.

Step 1: Select a Regulated Platform

Choose a regulated platform such as Bitpanda, Binance, or Bitvavo.

Step 2: Quick Registration with Mandatory Identity Verification

Step 3: Fund Your Account with Your Chosen Method

Step 4: Execute Your Crypto Purchase

Select the cryptocurrency and the desired amount.

Example for buying Bitcoin:

  1. Search for "BTC" or "Bitcoin".
  2. Enter the amount in EUR (e.g., €100).
  3. Verify the current exchange rate.
  4. Confirm the purchase.

Step 5: Protect Your Investments with Best Practices

Short Term

Leave on the exchange with 2FA enabled.

Long Term (Recommended)

Transfer to a hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger, Trezor).

Recommended Practices

Bitcoin is often rightly called the king of cryptocurrencies. When Bitcoin surges or experiences a violent drop, altcoins tend to follow its movements. Since the beginning of 2023, Bitcoin has been performing well, with its price once again surpassing the last all-time high set in 2021.

For those wishing to get started in this field, it is really important to understand the different available purchase methods: from centralized exchanges to decentralized platforms and ATMs, the possibilities are varied. This guide will specifically address the case of centralized exchange platforms, the most commonly used method currently to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Note that we will also cover other alternatives that are perhaps less mainstream, such as decentralized exchanges, which are increasingly used.

Finally, it is also important to note that investing in cryptocurrencies – like any investment – is not without risk! The volatility of the cryptocurrency market can lead to significant losses for inexperienced investors. On the other hand, volatility in a bull market can allow savvy operators to realize significant profits. It is also important to note that cryptocurrencies are assets subject to taxation. In France, the tax rate on capital gains from your cryptocurrencies is 30% (if you are not considered a professional).

A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Crypto

While you can buy cryptocurrencies on any of the platforms listed (or not) in the comparative table above, we have chosen our partner Bitpanda for this step-by-step crypto purchase guide. Let's go!

When you are on the Bitpanda homepage, click on "Get Started" in the top right corner of the site. You will be directed to a new page to create an account. As with any registration, the site asks for general information such as your name, surname, and email address. Then, remember to set up a strong password for security reasons. Select your country of residence and press "Create Account". Once that is done, you will need to validate your registration via email.

Once your registration is validated, click on "Get Started" in the top right corner of the Bitpanda site. Before you can start buying cryptocurrencies, two steps remain:

Once you have answered the series of questions, all that remains is to verify your identity. Again, the site starts by asking for some personal information like name, surname, date of birth, address, and phone number. Once that is finished, the site verifies your phone number by sending you a code via SMS. The next step is to verify your personal information. For this, you can choose between a passport, national identity card, or driver's license. Once your choice is made, press "Continue".

You will need to take a photo of your identity document and scan your face. For the analysis and processing of your biometric data, Bitpanda uses the specialized third-party service Sumsub. You will need a smartphone to complete these steps. After a few minutes of verification, your account is validated, and you can buy cryptocurrencies. Before moving on to the next step, it is highly recommended to secure the account by activating two-factor authentication (2FA).

Depositing Funds on an Exchange

Once your account is validated, you can move on to the next step: depositing funds into the exchange platform. To do this, click on "Deposit" at the top of the homepage.

For this guide, we will choose deposits in fiat currencies. If you want to exchange fiat currencies for cryptocurrencies, this is the way to go! To continue, you must select "Fiat currencies".

Next, the site offers you different currencies such as the US dollar, Swiss franc, or British pound. In our case, we will choose the euro.

Bitpanda offers different payment methods like bank transfer or credit card (Mastercard, VISA, etc.). It is preferable to choose deposit by bank card, as it is now free. Therefore, the bank transfer no longer offers an advantage since it will take longer to arrive on the platform.

Once you have funds available on the platform, you will be able to buy cryptocurrencies on Bitpanda. To do this, nothing is simpler! Go to the site's homepage and this time click on "Trade". A window opens, and you have several options such as Buy, Savings Plan, Exchange a Coupon, and Stake. As you will have understood, we will choose the "Buy" option to acquire cryptocurrencies.

The platform offers you various financial assets and a variety of cryptocurrencies. We will choose Bitcoin, as it is the flagship asset of the crypto sector and the market's first capitalization.

Once Bitcoin is selected, the site offers you to choose the amount you wish to buy. To ensure the transaction suits you, Bitpanda provides a summary of the transaction you are about to make. Therefore, click on "Go to summary".

The site summarizes the transaction and indicates the amount you will deposit once fees are applied. If the chosen cryptocurrency and quantity suit you, all that remains is to validate the transaction. That's it! You are now in possession of BTC.

👉 Compare trusted platforms to buy crypto today

Alternatives to Centralized Exchange Platforms for Buying Crypto

It is crucial to realize that when we deposit funds on an exchange platform, we place our trust in it. Indeed, not being in possession of one's private keys can sometimes cause problems. Users of the FTX platform learned this the hard way. This is a rare case, as exchange platforms want to establish themselves for the long term, but the risks remain present. Cyber attacks are possible; hackers are continuously looking for vulnerabilities on CEXs. Exchange platforms provide solutions (insurance) in case of a hack, but this requires a certain level of trust from the operators. Thus, the danger comes as much from inside the platform (FTX case) as from outside the platform (hack).

This is why more and more players are turning to decentralized solutions. These depend on computer programs and offer users greater security.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

A decentralized exchange (DEX) is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that operates without the intermediary of a central authority or trusted third party. Unlike centralized exchanges (CEX), where transactions are facilitated by a central entity that holds and manages users' funds, DEXs allow users to exchange their assets directly with each other via smart contracts on a blockchain. They operate without an intermediary, which generally offers lower fees. DEXs offer a higher level of privacy and security. Indeed, users retain control of their funds at all times (private keys) without having to entrust them to a third party. However, they can sometimes be less liquid and less intuitive than centralized exchanges due to their peer-to-peer nature and increased dependence on the underlying blockchain.

To function, DEXs rely on users to obtain liquidity. Indeed, operators can decide to put their cryptocurrencies into a liquidity pool to provide liquidity for the platform. For this service, users receive rewards (a percentage of transaction fees). DEXs are structurally different from CEXs.

Among the most famous DEXs are dYdX, Uniswap, SushiSwap, or Vertex Protocol. These platforms have been gaining market share for several years, especially since the bankruptcy of FTX. These actors are working to make products increasingly easy to use to gain more and more users.

Using Ledger to Buy Cryptocurrencies

Founded in 2014, Ledger is a French company specialized in cryptocurrency security. It is globally recognized for its highly secure cryptocurrency wallets, such as the Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X.

Ledger's physical wallets offer maximum security by allowing users to store their private keys offline, safe from cyber attacks. Ledger's physical wallets are considered one of the most secure options for storing cryptocurrencies. An internal team (Ledger Donjon) constantly works to detect possible vulnerabilities. Each update allows for a higher level of security.

In addition to providing secure storage solutions, Ledger also offers a comprehensive platform to manage and exchange cryptocurrencies. Users can access a range of additional services. Indeed, they can buy cryptocurrencies directly from the Ledger Live application (Ledger's management software). This functionality allows users to buy cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

ATMs, or automated teller machines, are physical terminals that allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies in exchange for fiat currencies, such as the dollar or euro.

Although ATMs offer an alternative to online exchange platforms, it is important to note that the fees associated with using these machines can be significantly higher than those charged online. Moreover, the availability of ATMs may vary depending on the geographical region. In France, there are very few ATMs.

Using PayPal to Buy Cryptocurrencies

Buying cryptocurrencies via PayPal offers users a convenient and secure method to invest in digital assets. By linking your PayPal account to a compatible exchange platform (for example, eToro), it is possible to fund a trading account. Residents of the United States can buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin directly from the PayPal site. However, Europeans do not have the possibility to buy digital assets directly on PayPal.

Mining Cryptocurrencies

Mining is a way to obtain cryptocurrencies. Indeed, Bitcoin mining is the process by which new bitcoins are created and entered into circulation. Miners use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems. This process helps secure and validate transactions on the Bitcoin network. As a reward for their work, miners receive newly created bitcoins, as well as transaction fees from users. It is possible to mine different cryptocurrencies like Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), or Monero (XMR). Mining is possible on cryptocurrencies that are based on Proof-of-Work (PoW).

Frequently Asked Questions

💰 How do I buy Bitcoin for the first time?

Here are the steps to buy Bitcoin securely:

  1. Choose a regulated platform: Options include Bitpanda, Binance, Kraken, or Bitvavo.
  2. Create an account and verify your identity (KYC is mandatory).
  3. Deposit euros via SEPA transfer or bank card.
  4. Buy the desired amount of Bitcoin.
  5. Transfer to a secure wallet for long-term storage.

📊 What is the minimum amount to buy cryptocurrency?

Most platforms allow purchases starting from €10 to €25. Key points:

🔍 Is identity verification (KYC) mandatory?

Yes, identity verification (KYC) is mandatory on all regulated platforms in Europe.

Documents required:

💳 Which payment method should I choose?

🔐 How do I secure my cryptocurrencies after purchase?

Security is crucial in crypto. Here are our recommendations:

Basic Security:

💸 What fees should I expect?

Fees are broken down into several categories:

Deposit Fees:

⚖️ Is it legal to buy cryptocurrencies in France?

Yes, buying and holding cryptocurrencies is perfectly legal in France.

Regulation:

⏱️ How long does it take to buy cryptocurrency?

The total time depends on the chosen payment method:

  1. Account creation: 5-10 minutes + KYC verification (5 min to 72h).

  2. Funding the account:

    • Bank card: Instant.
    • SEPA transfer: 1-2 business days.
    • PayPal: Instant.
  3. Crypto purchase: Instant once funds are available.
    ⚡ Fastest: Bank card = Purchase possible in 15 minutes.
    💰 Most economical: SEPA transfer = 1-3 days total.

👉 Explore secure strategies for managing your portfolio