Where to buy your first crypto: beginner guide

Buying crypto for the first time is mostly about three choices: a trustworthy exchange, a cheap way to pay, and a safe place to keep the coins afterwards. This guide walks you through all three with sourced fees and no hype.

Short answer

Best place to buy crypto as a beginner: BingX (#1), then OKX (#2). Both list crypto on spot and charge 0.10% taker on standard spot pairs (official fee pages).
First purchase in 5 steps: sign up, verify your ID (KYC), deposit local money (a bank transfer such as SEPA, a card or P2P), buy crypto on the spot market, turn on 2FA.
Spot trading is cheaper than “quick buy” with a card, which usually adds a spread or card fee.
For long term holding, send crypto to a wallet you control, test with a small amount first.

Where to buy crypto: our ranking

#	Exchange	Spot fee (maker / taker)	BTC / ETH
1. BingX	0.10% / 0.10% (src)	Yes	Read review
2. OKX	0.08% / 0.10% (src)	Yes	Read review
3. WEEX	0.10% / 0.10% (src)	Yes	Read review

Open BingX Open OKX Open WEEX

Ranking follows our test method. Availability of products depends on your country. Fees are standard tiers from each official fee page and can change.

How to buy crypto for the first time (step by step)

Create an account on BingX or OKX with your email or phone and a strong, unique password.
Complete identity verification (KYC): an ID document and a selfie. Without it most exchanges limit deposits.
Turn on two factor authentication (an authenticator app, not SMS if you can choose).
Deposit money: a bank transfer such as SEPA, a card or P2P. Start with an amount you can afford to lose.
Open the spot market crypto/USDT (or a local currency pair if offered) and place a limit or market order.
Check the filled order and the fee in your order history.
For long term holding, withdraw crypto to your own wallet: send a small test amount on the correct network first (-).

What your first crypto purchase costs

Three costs add up: the trading fee (0.08% to 0.10% on the spot tiers above), the deposit method (bank transfers are often free, cards usually are not) and the network fee when you withdraw crypto, shown in the app before you confirm. “Buy crypto” buttons with a card are convenient but usually more expensive than a spot order. Use our cost calculator to compare routes for your amount.

KYC: what you need

Regulated exchanges must verify who you are. Prepare a passport or ID card, sometimes proof of address, and take a selfie in good light. Verification is usually fast, but it can take longer at busy times. Never send ID documents to anyone who contacts you on social media or messaging apps.

Payment methods where you live

In the EU the cheapest route is usually a SEPA transfer in euro (BingX SEPA, OKX SEPA). Elsewhere, card purchases and P2P markets are common. Before you deposit in the EU, check the exchange entity in the ESMA MiCA register.

Before you buy crypto

Most beginners start with Bitcoin or Ethereum, the two largest coins, before trying smaller ones.

Safety checklist

Type the exchange address yourself or use the official app, phishing sites copy logos.
Nobody legit will ask for your password, 2FA code or recovery phrase.
Ignore “guaranteed returns”, “account managers” and giveaways that ask you to send crypto first.
Use an authenticator app and an anti phishing code if the exchange offers one.
Start small and do not use leverage for your first purchase.

Self custody: keeping crypto in your own wallet

On an exchange the platform holds the keys. In a self custody wallet you hold them: write the recovery phrase on paper, keep it offline and never photograph it. A hardware wallet is the safest option for larger amounts. Learn the basics in our crypto wallet guide.

FAQ

Where is the best place to buy crypto for beginners?

We rank BingX first and OKX second for a first crypto purchase: both list crypto on spot, have simple apps and charge 0.10% taker on standard spot pairs according to their fee pages.

How much crypto should I buy the first time?

Only what you can afford to lose. You can buy a small fraction, so a first purchase does not need to be large. Many beginners start small to learn deposits, orders and withdrawals.

Do I need KYC to buy crypto?

On regulated exchanges, yes. You need an ID document and a selfie. Platforms that skip KYC carry more risk for beginners.

Is it cheaper to buy crypto with a card or with a bank transfer?

Usually a bank transfer plus a spot order is cheaper. Card purchases often include a card fee or a wider spread.

Should I keep crypto on the exchange?

Small amounts you trade can stay on a large exchange with 2FA. For long term holding, a self custody wallet removes exchange risk, but you become responsible for your recovery phrase.

Related guides

Sources: BingX fees, OKX fees, WEEX fees, ESMA MiCA.

Crypto assets are volatile and you can lose money. This guide is information, not financial advice. Some links are referral links.