In the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin (BTC) stands as a pioneering force and a continual topic of interest. For those looking to dive into the realm of digital currencies, a pressing question often arises: "Where can you buy Bitcoin (BTC)?" This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the various platforms and methods available for purchasing Bitcoin, ensuring that even those new to this digital currency can navigate the process with confidence and ease.
Understanding Bitcoin: A Brief Overview Before delving into the purchase avenues, it's crucial to have a fundamental understanding of what Bitcoin is.
Bitcoin: The Digital Gold Launched in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin introduced the world to blockchain technology. It's often likened to digital gold, a comparison drawn due to its decentralized nature and limited supply, mirroring gold's scarcity and value.
The Appeal of Bitcoin Bitcoin's appeal lies in its ability to provide a decentralized, secure, and transparent method of transaction. It operates without the need for traditional banking systems, which has garnered significant interest from investors and tech enthusiasts alike.
Platforms to Purchase Bitcoin (BTC) The journey to buying Bitcoin can begin through various platforms, each offering distinct features and levels of user engagement.
Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchanges Centralized exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken are primary gateways to buying Bitcoin. These platforms are known for their user-friendly interfaces, providing easy access to purchase, sell, and trade Bitcoin alongside a range of other cryptocurrencies.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) For those seeking a more peer-to-peer approach, decentralized exchanges offer a platform for direct transactions without the need for intermediaries. While DEXs offer greater control over your funds, they require a higher degree of technical knowledge.
Bitcoin ATMs Bitcoin ATMs present a physical avenue to purchase BTC. Located in various cities worldwide, these ATMs enable users to buy Bitcoin using fiat currencies, though they may come with higher transaction fees.
Storing Your Bitcoin Safely Once purchased, the safe storage of Bitcoin is paramount.
Hardware Wallets: Secure Storage For security-focused individuals, hardware wallets like Ledger Nano and Trezor offer offline storage, safeguarding your Bitcoin from online threats.
Software Wallets: Convenience and Accessibility Software wallets, while less secure than their hardware counterparts, provide convenient access to your Bitcoin. Examples include Exodus and Electrum, known for their user-friendly interfaces.
Exchange Wallets: Ease of Use Some users prefer to store their Bitcoin directly on the exchange where they purchased it. This method is convenient for trading but less secure against online threats.
Utilizing Bitcoin in Real Life Beyond being a digital asset for investment, Bitcoin offers real-world utility.
Digital Transactions Bitcoin allows for digital transactions across borders without the need for currency conversion, making it a preferred choice for international transactions and remittances.
Investment Vehicle Many investors view Bitcoin as a long-term investment, akin to gold, due to its potential to appreciate in value over time.
Navigating the Volatile Landscape of Bitcoin Investing in Bitcoin involves understanding and navigating its inherent volatility.
Market Dynamics Bitcoin's price is influenced by a variety of factors, including global economic events, regulatory news, and technological advancements within the blockchain space.
Long-term Outlook Despite its volatility, Bitcoin continues to attract long-term investors who view it as a hedge against traditional financial systems and a potential driver of future financial innovation.
Conclusion Buying Bitcoin (BTC) is a journey that offers an array of choices, from the platforms used for purchase to the methods of storage. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the world of cryptocurrencies, understanding these facets is key to engaging with Bitcoin confidently and securely.
Altcoin Trader is a Centralized cryptocurrency exchange based in South Africa. The exchange was launched in 2014. Altcoin Trader has 20 available trading pairs and 21 coins. The exchange uses the Ordinary procedure for verification including two-step verification process and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure. If you want to raise the account limits and minimize processing time you must go all the way, uploading ID card, proof of residence, etc.
Aphelion is a new decentralized exchange that is powered on the NEO-blockchain. It was launched in January 2019.
Armory is a free Bitcoin cold wallet supporting multi-signature. It is an open source protocol utilizing high-end protection features. Historically Armory is one of the earliest efficient cold storage cryptocurrency wallets. This wallet has a reputation of one of the most secure Bitcoin wallets. Armory doesn't support any cryptocurrency besides Bitcoin (BTC).
Atomex wallet is a mobile app with an in-built conversion tool for multiple currencies. Atomex is Android compatible whereas an iOS version is coming.
BCEX is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange based in Hong Kong. The exchange was launched in 2017. Its reported volume is about 65 mln. $. BCEX has 66 available trading pairs and 61 coins.
BCEX doesn't have Fiat deposits option. The exchange does not accept any other deposit method than cryptocurrencies. Margin trading option is not available on the exchange.
Bequant exchange was launched in Malta in 2018. This location was chosen because of the increasing importance of crypto regulation. The second office of the company works in London. Bequant targets professional and institutional traders, offering them advanced machine algorithms, low-latency mechanisms and deep liquidity.
Enabling access to over $150 mil in average daily traded volume, the group also provides Bequant Pro prime brokerage service for institutional clients, such as investment banks and hedge funds.
Bgogo is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange based on the Cayman Islands. The exchange was launched in 2018.
BigONE is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange. The exchange was launched in 2017. Its reported volume is about 180-200 mln. $. BigONE has 117 available trading pairs and 75 coins. Deposits are free on the exchange. BigONE doesn't have fiat deposits option. Margin trading option is not available on the exchange.
Withdrawal fees can reach up to 0.0002 BTC.
Bilaxy is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2018. Its reported volume is about 98-105 mln. $. The exchange is available both in English and Chinese versions.
Bilaxy has 157 available trading pairs and 134 coins. Exchange provides the possibility of trading with a number of different altcoins against the ETH. The traders won’t find fiat currency trading, and also there is no trading against the BTC.
Binance Uganda exchange was officially launched in 2018. It’s based in in Uganda, Africa. It provides on the biggest fiat-to-crypto trading platform in Africa. The investors can trade with Ugandan Shillings (UGX) with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). This is the main distinguish feature of the platform; the possibility to use the African fiat currency.
One the few cryptocurrency exchanges based in Israeil is Bit2C. This centralized cryptocurrency exchange was launched in 2013.The exchange doesn’t have a big volume the average amount fluctuates within 40-50 k. $ per day. Bit2C has the standard package of the trading tools and order books. According to the information on the official website the exchange has more than 11 thousand active traders.
BitBay is one of the few exchanges based and originated in Poland. It offers an impressive range of crypto for trading.
Bitex Bitcoin exchange is one of the services offered by Bitex payment provider along with concierge (enabling quick local payments) and boutique (bulk bitcoin purchases) solutions. Bitex is the Argentine platform that was founded in 2014.
Bitfinex is one of the largest exchanges in terms of daily trading volumes and overall recognition. It was founded in 2012 and it is based in Hong Kong. 72 trading pairs are currently available on the platform. The pairs are linked to the four currencies including USD, EUR, BTC and ETH.
BitFlyer is a Japanese exchange founded in 2014. The company has official permission in different countries including some states of the USA, Europe, and Japan. Also, bitFlyer offers automatic trades via API.
BitForex is part of a galaxy of new crypto exchanges that appeared after the explosive growth of interest in crypto assets in 2017. A trading platform was registered in Singapore, focused on the Asian and Western markets. At the moment the exchange offers 300+ coins, the ability to trade with futures, 9 languages of the interface, etc. The turnover of the exchange is about $661.457.759 according to coinmarketcup at the moment.
BitGo is one of the oldest cryptocurrency wallets, launched in 2013. Many users claim that this is one of the most trusted BTC wallets on the market. Both desktope and mobile versions of the wallet are available. Mobile version is available both for Android and IOS.
Bithesap is a Turkish cryptocurrency exchange offering two trading pairs: BTC / TRY and LTC / TRY. The platform is aimed at customers who need help with cryptocurrency trading services, you can safely sell, buy, exchange such as Bitcoin and Litecoin with reference to the Turkish Lira (TRY) here. The turnover of the exchange is about
$2.708.845 according to coinmarketcup at the moment.
Bitibu was established in 2018 as a centralized cryptocurrency exchange.
As of now, this platform is not active.
BITKER was established in Singapore as a centralized cryptocurrency exchange. Following to their outage announcement in September 2019, the exchange platform had suspended its activity. The reason behind this was a cyber attack.