Hey there! Are you interested in buying bitcoin but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through various ways to buy (or earn) bitcoin, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all method, so it’s all about finding what works best for you.
1. Buying bitcoin with a bitcoin voucher
Bitcoin vouchers work like digital gift cards or prepaid vouchers. You buy a voucher for a specific value and then redeem it for bitcoin. This method is ideal for beginners because it’s so quick and easy.
Some bitcoin vouchers require you to create an account, verify your identity, or even download a specific app to manage your bitcoin. Azteco bitcoin vouchers don’t require you to do any of these things. You can buy an Azteco bitcoin voucher for as little as $10 in over 190 countries.
Advantages of bitcoin vouchers. Quick and easy, especially for beginners. And if you use Azteco bitcoin vouchers, you don’t even need to create an account or download a new app.
Disadvantages of bitcoin vouchers. There’s usually a maximum value for bitcoin vouchers. For example, Azteco bitcoin vouchers are available from $10 to $1,000 (but you can always buy multiple vouchers if you need more bitcoin).
2. Buying bitcoin from a bitcoin ATM
Bitcoin ATMs are physical machines where you can buy bitcoin using cash or a bank card. They’re similar to regular ATMs but instead of withdrawing cash, you get bitcoin sent to your bitcoin wallet.
Bitcoin ATMs will typically ask you to deposit cash or insert a bank card. Once your payment has been processed, the ATM will ask you to enter your bitcoin wallet address (usually 25-36 characters in length). You need to make sure that you enter your wallet address correctly, otherwise the ATM might send the bitcoin to someone else’s wallet.
Advantages of bitcoin ATMs. You can usually buy bitcoin from a bitcoin ATM using cash or a bank card, and you don’t normally need to create an account.
Disadvantages of bitcoin ATMs. It’s often very difficult to find a bitcoin ATM and they can be expensive to use. Also, you need to be sure who’s responsible for the ATM in case there’s a problem with your purchase.
3. Buying bitcoin from an exchange
Bitcoin exchanges have traditionally been the most popular way to buy bitcoin. Sometimes you’re buying bitcoin directly from the exchange, sometimes you’re buying bitcoin from other people through the exchange.
To use a bitcoin exchange, you need to create an account and verify your identity. This involves uploading a copy of your passport or driving license, and perhaps a bank statement or utility bill. You’ll then need to connect your bank account or payment card to the exchange before you can actually buy any bitcoin. This whole process can take several days to complete and it involves sharing a lot of personal information.
Advantages of bitcoin exchanges. Multiple payment methods, including bank transfers. Fees can also be lower for larger purchases.
Disadvantages of bitcoin exchanges. The bitcoin exchange usually manages the bitcoin on your behalf, which is a security risk if they’re hacked. Also, some bitcoin exchanges charge a monthly fee or have minimum amounts for purchases.
4. Earning bitcoin as a reward
More and more companies are beginning to offer bitcoin as a reward for completing tasks, like filling out surveys or testing apps. Bitcoin is ideal for these kinds of payments, as small amounts can be sent instantly to anyone, anywhere in the world.
For example, Madai’s market research platform lets people earn bitcoin by completing market research surveys for global brands. The more valuable the insights you provide, the more rewards you can earn.
Advantages of earning bitcoin as a reward. It’s an easy way to get small amounts of bitcoin and you don’t need to spend any money.
Disadvantages of earning bitcoin as a reward. It can be very time consuming and the rewards for completing different tasks are not always very high.
5. Earning bitcoin from “mining”
When one person sends bitcoin to another person, that payment is validated by a distributed network of computers and then recorded on the blockchain. This payment processing is often called “bitcoin mining” and in the past it’s been a popular way to earn bitcoin.
Bitcoin mining now requires a significant upfront investment in terms of specialist equipment. It also requires a significant amount of on-going investment in terms of electricity costs. When bitcoin was first introduced in 2009, people could earn bitcoin by running “mining” programs on their local computers. In 2024 however, bitcoin “mining” (or payment processing) is more complicated and expensive.
Advantages of earning bitcoin from “mining”. Once you’ve invested in your mining setup, it can run 24/7 on it’s own.
Disadvantages of earning bitcoin from “mining”. It’s expensive and technically complicated to set up a bitcoin “mining” operation. Also, you’ll need to pay for the electricity to power your “mining” equipment.
The best way for beginners to buy bitcoin
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all method for buying bitcoin, so it’s all about finding what works best for you. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so always think about what’s most important to you – convenience, cost, security, or privacy.