How to Buy Bitcoin in the USA?

Cryptocurrency: what does it stand for?

The term cryptocurrency refers to all virtual currencies that are stored electronically on crypto wallets. There is a special network, where people can transfer crypto between wallets securely — a blockchain. The network is decentralised, meaning there is no single server or authority controlling it. The transaction records are kept and synchronised on millions computers worldwide. This is the way of storing and sharing digital files that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to alter, hack, or cheat the system.

More about the blockchain

Fundamentally, virtual currencies appeared in the year 2008. An unknown individual or group of individuals nicknamed Satoshi Nakamoto built a website called bitcoin.com to explain the blockchain. They described it as a decentralized system used for storing and transmitting data as well as conducting secure money transferring.

Every blockchain transaction needs to be verified to transfer the right amount of coins to the right wallet addresses. When miners, independent network participants, check and validate the transaction, it’s added to the block. Each one goes after the previous in a strict chronological order creating a chain. That’s how the network got its name.

Bitcoin, the first crypto in the world

The first-ever cryptocurrency was called Bitcoin (BTC). Using this virtual coin, an individual can send a file stored in a digital wallet to another participant in the network. Since BTC is recognised as an exchange value, you can use it for transferring funds abroad at comparingly low fees.

It is noteworthy that Bitcoin (BTC) is the most popular cryptocurrency for now. It was the first digital money in the world and now trades at the highest prices among virtual currencies. Other crypto tokens are called altcoins. Among them are Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), Cosmos (ATOM), etc.

Finding the best places where to buy Bitcoin in the USA?

To buy Bitcoin in the US, you can, for instance, use a peer-to-peer trading platform where buyers and sellers connect with each other directly. There may also be Bitcoin ATMs available in your area where you can buy crypto which will be sent directly to your digital wallet. If you don’t have a wallet yet, there are many crypto exchanges where you can buy digital assets and store them there on your personal wallet.

Currently, CEX.IO offers over 18 different cryptocurrencies for US customers, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Stellar (XLM), etc. Customers can use both debit and credit cards to buy crypto and withdraw money. Additionally, you can track current crypto prices of all available assets on a single page and trade them right away.

Here is a simple guide on how to buy Bitcoin in the USA easily even if you just get started with crypto.

Step-by-step guide to buy BTC in the USA via the CEX.IO exchange

The services of CEX.IO ecosystem made it possible for you to buy Bitcoin (BTC) instantly and easily, as well as sell and trade this and many other listed coins. So how can you buy BTC online in the US?

1. Open an account at CEX.IO

To get started, you need to create an account on CEX.IO. Use your active email address for this, it will be your login for all CEX.IO products. Then enable 2-factor authentication with either your phone number or Google Authenticator.

2. Go to the Buy/Sell page

There you can see the Instant buy packs. Those are the most frequently purchased amounts and the option to enter a custom amount. To opt for one of the packs, click Buy, and you will be directed to the transaction page.

3. Link a card

Fill in card information or select your linked card. Alternatively, you can use the balance you have on CEX.IO to make the purchase.

We will process your request in seconds, and you will get BTC into your account.

How can I buy Bitcoin with a Mastercard, Visa card, or prepaid card?

CEX.IO works with Visa/Mastercard debit cards and credit cards. You can use either a physical or internet card to pay for crypto. The purchasing process is the same regardless of the card type.

It is important to mention that different banks and payment systems can charge different fees. Before purchasing digital assets, ensure you check this information with your card issuer.

Prepaid cards

Prepaid cards are offered by many famous financial service companies, such as Visa, American Express, Payoneer, Mastercard, PayPal, etc. The convenience of prepaid cards makes them great if you want to conduct a transaction right now. Using this card does not require the creation of a bank account.

There are however some drawbacks to prepaid cards. Money from external sources is generally not accepted. In this case, if you purchase BTC or deposit funds to CEX.IO using a prepaid card, you will have difficulty withdrawing them.

Other ways to buy crypto at CEX.IO

Buying cryptocurrency does not always require a debit card or credit card. You can send money via bank transfer, for instance. If you plan to pay with USD it’s possible to use SWIFT, ACH or electronic wallets like Epay, Advcash and Skrill.

Talking about buying options, you can use the market and limit orders on the Trade page. There you can find multiple currency pairs and buy Ripple or buy Ethereum for dollars, etc.

How can I convert BTC to USD at CEX.IO?

You can trade BTC to USD pair with the market and limit orders using the Trade page. Just decide what order type suits you best.

Also, you can sell BTC for dollars immediately using the CEX.IO mobile app. The Instant Sell option allows you to withdraw the fiats you get after selling your crypto directly to your linked card.

In case you want to convert BTC into another crypto and a direct exchange pair is not available, try the Exchange feature in the mobile app. To perform the conversion, we use an intermediary coin you can exchange on CEX.IO with the input or output currency. As an example, if you want to convert ETH to XLM, the system will do it in two steps:

• Sell ETH for BTC;
• Buy XLM for BTC.

As a result, you get the assets converted in a click.

What are the deposit/withdrawal fees at CEX.IO exchange?

CEX.IO supports an extensive list of payment methods available for different countries, as well as commission-free options. You can get familiar with the deposit and withdraw fees as well as commissions for trading on our Fee Schedule page.

There could, however, be additional charges from your card provider or bank for international payments. Therefore, before making any transactions, get familiar with the bank policy and fees.

Is it legal to buy Bitcoin in the USA at CEX.IO?

CEX.IO is a self-regulated crypto exchange that follows industry best practices. As well as that, we have established internal procedures, rules, and regulations that we successfully follow in collaboration with external regulators.

The US financial regulator FinCEN recognized CEX.IO as an MSB (Money Services Business) in 2015. Which guarantees that data on the exchange is private and protected. You can feel confident about your security and focus on your trading and investing goals.

How much BTC should I buy and when?

If you have just plunged into the world of digital currencies, you should be careful with the amount of money you invest. It’s a good idea to start from small capital, which won’t be harmful to your budget. Later on, when you will be more knowledgeable in the sphere of virtual currencies, you could invest a higher amount of assets.

To spot a good moment to buy or sell crypto, study some trading strategies, learn the basics of technical and fundamental analysis. Mark the conditions when you make more income and manage to control your risks. Thus, you’ll have your own strategy for efficient trading.

What can you buy with Bitcoin in the USA?

A growing number of clients are using cryptocurrency to purchase goods and services online. Digital cash is being accepted by numerous takeaway platforms, whether it's for pizza, fries or vegan food, concert or airplane tickets, event agencies, and more. Additionally, many charity funds accept donations in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple.

Products of the CEX.IO ecosystem

We strive to help everyone to reach their goals, regardless of experience level. Whether you’re a retail buyer, institutional trader, or enthusiast, CEX.IO ecosystem offers you multiple ways to interact with crypto. Let's examine them more closely.

CEX.IO Savings

This service offers a passive return on virtual currencies, similar to savings accounts in banks. Contrary to traditional options, the CEX.IO Savings account can be topped up or withdrawn whenever the customer pleases. No extra charges, no waiting for the expiration date, and no freezing of assets.

CEX.IO Staking

With crypto staking it is possible to earn money without trading digital assets. Staking is closely related to proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus, an alternative to mining that consumes less energy, math, and computing power. To support blockchain processes, funds need to be locked in a cryptocurrency wallet. By staking, participants earn rewards.

It isn't necessary to understand every technical aspect of proof-of-stake and lock your funds to earn rewards with CEX.IO Staking. You start earning as soon as you put stake-able crypto on your balance. What’s more, staking funds can be withdrawn or traded at any time, we don’t lock them.

Bitcoin converter

If you want to exchange a certain amount of Bitcoins (BTC) for dollars or any other currency, you will need to check the exchange rate first. You should, therefore, be aware that the BTC price may differ depending on which source you use. Keep in mind that based on the activity of its users, each crypto exchange shows different prices for digital currencies. There are also sites that collect and display average rates from several crypto exchanges.

In this respect, the price can vary from one platform to another, so it's important to check it on the site where you'll be trading virtual currency. For instance, you can use CEX.IO's Bitcoin to USD calculator when you trade, buy and sell on the exchange.

The CEX.IO’ Bitcoin Price Calculator shows the current market exchange rates for all available cryptocurrencies on the exchange, including Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), and many more.

Loans at CEX.IO

It is possible to use your digital assets as collateral for loans if you need cash urgently. Whenever you sell Bitcoin to cover costs, you are forgoing potential gains, particularly if the price is low. However, if you borrow against your Bitcoin holdings, you get fiat money for your everyday needs without sacrificing the potential of your crypto.

CEX.IO Loan allows you to easily convert digital assets into fiat currencies, such as USD and EUR. The amount of your loan ranges between $500 and $500,000, and their repayment terms range from a week to a year.

Crypto loans are also an excellent solution for businesses, traders, and investors. In addition, with a cryptocurrency-based lender, the platform's liquidity inflow could be improved. Thus, trading orders will be satisfied faster, even those with large volumes.