How & Where To Buy Crypto In The USA With A Regulated Broker In 2023

The USA is one of the most crypto-friendly nations globally, with casual investors and experienced pros alike having access to dozens of online exchanges. 

In this guide, we explain how to buy crypto in the USA with a regulated broker. We also explore the best place to buy crypto in the USA in terms of low fees, accepted payment types, supported coins, and much more.  

 

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

The above steps are pretty self-explanatory and overall, should take no more than five minutes to complete from start to finish. 

Nonetheless, beginners that require a more thorough guide on how to buy crypto in the USA will find this further down. 

 

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Crypto Exchanges in the USA

There is no shortage of crypto brokers and exchanges that service clients in the USA. 

• The best place to buy crypto is invariably a regulated broker that accepts instant payment methods at low fees. 
• Other factors to consider when choosing a top crypto exchange in the USA is the range of supported coins and whether any notable trading tools are offered - such as smart portfolios or staking. 

Below, we review the best crypto exchanges in the USA for 2023. 

1. eToro - Best Place to Buy Crypto in the USA

After researching many dozens of brokers and exchanges, we concluded that eToro offers the overall best place to buy crypto in the USA. From a safety perspective, eToro is heavily regulated. Not only by the US, but with licensing bodies in the UK, Cyprus, and Australia. More than 30 million people use eToro to buy crypto and the broker was established in 2007. 

eToro offers more than 70 crypto assets on its user-friendly platform. In addition to large-cap heavyweights like Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, XRP, and Cardano, this also includes meme coins like Shiba Inu and Dogecoin, not to mention a full suite of DeFi tokens. It is easy to diversify at eToro, considering the minimum crypto investment requirement is just $10. 

Furthermore, diversification can be achieved in a cost-effective way, not least because eToro is one of the cheapest places to buy crypto in the USA. For instance, USA clients can deposit funds instantly with an e-wallet or debit/credit card without paying a single cent in transaction fees. Other crypto brokers in this space charge upwards of 4% for the same process. 

Moreover, all of the 70+crypto assets available on eToro can be bought and sold at a simple commission rate of 1%. There are no fees for storing crypto at eToro and withdrawals in US dollars are also free of charge. eToro also offers a top crypto wallet app, which is free to download on ioS and Android smartphones. 

With that said, both long and short-term investors might prefer the eToro web wallet. This removes the need to withdraw the crypto tokens to a private wallet and as such, cashing out an investment can be achieved instantly at the click of a button - 24/7. Either way, eToro offers a safe and secure method not only to buy crypto in the USA - but to store the respective tokens. 

Another top feature of eToro is that the regulated broker offers a range of crypto smart portfolios. These are pre-built portfolios that contain a selection of hand-picked crypto assets and the investment is managed by the eToro team. This offers the ultimate way to buy crypto in the USA as a beginner, as the entire process is passively managed. 

For example, For example, the DeFiPortfolio tracks a pre-vetted selection of DeFi tokens. The smart portfolio in question contains everything from Chainlink, Compound, and Yearn.finance to Maker, Uniswap, and AAVE. There are no additional fees to invest in managed smart portfolios, but eToro does require a minimum investment of $500. 

In addition to smart portfolios, eToro also offers crypto copy trading services. This tool is different from smart portfolios insofar as you will be ‘copying’ an experienced crypto trader that uses the eToro platform. This offers a great way to actively buy and sell crypto in the USA without needing to do any of the legwork. 

Alongside its suite of crypto assets and passive investment tools, eToro is also the best place to buy stocks and ETFs in the USA. There are no commissions charged across thousands of USA and foreign-listed equities, and fractional investment of $10 are supported. Finally, eToro offers a free demo account to new and existing users, which mirrors the real-world markets. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
$10	Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers	Free for USA clients	1% commission	70+

 

Pros:

• ✅ Best place to buy crypto in the USA
• ✅ 70+crypto assets available
• ✅ Free debit/credit card and e-wallet deposits
• ✅ Minimum deposit just $10
• ✅ Invest in crypto passively via smart portfolios
• ✅ Also supports commission-free stocks and ETFs 

Cons:

• ❌ Lacks highly advanced analysis tools

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

2. Coinbase - Popular Crypto Exchange Used by Beginners 

Coinbase was launched in 2012, which makes it one of the most established places to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the USA. Coinbase has a superb reputation in the crypto asset space for safety and security. Although Coinbase comes with high fees, some investors are prepared to pay a higher price for the trust factor that the broker offers. 

For example, if you are exploring how to buy crypto in the USA with a debit or credit card, Coinbase has you covered - but you will be charged nearly 4%. Compare this to eToro - which charges 0%, and it is clear to see just how costly crypto purchases are at Coinbase. Furthermore, if you use Coinbase to trade crypto, there is a standard commission of 1.49%. 

This makes Coinbase unsuited for active traders that regularly buy and sell crypto assets. On the flip side, however, Coinbase offers premium security tools, such as two-factor authentication, cold storage of client assets at 98%, and IP whitelisting. Moreover, Coinbase is regulated in the USA for additional security. 

Taking all of this into account, Coinbase is now used by more than 108 million traders - not only in the USA but across over 100 countries. Coinbase offers a wide range of crypto assets on its platform, which can also be accessed via the provider’s mobile app. Coinbase also offers one of the best crypto wallet apps for user-friendliness and safety.  

Additionally, Coinbase offers a crypto debit card that is backed by Visa. This subsequently enables you to pay for goods and services online or in-store with your Coinbase crypto balance. Coinbase is also home to a wealth of educational resources and guides that are focused on crypto and blockchain. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
$50 is recommended	Debit/credit cards, ACH, Paypal	3.99% (including trading commission)	1.49% commission	200+

 

Pros:

• ✅ Founded in 2012
• ✅ Superb reputation for trust
• ✅ Accepts debit/credit cards and Paypal
• ✅ Simple platform is suitable for newbies 

Cons:

• ❌ Nearly 4% payable when depositing funds with a debit/credit card
• ❌ Standard commission of 1.49% payable when trading crypto
• ❌ Some users report difficulties in completing the KYC process

3. Binance.US - USA-Specific Exchange Backed by Binance 

As the name suggests, Binance.US is the USA-specific platform backed by the world’s largest crypto exchange. Although Binance.US comes with fewer features and investment products when compared to its primary global exchange, this is still one of the best places to buy crypto in the USA. 

The Binance.US exchange offers more than 150 coins, so diversification is simple. Furthermore, fees are super-low. For example, there are no trading commissions to pay whatsoever when buying and selling crypto - irrespective of the monthly volume. With that said, this is only the case for Tier 0 pairs.

This includes the most traded crypto assets, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. The vast majority of other crypto assets hosted on the Binance.US website are classed as Tier I pairs. In this instance, there is a commission of 0.4% per slide to pay when placing buy and sell orders. 

This can be reduced by trading larger volumes or by paying commissions on BNB - the native token of the Binance ecosystem. When depositing US dollars into your Binance.US account, fees will depend on the payment method. For example, depositing funds via ACH or domestic bank wire will not incur any fees. 

However, debit cards and Apple pay deposits will be charged a fee of 3.75%. This is ever-so-slightly more cost-effective than Coinbase but still significantly higher than the 0% fee offered by eToro. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
No minimum	Debit/credit cards, ACH, domestic bank wire, Apple Pay	Fee-free for ACH and domestic bank wires. 3.75% for debit cards and Apple Pay	0% commission on Tier 0 pairs. Up to 0.4% on Tier I pairs	150+

 

Pros:

• ✅ Backed by the world’s largest crypto exchange
• ✅ 150+pairs to buy and trade
• ✅ 0% commission on Tier 0 pairs
• ✅ Free ACH and domestic bank wire deposits  

Cons:

• ❌ Debit cards and Apple Pay attract a fee of 3.75%
• ❌ Limited features in comparison to the global Binance exchange

4. Robinhood - Buy Bitcoin in the USA From $1 

Those wondering how to buy crypto in the USA with a super-low investment size might consider Robinhood. Not only is there no minimum deposit requirement at Robinhood, but you can buy crypto from just $1. This offers a great way to invest in the crypto asset industry for the first time without needing to commit too much money. 

Robinhood is an SEC-regulated online broker that - in addition to crypto, also supports stocks, options, and ETFs. When buying and selling crypto at Robinhood, there are no trading commissions to pay. However, do keep an eye out for the spread, as this is largely how Robinhood makes money. 

Some of the crypto assets supported by Robinhood include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Ethereum Classic. Others include AAVE, Compound, Polygon, Shiba Inu, and Tezos. In terms of security, Robinhood claims to offer industry-leading safety protocols, inclusive of cold storage on the vast bulk of client digital assets. 

Robinhood also has crime insurance in place to protect client funds in the event of a hack. When it comes to payments, Robinhood doesn’t support debit cards like eToro, Coinbase, and Binance do. Instead, you will need to opt for ACH or a domestic bank wire. Both of which are capped to $1,000 in instant funding - unless you sign up for the $5 per month gold account.  

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
No minimum	ACH, domestic bank wire	None	0% commission	18

 

Pros:

• ✅ SEC-regulated brokerage offering crypto, stocks, and other assets
• ✅ No account minimums
• ✅ Buy crypto in the USA without paying any commission   

Cons:

• ❌ Just 18 crypto assets supported
• ❌ Hidden fees come in the form of the market spread
• ❌ No support for debit cards
• ❌ Instant deposits capped to $1,000 unless on the gold account

5. Webull - Commission-Free Crypto Broker With Decent Trading Tools 

In many ways, Robinhood and Webull both offer a lot of similarities. For instance, just like Robinhood, Webull enables USA clients to buy and sell crypto on a 0% commission basis. Moreover, there is no minimum deposit requirement and Webull also supports other popular assets, such as stocks, ETFs, and options. 

With that said, Webull offers a lot more in the way of features - especially when it comes to analysis tools. Traders at Webull will appreciate the high-level charting tools, technical indicators, and the ability to trade via web browsers, desktop software, and a mobile app for both iOS and Android. 

On the flip side, complete beginners will also find that buying crypto on Webull is simple. Moreover, the minimum crypto trade requirement is just $1. In total, Webull supports 44 crypto assets on its platform, including the likes of Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Ethereum, and Cardano. 

Webull is currently working on its crypto transfer service, but this is still a work in progress. In the meantime, you will need to keep your crypto tokens in your Webull account. Another benefit of choosing Webull to buy crypto in the USA is that the broker offers a free demo account. This is a great way to become proficient in crypto trading before risking your own capital. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
No minimum	ACH, domestic bank wire	None	0% commission	44

 

Pros:

• ✅ Buy and sell 44 crypto assets from just $1
• ✅ No commissions or minimum deposit requirements
• ✅ Regulated by the SEC   

Cons:

• ❌ No support for e-wallets or debit cards
• ❌ Does not offer live chat support

6. Kraken - Trade Crypto Assets on Margin  

Kraken is perhaps the best crypto exchange in the USA to buy and sell digital assets on margin. In other words, Kraken enables you to trade crypto with more money that you have available in your account. Although margin trading is available to USA clients, you will need to go through a verification process to become an intermediate client. 

This is a relatively simple procedure that requires some ID, proof of residence document, and a social security number. After that, you will be able to buy Bitcoin with leverage of up to 5x. Many other coins can be traded with leverage but most come with lower limits. In terms of fees, you will pay up to 0.02% to open a margin position at Kraken. 

You will also need to pay margin fees every four hours while the position remains open. If leverage isn't quite right for your skill set, then you might consider the spot trading service at Kraken. This enables you to buy and sell crypto at a commission of 0.26% per slide. Lower fees are offered when monthly trading volumes increase. 

Kraken accepts many payment types, including debit cards, ACH, domestic bank wires, and both Apple and Google Pay. You should, however, be careful when using an instant payment method at Kraken, as fees are built into the price that you pay for the respective crypto asset. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
Depends on the payment type - ACH from $1	Debit/credit cards, ACH, domestic bank wire, Apple Pay, Google Pay	ACH is free. Domestic bank wires are usually free but this depends on the provider. Instant payment methods have the fee built into the crypto price when completing the purchase.	Up to 0.26% commission	185+

 

Pros:

• ✅ Best exchange in the USA for crypto leverage 
• ✅ Low trading commissions
• ✅ Fee-free ACH transfers   

Cons:

• ❌ Debit/credit card and Google/Apple Pay fees not displayed
• ❌ Need to become an intermediate user to access leverage
• ❌ No proprietary wallet 

7. Bitstamp - Offering Crypto Exchange Services for Over 12 Years   

If you are looking for the most established place to buy crypto in the USA, then look no further than Bitstamp. After all, Bitstamp was founded in 2011 and thus - has been offering crypto exchange services for over 12 years. By opening an account with Bitstamp, you will have access to over 80 digital currencies. 

This includes everything from Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash to Avalanche, Uniswap, and DAI. One of the best features of Bitstamp is that when trading under $1,000 worth of crypto in a calendar month, there are no commissions to pay. Anything between $1,000 and $10,000 within the respective month will be charged at 0.30%. 

Volumes above $10,000 will get a lower rate as each trading milestone is met. In contrast, however, electing to buy crypto in the USA with a debit card at Bitstamp will set you back 4%. This is also the case with credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Paypal. This is why many investors will instead deposit funds via ACH, which is fee-free. 

There is also a staking feature on the Bitstamp website which offers an APY of 4.5% and 1.6% on Ethereum and Algorand, respectively. However, Bitstamp collects 15% of any staking rewards that you generate. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
None, but minimum crypto trade size of $10	Debit/credit cards, ACH, domestic bank wire, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal	ACH is free. Instant payment methods are charged a fee of 4%.	From 0% commission (first $1,000 traded each month)	80+

 

Pros:

• ✅ Trusted exchange that was established 12 years ago
• ✅ Accepts multiple e-wallets, including Paypal and Google Pay
• ✅ No commissions charged on the first $1,000 traded each month 

Cons:

• ❌ 4% fee on instant payment methods
• ❌ 15% staking fee
• ❌ 0.0005 BTC withdrawal fee

 

8. SoFi - Top Crypto App for iOS and Android Smartphones   

SoFi is a popular Fintech app for iOS and Android smartphones. In addition to investments, it also covers loans, mortgages, insurance, and other financial services. Alongside stocks, ETFs, and other asset classes, SoFi enables you to buy and sell more than 30 popular crypto assets. The minimum trade size is just $10, which mirrors eToro and Bitstamp. 

Moreover, when using the SoFi app to invest in crypto there are no trading commissions to pay. However, upon reading the fine print, SoFI notes that it charges a markup of 1.25% above the market price of the crypto being purchased. As a result, the so-called commission-free offering no longer sounds as appealing. 

Nonetheless, the SoFi app will likely appeal to complete beginners that wish to build a diversified portfolio of investments. This can be achieved on a DIY basis or by investing in a robo advisor. When opting for the latter, SoFi will build a portfolio for you and the minimum investment requirement is just $1. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
None, but minimum crypto trade size of $10	ACH, domestic bank wire	None	0% commission, but charges a 1.25% markup above the market price	30+

 

Pros:

• ✅ All-in-one investment app with financial services
• ✅ No minimum deposit
• ✅ Also supports robo advisor portfolios

Cons:

• ❌ 1.25% markup on crypto purchases
• ❌ Only 30+coins listed
• ❌ Limited trading tools
• ❌ No debit or credit card support

9. Gemini - US Licensed Crypto Broker That Supports Debit Cards    

Gemini is another option to consider when exploring where to buy crypto in the USA. Gemini is heavily regulated in the USA, including a license with New York Department of Financial Services. Moreover, Gemini offers premium security protocols, including SOC compliance, cold storage, and insurance coverage. 

Gemini is home to more than 90 crypto assets - all of which can be purchased online or via the iOS/Android app. When buying and selling crypto assets here, there is a 1.49% commission to pay. Orders of $200 or less will incur a flat fee that ranges from $0.99 to $2.99.

Although wire transfers are processed fee-free at Gemini, there is a 3.49% surcharge on debit card payments. Paypal is slightly cheaper but will still incur a fee of 2.50%. In a similar nature to Coinbase, although Gemini is considered expensive, many USA clients use this broker due to its solid security features and all-round reputation. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
None	ACH, domestic bank wire, debit/credit cards, Paypal	Bank transfers are free. Debit/credit cards and Paypal charged at 3.49% and 2.50% respectively.	1.49% commission. Flat commission for orders below $200.	90+

 

Pros:

• ✅ Best exchange in the USA for security features
• ✅ Licensed in the USA
• ✅ 90+coins supported 

Cons:

• ❌ 3.49% debit card fee
• ❌ Paypal deposits cost 2.50%
• ❌ Trading commission of 1.49%

 

10. Crypto.com - Instant ACH Deposits Without Transaction Fees     

Crypto.com is a well-known crypto exchange that supports more than 250 digital assets. In most cases, it takes just minutes to register an account - after which, you can then download the Crypto.com app and make an instant deposit. While some people opt for a debit/credit card, this is charged at 2.99%. 

Instead, consider depositing funds via ACH - which is now instant at Crypto.com. Not only that but ACH payments are processed fee-free. In terms of commission fees, Crypto.com offers one of the most cost-effective pricing structures in this industry. This stands at just 0.075% per slide but this is reduced when trading volumes increase. 

Moreover, Crypto.com offers cheaper commissions when staking its native token - CRO. Crypto.com is also popular with investors that wish to earn a passive income on their digital asset purchases. Those that qualify as a private member will be able to earn up to 3.5% and 6.5% on Bitcoin and USD Coin deposits, respectively. 

The APYs on offer will depend on whether you opt for a flexible plan, or are happy to lock away your tokens for one or three months. Crypto.com offers a range of other services, including an NFT marketplace, loans, and a digital asset-backed debit card. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
None	ACH, domestic bank wire, debit/credit cards	ACH is instant and free. Debit/credit card payments charged at 2.99%.	Up to 0.075% commission.	250+

 

Pros:

• ✅ Best crypto exchange in the USA for instant ACH deposits 
• ✅ Huge range of coins to choose from
• ✅ Low commission of just 0.075% 

Cons:

• ❌ 2.99% debit card fee
• ❌ APYs on interest accounts were recently reduced
• ❌ Need to use the app to buy crypto with fiat money

11. TradeStation - Traditional Brokerage Supporting Advanced Trading Tools      

The final option that we discuss when it comes to buying crypto in the USA is TradeStation. This is a traditional brokerage that largely focuses on conventional securities, such as stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, futures, and bonds. With that said, TradeStation also offers a fully-fledged trading platform for crypto, which includes high-level analysis tools. 

This is inclusive of customized charting screens, multiple order types, one-click entries, and live order books. Moreover, TradeStation supports a decent selection of crypto assets, including everything from Bitcoin and Shiba Inu to Maker, AAVE, and Ethereum. However, we found that the main drawback with TradeStation is that its crypto trading fees are high. 

Especially if trading small volumes. For instance, when trading less than $1,000 in a single month, you will pay a commission of 0.6% plus $2. The only way to secure competitive commissions is to trade significant amounts. On the flip side, there is no minimum deposit requirement when opening an account with TradeStation. 

Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
None	ACH, domestic bank wire, checks	None	Up to 0.6% commission, plus $2	11

 

Pros:

• ✅ Regulated brokerage offering an advanced trading platform
• ✅ No minimum deposit requirement
• ✅ Top crypto exchange in the USA for mobile trading 

Cons:

• ❌ High commission fees on low trade volumes
• ❌ Does not accept debit/credit cards
• ❌ Not suitable for crypto newbies 

 

Comparison Of The Best Crypto Exchanges USA

Check out the table below for a summary of where to buy crypto in the USA:

Crypto Broker	Minimum Deposit	Payment Methods	Deposit Fee	Commission To Buy Crypto	Supported Crypto Assets
eToro	$10	Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers	Free for USA clients	1% commission	70+
Coinbase	$50 is recommended	Debit/credit cards, ACH, Paypal	3.99% (including trading commission)	1.49% commission	200+
Binance	No minimum	Debit/credit cards, ACH, domestic bank wire, Apple Pay	Fee-free for ACH and domestic bank wires. 3.75% for debit cards and Apple Pay	0% commission on Tier 0 pairs. Up to 0.4% on Tier I pairs.	150+
Robinhood	No minimum	ACH, domestic bank wire	None	0% commission	18
Webull	No minimum	ACH, domestic bank wire	None	0% commission	44
Kraken	Depends on the payment type - ACH from $1	Debit/credit cards, ACH, domestic bank wire, Apple Pay, Google Pay	ACH is free. Domestic bank wires are usually free but this depends on the provider. Instant payment methods have the fee built into the crypto price when completing the purchase.	Up to 0.26% commission	185+
Bitstamp	None, but minimum crypto trade size of $10	Debit/credit cards, ACH, domestic bank wire, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal	ACH is free. Instant payment methods are charged a fee of 4%.	From 0% commission (first $1,000 traded each month)	80+
SoFi	None, but minimum crypto trade size of $10	ACH, domestic bank wire	None	0% commission, but charges a 1.25% markup above the market price	30+
Gemini	None	ACH, domestic bank wire, debit/credit cards, Paypal	Bank transfers are free. Debit/credit cards and Paypal charged at 3.49% and 2.50% respectively.	1.49% commission. Flat commission for orders below $200.	90+
Crypto.com	None	ACH, domestic bank wire, debit/credit cards	ACH is instant and free. Debit/credit card payments charged at 2.99%.	Up to 0.075% commission	250+
TradeStation	None	ACH, domestic bank wire, checks	None	Up to 0.6% commission, plus $2	11

 

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

How To Choose The Best Crypto Exchange In The USA

When learning how to buy crypto in the USA, one of the most important parts of the process is to choose a suitable broker or exchange. 

In addition to low fees and a strong regulatory framework, other factors to focus on include the list of supported crypto assets, minimum deposit amount, and accepted payment methods. 

Read on to find out how we rank the best crypto exchanges in the USA for 2023. 

Regulation and Reputation

Unlike traditional assets like stocks and ETFs, crypto assets are unregulated financial products. This means that extra care needs to be taken when assessing where to buy crypto in the USA. 

The safest option is to choose an online broker that is approved and/or licensed by the SEC and FINRA. This ensures that you are using a legitimate broker to buy crypto. 

All of the brokers and exchanges that we reviewed above are licensed in the USA for the purpose of facilitating crypto trading services. 

List of Supported Crypto Assets

While the likes of Robinhood and TradeStation support just 18 and 11 crypto assets respectively, other platforms in this space offer access to more than 100. 

This will only be an issue if you are looking to buy crypto in the USA outside of the top 10 coins, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano. 

eToro offers over 70 crypto assets in addition to large-cap projects, inclusive of DeFi tokens and meme coins. 

Ultimately, just make sure that the crypto you wish to buy is supported by the respective broker. 

Minimum Trade Size

All of the brokers and exchanges listed on this page enable you to buy crypto in the USA with a small amount of money. 

This starts from just $10 at platforms like eToro and Bitstamp, while at Robinhood and Webull, this stands at just $1.

Crypto Broker Fees  

Alongside regulation and safety, fees are perhaps the most important factor to consider when learning how to buy crypto in the USA. 

Below, we briefly cover the main fees that you should check when choosing the best place to buy crypto. 

Payment Fees

The type of payment method that you wish to use when funding your crypto asset purchase will likely dictate how much you pay in fees. 

The most costly payment method is debit/credit cards and e-wallets like Paypal. For instance, Coinbase charges 3.99% while at Gemini, this amounts to 3.49%. Bitstamp and Crypto.com charge 4% and 2.99% respectively. 

eToro, on the other hand, supports USD debit/credit card deposits on a fee-free basis. 

In many cases, depositing funds with ACH is free of charge. The main drawback is that it can take a few days for the money to arrive in your crypto broker account. Crypto.com is the main exception here, as ACH payments are credited instantly.  

Crypto Trading Commissions

In addition to deposit fees, expect to be charged a commission when electing to buy crypto in the USA. 

This, once again, will vary wildly depending on your chosen broker or exchange. 

• For instance, Coinbase and Gemini are perhaps the most expensive in this regard, with both charging 1.49% in commissions. 
• Robinhood and Webull offer a commission-free service, but markups on official crypto prices can be high. 

Although eToro charges 1%, we like that this is the case across all supported crypto assets - irrespective of the trade size. Moreover, when you factor in the 0% deposit fee, eToro remains the overall cheapest option. 

Withdrawal Fees

You might also be required to pay a withdrawal fee if you wish to cash out crypto or US dollars. 

In the case of the latter, eToro does not charge any fees when withdrawing USD. When withdrawing digital assets, the fee will depend on the crypto. 

Safety and Security Features  

In addition to regulation, it is also important to assess what security features are offered when deciding where to buy crypto in the USA. 

The best crypto exchanges in this space offer cold storage on client assets. This should be at least 95% of total client assets, with the balance being used for liquidity and withdrawals. 

We also expect to see two-factor authentication, which is a major safety net when it comes to keeping your crypto safe. 

Managed Crypto Portfolios  

We mentioned earlier that some brokers in the USA offer managed crypto portfolios. This is a great way to invest in crypto as a complete beginner. 

For instance, eToro offers smart portfolios that exclusively track a basket of crypto assets. There are several different strategies to choose from, each of which is professionally managed by the eToro team. 

In simple terms, this means that eToro will determine which assets to add and remove to and from the smart portfolio and when to rebalance it. 

All of this can be achieved with a single investment of $500 or more, and no additional fees or commissions are charged. 

Analysis Tools  

If you are looking to buy crypto in the USA on the back of technical analysis, you will need to select a broker or exchange that offers adequate tools. 

Most of the platforms that we discussed earlier offer charting tools alongside technical indicators, such as the MACD and RSI. 

For long-term investors, you will likely be more interested in fundamental research tools. In this regard, look for platforms that offer real-time crypto news and market insights. 

Just make sure that the analysis tools offered are suitable for your skill set. For instance, while eToro is suitable for beginners, TradeStation might be a better option for advanced crypto traders. 

Crypto Demo Account  

Crypto assets are both volatile and speculative, so if you are just starting out in this space it could be best to begin with a demo account. 

eToro offers a free demo account that comes with $100k in virtual funds. There is no time limit on the eToro demo account and prices reflect real-time market data. 

At any time, you can switch between a ‘real money’ and ‘virtual’ portfolio on the eToro website and mobile app. 

Minimum Deposit and Accepted Payment Methods   

As noted earlier, all of the brokers discussed today either have a small minimum deposit requirement or none at all. 

Additionally, you should check to see whether your preferred payment method is supported. For instance, those wondering how to buy crypto in the USA with a debit or credit card will likely be suited for eToro, due its fee-free pricing structure. 

On the other hand, if you want to use ACH, then Crypto.com is worth considering. 

Crypto Trading App   

The best crypto exchanges in the USA offer a mobile app for both iOS and Android. This is especially important when buying and selling crypto, as you never want to be more than a few taps away from the markets. 

Many crypto trading apps double up a wallet. This means that you can both trade and store crypto on a smartphone for the utmost convenience. 

Customer Service    

Some crypto brokers in the USA offer a subpar customer support team. Two platforms that spring to mind are Coinbase and Webull, both of which are often difficult to reach. 

In comparison, eToro and a number of other crypto brokers offer support via live chat. In most cases, you won’t need to wait more than a few minutes to be connected to a live agent. 

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

How To Buy Crypto In The USA - Full And Detailed Walkthrough 

Still wondering how to buy crypto in the USA in the safest and most cost-effective way possible in 2023? If so, we concluded that eToro is the best place to buy crypto in the USA. Therefore, we will now explain how to buy crypto in the USA in just five minutes via the eToro website. 

Step 1: Visit eToro and Open an Account

You will first need to register an account with eToro in order to gain access to its crypto trading platform. 

This is a simple procedure that requires some basic personal information. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process. 

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

Step 2: Upload Documents for Instant Verification

Next, you will need to verify your eToro account for regulatory purposes. 

This requires the following:

• For proof of identity, upload a government-issued ID
• For proof of residency, upload a recently issued bank statement or utility bill

eToro will verify the documents almost instantly.  

Step 3: Deposit Funds

You will now be asked to make a deposit into your newly created eToro account. 

Choose from one of the following instant payment methods:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Paypal
• Skrill
• Neteller
• WebMoney

You can also make a bank wire deposit but this will not be processed instantly. You will need to meet a minimum deposit of $10 when funding your eToro account. 

eToro does not have any deposit or withdrawal fees on USD payments. 

Step 4: Search for a Crypto to Buy

You can now use the search function to find the crypto that you want to buy. 

Alternatively, click on ‘Discover’ followed by ‘Crypto’. 

eToro will then display a multitude of handy information surrounding its supported crypto assets, such as the biggest daily movers, top coins by market cap, and trending tokens.

Click on the crypto asset that you want to buy, followed by ‘Trade’.  

Step 5: Buy Crypto in the USA

You will now see an order form appear. 

From $10 upwards, enter the amount of money to invest in your chosen crypto asset. 

Click on ‘Open Trade’ to complete the purchase. The crypto tokens will then be viewable in your eToro portfolio - which is where you need to go when it comes to cashing out. 

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

Learn About Buying Crypto For The First Time - The Basics

The first crypto asset to enter this market - Bitcoin, was launched in 2009. Bitcoin is the largest crypto asset in the market in terms of its valuation, as well as mass awareness,

• However, there are more than 20,000 crypto assets in addition to Bitcoin. 
• These are known as alternative coins, or simply ‘altcoins’. 
• Each and every crypto asset in the market can be purchased from an online broker or exchange. 
• However, as a complete beginner, it’s best to stick with established coins, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and Litecoin. 

Irrespective of the crypto that you decide to buy, the overarching objective is to make money. This can be achieved if the price of the crypto asset increases after you buy it. The length of time that this takes - if at all, can vary widely. 

• For example, it took Bitcoin nearly three years to recover its former all-time high of $20,000 - after dropping to lows of about $3,000. 
• As such, investing in crypto often requires a long-term outlook. In fact, this is the best way to avoid short-term volatility. 

In terms of the investment process, buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is as simple as registering with an SEC-regulated broker like eToro. You can then make a deposit with a debit/credit card and choose the crypto that you wish to purchase. 

If the value of the crypto increases and you want to cash out - you can simply place a sell order. eToro will then credit your account with the proceeds - which can then be withdrawn.  

How To Pick The Best Crypto To Buy? 

We mentioned above that there are over 23,000 crypto assets in this marketplace. 

Naturally, this means that regardless of whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, knowing which crypto to invest in can be a daunting proposition. 

Read on to discover how industry experts make informed investment decisions when selecting the best crypto to buy in the USA. 

Start With Large-Caps 

If you are learning how to buy crypto in the USA for the first time, then the safest option is to stick with large-cap digital assets. 

And by this, we mean the likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum - which dominate this space by a considerable amount. Other large-cap cryptocurrencies to consider include Cardano, Litecoin, and BNB. 

Ultimately, large-cap cryptocurrencies - similar to blue-chip stocks, are often less volatile when compared to smaller-cap alternatives. 

Explore Different Crypto Niches 

Once you have allocated some funds to large-cap cryptocurrencies, you might begin exploring the many different niches in this trillion-dollar industry. 

Some examples include:

• Meme Coins - Meme coins are popular with investors, as they often benefit from wide-spread hype in a very short amount of time. Two of the best-performing meme coins of all time include Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.
• DeFi Coins - DeFi (decentralized finance) coins are another fast-growing area of the crypto space. These are coins that fuel decentralized marketplaces, such as AAVE, Compound, and Yearn.finance. 
• Metaverse Coins - The metaverse is expected to become a multi-trillion industry in its own right within the next decade. Therefore, this is another area to consider when exploring how to buy crypto in the USA. Some of the biggest players in this space include the Sandbox and Decentraland.
• Penny Cryptocurrencies - These are essentially crypto assets that have a market price of $1 or less. Some of the largest coins sit within this category - such as XRP and Cardano. 

The above are just a selection of niches to consider when exploring how to buy crypto in the USA. 

The key point is that diversifying, you stand a greater chance of picking a crypto that eventually goes on to generate sizable returns.  

Recent Performance

Another method to explore when picking a portfolio of cryptocurrencies is how the respective coin has performed recently in relation to the broader market. 

A great platform for this purpose is CoinMarketCap - which displays real-time pricing on more than 20,000 coins. 

For instance, let’s suppose that over the prior week, the broader crypto market has declined by 7%. However, you come across a crypto asset that during the same period, has increased by 20%. 

This illustrates that there could be a lot of hype surrounding the coin and thus - further upside could be on the table. 

Utility 

If you are a long-term investor, it might be best to focus on cryptocurrencies that have real-world utility. This means that the underlying token has an actual purpose, which is in contrast to what meme coins offer. 

For instance, Ethereum is backed by the ETH token, which is used to pay for transaction fees. Thousands of tokens use the Ethereum blockchain as their framework, which means that ETH has real utility. 

In another example, BNB fuels the Binance ecosystem. In addition to offering traders low fees, BNB is also used to pay fees on the Binance Smart Chain. In a similar way to Ethereum, thousands of tokens use the Binance Smart Chain as their underlying blockchain. 

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

Top 10 Cryptocurrencies To Buy In 2023

Knowing which cryptocurrency assets to add to your portfolio can be challenging. Here are 10 of the most popular cryptocurrencies to consider buying today: 

1. Bitcoin: It goes without saying that Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency to buy, especially for first-time investors. Bitcoin is the original cryptocurrency and remains popular for its decentralized nature, not to mention its finite supply of just 21 million tokens. 
2. Ethereum: Many investors will buy Ethereum in addition to Bitcoin, considering that each project is unique in its own right. In the case of Ethereum, its blockchain hosts smart contract agreements, which enable other projects to build on top of its framework. Thousands of other cryptocurrencies are based on Ethereum, otherwise known as ERC-20 tokens.  
3. Dogecoin: Although Dogecoin is considered a meme coin, it is still one of the most popular cryptocurrencies to buy. Dogecoin has a sizable following in the online space and this digital asset is hosted by many reputable brokers, including eToro. 
4. BNB: BNB, formerly known as Binance Coin, is a large-cap cryptocurrency that is backed by the Binance exchange. BNB has many use cases within the Binance ecosystem, which continues to increase its dominance in the cryptocurrency space year-on-year. 
5. Litecoin: Litecoin was one of the first altcoins to enter the cryptocurrency space, with the project first launching in 2011. Litecoin remains a popular option for cryptocurrency investors that wish to diversify.
6. Decentraland: MANA is the native digital currency of Decentraland, which is considered one of the best metaverse projects in the blockchain arena. MANA is currently trading at a huge discount when compared to its former all-time highs.  
7. Yearn.finance: To gain exposure to the world of DeFi, Year.finance is worth considering. This DeFi protocol offers decentralized financial services, such as loans and staking pools - without requiring a third party. Yearn.finance is backed by the YFI token. 
8. UniSwap: Uniswap is another popular DeFi token that offers exposure to decentralized finance. Uniswap is the largest decentralized exchange and it largely focuses on ERC-20 token trading and liquidity pools. Uniswap is backed by the UNI token. 
9. Stellar: Stellar is a decentralized payments network that offers fast, cheap, and scalable transactions. Stellar is a large-cap token that has formed partnerships with IBM and MoneyGram. 
10. Shiba Inu: Shiba Inu is another example of how a meme coin can become a multi-billion dollar project in rapid time. Since its mid-2020 token launch, Shiba Inu has grown by many millions of percentage points. Shiba Inu continues to increase its use case, with ongoing plans for a metaverse.  

All of the cryptocurrencies listed above are available to buy at the fully regulated broker eToro, which offers $0 deposit fees with USA-based debit/credit cards and e-wallets. 

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

What Taxes Do You Need To Pay On Crypto? 

There is often a misconception that because crypto assets are unregulated financial products, there is no tax to pay on gains. 

This could not be further from the truth in the USA. 

On the contrary, crypto assets are largely taxed in the same way as other investment products, such as stocks and ETFs. 

Here’s the lowdown on what taxes to expect when exploring how to buy crypto in the USA: 

Capital Gains Tax

Capital gains tax will be applicable when you sell a crypto asset at a profit. 

• For example, let’s say that in 2022 you bought $3,000 worth of Ethereum. 
• In 2023, you sell your Ethereum at $5,000 - resulting in gains of $2,000. 
• You would need to pay tax on the $2,000 profit in the 2023 financial year.  

Do note, however, that unrealizable crypto gains are not taxable in the USA. This means that the taxable event does not occur until you sell at a profit. 

For instance, let’s say that you bought $500 worth of Bitcoin in 2020, which is now worth $5,000. For as long as you hold onto your Bitcoin investment, you will not need to pay tax. 

Staking, Interest Accounts, and Other Passive Income

Another taxable event that you need to consider with regards to income. For example, if you earn passive income on a crypto interest account or through staking. 

This is defined in the same way as stock dividends, meaning that the gains are instantly realizable. This is the case even if you have not sold the underlying crypto assets. 

Calculating taxes on interest accounts, staking, and other DeFi products is especially challenging, as the amount payable is based on the value of the income at the time it was received. 

Considering that crypto prices change as every second passes, this can be a complex undertaking.  

Tips To Consider When Learning How To Buy Crypto  

Beginners that are exploring how to buy crypto in the USA for the first time might consider the following tips before proceeding:

Consider the Enhanced Risks of Crypto

Whether it’s stocks, ETFs, bonds, or mutual funds - all investable products come with a level of risk. But in the case of crypto, the risks are considerably higher. 

Much of this industry is based on speculation and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), so crypto prices are especially volatile. 

With this in mind, it is important that you avoid investing more than you can realistically afford to lose. 

Be Prepared for Volatility 

As noted above, crypto prices are notoriously volatile. This is especially the case when low-cap cryptocurrencies. 

• For example, Bitcoin hit $69,000 in late 2021, but has since dropped to lows of $16,000. 
• This means that by investing in Bitcoin at its peak, you would have been looking at a portfolio loss of over 75%. 

However, declines of this nature have happened to Bitcoin and most other cryptocurrencies on multiple occasions. 

Those that were brave and subsequently held onto their crypto assets even during a bearish cycle have historically done well. 

For example, Bitcoin dropped to $5,000 in the midst of COVID, only to then go on and generate growth of over 1,200%. 

Ultimately, it’s best to avoid checking your crypto portfolio on a regular basis. Perhaps limit this to once a month.

Build a Diversified Portfolio of Crypto Assets 

Diversification is just as important in the crypto trading space as it is when investing in stocks. 

One of the most risk-averse strategies in this regard is to allocate the vast majority of your portfolio to Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

You might then consider some other large-cap cryptocurrencies, like Cardano, Litecoin, and BNB. 

After that, perhaps consider allocating a small percentage of the portfolio to up-and-coming trends, such as coins involved in the metaverse, DeFi, and NFTs. 

Avoid Going All-In on Crypto  

When building a diversified portfolio, you should also consider gaining exposure to asset classes other than just crypto. 

This might include more established markets, such as index funds tracking the Dow Jones and S&P 500, alongside blue-chip stocks. 

Ultimately, the most risk-averse of investors will often allocate just 5% of their overall portfolio to crypto, with the rest spread out across less risky assets. 

Consider a Crypto Smart Portfolio

We mentioned earlier that crypto smart portfolios are perfectly suited for beginners, as well as those that do not have time to research the markets regularly. 

At eToro, you can invest in a basket of assets through just one trade, and the smart portfolio will be managed on your behalf. 

As per market conditions, eToro will even rebalance the smart portfolio for you - so the entire process is passive. 

Conclusion - Where To Buy Crypto In The USA

In summary, this beginner’s guide has explained how to buy cryptos in the USA in under five minutes. When considering where to buy crypto in the USA, eToro is a suitable choice for those that wish to invest in the crypto market in a cost-effective way.

eToro is also the best place to buy altcoins on a budget, as the broker supports fractional ownership of crypto assets at a minimum of just $10 per trade.

eToro - The Best Platform To Buy Cryptocurrencies In The USA

Open an account with eToro, deposit some funds with USD, and finally – buy cryptocurrencies for just $10.

eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

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