Wondering how to buy Bitcoin as a first-time investor? Our beginner’s guide explains the step-by-step process, including the top Bitcoin wallets, exchanges, and safety best practices.
Bitcoin (BTC) is the oldest and still the most popular cryptocurrency by far, accounting for well over 50% of the total crypto market cap. This guide will teach you how to buy Bitcoin in 2025, so you can join the millions who already own this hugely popular digital asset.
We’ll show you the easiest and safest way to buy Bitcoin, explore alternative purchase options, and teach you how to store your assets safely. We’ll also explore some of the basics of Bitcoin to find out why it remains the go-to choice for most crypto investors.
How to Buy Bitcoin in 5 Easy Steps
Here is a simplified walkthrough of how to buy Bitcoin in five simple steps:
Download a non-custodial wallet like Best Wallet, which supports instant payment methods.
Create a PIN, write down your seed phrase, and activate two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometrics.
Decide how much Bitcoin to buy based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Select Buy and Bitcoin, choose the payment method and purchase amount, and complete the purchase.
If you’re using a custodial wallet, consider transferring your assets to a non-custodial wallet to store your Bitcoin safely.
Visit Best Wallet
How to buy Bitcoin – Step-by-Step Guide
Here is our detailed guide on how to invest in Bitcoin. We explain each step comprehensively for first-time buyers.
Step 1: Create a Non-Custodial Bitcoin Wallet
The first step is to download a Bitcoin wallet that provides non-custodial storage. Wallets serve several functions, such as allowing investors to send, receive, and store Bitcoin without relying on centralized entities. The best crypto wallets also connect with fiat gateways, so users can buy Bitcoin with traditional money.
We researched over 25 wallet providers, and overall, we rate Best Wallet as the top choice for beginners. The free mobile app for iOS and Android supports a wide range of local currencies and payment methods like credit or debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. This dynamic offer lets investors buy and store Bitcoin in one safe place.
The Best Wallet app allows users to buy and store Bitcoin in a non-custodial environment. Source: Best Wallet
Visit the Best Wallet website to download the app. Open the app, input and verify your email address, and choose a security PIN.
The next step is to safely store your seed phrase. This string of words enables you to recover access if you lose your smartphone or forget the login credentials. Write it down on a piece of paper and store it in a safe place. Never store your seed phrase in a digital environment (on your phone or computer), since this could create a potential vulnerability.
For maximum security, we also recommend enabling two-factor authentication and biometrics, which you can activate via the “Settings” tab.
Step 2: Select a Payment Method
Tap “Bitcoin” and “Buy”, then choose the preferred fiat currency. The Best Wallet app supports dozens of currencies, including USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, and NZD.
The app displays available payment methods for the selected currency.
Best Wallet allows users to buy Bitcoin with popular payment methods. Source: Best Wallet
Most Best Wallet users buy Bitcoin with a debit or credit card. Popular e-wallets like PayPal, Google/Apple Pay, and Neteller are also available. Best Wallet processes these payment methods instantly, and fees average between 2–3%.
The cheapest deposit option is bank transfers. The app supports local bank transactions in select countries and international payments via SWIFT.
Note that Best Wallet includes fees in the final quote. It uses third-party gateways like Banxa, Sardine, and Topper. To maximize your investment, choose a gateway based on the quote exchange rate. For more options, see our step-by-step guide on how to buy Bitcoin with a credit card.
Step 3: Decide How Much to Invest
Minimum investment requirements vary by the fiat gateway. Some providers allow users to buy Bitcoin from just $10 or the currency equivalent.
The purchase amount must align with your risk appetite. Remember that Bitcoin experiences wild volatility swings, so never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
A Best Wallet user buys $300 worth of Bitcoin with a credit card. Source: Best Wallet
One risk management strategy is dollar-cost averaging, where you commit to a consistent investment schedule. For example, an investor may purchase $150 worth of Bitcoin at the end of each month. Whether Bitcoin rises or falls, each investment averages the cost basis.
Once you have decided on the investment size, enter it into the Best Wallet app.
Step 4: Complete the Payment to Buy Bitcoin
The Best Wallet app…