If you want to get into the crypto world, you can buy bitcoins with cash or with a credit card. But the best way to do that is by using a cryptocurrency exchange.
When you use a cryptocurrency exchange, you’ll need to set up an account. This typically takes a few minutes and involves filling in some personal information. It also helps the exchange comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
Exchanges
Exchanges such as Bybit https://www.bybit.com/en-US/ are a key component in the process of buying and selling cryptocurrencies. They allow users to exchange currencies such as US dollars, euros, pounds sterling and Canadian dollars for cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP and others.
In order to trade on an exchange, you must first register for a trading account. You’ll need to provide your personal information, such as your name and address, and a payment method to fund your account. Some exchanges also require you to upload a photo of a government-issued ID to complete the verification process.
You can purchase bitcoin through an exchange using a bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. However, you should be aware that these methods often take a few days to complete. If you’re looking for a faster option, consider purchasing crypto through a trust or ETF instead. For example, the financial firm ProShares offers the BITO exchange-traded fund, which invests in futures contracts for Bitcoin. Grayscale Investments, meanwhile, manages Bitcoin-linked trust funds.
Dollar-cost averaging
Whether you’re just starting out with crypto or you want to build your holdings over time, dollar-cost averaging can be a great way to invest. It involves a simple, automated system that lets you set up recurring purchases of your chosen tokens.
This can help you build a healthy investing habit, no matter what’s happening in the market. And it can be particularly powerful during market volatility or down markets, when you may be able to purchase shares at lower prices.
Dollar-cost averaging can also be a good way to diversify your crypto investment, which can make it more stable over the long run. But you should know that this strategy doesn’t guarantee profits or protect against losses in declining markets.
Buying bitcoin through dollar-cost averaging is a smart move for any investor, but it’s especially helpful for those who are new to the market. It can help you avoid investing impulsively when prices are high, and it can also smooth out your portfolio’s volatility as you add to it.
Security measures
When you buy bitcoin, it is a good idea to keep it in a secure wallet. There are two primary types of cryptocurrency wallets: software and hardware.
In a software wallet, your private key is held by the exchange; in a hardware wallet, it’s on the device itself. If the exchange was hacked, the attacker could reveal your key and potentially take all of your crypto.
Many exchanges offer safety measures to prevent theft, such as 2FA. This feature generates a password every couple of seconds, making it much more difficult for hackers to get into your account.
Using a strong, unique password is also a good idea. Never use the same password for your exchange account as for your email or other websites, and always change it after a few months.
Security measures are not enough to protect your crypto, however; a savvy hacker may be able to bypass those security features and steal your crypto. This is why insurance is so important when you purchase crypto.
Taxes
The IRS generally treats cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and other digital assets as property, just like stocks or bonds. Therefore, you may be required to report any gains or losses incurred from selling, trading or spending crypto on your taxes.
You’ll need to determine the value of any cryptocurrency you sell or trade at the time of disposition and calculate taxable capital gains or losses. Gains on disposal can be taxed at either short-term or long-term rates depending on the amount of the gain.
You’ll also need to consider the cost basis of your cryptos, which can be measured against the purchase price or the value of any other crypto you gave up in exchange for the initial crypto. You’ll also need to calculate your subsequent capital gains and losses, income and expenses.