How to Get Bitcoin

Bitcoin was the first of a growing number of cryptocurrencies – digital currencies that are created, held, and exchanged electronically. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies run on a

decentralized network and were created as an alternative to national, or fiat currencies. While the value of any cryptocurrency is extremely volatile, Bitcoin may be more stable than others. As of 2019, you can get Bitcoins in one of three ways. The most basic ways are either to receive them (as payment for goods and services or in trade for fiat currency or another cryptocurrency) or to buy them on a cryptocurrency exchange. You may also want to try your hands at mining Bitcoins, although this option may not actually be profitable.

Set up a cryptocurrency wallet that you control.

Before you can receive Bitcoins in any way, you need a digital wallet to keep them in. You can think of a Bitcoin wallet as similar to your physical wallet where you keep your cash, credit, and debit cards, although of course, you don't need a physical wallet to accept other forms of money. You can choose from mobile, software, or hardware wallets. Go to to choose the best wallet for your needs.

Although online wallets are available, these typically aren't the best option because they are extremely vulnerable to hackers and you don't actually control them.
Mobile wallets are free apps that you download from your smartphone's app store. A software wallet, on the other hand, is a desktop application that you download from the website of the wallet's creator. These wallets are as secure as your computer or smartphone and the network you're on.
Hardware wallets look a bit like a thumb drive and can be purchased online or at computer stores for around $100. While they do require a bit of investment compared to the free mobile and software wallets, they keep your Bitcoin more secure because they are not connected to the internet. Use a hardware wallet if you plan on getting a lot of Bitcoin and want to hold it long-term.

Copy your wallet's Bitcoin address.

Once you set up your wallet account, it will provide you with a Bitcoin address. You can think of this address as similar to a bank account. If you want to receive Bitcoin, you'll have to supply the sender of that Bitcoin with your Bitcoin address

You don't need to keep your Bitcoin address a secret. Anyone can send you Bitcoin using the address, but they can't take any Bitcoin from your wallet (or even see how much you have). You need your private keys to manage the Bitcoin you own.

Set up a cryptocurrency wallet that you control.

Although online wallets are available, these typically aren't the best option because they are extremely vulnerable to hackers and you don't actually control them.
Mobile wallets are free apps that you download from your smartphone's app store. A software wallet, on the other hand, is a desktop application that you download from the website of the wallet's creator. These wallets are as secure as your computer or smartphone and the network you're on.
Hardware wallets look a bit like a thumb drive and can be purchased online or at computer stores for around $100. While they do require a bit of investment compared to the free mobile and software wallets, they keep your Bitcoin more secure because they are not connected to the internet. Use a hardware wallet if you plan on getting a lot of Bitcoin and want to hold it long-term.

Copy your wallet's Bitcoin address.

You don't need to keep your Bitcoin address a secret. Anyone can send you Bitcoin using the address, but they can't take any Bitcoin from your wallet (or even see how much you have). You need your private keys to manage the Bitcoin you own.

Connect with someone who wants to sell their Bitcoin.

If you already know someone who is interested in giving (or selling) you some Bitcoin, all you have to do is give them your wallet's Bitcoin address. If you don't yet know anyone but are interested in an in-person exchange, there are peer-to-peer (P2P) websites that can help you find a seller.

Accept Bitcoin as payment for goods or services.

If you own a small business, you can sign up with a merchant services program to accept Bitcoin as payment. These programs are particularly popular with online businesses and most shopping cart services allow you to enable Bitcoin as a payment option

Even if you own a brick-and-mortar business, you can also accept Bitcoin if you use a tablet or mobile phone to allow customers to pay with their mobile phones.
Since Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, if you accept Bitcoin for payment you can avoid chargebacks as a result of a customer complaint or dispute

Compare different exchanges to find the right one for you.

If you have experience with online stock trading platforms, cryptocurrency exchanges aren't much different. There are hundreds of cryptocurrency exchanges online. As you research these exchanges, you'll find that they have varying degrees of security, charge different fees, and may have vastly different trading interfaces

Ideally, you want the most secure exchange possible that also charges the lowest fees. You also want to look at the exchange's server locations. Transactions will be quicker if the server is closer to you.
Not all exchanges operate in all countries. If you live in a remote area, you may not have many exchanges to choose from.

Set up an account at your chosen exchange.

Once you've found an exchange you want to use, navigate to the home page and look for a button or link to register an account. Initially, you'll be asked for information about yourself, including your name, address, and email address. After that, you'll have to verify your identity