General information, not financial advice. Bitcoin's price is volatile; only use money you can afford to lose. No provider is endorsed here.
Most people get their first bitcoin in one of a few ways:
- Regulated exchanges or brokers: you pay with a bank transfer or card. They must check your identity (kyc).
- Bitcoin-only apps: simple apps that often offer recurring purchases and easy withdrawals.
- Peer-to-peer: buying directly from another person, online or in person. More private, but you must judge who you trade with.
- Earning it: being paid in bitcoin for work or goods.
What to check before you buy
- Is the provider licensed? In the EU, crypto-asset service providers need a MiCA license. The transition period ended on 1 July 2026, and ESMA publishes a register of authorised providers. Check the register, not the provider's own claims.
- Bitcoin, not "crypto". Many platforms push other tokens. Make sure you buy bitcoin (BTC).
- Fees and spread. The price you are shown may include a markup. Compare the total cost.
- Can you withdraw? A good provider lets you send bitcoin to your own wallet.
Then withdraw
Coins left on a platform are held by a custodian. If it fails, as FTX did in 2022, you become a creditor. Moving your coins to a wallet where you hold the seed phrase removes that risk. Send a small test amount first.
Red flags
- Someone you met online helps you "invest".
- Promises of guaranteed returns.
- You are asked to install remote-access software.
Takeaway
Buy from a licensed provider, buy bitcoin specifically, withdraw to your own wallet and keep your seed phrase offline.
Want a practical example? Follow our Bare Bitcoin app guide.