A First Timers Guide to Buying Bitcoin
OK Gabriel, you convinced me. My money isn't my money. Governments are taking advantage of their citizens. I want to dip my toes into the financial revolution, but I’m not sure how. Can you help me buy some Bitcoin?
I am happy to hear that you are ready to take the plunge!
There are many platforms that allow you to buy and sell Bitcoin, but the best one for new users is Cash App. Cash App is a product developed by Square, that allows you to efficiently transfer money to other users on their platform.
Reasons I like Cash App:
- Transparent fees
- Simple interface
- The ability to move Bitcoin into an external wallet
Transparent Fees
Cash App has a flat fee of 1.7%, which is relatively low compared to other platforms. Some platforms, like Crypto.com, offer a 0% fee on purchasing Bitcoin, which make it seem cheaper, but will charge more for the asset itself. The Crypto.com fee structure is more suited for large purchases while Cash Apps structure is suited for small consistent purchases.
Simple interface
Cash App offers a clean and simple interface for processing transactions. Other platforms, like Binance.com, may have more features but this can overwhelm new customers.
Cash App also allows you to buy Bitcoin on a set basis (i.e, $10 every day or $500 a month). Buying small amounts of Bitcoin frequently is a good way to build your bitcoin portfolio with less risk. This is called Dollar Cost Averaging.
External wallet
There is a famous saying in the Bitcoin community:
“Not your keys, not your Bitcoin”
When you buy Bitcoin through an exchange like Cash App, they are in possession of your Bitcoin until you transfer it to a wallet. If you leave it in their position, your Bitcoin is at risk of being lost or stolen.
To secure you possessions, you need a wallet which is like your bank account.
I found Atomic Wallet to be a good option, however as you get more comfortable I recommend branching out. It takes only a few minutes to create a wallet. Just download the app and follow the step. Make sure to write down the 12 word pass code that they provide you with. This can be used in case of emergency to restore your wallet.
When you open the app you will see a list of many different cryptocurrencies that can be stored in your wallet. For the moment, scroll down until you find BTC aka Bitcoin. Click on it and you will have an option to send or receive. When you click receive you will be presented with a QR code and your Bitcoin address. This is your account number. Copy and paste this info into Cash App and in about 30 mins your balance will be reflected in you wallet.
Congrats! You are now the proud owner of your first Bitcoin and part of the finance revolution.
Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency world can be overwhelming for new users. When you’re just getting started, it is important to keep things simple. There is so much information out there, tons of platforms, and a lot to learn. I hope this article helps you as you begin on your Bitcoin journey.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links
