How to Buy Cryptocurrency in the United States
Cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly popular in the United States as more people explore digital assets for investment, payments, and savings. This guide explains what crypto is, which coins are most traded locally, and how to buy and store your first tokens safely using exchanges available in the United States.
Live Prices in USD
Best Crypto Exchanges in the United States (2026)
Wondering where to buy crypto in the United States? Here’s a comparison of the top regulated platforms where you can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies with US Dollars.
| Exchange | Founded | Coins | Payment Methods | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Loading exchanges... | ||||
Best Exchanges by Use Case
Different exchanges excel at different things. Choose the platform that best matches your needs:
Best for Beginners
→ Coinbase
Intuitive interface, educational resources, and simple buying process. Perfect if you're buying crypto for the first time.
Best for Low Fees
→ Kraken
Industry-leading low fees (0.16-0.26%) for makers and takers. Ideal for frequent traders and larger purchases.
Best for Advanced Traders
→ Kraken
Advanced charting, margin trading, staking rewards, and futures contracts. Comprehensive tools for experienced traders.
Best for Instant Buy
→ MoonPay
Instant crypto purchases with credit/debit cards. Fast onboarding with immediate access.
How to Buy Cryptocurrency in United States Step-by-Step
Buying cryptocurrency in United States is simple and secure when you follow these steps:
Choose a Regulated Exchange
Select a FinCEN-registered exchange like Coinbase, Kraken or Binance. Verify the platform is licensed to operate in United States.
Create an Account & Verify Your Identity (KYC)
Sign up with your email and complete identity verification by uploading government-issued ID. This typically takes 5-15 minutes.
Deposit US Dollars (USD)
Fund your account using ACH Transfer, wire transfer, or debit/credit card. ACH is fastest for most Americans (instant to 30 minutes).
Place Your Order & Confirm Purchase
Enter the amount you want to buy (in USD or crypto), review fees and total cost, then confirm. Your crypto will appear in your exchange wallet within minutes.
Secure Your Assets in a Wallet
For small amounts, keep crypto on the exchange. For larger holdings, transfer to a secure wallet like Ledger or Trezor for maximum security.
Pro Tip: Start with a small purchase to test the process before investing larger amounts. Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your exchange account for added security.
Popular Cryptocurrencies in the United States
Interest in crypto continues to grow across the United States. The most commonly held or traded coins include:
_1760797130972.b62a4461.png&w=3840&q=75){kind=small}
_1760797130972.4e223320.png&w=3840&q=75){kind=small}
What Is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is digital money that runs on decentralized networks instead of being issued by a central bank. Bitcoin was the first, launched in 2009, and since then thousands of other coins have been created. These digital currencies use blockchain technology to record and verify transactions securely.
Cryptocurrency in United States
In the United States, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are recognized as digital assets but not legal tender. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats crypto as property for tax purposes, not as currency.
This means that when you buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrency, you must report capital gains or losses. All cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the United States must register with FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) as Money Service Businesses.
Common types of cryptocurrency include:
Local vs Global Platforms
There are two main ways to buy cryptocurrency: through Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) or Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs).
What's the Difference Between CEX and DEX?
| Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) | Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Traditional platforms operated by companies (Coinbase, Kraken). They custody your funds and handle transactions. | Peer-to-peer platforms where you trade directly from your wallet (Uniswap, PancakeSwap). No company controls your funds. |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly, simple interfaces | Requires crypto knowledge |
| Fiat Support | Buy directly with USD | Requires existing crypto |
| Control | Exchange controls your private keys | You control your private keys |
| KYC/Verification | Identity verification required | No KYC required |
| Support | Customer support available | Community-based support only |
| Token Selection | Limited to listed tokens | Access to thousands of tokens |
Exchange Types: CEX vs DEX
Understanding the difference between centralized and decentralized exchanges helps you choose the right platform for your needs.
How to Buy on Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)
Create an account with a licensed exchange in the United States (Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance).
Verify your identity (KYC) with government-issued ID and proof of address to enable fiat deposits.
Deposit US Dollars (USD) using ACH Transfer, bank transfer, or credit/debit card.
Select the cryptocurrency you want to purchase and review the current price and fees.
Confirm your order and transfer it to your personal wallet if desired for enhanced security.
Tip: Compare fees, spreads, and funding limits across exchanges before buying. Kraken typically offers the lowest fees for larger amounts.
How to Buy on Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)
If you already own crypto, you can use a DEX to swap tokens directly without intermediaries.
Connect your wallet such as MetaMask or Phantom to the decentralized exchange.
Fund your wallet with crypto like USDT, ETH, or SOL from a centralized exchange.
Choose a DEX that supports your network (Uniswap for Ethereum, PancakeSwap for BSC, Jupiter for Solana).
Select your trading pair (e.g., ETH/USDT) and confirm the swap with gas fees.
Store your tokens securely in your wallet and track your portfolio.
How to Choose a Crypto Exchange
Not all cryptocurrency exchanges are created equal. Consider these key factors when selecting where to buy:
Security & Regulation
Ensure the exchange is registered with FinCEN and uses industry-standard security (2FA, cold storage, insurance).
Fees & Spreads
Compare trading fees, withdrawal fees, and buy/sell spreads. Small differences add up over time.
Liquidity
Higher liquidity means tighter spreads and faster order execution, especially for large trades.
Compliance & Transparency
Look for exchanges that publish proof of reserves and comply with American AML/KYC regulations.
User Experience
Choose a platform that matches your skill level — simple for beginners, advanced for traders.
Customer Support
Reliable support is crucial when issues arise. Check reviews for response times and quality.
Crypto Regulations in the United States (2026 Update)
The United States has a complex but maturing regulatory framework for cryptocurrency. Here’s what you need to know about buying and trading crypto legally in the United States:
FinCEN Registration & AML Compliance
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regulates all cryptocurrency exchanges operating in United States. Any platform offering crypto-to-fiat services must register as a Money Service Business (MSB) under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA).
This registration ensures exchanges follow strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements to prevent illicit activities. All registered MSBs must report suspicious transactions and maintain detailed customer records. Always verify an exchange’s FinCEN registration on their official website before depositing funds.
SEC & CFTC Oversight
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversee crypto trading platforms that deal with securities or derivatives. State-level licensing, including New York’s BitLicense, adds additional requirements.
Major exchanges often need to register in multiple states to serve American residents nationwide.
Legal Status of Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies are legal to buy, sell, and hold in the United States but are not considered legal tender. The federal government treats crypto as property or a commodity for regulatory and tax purposes.
Crypto Taxes in the United States
Disclaimer: This is general information only and not financial or tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or accountant for guidance specific to your situation.
How the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Treats Cryptocurrency
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats cryptocurrency as property, not as currency. This means crypto transactions are subject to taxation similar to buying and selling stocks or real estate.
Capital Gains Tax
When you sell, trade, or spend crypto at a profit, you trigger a capital gain. In the United States:
- 50% of your capital gains are taxable
- The taxable amount is added to your income and taxed at your marginal rate
- Capital losses can offset capital gains in the same year or be carried forward/back
Business Income vs. Capital Gains
If you’re a frequent trader or run a crypto-related business, the IRS may treat your activity as business income rather than capital gains. This means 100% of profits are taxable (not just 50%). Factors include trading frequency, time spent, and intent.
Taxable Events
Common transactions that trigger tax reporting:
- Selling crypto for American dollars (USD)
- Trading one cryptocurrency for another (e.g., BTC → ETH)
- Using crypto to purchase goods or services
- Gifting crypto (may trigger deemed disposition)
Record Keeping
Keep detailed records of all transactions: dates, amounts, USD value at time of transaction, fees paid, and purpose. Most exchanges provide transaction history exports to help with tax filing.
Security Best Practices
Protecting your cryptocurrency is crucial. Follow these security best practices:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Always enable 2FA on exchange accounts using authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy. Avoid SMS-based 2FA when possible.
Use Hardware Wallets for Long-Term Storage
Store significant amounts in hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor. These keep your private keys offline and protected from hackers.
Never Share Private Keys or Seed Phrases
Your seed phrase is the master key to your crypto. Never share it with anyone, including support teams. Write it down and store it securely offline.
Verify Exchange Legitimacy
Only use exchanges registered with FinCEN. Check reviews and verify the platform’s security track record before depositing funds.
Best Wallets for American Users
Once you’ve purchased cryptocurrency on an exchange, consider moving it to a secure wallet for long-term storage. Here are the best options for Americans:
Ledger
Hardware Wallet — The Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus are industry-leading cold storage devices. Your private keys never leave the device, providing maximum security for long-term holdings.
Trezor
Hardware Wallet — Trezor Model T and Model One offer open-source security with touchscreen or button navigation. Trusted by millions for Bitcoin and altcoin storage.
SafePal
Hardware & Software Wallet — SafePal S1 hardware wallet and mobile app combination. Affordable hardware security with a user-friendly mobile interface.
MetaMask
Software Wallet — A free browser extension and mobile app wallet. Ideal for interacting with decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and DeFi applications.
Important: Hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor) provide the highest security for long-term storage. Software wallets (MetaMask) are convenient for frequent trading but are more vulnerable to malware. Never store large amounts in software wallets or on exchanges.
Trending Coins in the United States
Compare live prices for the most popular cryptocurrencies in the United States. Click any coin to see detailed exchange comparisons and find the best rates:
Bitcoin (BTC)
The original cryptocurrency
Digital gold and store of value. Most widely accepted cryptocurrency globally.
Ethereum (ETH)
Smart contract platform
Powers DeFi, NFTs, and decentralized applications. Second-largest crypto by market cap.
Solana (SOL)
High-performance blockchain
Fast and low-cost transactions. Popular for DeFi and NFT trading.
Cardano (ADA)
Proof-of-stake blockchain
Research-driven blockchain with focus on sustainability and scalability.
Ripple (XRP)
Payment network
Designed for cross-border payments and institutional use. Fast settlement times.
Aster (ASTER)
Perpetual DEX
Decentralized perpetual futures exchange with low fees and high leverage trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare Crypto Prices in the United States
Check live Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana prices across exchanges in the United States. Find the best place to buy or sell crypto instantly with coinvela.