Buying bitcoin is as easy as buying any traditional stock or commodity. You just need to pick an exchange that works best for you.

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Exchange Bitcoin Only Proof of Reserves Average Fees
Strike ★ Top Pick Yes No 0.39% - 0.99%
River ★ Recommended Yes Yes 1%
Fold Yes No 0%*
Robinhood No No 0% trading*
Coinbase No Partial 0.6% - 1.5%

* Fold's 0% fees require a premium membership currently priced at $100/year
* Robinhood has "free" trading but makes money on the spread. You are still paying a small fee
Note: Information current as of early 2025. Features and fees may change.

Places to buy Bitcoin

Common types of bitcoin purchases:

  • Spot Bitcoin: Purchasing of actual Bitcoin, stored in a wallet on your exchange of choice and transferable to a cold storage wallet (self custody)

  • Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): A regulated investment vehicle that tracks the price of Bitcoin without requiring direct ownership. Examples include BlackRock’s “IBIT” or Fidelity’s “FBTC”

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Bitcoin Investment Quiz

Answer a few questions to find out which Bitcoin investment method is best suited for your goals, risk tolerance, and preferences.

How you store your bitcoin matters much more than where you buy it

  • Buying Bitcoin on an exchange is no different than an IOU—you don’t truly own it until you move it to a self custody wallet that you control.

  • Bitcoin has never been hacked. But exchanges, where most people buy and store their coins, have lost billions to hacks, fraud, and mismanagement. The real risk isn’t with Bitcoin itself—it’s trusting someone else to hold it for you.

Recommended cold storage wallets:

Cryptocurrency hardware wallet resembling a calculator with a QWERTY keyboard and screen, labeled 'Coldcard Q'.

COLDCARD Q

Orange button with a white star and text reading 'Top Pick'
Coldcard Mk4 hardware wallet with a keypad and display for secure cryptocurrency transactions.

COLDCARD Mk4

Gray portable camera with lens and logo on the front
Black rectangular electronic device with a USB port and transparent cover showing internal components, labeled 'Jade.'

Blockstream Jade Plus

Blockstream Jade

How Secure Is Your Bitcoin? Self-Custody Checklist

Seed Phrase Security

  • You have never shared your seed phrase with anyone
  • You have never taken a picture of your seed phrase
  • Your seed phrase is stored on durable, non-digital media (metal, paper, etc.)
  • You have verified the accuracy of your seed phrase backup
  • Your seed phrase is stored in a fireproof and waterproof container
  • You have never entered your seed phrase into any digital device

Hardware Wallet Security

  • Your hardware wallet was purchased from an authorized retailer
  • You have verified the authenticity of your hardware wallet
  • Your hardware wallet firmware is up to date
  • You have set up a strong PIN code
  • You have tested the recovery process with a small amount of funds
  • Your hardware wallet is stored in a secure location

Additional Security Measures

  • You double-check the amount and destination before signing transactions
  • You use a clean, malware-free computer for transactions
  • You use a passphrase in addition to your seed phrase
  • You have considered using multi-signature setups

For more information on how to keep your bitcoin secure, please visit: