Discover the Best Place to Buy Bitcoin UK (Top 6 Sites to Buy Bitcoin in 2024)
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Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
- A List of the Best Places to Buy Bitcoin for December 2024
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- Comparison Chart for Best Sites to Buy Bitcoin in December 2024
- Description of the Best Sites to Buy Bitcoin in December 2024
- How to Chose Where to Buy Bitcoin in December 2024
- Where Can I Buy Bitcoin in December 2024?
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- What Is the Safest Way to Buy Bitcoins in 2024?
- How Much Does It Cost to Buy Bitcoin?
- How to Buy Bitcoin
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
A List of the Best Places to Buy Bitcoin for December 2024
- eToro – Overall best place to buy bitcoin UK
- SwitchMarkets.com – Best site to buy BTC & improve your trading skills
- Uphold – Best place to buy BTC & trade multiple assets
- CoinSmart – Best site to sell & purchase bitcoins
- Binance – Best Site to Purchase Bitcoin in UK With No Fees for Deposit & Withdrawal
- Robinhood – Cheapest Place to Buy Bitcoin UK
What Is Bitcoin?
In 2009, Bitcoin launched the digital trading phenomenon as we know it today, and it remains the most popular currency of its kind worldwide.
Bitcoin’s popularity sets it apart from all other digital currencies; over time, it has moved closer and closer to what we recognise as a currency, rather than a virtual anomaly.
Unlike many of its peers, bitcoin can be exchanged for fiat currencies like the US dollar and euro. It has greater liquidity than other digital currencies, meaning the loss to its inherent value is minimal when it is converted.
Bitcoin is widely accepted and can be used to purchase many everyday items, from a holiday on Expedia to a website domain with WordPress. The virtual money can also be exchanged with other private users in payment for services, or perhaps to pay off a debt.
From a practical point of view, bitcoin is often easier to use than fiat currencies. Its transaction fees are low when compared to institutions like PayPal or credit cards and, when making transactions that cross international borders, none of the additional fees usually associated with ATM withdrawals abroad, international money transfers or credit card payments apply.
Bitcoin is stored in digital wallets – coin storage which is secure and houses information surrounding ownership of the units being stored.
Those starting out need to make a decision on which wallet to store their funds in.
Some exchanges offer a free wallet but other platforms that sell bitcoin may require you to have a wallet in place before you make a purchase.
Fees No withdrawal fee for US clients | Regulation FCA, ASIC | Available Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and mor | |||
Website Uphold | Fees Trading fees built into the spread (0.8-1.2%) | Regulation Regulated in the US and UK | Available Cryptocurrencies 58 digital currencies, precious metals, and more | ||
Website Coinsmart | Fees 0.20% commission for trades | Regulation Regulated in Canada | Available Cryptocurrencies 9 cryptocurrencies | ||
Fees Low trading fees at 0.1% | Regulation Regulated | Available Cryptocurrencies Large range of cryptocurrencies and altcoins | |||
Website Robinhood | Fees No commission fees, no inactivity fee | Regulation SEC, FINRA | Available Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin |
Don’t invest in unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Note: The information provided in the chart may be subject to change over time, and it is recommended that you verify the information with the respective websites before making any investment decisions.
Description of the Best Sites to Buy Bitcoin in December 2024
We’ve put together a list of our top 6 places to buy bitcoin. Some are exchanges, some are platforms to buy from but not sell back to, and others are physical ATM-style structures.
Whichever way you plan to buy your bitcoin, you must do your homework to ensure you understand how the company operates.
We’ve listed 9 best sites to buy bitcoin and, for each entry, we’ve highlighted what we think the company does best.
There are numerous places to buy bitcoin available and we would always recommend that you conduct your own thorough research and due diligence before making your own personal choice.
Although we have listed several providers below, it should be noted that this is through online research, not personal experience.
At WikiJob, we are not financial advisors and any information provided throughout this article is for educational purposes only.
1. eToro
Pros
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies
- Social trading
- Regulated platform
- Multiple payment options
Cons
- Higher fees
- Limited wallet control
Best for: Beginners
CFD is not available in the United States. US users cannot trade CFDs.
The eToro website is one of the best sites to buy bitcoins, as it contains a wealth of information on the details of buying bitcoin, making this exchange well suited to those just starting out in bitcoin trading.
Traders who sign up with eToro get a virtual trading account with $100,000 in it to allow them to practise strategies before trading with real money.
The company also offers trading courses and features a Learning Lab which houses a variety of tools to support clients with their trading experience.
In the UK, eToro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and money is kept in tier one European banks. Unlike other exchanges in this list, eToro supports deposits and withdrawals to and from external wallets.
A seamless process for buying bitcoins with eToro, combined with the platform's ease and security, makes it a top choice for those interested in investing in bitcoin.
To find out more, read our eToro review.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
2. SwitchMarkets.com
Pros
- Regulated by ASIC
- Low minimum deposits
- No deposit fee
- No inactivity fee
- Free VPS
- Social trading
- Tight spreads
- Useful trading tools and research
Cons
- No US clients
- Not FCA regulated
Best for: Improving trading skills
With Switch Markets you can trade Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Commodities and more on either a live trading account or a demo account.
This regulated broker offers ideal trading conditions no matter what your style of trading.
You have the choice of a zero commission account or a zero spreads account, and you can deposit as little as $50 to start trading.
There’s even leverage up to 1:500 available if you want it.
Unlike most brokers that offer a VPS, Switch Markets will give you a high-spec VPS completely free with your trading account – this is well worth it if you are an EA trader.
Read its reviews and you will see that its customer support is exceptional and available around the clock – something often overlooked when choosing a broker.
Withdrawals and deposits are fast too. Choosing Switch Markets as your broker is one of the fastest way to buy bitcoin.
This is an ideal broker for those looking to improve their trading skills.
There are cashback promotions, free trader tools and EAs (such as Risk Manager) when you open a demo or live account.
It has partnered with some of the best trading education providers to give you free membership to a world-class education – fantastic for beginner traders.
A broker to check out!
3. Uphold
Pros
- Easy account setup, ideal for newcomers
- Intuitive user interface and app
- Abundance of advanced trading features
- Ability to trade across various asset categories (cryptocurrency, fiat currencies, metals)
- Regular addition of new, low-liquidity altcoins
- Transparent and secure reserve system
Cons
- Limited charting capabilities
Best for: Diverse asset support
Type: App & web
Uphold stands out as a top choice for purchasing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the UK.
With over 10 million users spanning 150 countries, Uphold makes buying, trading, and storing assets, including Bitcoin and 250+ other cryptocurrencies, simple and secure. Uphold prioritizes safety and transparency, operating on a 100% reserve model to hold user funds securely.
Additionally, the platform regularly updates real-time asset and liability data, accessible to the public every 30 seconds, ensuring transparency.
4. CoinSmart
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Range of advanced trading tools available
- Available on desktop and mobile
- Quick account verification
Cons
- Limited offerings
- Deposit fees can be high
- High withdrawal fees
Best for: Selling & purchasing bitcoin
CoinSmart was founded in 2018 and is a trading platform designed to make buying and selling bitcoin easy for those living in Canada and beyond.
Highlights of the CoinSmart platform include a simple interface, learning tools and 24/7 support, alongside enterprise-grade security and reporting tools for tax auditing purposes.
Users can deposit with CAD, EUR and USD, using Interac, wire transfer, SEPA and crypto, and there are nine cryptocurrencies available to trade.
The trades are all commission-based, with 0.20% on a single trade, and 0.30% on a double trade.
The Education Hub is a collection of articles, blogs and how-to guides that can help beginners learn about trading. 24/7 support is available through a comprehensive FAQ section, as well as email and live chat options.
For the advanced trader, different trading tools are available including limit orders and stop loss, as well as read time charting and customised orders with order book functionality.
The basic account has all the functionality needed to make trades, but there is a Premium account aimed at professional traders that adds OTC trading, preferential pricing and a dedicated account manager to the basic account.
Many users consider CoinSmart to be the best way to buy bitcoin because the platform is designed with the idea that bitcoin trading should be accessible to everyone.
One-click trading and straightforward pricing alongside great educational resources help to make the whole process simple.
The platform is secured using 2FA, and there are strict KYC/AML regulations in place to ensure that all user data is verified. Most of the assets are held in cold storage, to help protect them from hackers.
There is not much choice of cryptocurrency available on CoinSmart, but the client support and the easy-to-use interface make this a great platform for new and experienced traders in Canada as well as other countries.
5. Binance
Pros
- Large range of cryptocurrencies and altcoins
- Comprehensive user interface
- The maximum trading amount is unlimited
- Low trading fees at 0.1%
- Easy sign-up process
Cons
- High withdrawal fees for some options
- No built-in wallet feature
- Medium levels of security
Best for: Currency choice
Binance is one of the world’s leading exchanges providing the best way to buy bitcoin UK.
Binance has free deposit and withdrawal fees for UK customers and a 0.1% trading fee.
The company is well known for supporting a wide range of digital currencies which means bitcoin traders have a vast array of options for trading multiple currencies.
6. Robinhood
Pros
- No commission fees
- No inactivity fee
- No minimum deposit
- User-friendly interface
- Trade fractional shares
- Straightforward, simple option for beginners
Cons
- Lacks educational and research resources
- Only available to US clients
- Unlikely to suit advanced traders
- Limited product offerings
- 24/7 customer support only via email and callback request
Best for: Keeping costs to a minimum
Robinhood allows users to buy and sell bitcoin free of charge, thus being fairly considered the cheapest way to buy bitcoin by many of its customers.
The company has only recently introduced a web version, having been solely mobile-based, so is better suited to those who are comfortable using their phone to manage their money.
Currently Robinhood is only accessible to US clients.
How to Chose Where to Buy Bitcoin in December 2024
Despite bitcoin not being recognised as a currency in every instance, it is still money and you should treat any bitcoin transaction with the same consideration as you would if you were signing up to a new credit card or loan – you’d want to know everything, from associated fees to security before deciding where to buy BTC.
Step 1. Fees
Different bitcoin purchase sites have different fees so it’s very important to make sure you know this information before committing.
When deciding where to buy bitcoin, it pays to consider things like currency; if you transfer GBP to an exchange which only deals in US dollars, you will immediately be charged a conversion fee. By choosing an exchange that accepts your currency, you can avoid these fees.
Step 2. Liquidity
Liquidity varies depending on the bitcoin exchange and should be a crucial factor when it comes to deciding where to buy BTC.
Liquidity is how many bitcoins the exchange can sell before the price is affected.
You can identify how good a company’s liquidity is by looking at their trading volume (perhaps look at the number of bitcoins traded in the last month, for example); the greater the trading volume, the more liquidity the company has.
Step 3. Speed
Different exchanges have different speeds when it comes to getting your bitcoins to your wallet and making transactions. Some could take five days to get the currency to your account whereas others will be far quicker. We recommend thorough research of available options to be able to pick the quickest way to buy bitcoin.
Step 4. Accessibility
Some exchanges differ in terms of platforms available for use – for example, some are solely mobile-based and, in this case, you would not be able to manage your money from a laptop.
In the same way that you probably wouldn’t feel comfortable making a large bank transfer on a friend’s mobile you’re not used to, you shouldn’t choose an exchange which operates from a platform you’re not fully comfortable using.
Step 5. Location
Consider your location and the location of the exchange and do some research as to how straightforward it will be to trade with that company.
Fees, especially, can change significantly from region to region – a US-based exchange, for example, may offer great rates to a selection of US states but the prices may ramp up for a European country.
Also, different countries have to adhere to different rules and regulations so it’s important to make sure geographical location isn’t enabling the exchange to be lax when it comes to security.
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Where Can I Buy Bitcoin in December 2024?
There are several different places to buy bitcoins; some people will buy it as an investment through a traditional broker or an online broker.
There are specific exchanges that have been developed to deal with bitcoins and other altcoins, and this might be the best place to buy bitcoins for beginners.
When you are deciding on the best place to buy bitcoins, there are a few things that you might want to bear in mind.
These include:
Easy Access
Can you buy and sell your bitcoin through an online portal or using a smartphone app? Is the exchange available 24/7?
Payment Types
Does the platform accept different payment types, like cards, bank transfers and eWallets like PayPal?
Is there a delay when you want to withdraw your holdings?
Are the Fees Reasonable?
The platform will make a small amount of money from each transaction you make, and the value of this might be a deciding factor when for choosing the best platform to buy bitcoin.
Trading fees are only part of the equation though; you will also want to consider whether there are any other fees like monthly account management fees, inactivity fees, or fees for withdrawals.
Is It Safe?
Regulation in bitcoin exchanges is not as strong as in other trading platforms, but you want to try and look for a trusted platform that offers decent security options, such as 2FA and cold storage.
Consider the quality and responsiveness of customer support. An exchange that provides timely and helpful assistance can be beneficial in case of any issues or inquiries.
Research the exchange's reputation in the crypto community. Look for user reviews, ratings, and feedback on reliable platforms or forums.
What Is the Safest Way to Buy Bitcoins in 2024?
As previously mentioned, bitcoin and other bitcoin purchase sites remain largely unregulated, which can be a concern when you are looking at safety.
However, certain safety aspects are built into reputable bitcoin platforms that should be reassuring, especially if you are sharing personal or financial information with them.
The best Bitcoin exchanges will have built-in wallet options, which is important when you are dealing with a currency that has no physical form.
Most exchanges store the vast majority of bitcoin in so-called 'cold storage', which means that there is no connection to the internet, making this safe from hackers.
A small amount of bitcoin holdings will be in a hot wallet, and this is a percentage of coins that supports the liquidity of the exchange and for things like withdrawals and transfers.
Wherever you choose, you want to be sure that they are using the latest in encryption technology, such as 2FA and SOC-2 certification to help protect your holdings from the risk of hackers.
Always remember that bitcoin trading in general is a volatile market and that any purchase you make can only be risky and speculative – so you must be sensible in the amount that you invest to protect your financial security.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy Bitcoin?
If you had got into Bitcoin when it was first launched, you might have been given the altcoin for doing something simple like completing a Captcha – but the value of a Bitcoin has grown hugely in the intervening years.
The cost to buy one BTC depends on the market value when you go to buy it – and this value will go down as well as up.
The top price for one bitcoin was nearly £50,000 in 2021.
However, you don’t need to invest that much to get involved in Bitcoin, as fractional coins can be purchased.
The smallest denomination of a bitcoin is known as a Satoshi, named for the creator of Bitcoin. One Satoshi is equivalent to one hundred millionth of a bitcoin, or 0.000000001 BTC.
The minimum fiat equivalent of BTC that you can buy will depend on the platform that you are using, and the minimum deposit that you need to make to use the service.
For some platforms that can be as low as £10 or $10, but others might require a higher initial investment.
How to Buy Bitcoin
The first step to buying bitcoin is to sign up for an account on a bitcoin exchange or through a broker.
You can choose this based on what suits your needs most at the time. You’ll need ID to open an account, which helps to keep you and your finances safe.
Once you have an account set up, you can decide how you are going to purchase bitcoins, whether you are going to use fiat currency through your credit or debit card, or whether you want to exchange another cryptocurrency for it.
The best bitcoin exchanges will usually have step-by-step instructions for you to be able to complete your purchase, and then you can decide what you are doing with your holdings.
For more info on how to purchase bitcoins check our article here.
eToro is one of the best ways to buy BTC for beginners. It has an easy-to-use interface and provides access to a demo account, allowing you to practice buying bitcoin before risking any real money.
You can also use the CopyTrade feature, which is a helpful way to learn.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
Yes, it is possible to buy bitcoin fractionally. For example, if bitcoin’s price is £9,000, you can buy 0.2 bitcoin for £1,800.
Yes, you can buy small amounts of Bitcoin. Bitcoin is divisible up to eight decimal places, so you can purchase even a tiny fraction of a Bitcoin. For example, you can buy 0.001 BTC or even smaller amounts. Many cryptocurrency exchanges allow you to buy Bitcoin with fiat currency or other cryptocurrencies, giving you the flexibility to invest with small amounts that fit your budget.
As a beginner, the first step is to set up a secure bitcoin wallet. This is used to send and receive bitcoins. Upon setting this up, you will be given a private and public key. Your private key must be kept confidential so you should never share it with anybody else.
If you are planning to buy small amounts of bitcoin, an online wallet is usually sufficient. This will automatically be created when you open an account with an online bitcoin exchange. If you plan to make regular bitcoin transactions, consider buying a hardware wallet.
As a beginner, it is sensible to use a reliable exchange. eToro is the safest place to buy bitcoins for your first time.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
There are a few options to consider if you want to get free bitcoin. These include reward programme incentives, affiliate marketing and bitcoin mining.
If you search online for ‘free bitcoin’, you will be able to find out more about shopping online to earn bitcoin, crypto mining to earn bitcoin and answering surveys to get free bitcoin.
Deciding when to buy Bitcoin depends on various factors, including your investment goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. It's important to conduct thorough research and analysis before making any investment decisions.
Some common strategies include dollar-cost averaging, where you invest a fixed amount regularly over time, or buying during market dips.
It's advisable to consider long-term trends, consult with financial professionals, and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations. U
ltimately, the best time to buy Bitcoin is when you have a solid understanding of its potential and align it with your investment strategy.
Buying Bitcoin anonymously can be challenging. While Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public blockchain, personal information is not directly tied to the transactions.
However, most reputable exchanges and platforms require users to undergo identity verification processes, such as KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures. To buy Bitcoin anonymously, you can explore peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) or utilize methods like Bitcoin ATMs or over-the-counter (OTC) trading.
Keep in mind that these methods may still have some limitations or may involve higher fees compared to traditional exchanges.
The largest holder of Bitcoin is believed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous founder of Bitcoin. Nakamoto is estimated to own approximately 1,000,000 BTC, worth around $27.13 billion.
There are several reputable platforms to buy Bitcoin in the UK. Some popular options include Binance, Kraken, Bitstamp and eToro.
These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, secure storage options, and support for GBP deposits.
Additionally, they comply with UK regulations and provide customer support. It's recommended to compare fees, security features, supported cryptocurrencies, and user reviews to choose the platform that best fits your needs and preferences. Conducting thorough research and considering factors like ease of use and security is essential when selecting a platform.
The cheapest way to buy Bitcoin depends on various factors such as your location, payment method, and desired trading volume.
Generally, using a cryptocurrency exchange with low trading fees and choosing a cost-effective payment method like bank transfers or ACH transfers can help minimize costs. Additionally, utilizing peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges or decentralized exchanges (DEXs) that facilitate direct transactions between individuals may offer lower fees compared to traditional exchanges.
It's important to consider the overall costs, including deposit/withdrawal fees and exchange rates, when evaluating the cheapest way to buy Bitcoin.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a bitcoin exchange and wallet can be complex.
Reading reviews written by other traders can be very useful when it comes to making sure an exchange is as good as you think it is – pros and cons featured in comparison articles online can alert you to areas of the exchange’s website you need to look at more closely to get the full picture.
Don’t invest in unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
WikiJob does not provide tax, investment or financial services and advice. The information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.