Buy crypto in 3 steps
In this buying guide you will learn step by step how to safely buy, sell and store crypto in your own wallet, without jargon. We start with buying, then explain selling and further on we cover how to safely store your coins. Many beginners think buying crypto is complicated. It is not. At BTC Direct you do it in three steps, and the whole flow usually takes less than ten minutes.
Create account and verify your identity
You start with a free account: email address, strong password, confirm your address. Then you show your ID once via webcam or phone. This is required for every crypto provider in Europe, and takes about two minutes.
Choose your payment method
You pay with bank transfer, credit card, Apple Pay, PayPal, Sofort or Bancontact. Card payment and PayPal are fastest: your coins are often in your wallet within a few minutes.
Enter your wallet address and buy coins
At BTC Direct, we send your coins directly to your own wallet. We store nothing for you. Enter your wallet address during the purchase, choose your coin and amount, and confirm your order. Don't have a wallet yet? Create one first via a wallet app or hardware wallet. Buying regularly? Save your address once in your address book.
Sell crypto in 3 steps
Want to convert your crypto to euros? Good to know: all coins you buy from us, you can always sell back to us. No surprises, no switching to another platform.
Create account and verify your identity
No account yet? Just like with buying, you create a free account and show your ID once via webcam or phone. Done in a few minutes.
Add your bank account
Add the bank account where you want to receive your euros. This must be an account in your own name.
Send coins and receive euros
Choose the coin you want to sell and the amount in your account. We give you a wallet address: send your coins there from your own wallet. Once the blockchain confirms the transaction, we transfer the amount in euros to your bank account. Usually there within one business day.
Which crypto suits you?
We support more than 50 cryptocurrencies. Many people who buy crypto for the first time start with Bitcoin or Ethereum. Those are the two biggest and most well-known names. In addition, you will find coins for fast payments, smart contracts, scalable apps and much more.
Bitcoin
The original. Created in 2008 as a digital alternative to money without intermediaries. Bitcoin is often called 'digital gold', because just like gold there is a fixed, limited supply. There will never be more than 21 million. This scarcity is mathematically fixed in the code and cannot be changed by anyone. Bitcoin is the most well-known and most traded cryptocurrency.
- Bitcoin price: current price and how it is formed
- Bitcoin wallet: setting up your first wallet
- Buy Bitcoin: go directly to the buy flow
Altcoins
All cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin are often called altcoins, a contraction of 'alternative coins'. Some are built for fast payments, others for smart contracts or specific applications. Below you will find the most well-known, with a link to the full overview.
Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum is the largest altcoin and the second largest cryptocurrency in the world. It is more than just a coin: Ethereum is a platform where developers can build their own apps. The coin is actually called ether, the network Ethereum.
- Ethereum price: current price of ether
- Ethereum wallet: where you store your ether
- Buy Ethereum: go directly to the buy flow
More than 50 other coins
With us you can also buy other well-known coins, such as Solana, Ripple, Cardano, Polkadot, Litecoin, Chainlink and Dogecoin. Whether you are interested in fast payments, scalable apps or a specific community: you will likely find what you are looking for.
Your own wallet, your coins
At BTC Direct you are the owner of your coins from the very first moment. We are a broker, not a custodian. That means: your coins go directly to a wallet that only you control. We hold nothing.
What does 'be your own bank' mean?
At a regular bank you put money in your account and the bank holds it for you. There are advantages to that, but also disadvantages. The bank can freeze your account, can go bankrupt, and can ask questions about why you want to transfer money. You depend on someone else.
With crypto that can be different. You can store your coins yourself in a wallet that only you have access to. No bank in between. This is called 'be your own bank', meaning: you are your own bank.
That gives you freedom, but also responsibility. Nobody else can access your coins, which is great. But it also means: if you lose your private key, nobody can recover your coins. No help desk, no 'forgot password' button. That is why a secure wallet matters.
Which wallet do you choose?
A wallet is a digital purse. There are two types that are most suitable for beginners.
Software wallet (app on your phone or computer)
Free, quick to set up and handy for smaller amounts. We work together with reliable wallets such as Aqua, Xaman and Coinomi. Good to get started with.
Hardware wallet (a physical device)
Our tip for those who want to store seriously. Your private key is stored offline on the device, so even if your computer is hacked your coins remain safe. Well-known brands: Ledger, Trezor, Bitbox and Ngrave.
View hardware wallets in our shop or read more about wallets.