Guide · 2026
How to buy Bitcoin safely
A clean path onto an exchange without rushing, oversharing, or leaving coins where they don’t belong.
1. Get your basics right
- Only use money you can afford to lose.
- Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app, not SMS if you can avoid it.
- Write recovery phrases on paper. Never screenshot them.
2. Choose an exchange
Pick a well-known platform that serves your country. Complete KYC only on the official site or app — never through a DM.
3. Buy, then move
- Deposit with the method the exchange supports in your region.
- Buy a small amount first to test.
- Withdraw to a wallet you control if you plan to hold.
- Send a tiny test transaction before the full amount.
Don’t do this
- Don’t send crypto to a random “support” wallet.
- Don’t keep large stacks on an exchange long term.
- Don’t share seed phrases with anyone. Ever.