How to Buy Cryptocurrency: The Complete Guide

Updated on 10 July 2026

To buy cryptocurrency in 2026, you need to choose a MiCA-authorised platform (such as Finary or Coinbase), create an account, verify your identity (KYC), deposit euros, then buy the crypto you want. This guide walks through each step, compares platforms and explains how to secure your assets, which remain volatile.

Key takeaways

• Since 1 July 2026, only MiCA-authorised platforms (CASP status) can legally offer crypto services in France; the earlier French registration for digital-asset service providers no longer suffices.
• Actual fees vary widely by platform and payment method: compare the total cost (transaction, spread, deposit) rather than the headline fee alone.
• Once bought, your crypto can stay on the platform or be transferred to a personal wallet (a hardware wallet such as Ledger or Trezor) for extra security.
• Diversifying your portfolio across several cryptocurrencies and spreading purchases via DCA reduces your exposure to market volatility.
• Crypto ETFs offer an alternative to buying directly, without holding or managing private keys, but without the option to withdraw the underlying asset.

Why invest in cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies have grown in popularity over the past decade as an alternative investment. They offer several advantages, notably in terms of independence, safe-haven value and diversification.

The benefits of cryptocurrencies

Independence from states: Cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, are decentralised and do not depend on central banks or governments. This independence provides some protection against market fluctuations and government monetary policy.

A safe haven similar to gold: Like gold, cryptocurrencies are seen as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty. The digital nature and scarcity of certain cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, make them comparable to gold as a store of value.

Diversifying your investment portfolio: Investing in cryptocurrencies helps diversify your investment portfolio and spread risk. Adding cryptocurrencies can help reduce a portfolio's overall volatility, especially when its other assets are mainly traditional securities.

Growing adoption by institutional investors and some countries: Institutional investors, and even some nations, are starting to adopt cryptocurrencies. El Salvador, for example, made bitcoin legal tender in 2021, before reversing that status in early 2025 as part of an agreement with the IMF: bitcoin remains usable there, but only on a voluntary basis. Large companies, such as Tesla, also hold bitcoin on their balance sheet. This adoption, though gradual and uneven, adds to the legitimacy of crypto-assets.

Crypto,
finally regulated

Finary is authorised by the AMF under the MiCA regime for its crypto services. Invest in 25+ cryptocurrencies on a regulated platform, alongside your stocks and ETFs.

Invest in crypto

Investing carries risks, including the risk of capital loss. Crypto-assets are highly volatile: you may lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Finary is authorised as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP, "PSCA" in French) under the MiCA regime by the AMF.

How do you choose the right platform for buying cryptocurrency?

The right platform comes down to four criteria: security and regulatory authorisation (MiCA/CASP), fee-structure transparency, the range of cryptocurrencies available, and ease of use.

The selection criteria

Several factors matter when choosing the right platform for buying cryptocurrency. The security and reliability of the platform are paramount. In addition, the fees and commissions charged on transactions must be reasonable and transparent. It is also important to check the range of cryptocurrencies available on the platform, as well as its ease of use.

Good to know : In France, crypto-asset platforms must hold the European MiCA licence (Crypto-Asset Service Provider status, PSCA/CASP), issued by the AMF or by another European regulator passporting into France. Since 1 July 2026, the earlier French registration for digital-asset service providers no longer suffices: only MiCA-authorised providers can offer crypto-asset services in France.

‍The fees charged for using a cryptocurrency exchange platform are a crucial factor to weigh when selecting a platform. These fees can vary considerably from one platform to another and can significantly affect the profitability of your operations. It is common to encounter transaction fees, charged every time you buy or sell a cryptocurrency. In addition, some platforms may charge deposit or withdrawal fees, particularly when converting cryptocurrencies to fiat currencies or vice versa. It is also essential to watch out for hidden fees or markups added to the exchange rate. To maximise your profits and minimise your costs, it is advisable to carefully compare the fee structures of several platforms before making a decision. Full transparency on fees is a sign of a platform's trustworthiness and integrity.

Swissborg: the MiCA-authorised contracting entity for European users is now BlockNodes SAS, based in France, hence the updated registered office in the table. Revolut (*): withdrawing cryptocurrency to an external wallet is now possible for eligible assets, depending on region and account status, so it is no longer a blanket refusal. Kraken (**): the spread applied to the asset price is not publicly disclosed by the platform (it varies by asset, amount and market conditions); Kraken operates in France through its European entity, Payward Europe Solutions Limited, MiCA-authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Available payment options are another essential factor to weigh. Make sure the platform accepts payment methods such as bank card (Visa, Mastercard) and bank transfer. Finally, some platforms offer social trading and other unique services that can help along your crypto journey.

What about withdrawal options?

For users, how simple crypto withdrawals are is crucial. This means not only being able to quickly convert digital assets into fiat currency, but also a hassle-free experience. A complicated withdrawal process can lead to delays, unexpected fees and general frustration.

‍

With Finary's investment plans, withdrawing your crypto is extremely simple, with no risk of ever sending it to the wrong wallet.

‍Recommended platforms

Recommended platforms for buying cryptocurrency include:

• Finary: MiCA-authorised (CASP) by the AMF, with competitive fees, scheduled investments (DCA) and an intuitive interface
• Bitpanda: known for its intuitive interface and competitive fees.
• Bitvavo: offers a simple, smooth experience, with low fees.
• Coinhouse: focused on the French market, it offers support in French and streamlines transactions.
• eToro: a well-known online broker, offering social-trading options and a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
• ZenGo: a secure mobile solution for buying, selling and managing crypto.

French vs foreign platforms

When choosing between French and foreign platforms, it is important to consider each platform's ability to comply with regulation. French platforms generally offer greater protection and better compliance with local rules through their MiCA authorisation (Crypto-Asset Service Provider status, PSCA). They also make tax procedures and returns easier. Remember that you will need to verify your identity (KYC) on most platforms, whether French or foreign.

Crypto,
finally simple

Buy, sell and track Bitcoin, Ethereum and 25+ cryptocurrencies from a single app. No complexity, on a platform regulated in France.

Invest in crypto

Investing carries risks, including the risk of capital loss. Crypto-assets are highly volatile: you may lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Finary is authorised as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) under the MiCA regime by the AMF.

Which cryptocurrencies should you choose for your portfolio?

Buying Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin is often seen as digital gold. It is the first cryptocurrency and plays a central role as a safe haven within the crypto ecosystem. Its programmed scarcity and proven security make it a solid choice for any portfolio.

Buying Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum was the first platform to introduce smart contracts, enabling the creation of tokens and decentralised applications. Its flexibility and fast-growing ecosystem make it essential for investors.

Buying XRP (XRP): XRP aims to make cross-border transactions easier for banks and financial institutions. With fast validation and low fees, it offers an efficient solution for international money transfers.

Buying Cardano (ADA): Cardano is often described as an improved version of Ethereum, with a research-driven approach and particular attention to sustainability and governance.

Buying Polygon (MATIC): Polygon offers scaling solutions for Ethereum, enabling faster and cheaper transactions. It is a strategic choice for those who believe in Ethereum's future.

Buying Solana (SOL): Solana is known for its speed and low transaction cost. With a unique architecture and growing adoption, it has become a serious contender in the smart-contract platform market.

Buying Litecoin (LTC): designed as the silver to Bitcoin's gold, Litecoin offers faster transaction times and is widely recognised as a viable payment option within the crypto ecosystem.

Buying Avalanche (AVAX): Avalanche stands out for its unique consensus mechanism and multiple chains, offering unprecedented flexibility and scalability for developers of decentralised applications.

Buying Uniswap (UNI): Uniswap is one of the most popular decentralised exchanges, letting users trade tokens without an intermediary. Its UNI token has value both as governance and as an asset.

Buying Chainlink (LINK): Chainlink is the leading provider of decentralised oracles, feeding reliable and secure data to smart contracts. It is an essential building block for many decentralised applications.

Buying Bitcoin Cash (BCH): a fork of Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash aims to offer faster, cheaper transactions. It keeps Bitcoin's core principles while adding technical improvements.

Buying Aave (AAVE): Aave is a decentralised lending and borrowing platform, letting users earn interest or borrow assets. Its transparency and efficiency make it a solid choice for investors interested in decentralised finance (DeFi).

Finary offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Cardano (ADA), Polygon (MATIC), Solana (SOL), Litecoin (LTC), Avalanche (AVAX), Uniswap (UNI), Chainlink (LINK), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Aave (AAVE), at competitive fees and with no spread on the price.

Good to know : We believe in transparency and fairness for our users. That's why we only charge the network fee on withdrawals, ensuring that purchasing power stays in our users' hands. At Finary, we focus on simplicity, efficiency and trust.

Securing your cryptocurrencies

The different types of wallets

Securing your cryptocurrencies properly is essential to avoid the risk of hacking and minimise potential losses. There are several types of wallets for storing and managing your digital assets: online wallets, hardware wallets and paper wallets.

The online wallets are digital wallets accessible via the internet, but they carry risks if the platform is hacked. Hardware wallets are physical devices that store private keys offline, offering better security. Reputable brands, such as Ledger and Trezor, offer reliable storage solutions. Finally, paper wallets are paper documents containing the private key information, which must be kept somewhere safe.

Tips for optimal security

Here are some recommendations for keeping your cryptocurrencies secure:

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): this extra security measure requires two authentication methods to access your account, reducing the risk of hacking.
2. Choose a reputable hardware wallet: go for a reliable storage device from a trusted brand, such as Ledger or Trezor. These wallets offer excellent security options and are recommended by many experts.
3. Update your software regularly: make sure your wallet, browser and other related software are up to date to avoid potential vulnerabilities.
4. Use strong cryptography: choose strong passwords for your accounts and favour advanced encryption protocols, such as AES-256, to protect your sensitive data.

By following these recommendations and choosing the type of wallet suited to your needs, you can help secure your cryptocurrencies and protect them against hacking and other online threats.

Growing your cryptocurrency holdings

The different investment strategies

There are several strategies for growing your cryptocurrency holdings. One of the most common is to buy cryptocurrency and hold your investment in a secure crypto wallet. Another approach is Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA), which involves investing fixed amounts at regular intervals, helping to reduce the impact of market fluctuations.

Day trading is another investment strategy, where investors try to profit from cryptocurrencies' short-term volatility. This can be particularly appealing to experienced traders because of altcoins' market capitalisation and value.

Finally, some platforms let you grow your cryptocurrency holdings by lending them out or depositing them in DeFi (decentralised finance) protocols. This method is often called "staking" and has the advantage of generating passive income.

The pros and cons of each strategy

Holding (or "HODL") has the advantage of being a simple strategy to implement and can prove profitable over the long term. However, it also has drawbacks, notably the risk of being unable to take advantage of certain market opportunities or to keep up with the best-performing digital assets.

Dollar Cost Averaging gives investors the ability to minimise their exposure to market volatility by spreading their investments over time. The drawbacks of this approach include the inability to react quickly to market fluctuations, as well as the need for enough capital to sustain the strategy over an extended period.

Day trading lets you generate short-term profits and take advantage of market volatility. However, this strategy requires constant attention and a thorough understanding of the markets, and sometimes the use of derivatives. On top of that, gains can be reduced by transaction fees or capital-gains tax.

Lastly, staking offers a passive way to grow your cryptocurrency holdings by locking them into DeFi protocols. This strategy has the advantage of generating regular income, but it can also carry risks tied to the platform or protocol used, such as security flaws or liquidity issues.

Among cryptocurrencies, some offer specific opportunities, such as staking on the Cardano blockchain, or buying and selling NFTs (non-fungible tokens). These options can carry advantages and drawbacks that vary depending on each digital asset.

Crypto,
at your own pace

Buy whenever you want, or set up a savings plan for Bitcoin, Ethereum and 25+ cryptocurrencies, directly from Finary.

Invest in crypto

Investing carries risks, including the risk of capital loss. Crypto-assets are highly volatile: you may lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Finary is authorised as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) under the MiCA regime by the AMF.

Alternatives to buying cryptocurrency directly

Investing via ETFs

One alternative to buying cryptocurrency directly is to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to cryptocurrencies. These financial products let you invest in the cryptocurrency market without directly owning the digital asset. ETFs are professionally managed and offer investment diversification, reducing the risks tied to the volatile cryptocurrency market. For example, you can invest in a Bitcoin- or Ethereum-linked ETF without holding those digital currencies yourself. Note that ETFs are subject to regulation and must be bought through an online broker. Some online brokers also offer demo accounts, letting investors get familiar with the market before investing their money.

Crypto indices and savings accounts

Another alternative to buying cryptocurrency directly is to explore crypto indices and crypto savings accounts.

Crypto indices track the performance of the leading cryptocurrencies on the market, offering an overall view of how they are moving. One example is the Bitpanda index, which tracks the performance of several popular cryptocurrencies. Crypto indices can help investors make informed decisions when choosing whether to buy or sell cryptocurrencies.

Crypto savings accounts, meanwhile, are savings products that let investors earn interest on their crypto investment without having to buy it directly. These accounts are often offered by decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms and can offer higher returns than traditional savings accounts.

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to buy cryptocurrency online?

Here are the key steps to buy cryptocurrency online:

• Sign up: register on the platform of your choice, providing the required information and verifying your identity if needed.
• Deposit funds : fund your account with a fiat currency (euros, dollars, etc.) or with another cryptocurrency.‍
• Buy and sell cryptocurrencies: look up the cryptocurrency you want and exchange it for your account's currency. You can also set limit buy or sell orders to take advantage of market fluctuations.‍
• Secure your crypto : consider transferring your crypto to a secure wallet to protect it against potential threats.
  

What is the minimum amount to buy cryptocurrency?

There's no universal minimum: most platforms let you buy for just a few euros. On Finary, you can start DCA investing with small, regular amounts, which reduces the impact of volatility on your average purchase price.

Do you need a wallet to buy crypto?

No. When you buy, your crypto is held by the platform. A wallet (particularly a hardware wallet such as Ledger or Trezor) becomes useful for securing large amounts by moving them off the platform and controlling your own private keys.

How are crypto capital gains taxed?

In France, capital gains made when disposing of crypto for euros are subject to the flat tax (PFU) of 31.4%. A tool such as Waltio can automate the calculation and your tax return. As long as you exchange crypto for crypto, taxation is deferred.

Can you buy crypto without fees?

No platform is entirely free: there are transaction fees, sometimes a price spread, and deposit fees. Compare the total cost, not just the headline fee. Finary applies transparent pricing, with no spread on the asset price.

Buying crypto directly or through an ETF: what is the difference?

By buying directly, you own the crypto and can transfer or secure it in a wallet. Through an ETF, you get exposure to the price without holding the asset itself, inside a standard brokerage wrapper, but without being able to withdraw your crypto.

Sources

amf-france.org, whitelist of Crypto-Asset Service Providers (PSCA/CASP)

amf-france.org, end of the MiCA transitional period on 1 July 2026

impots.gouv.fr, taxation of capital gains on digital-asset disposals

help.revolut.com, withdrawing cryptocurrency to an external wallet

swissborg.com, legal notice (BlockNodes SAS entity)

support.kraken.com, Kraken licensing and regulation (MiCA authorisation, Payward Europe Solutions Limited)