How To Buy Bitcoin Easily In Usa In 2022

The USA accounts for nearly a quarter of the worldwide trading of Bitcoin. This fact alone should give you an idea of accessibility to cryptocurrency in the US. 

There are currently no federal regulations for cryptocurrency, and each state has its own decision to make regarding its treatment of digital currency, though many have yet to make this decision. The purchase and exchange of cryptocurrencies are totally legal across the country.

While there is no federal legislation for crypto assets in the US, the bodies at the federal level have offered guidance to states. 

Following the boom in 2014, these federal bodies had to make decisions in their classifications of cryptocurrency. 

The SEC designated cryptos as digital currency, the CFTC classified them as commodities, and the IRS defined them as property. 

So, while it is completely legal to buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies, they are not legal tender.

What’s The Best Way to Get Cryptocurrency in the USA?

The best way to buy cryptocurrency in the USA is through an exchange such as eToro, Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, Coinmama, Binance, or Changelly. 

There is a plethora of options available, so it is best to look at each of the exchanges’ processes for deposits and withdrawals, fees, and transaction speeds to determine which is best for you.

Is it Easy to Buy Cryptocurrency in the USA?

It is relatively easy to buy cryptocurrency in the USA. The first step is choosing a hardware or software wallet, and the second is picking an exchange to buy from. 

The most difficult step is getting your identity verified through a Know Your Customer (KYC) process. 

This involves providing your full name, date of birth, and residential address to the exchange. Your identity must then be verified by providing them with a copy of a passport or government-issued ID. 

Some exchanges provide a video call option. Once the exchange has verified your identity it is easy to buy and sell cryptocurrency. 

You can even use a credit card to buy cryptocurrency in the US, making it even more accessible.

In summary here are the five basic steps for buying crypto in the USA:

1. Choose an Exchange

The first step to getting cryptocurrency is deciding where you are going to purchase it. For most people, the most convenient (and cost-effective) way to acquire crypto is an exchange.

There are a variety of different factors to consider when picking a crypto exchange but we’d argue that security and reputation should always be the most important consideration. 

In addition here are some other factors to think about: Software or user interface, fees, number of different cryptocurrencies available for purchase.

2. Verify identity

Most cryptocurrency exchanges will some form of verification (this is known in the industry as Know Your Customer or KYC). 

They will likely require some combination of bank account info, driver’s license or passport, proof of residency, and a current photo. Don’t be dissuaded by this process as the most regulated (and secure) crypto exchanges are required by law to gather that information.

3. Purchase Bitcoin

Once you’ve funded your exchange account you should immediately be able to purchase Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency at whatever the current rate is. Buying crypto on an exchange is generally a very easy process.

4. Store Bitcoin

The different methods of storing crypto are hotly debated in the industry. 

Many prefer to remove their crypto from exchanges to hardware wallets for added security. However, if you’re not technically proficient your crypto might actually be safer on an exchange. Furthermore, it’s easier to make numerous transactions from an exchange account. It’s a personal decision in the end.

5. Manage Bitcoin

You’ve finally acquired crypto! What you do from here is up to you. You can simply let it sit and hopefully let it gain value. 

You could also stake it with a crypto lending company to earn interest. You could send it to friends who want to learn more about the technology. It’s all up to you.

Is It Legal to Buy Cryptocurrency in the USA?

It is legal to buy cryptocurrency in the USA. The US federal regulators have classified cryptocurrencies as commodities, securities, and property, meaning that while you can purchase, trade, mine, or interact with cryptocurrency, it is not eligible to be a registered investment and transactions are subject to gains and losses in relation to your taxes.

It is best to think of cryptocurrency in the same vein as gold or silver, classic examples of commodities.

Can I Buy Bitcoin in the USA?

Yes! You can buy Bitcoin in the USA through an online exchange or a Bitcoin ATM. 

Online exchanges such as Coinbase make it simple to purchase Bitcoin with a credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or bank wire.

 There are higher fees when purchasing Bitcoin with a credit card or debit card compared to a bank transfer, something to keep in mind when deciding where and how to purchase your Bitcoin.

But What’s the Best Way to Buy Crypto in the USA?

This is up for debate but most people would agree that exchanges are certainly the easiest way to purchase cryptocurrency. 

After signing up for an exchange you’ll be able to buy and sell crypto from the comfort of your own home. The process is similar to how it works for popular stock broker websites like TD Ameritrade or E-Trade.

The important part, however, is to make sure that you sign up for reputable cryptocurrency exchanges. 

There have been some examples of shady exchanges going bankrupt and leaving their customers high and dry. 

Fortunately, the reliability of cryptocurrency exchanges has improved immensely over the last few years and we list some of the best and most secure cryptocurrency exchanges right here on CryptoVantage.

Conversely, some people prefer to use peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchanges where customers in specified regions trade coins with each other directly. 

These types of exchanges have some downsides, however, as it can be much more difficult to facilitate trades.

Are There Any States Where Cryptocurrency is Unavailable?

There are no states where cryptocurrency is unavailable for purchase. 

However, due to the regulations being done at a state rather than a federal level, there are some states that you may want to avoid doing cryptocurrency business in. 

Four states you may want to avoid are New York, Rhode Island, Arizona, and Hawaii. Texas also has some unique laws regarding crypto.

New York has implemented a policy where any business dealing with cryptocurrency must apply for a BitLicense, which has a $5000 application fee and has 44 pages of compliance requirements. Since its implementation, most crypto firms have moved out of NY state.

Rhode Island assesses sales tax on all cryptocurrency transactions and development, meaning that as a business you get taxed for accepting cryptos, but also for developing or researching cryptos. Like NY, most firms have jumped ship.

Arizona has adopted the same policy as Rhode Island, taxing companies doing even just software development and imposing sales tax on any transaction made with cryptocurrencies.

Meanwhile, Hawaii doesn’t have any laws against cryptocurrency but it requires all exchanges to have their entire cryptocurrency balance backed up by traditional currency. Therefore most major US-based cryptocurrency exchanges have opted to not offer service to residents of the Aloha state.

What’s the Cheapest Way to Buy Cryptocurrency?

The cheapest way to buy Bitcoin in the USA is through an online cryptocurrency exchange. 

The exchange that is cheapest depends on their fees, whether for depositing, withdrawing, or trading.

Your preferred funding method is a large factor in which exchange is best for you. 

Quite often credit and debit cards will be among the more expensive ways to purchase cryptocurrency but people still do it because of the convenience. 

You can also go for lower-fee methods, such as wire transfers, but they take considerably longer.

It should also be noted that you do not have to use an American exchange (as in American-based), as exchanges such as Binance accept American customers and have lower fees than some American exchanges.

Can I Sell My Bitcoin in the USA?

Yes! You can sell your Bitcoin (or any other crypto) in the USA through an exchange.

Simply deposit your Bitcoin (assuming it’s stored in your wallet, and not already on the exchange) onto the exchange. 

Once it is on the exchange you can sell it for market value, and then once it is sold you can withdraw the funds to the bank account you connected to the exchange. 

Keep in mind that you will be taxed on any gains made selling cryptocurrency in the USA, similar to any situations where there are capital gains. It’s similar to how the government views the stock market.