Buying & Using Bitcoin
How to get Bitcoin — and what to do with it.
From buying your first satoshis to spending them in the real world.
Buy through a cryptocurrency exchange
This is the most common and beginner-friendly method. Create an account with a trusted platform like Kraken, Coinbase, or Binance. After verifying your identity, you can deposit funds via bank transfer, credit card, or other methods. Then simply choose how much Bitcoin you want to buy.
Use a Bitcoin ATM
In many cities, Bitcoin ATMs allow you to buy Bitcoin with cash or card. You scan your wallet's QR code, insert money, and the coins are sent directly to your address. Fees may be higher than on exchanges.
Try peer-to-peer platforms
Platforms like Bisq, Paxful, or LocalBitcoins let you buy Bitcoin directly from other users. Payment methods vary (e.g., PayPal, bank transfer, gift cards). Always check the seller’s rating and reputation.
Keep your Bitcoin safe
After purchase, it's strongly recommended to transfer your Bitcoin to a private wallet instead of leaving it on the exchange. This gives you full control over your funds and reduces the risk of hacks.
Online stores and services
More and more online shops accept Bitcoin as payment. Tech products, travel bookings, web hosting, and even gift cards can be paid in BTC. Some popular platforms that accept Bitcoin include Newegg, Namecheap, and Travala.
Physical stores and restaurants
Depending on your location, you may find cafés, bars, and local shops that accept Bitcoin directly. Look for signs at the entrance or ask the staff. Apps like Coinmap or BTC Map can help you find nearby businesses that accept Bitcoin.
Donations and subscriptions
Many open-source projects, charities, and independent creators accept Bitcoin donations. Websites like Wikipedia and some Substack newsletters support Bitcoin payments.
Convert Bitcoin to gift cards
If a store doesn’t accept Bitcoin, you can still use your BTC to buy a gift card for that shop via services like Bitrefill or Coincards. This way, you can spend Bitcoin almost anywhere.
Why do fees exist?
Bitcoin transaction fees are small amounts of Bitcoin you pay to send a transaction. They go to the miners who confirm transactions and add them to the blockchain. Without fees, there would be no incentive to process your transaction.
How are fees calculated?
Fees are based on data size, not the amount sent. A simple transaction might cost less, while one with many inputs or outputs could cost more. You can usually set the fee manually in your wallet.
Why do fees change?
Fees go up when the network is busy. If many people are sending Bitcoin at the same time, you’ll need to pay more to have your transaction processed quickly. When demand is low, fees drop.
Can I send Bitcoin for free?
Technically yes — some wallets let you set very low or even zero fees. But be aware: your transaction might never get confirmed. It’s safer to include a reasonable fee, especially if speed matters.
Bitcoin needs to be confirmed
When you send Bitcoin, the transaction isn’t instantly final. It must first be picked up by miners and added to a new block on the blockchain. This process is called confirmation — and it can take time.
Fee too low?
If your fee is too low, miners may ignore your transaction in favor of others with higher fees. Your transaction will remain unconfirmed in the mempool (the waiting area) until it is eventually processed — or dropped.
Network congestion
When many people are using the Bitcoin network at the same time, competition for space in the next block increases. That can slow things down, especially if you didn’t set a high fee.
How to avoid delays
Use a wallet that suggests a reasonable fee based on network activity. Some wallets also offer “replace-by-fee” or “accelerate” features to resend your transaction with a higher fee.
