How to Get Started With Crypto for Beginners

Cryptocurrency can seem confusing at first — especially if you’re not technical. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert or a trader to get started. In this simple guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get into crypto from scratch, using real-life examples and beginner-friendly tools.

What Is Crypto (in Simple Terms)?

Cryptocurrency — or crypto — is digital money that isn’t controlled by a bank or government. Bitcoin, for example, was created after the 2008 financial crisis as a way for regular people to store and move money without relying on middlemen.

Instead of using a bank, crypto transactions are recorded on a blockchain — a type of public digital ledger. Think of it like a notebook everyone can see, where every transaction is written down permanently and can’t be changed.

Why Regular People Are Getting Into Crypto

Here’s why crypto is becoming so popular:

You control your own money, not a bank.
Payments are fast and global — even across countries.
Some coins grow in value over time, similar to investing.
It’s still early, so growth potential is big.

Step 1 — Learn the Basics Before You Buy Anything

Before putting money into crypto, it helps to understand a few key terms:

Bitcoin — The first and most well-known cryptocurrency.
Altcoins — Any coin that isn’t Bitcoin (like Ethereum, Solana, ADA).
Stablecoins — Designed to stay worth about $1 (example: USDT).
Wallet — A place to store your coins safely.
Exchange — A website/app where you can buy crypto (like Coinbase).

Once you understand those concepts, you’ll feel more confident moving to the next step.

Step 2 — Choose a Beginner-Friendly Exchange

Using an exchange is the easiest way to buy your first crypto. Popular beginner options include:

Coinbase — Great for beginners in the U.S.
Kraken — Perhaps the best one in the U.S.
Binance — Popular worldwide with more features.
Crypto.com — Easy app and good for casual buying.

Most of these exchanges work like online banking apps. You create an account, verify your identity, and connect a payment method like a debit card or bank transfer.

Step 3 — Buy a Small Amount of Bitcoin (Start Small)

Once you’re set up, practice by buying just $10 or $20 of Bitcoin. You don’t need to buy a full coin — you can buy a tiny fraction. This gives you hands-on experience without risk.

Example: If Bitcoin is $30,000 and you buy $50 worth, you’ll get 0.0016 BTC.

This simple first step helps beginners get comfortable with the process.

Step 4 — Learn About Wallets (Where to Store Crypto)

Leaving your coins on an exchange is convenient but not the safest. If the exchange gets hacked — you could lose access. A wallet gives you more control.

Types of wallets:

Hot Wallets (online apps like Trust Wallet, MetaMask)
Cold Wallets (offline devices like Ledger or Trezor — safest option)

As a beginner, you can start on the exchange, and later move to a wallet when your holdings grow.

Step 5 — Use Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Instead of trying to guess the perfect time to buy, many people use Dollar-Cost Averaging. That means buying a small amount of crypto on a regular schedule (for example $20 every week) — no matter what the price is.

Over time, this lowers your average cost and removes emotion from the process.

Step 6 — Stay Updated & Be Patient

The crypto market moves fast and can swing wildly in price. Beginners should remember that crypto works best as a long-term investment, not a get-rich-quick trade.

Ways to stay informed:

Follow crypto news on CoinDesk.com or CoinTelegraph.com
Subscribe to YouTube or Twitter/“Crypto X” creators you trust
Track your portfolio casually — but don’t panic on dips

Step 7 — Expand Beyond Bitcoin (Only When You’re Ready)

Once you’re comfortable with Bitcoin, you can start researching altcoins:

Ethereum (ETH) — Used for smart contracts and NFTs
Utility coins — Power specific exchanges or apps (like BNB)
DeFi coins — Used in decentralized finance platforms
Meme coins — Higher risk, community based (like DOGE, SHIB)

Always research before buying anything new and never risk money you can’t afford to lose.

Bonus: Are There Still Ways to Earn Free Crypto?

In the past, there were tons of ways to claim free crypto (like faucets and airdrops just for signing up), but most of those opportunities have mostly disappeared over the years.

However — one of the last real “free Bitcoin” apps that still works is Ember Fund, which lets users earn Bitcoin by simply checking in daily. If you want to start collecting free Bitcoin while you learn, make sure to read my Ember Fund review next to see how it works.