Bitcoin Wiki - User contributions [en]

Thin Client Security

2016-02-25T22:28:35Z

Pigeons: /* bitcoinj */ URL change

Recently there have been a number of proposals for bitcoin clients which do not store a complete copy of every block in the entire block chain. This page will refer to all such clients as "thin clients". This page is meant to be a place to try to make sense of the security and trust implications of the various schemes.

== Full Node vs. SPV ==

It is important to distinguish between block height verification and block depth verification.

A full node client verifies that all preceding blocks are valid in order to guarantee that a transaction is valid. Currently only the Satoshi client, libbitcoin, and btcd do full node verification. Full nodes are the fundamental anchor of trustless security in the Bitcoin system.

A client verifies the depth D of a block by checking that there are D blocks '''after''' it (also called "confirmations"), all of which are well-formed. SPV clients don't verify the preceding blocks, they use the number of confirmations (whether they are valid or not) as a measure of the likelihood of a [[Chain_Reorganization|block chain reorganization]] producing a new longer fork which excludes the transaction.

== Full Node Clients ==

The "thick" bitcoin client downloads a copy of the entire chain, including all transactions (not just headers). It will be used as the reference point for security comparisons below.

A full-node client uses the [[Protocol_rules#Blocks well-formed|difficultywise-longest]] valid block chain it can find. A transaction's ''depth'' (the number of blocks or confirmations ''after'' it) is used to determine the likelihood of the transaction being double-spent due to the emergence of a longer fork.

==== [[bitcoind|bitcoin-qt]] ====

==== [https://github.com/conformal/btcd btcd] ====

==== [[Libbitcoin|libbitcoin-server]] ====

=== Block Retention ===

Once a full-chain client has downloaded the entire chain, it typically retains it (as the Satoshi client did/does).

Satoshi's original paper mentions the possibility of pruning individual transactions, which allows for full nodes which verify the entire transaction history but do not retain it. Because users are required to download and verify the block chain from some other node initially, this change isn't costless.

== Simplified Payment Verification (SPV) Clients ==

This client downloads a complete copy of the headers for all blocks in the entire block chain. This means that the download and storage requirements scale linearly with the amount of time since Bitcoin was invented.

This scheme is described in section 8 of the [http://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf original bitcoin whitepaper].

==== Block Depth Check ====

As Satoshi writes, "[the thin client] can't check the transaction for himself, but by linking it to a place in the chain, he can see that a network node has accepted it, and blocks added after it further confirm the network has accepted it." If we take "X" to be the "number of blocks added after it", then SPV essentially trusts that a transaction X blocks deep will be costly to forge.

This is very different from the trust model in the "thick" client: the thick client verifies that a transaction's inputs are unspent by actually checking the whole chain up to that point -- there is no "X blocks deep" involved here. At that point it uses "X blocks deep" to decide how likely it is that a longer fork in the chain will emerge which excludes that transaction.

==== [[BitCoinJ|bitcoinj]] ====

Simplified Payment Verification is the verification mechanism used in [[BitCoinJ|bitcoinj]].

A security analysis of some of the issues in bitcoinj can be found [https://bitcoinj.github.io/security-model here]; however:

* The claim that "picking 10 nodes and requiring all of them to be consistent needs much less trust" overlooks the problem of [https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Weaknesses#Cancer_nodes "cancer nodes"] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sybil_attack Sybil attacks].
* Many of the security claims are qualified by some form of "if you don't think an attacker controls your internet connection"; see the previous section for a discussion of why this is problematic.

==== [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=128055.0 picocoin] ====

Simplified Payment Verification is the verification mechanism used in picocoin.

The library (libccoin) that picocoin is based on includes code for validating scripts and blocks; this could potentially be used to implement a full-chain client.

==== [[Electrum]] ====

Electrum fetches blockchain information from Electrum servers, bitcoin nodes that index the blockchain by address.
Electrum performs Simple Payment Verification to check the transactions returned by servers.
For this, it fetches blokchain headers from about 10 random servers.
In addition, Electrum servers are authenticated by SSL, in order to protect users from MITM attacks.

=== Unused Output Tree in the Block chain (UOT) ===

There have been several proposals (the first appears to be [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=21995.0 this one] by gmaxwell, who called it an "open transaction tree", although the term "open" is now taken to mean "not yet mined into the block chain" rather than "unspent") to form a tree of unused transaction outputs at each block in the chain, hash it as a Merkle tree, and encode the root hash in the block chain (probably as part of the coinbase input). This will be called an Unused Output Tree (UOT). The first detailed proposal so far appears to be [https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/User:DiThi/MTUT Alberto Torres' proposal]; etotheipi's [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=88208.0 ultimate block chain compression] is a variant of this.

If such UOT hashes were included in the block chain, a client which shipped with a [https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Vocabulary checkpoint] block that had a UOT would only need to download blocks after the checkpoint. Moreover, once the client had downloaded those blocks and confirmed their UOTs, it could discard all but the most recent block containing a UOT.

Hostile miners may insert blocks into the chain which have what claims to be a UOT, but which is actually invalid. It is unlikely that such blocks could be kept out of the chain because, again, this would require adding a new block validity criterion, and miners implementing this new criterion would risk "mining on the wrong side" of a fork, which could cost them a lot of money. Therefore, any UOT strategy would need to cope with the fact that not every block containing a UOT entry can be trusted.

Note that at the present moment no standard format for such Unused Output Tree hashes has been agreed upon, nor do any of the blocks in the chain contain them. The [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=91954 ultraprune] feature added to bitcoind-0.8 maintains a similar data structure on the client's disk. It does not put this data structure or its hash anywhere in the block chain.

== Server-Trusting Clients ==

These clients involve a high level of trust in the server they rely upon. Mechanisms for authenticating the server, and for confirming that the server has not been compromised, are usually not explained.

All thin clients listed below currently connect to a single server, and are vulnerable to an attack similar to a double-spend. The attack can be run by that single server - the server can just lie to them that they received a Bitcoin transaction, and they, assuming the server does not lie, perform some service, transfer funds or send goods without actually receiving any Bitcoin in exchange. Therefore, they are implicitly trusting it.

Future enhancements have been suggested that will have the client talk to multiple servers and broadcast transactions and query all of them. Unfortunately it is well known to security researchers that this does not actually increase security; it simply makes the exploits more complicated and difficult to find. Security researchers have a name for this phenomenon: it is called a "Sybil attack"<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sybil_attack</ref>. [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=88208.msg975201#msg975201 This post] on bitcointalk explains how some governments (notably Iran and China) already perform these sorts of attacks on their own citizens, with the coerced assistance of SSL certificate authorities.

Clients with a checkpoint (even a very old one) that download and validate the headers for the whole block chain are [http://bitcoinmedia.com/the-irc-bootstrap-method-is-flawed/#comment-4243 not vulnerable] to Sybil attacks in the following sense: they can always ensure that an attack would cost more than the amount being stolen.

=== [[BCCAPI]] ===

== Other ==

* A [http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/message.php?msg_id=28633866 thread] on bitcoin-dev
* A [http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/2584/is-reclaiming-disk-space-already-implemented-how-effective-will-it-be/2589 question] on bitcoin.stackexchange.com
* The [[Weaknesses#Sybil_attack|sybil attack (also known as "cancer nodes")]] paragraph explains some of the issues with thin clients that base security on trusting whatever "a majority of the IP addresses I can see" say.
* [http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/2613/how-secure-are-various-models-of-bitcoin-clients related discussion on Stack Exchange]
* A hypothesized [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=134318.msg1441171#msg1441171 intermediate security class] between SPV and full-chain validation.

<references>

[[Category:Technical]]
[[category:Clients]]
[[Category:Security]]

Talk:Buying bitcoins

2011-11-17T20:44:37Z

Pigeons:

There needs to be some standard way of ordering the exchanges. I propose they be ordered by 30 day volume in BTC.

== Duplication? ==

The information on exchanges is very close to duplicating the information from the Currency Exchange section of the [[Trade]] page. [[User:Pigeons|Pigeons]]

Buying bitcoins

2011-11-17T20:39:44Z

Pigeons: start re-order per user:phantomcircuit suggestion on discussion page

One issue currently facing a newcomer to bitcoin is, how do I get some? While there is the [[bitcoin faucet]] that can get you started with a small fraction of a coin, when getting larger amounts the user faces an abundance of choice. This page will cut through the clutter, and help direct you to the right exchanger for your needs.

==Major Exchanges==

The least expensive methods for buying bitcoins involve transferring funds using a bank wire, ACH, bank transfer (ACH, EUR / SEPA).

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Exchange || Type || Adding Funds || Withdrawing Funds || [[eWallet]] || Notes
|-
| [[MtGox]] || Market || BTC USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (International bank wire) USD (Wire to [[AurumXChange Company|AurumXChange]]) AUD (Bank wire) GBP (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Wire via [[AurumXChange Company|AurumXChange]]) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (ATM via [[Paxum]]) USD (wire via [[Paxum]]) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve USD (via AurumXChange) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Oldest running exchange. Higest daily volume. Respecting AML laws, Restrictions and limits on withdrawals.
|-
| [[TradeHill]] || Market || BTC USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (wire via [[Paxum]]) EUR (via [[Paxum]] CAD (via [[Paxum]] CLP (Bank transfer) PEN (Bank transfer) INR (Bank transfer) AUD (Bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) USD (Direct deposit / ACH) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (ATM via [[Paxum]]) USD (Prepaid card via [[Paxum]]) EUR (via [[Paxum]] CAD (via [[Paxum]]) CLP (Bank transfer) INR (Bank transfer) AUD (Bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[BTC-E]] || Market || BTC USD ([[Liberty Reserve]]) USD (Interkassa) || BTC USD (Webmoney) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Russian. Interkassa can be funded from Webmoney and many other methods.
|-
| [[VirWoX]] || Market || BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[PayPal]]) USD,EUR,GBP (Credit & Debit cards via [[Moneybookers]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[NETELLER]]) EUR (DIRECTebanking / Sofortüberweisung) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[paysafecard]]) EUR (SEPA bank transfer) || BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[PayPal]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[Moneybookers]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[NETELLER]]) EUR (SEPA bank transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Trading through Second Life Linden Dollars. Variable limits on PayPal and Credit Card deposits.
|-
| [[Britcoin]] & [[Intersango]] || Market || BTC GBP (bank deposit) USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (ACH) PLN (Bank Wire) || BTC GBP (bank transfer) USD ([[Dwolla]]) PLN (Bank Wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Operated by the [https://bitcoinconsultancy.com/ BitcoinConsultancy] [https://intersango.com Intersango] is a completely custom trading platform built from the ground up with security, scalability and extensibility in mind. [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=43745.0 More Information] Boasts an [https://bitcoinconsultancy.com/wiki/index.php/Intersango/API ever expanding API]
|-
| [[BitChange.pl]] || Market || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[VirtEx]] || Market || BTC CAD (online bill pay) CAD (cash at TDBank) || BTC CAD (direct deposit) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[Camp BX]] (CBX) || Market || BTC USD (Check / ACH) USPS Postal Money Order USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) || BTC USD (Check / ACH) USPS Postal Money Order USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} || <ul> <li> Security certification from McAfee</li><li> Advanced trading options with AON/FOK/Market</li> <li>STOPLOSS and Short-Selling in Pipeline</li><li> Trading API available</li><li> Wallet API available </li><li> CBX Instant Bitcoin Transfers Feature </li><li> Stoploss / Custom Order Expiry Date/Time </li><li> SMS (Text Message) Notifications </li> <li> Two-Factor Authentication </li> <li> Based in USA - Atlanta </li> </ul>
|-
| [[Mercado Bitcoin]] || Market || BTC BRL (Bank transfer) BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Portugese
|-
| [[Bitcoin-Central]] || Market || BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (Bank wire) CAD (Cash deposit) EUR (SEPA) INR (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve EUR PGAU [[Pecunix]] Gold || BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (Bank wire) EUR (SEPA) INR (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve EUR [[Pecunix]] Gold || {{Table Value Yes}} || [https://github.com/davout/bitcoin-central Open-source], community reviewed platform Available in French and English languages
|-
| [[HelloBitcoin]] || Market || BTC USD (Dwolla) USD (Bank wire) USD (Check) || BTC USD (Check) USD (Bank wire) USD (ACH) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Offers margin trading and shorting.
|-
| [[Brasil Bitcoin Market]] || Market || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Portugese
|-
| [[Australian Bitcoin Exchange]] || Market || BTC AUD (Electronic funds deposit) AUD (Mtgox Redeemable Voucher) || BTC AUD (Electronic funds transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[FreshBTC]] || Market || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[BitStamp]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} || EUR deposits converted to/from USD for trading
|-
| [[Aqoin]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) EUR (Domestic bank wire/Spain) EUR (International bank wire) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) EUR (Domestic bank wire/Spain) PayPal || {{Table Value Yes}} || AQOIN ANNOUNCED NOVEMBER 16 THEY ARE CLOSING THEIR MARKET. Languages: English, Spanish
|-
| [[Rock Currency Exchange]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) SLL (Second Life) USD (Dwolla) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) SLL (Second Life) USD (Dwolla) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[CryptoXchange]] || Market || BTC NMC LTC USD AUD (Bank Transfer) GBP || BTC NMC LTC USD AUD (Bank Transfer) GBP || {{Table Value Yes}} || <ul> <li> Buy Gold,Silver,Palladium and Casascius physical bitcoins plus other items in the store.</li> <li> Affiliate program.</li> <li> Mining Pool integration program.</li> <li> Bitcoin, Namecoin and Litecoin </li> <li>Multiple Authentication Levels</li> <li> API </li> <li> Free Yubikey's to High Volume Traders </li> <li> An Australian Owned and Operated Registered Company.</li> <li>
Inquiries: contact@cryptoxchanger.com or Phone: +61280050602 </li> </ul>
|-
| [[WM-Center]] || Exchanger || BTC USD (International bank wire, Western Unon, Moneygram, Xoom etc, cash) EUR (IBAN bank wire) RUB (bank wire, WU, Anelik and etc, cash) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD/EUR, Perfect Money USD/EUR, Pecunix, Paxum, c-gold, Hoopay, GDP || BTC USD (International bank wire, Western Unon, Moneygram, Xoom etc, cash) EUR (IBAN bank wire) RUB (bank wire, WU, Anelik and etc, cash) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD/EUR, Perfect Money USD/EUR, Pecunix, Paxum, c-gold, Hoopay, GDP PayPal USD/EUR, Moneybookers, Neteller || {{Table Value No}} || 24/7/365 support in english, spanish and russian!
|-
| [[bitNZ]] || Market || BTC NZD (Domestic bank transfer) || BTC NZD (Domestic bank transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|}

==Fixed Rate Exchanges & Others==

For smaller amounts, the options are limited due to bank transfer fees, conversion fees and transaction size restrictions. Options include:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment Method || Notes
|-
| [[Bitcoin Market]] || Market || USD (Liberty Reserve) USD (MoneyBookers) GAU (Pecunix) || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[bitcoins.aunz.ws]] || Fixed Rate || AUD || cash deposit at NAB
|-
| [[BitMarket.eu]] || Market || EUR (Euro) GBP (British Sterling Pound) USD (U.S. Dollar) PLN (Polish złoty) AUD (Australian Dollar) CAD (Canadian Dollar) ZAR (South African Rand) ILS (Israeli Shekel) CHF (Swiss Franc) RUB (Russian Ruble) || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[Bitcoiny.cz]] || Market || CZK || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[Bit]] / BTC China || Market || n/a || n/a
|-
| [[Bitfunnel]] || Credit Card payment exchange/brokering services || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[bitcoin-otc|#bitcoin-otc]] || [http://bitcoin-otc.com/vieworderbook.php Order Book] || Varies (person to person) || IRC trading marketplace will usually have people willing to deal for small and larger amounts using various payment methods, including [[PayPal]], [[Dwolla]], [[Linden Dollars]], etc.
|-
| [[Lilion Transfer]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Liberty Reserve) [[Pecunix]] ||
|-
| [[Nanaimo Gold]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Liberty Reserve) Western Union money transfer Moneygram money transfer Cash in the mail || LR <--> Bitcoin exchange is automated For cash in the mail send USD, EUR, CAD, or GBP. Canada mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin Argentina]] || Fixed Rate || Cash: ARS, BRL, USD Bank transfer: ARS || No exchange fees!
|-
| [[Bitcoin.com.es]] || Fixed Rate || EUR (bank deposit) || Bank transfer or cash deposits at OpenBank in Spain.
|-
| [[Bahtcoin]] || Fixed Rate || Cash, Webmoney Liberty Reserve USD || Will cash out to Thai mobile and gaming prepaid cards as well.
|-
| [[Bitcoin Brasil]] || Fixed Rate || BRL (Brazilian Real) USD || Cash exchange
|-
| [[BitPiggy]] || Fixed Rate || AUD (Australian Dollar)|| Payment via bank transfer.
|-
| [[GetBitcoin]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Dwolla) USD (Bank wire) USD (Cash in the mail) USD (Money Order) USD (Cashier's Check/Certified Check) USD (Western Union) USD (Traveler's Check) USD (Prepaid Debit Card) || For cash in mail, send USD. U.S. mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin 4 Cash]] || Fixed Rate || Cash in the mail || Send USD or CAD. Canada mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin2Cash]] || Fixed Rate || Cash in the mail || Send USD. U.S. mailing address.
|-
| [[bitcoin.local]] || Directory || Varies (person to person) ||
|-
| [[bcchanger.com]] || Directory || Enables person to person purchases and sales via PayPal, MoneyBookers and other e-currency platforms ||
|-
| [[YouTipIt]] || Fixed Rate || USD EUR GBP || Purchase bitcoins to add to your balance with YouTipIt using credit card through ClickAndBuy.
|-
| [[Ubitex]] || In person exchange || Varies (person to person) ||
|-
| [[Bitcoil]] || Fixed Rate || ILS (bank transfer) ||
|-
|[[Accesscoin]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Google Checkout) || Requires Facebook account for second factor authentication ||
|-
|[[btcnow]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Google Checkout) ||
|}

==Other Financial Services==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment || Settled || Notes
|-
| [http://polimedia.us/bitcoin/options.php Derivatives] || Buy / Sell / Exercise CALLs / PUTs, American style. 52 strikes offered (by .5), current month + 2. No shorting available yet.|| BTC || BTC || Transactions encoded via amt. Must use non-rounding client (0.3.24 or later)
|}

==Physical Bitcoins==

Physical Bitcoins are bearer tokens that have an embedded redeemable digital bitcoin value if torn open. While they are somewhat expensive if bought purely for the digital bitcoins, they are relatively easy to get, because they can be purchased with PayPal or credit card - payment methods not typically not accepted for pure digital bitcoin purchases.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment || Notes
|-
| [http://www.memorydealers.com Memory Dealers] || Casascius Physical Bitcoins || USD (PayPal/Credit Card) ||
|-
| [https://www.casascius.com Casascius.com] || Casascius Physical Bitcoins || BTC ||
|-
| [http://www.bitbills.com Bitbills] || Bitbills cards || BTC || Not taking orders as of Nov 2011.
|}

==See Also==

* [[:Category:Digital_currencies|Digital Currencies]]
* [[Selling bitcoins]]
* [[Secure Trading]]
* [[:Category:Local|Local]] exchanges

[[Category:Exchanges]]
[[Category:Introduction]]
[[zh-cn:购买bitcoins]]

Aqoin

2011-11-17T20:22:26Z

Pigeons: Added info on closure of market

Aqoin is an online wallet, a payment processing system for Bitcoin and a [[currency exchange]] site serving those trading between bitcoins and the following currencies:

* EUR (Euro)

The languages supported by the site are Spanish and English.

The service was announced September 1th, 2011.

Aqoin announced on November 16, 2011 that they are closing their market.<ref>[http://aqoin.blogspot.com/2011/11/aqoin-aviso-importante-cerramos-nuestro.html''http://aqoin.blogspot.com/2011/11/aqoin-aviso-importante-cerramos-nuestro.html'']</ref>

==Adding Funds==

===EUR (Bank transfer)===
Funds may be added using SEPA zone bank wires or International wire transfers. Those in Spain can select the national (domestic) wire transfer method.

==Withdrawing Funds==

===EUR (Bank transfer)===
Funds may be withdrawn as SEPA zone bank wires or those in Spain can select the national (domestic) wire transfer method.

===PayPal===
Funds may be withdrawn to PayPal.

==Aqoin payments module==
The aqoin payments module allows online merchants to offer their products and services in Bitcoins. It allows instant payments using aqoin accounts or payments throught Bitcoin network.

==See Also==

* [[Buying bitcoins]]
* [[Selling bitcoins]]

==External Links==

* [http://www.aqoin.me Aqoin] web site
* [http://aqoin.blogspot.com Aqoin blog]
* [http://twitter.com/aqoin Aqoin in Twitter]
* [http://aqoin.me/ayuda_modulo_pago.php Aqoin payments module]

==References==
<References />

[[Category:Exchanges]]
[[Category:EWallets]]
[[Category:Shopping Cart Interfaces]]

Buying bitcoins

2011-11-17T20:03:43Z

Pigeons: Aqoin closing their market per their blog and twitter

One issue currently facing a newcomer to bitcoin is, how do I get some? While there is the [[bitcoin faucet]] that can get you started with a small fraction of a coin, when getting larger amounts the user faces an abundance of choice. This page will cut through the clutter, and help direct you to the right exchanger for your needs.

==Major Exchanges==

The least expensive methods for buying bitcoins involve transferring funds using a bank wire, ACH, bank transfer (ACH, EUR / SEPA).

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Exchange || Type || Adding Funds || Withdrawing Funds || [[eWallet]] || Notes
|-
| [[MtGox]] || Market || BTC USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (International bank wire) USD (Wire to [[AurumXChange Company|AurumXChange]]) AUD (Bank wire) GBP (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Wire via [[AurumXChange Company|AurumXChange]]) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (ATM via [[Paxum]]) USD (wire via [[Paxum]]) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve USD (via AurumXChange) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Oldest running exchange. Higest daily volume. Respecting AML laws, Restrictions and limits on withdrawals.
|-
| [[TradeHill]] || Market || BTC USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (wire via [[Paxum]]) EUR (via [[Paxum]] CAD (via [[Paxum]] CLP (Bank transfer) PEN (Bank transfer) INR (Bank transfer) AUD (Bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) USD (Direct deposit / ACH) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (ATM via [[Paxum]]) USD (Prepaid card via [[Paxum]]) EUR (via [[Paxum]] CAD (via [[Paxum]]) CLP (Bank transfer) INR (Bank transfer) AUD (Bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[CryptoXchange]] || Market || BTC NMC LTC USD AUD (Bank Transfer) GBP || BTC NMC LTC USD AUD (Bank Transfer) GBP || {{Table Value Yes}} || <ul> <li> Buy Gold,Silver,Palladium and Casascius physical bitcoins plus other items in the store.</li> <li> Affiliate program.</li> <li> Mining Pool integration program.</li> <li> Bitcoin, Namecoin and Litecoin </li> <li>Multiple Authentication Levels</li> <li> API </li> <li> Free Yubikey's to High Volume Traders </li> <li> An Australian Owned and Operated Registered Company.</li> <li>
Inquiries: contact@cryptoxchanger.com or Phone: +61280050602 </li> </ul>
|-
| [[BTC-E]] || Market || BTC USD ([[Liberty Reserve]]) USD (Interkassa) || BTC USD (Webmoney) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Russian. Interkassa can be funded from Webmoney and many other methods.
|-
| [[VirWoX]] || Market || BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[PayPal]]) USD,EUR,GBP (Credit & Debit cards via [[Moneybookers]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[NETELLER]]) EUR (DIRECTebanking / Sofortüberweisung) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[paysafecard]]) EUR (SEPA bank transfer) || BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[PayPal]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[Moneybookers]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[NETELLER]]) EUR (SEPA bank transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Trading through Second Life Linden Dollars. Variable limits on PayPal and Credit Card deposits.
|-
| [[Britcoin]] & [[Intersango]] || Market || BTC GBP (bank deposit) USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (ACH) PLN (Bank Wire) || BTC GBP (bank transfer) USD ([[Dwolla]]) PLN (Bank Wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Operated by the [https://bitcoinconsultancy.com/ BitcoinConsultancy] [https://intersango.com Intersango] is a completely custom trading platform built from the ground up with security, scalability and extensibility in mind. [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=43745.0 More Information] Boasts an [https://bitcoinconsultancy.com/wiki/index.php/Intersango/API ever expanding API]
|-
| [[BitChange.pl]] || Market || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[VirtEx]] || Market || BTC CAD (online bill pay) CAD (cash at TDBank) || BTC CAD (direct deposit) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[Camp BX]] (CBX) || Market || BTC USD (Check / ACH) USPS Postal Money Order USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) || BTC USD (Check / ACH) USPS Postal Money Order USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} || <ul> <li> Security certification from McAfee</li><li> Advanced trading options with AON/FOK/Market</li> <li>STOPLOSS and Short-Selling in Pipeline</li><li> Trading API available</li><li> Wallet API available </li><li> CBX Instant Bitcoin Transfers Feature </li><li> Stoploss / Custom Order Expiry Date/Time </li><li> SMS (Text Message) Notifications </li> <li> Two-Factor Authentication </li> <li> Based in USA - Atlanta </li> </ul>
|-
| [[Mercado Bitcoin]] || Market || BTC BRL (Bank transfer) BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Portugese
|-
| [[Bitcoin-Central]] || Market || BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (Bank wire) CAD (Cash deposit) EUR (SEPA) INR (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve EUR PGAU [[Pecunix]] Gold || BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (Bank wire) EUR (SEPA) INR (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve EUR [[Pecunix]] Gold || {{Table Value Yes}} || [https://github.com/davout/bitcoin-central Open-source], community reviewed platform Available in French and English languages
|-
| [[HelloBitcoin]] || Market || BTC USD (Dwolla) USD (Bank wire) USD (Check) || BTC USD (Check) USD (Bank wire) USD (ACH) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Offers margin trading and shorting.
|-
| [[Brasil Bitcoin Market]] || Market || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Portugese
|-
| [[Australian Bitcoin Exchange]] || Market || BTC AUD (Electronic funds deposit) AUD (Mtgox Redeemable Voucher) || BTC AUD (Electronic funds transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[FreshBTC]] || Market || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[BitStamp]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} || EUR deposits converted to/from USD for trading
|-
| [[Aqoin]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) EUR (Domestic bank wire/Spain) EUR (International bank wire) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) EUR (Domestic bank wire/Spain) PayPal || {{Table Value Yes}} || AQOIN ANNOUNCED NOVEMBER 16 THEY ARE CLOSING THEIR MARKET. Languages: English, Spanish
|-
| [[Rock Currency Exchange]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) SLL (Second Life) USD (Dwolla) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) SLL (Second Life) USD (Dwolla) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[WM-Center]] || Exchanger || BTC USD (International bank wire, Western Unon, Moneygram, Xoom etc, cash) EUR (IBAN bank wire) RUB (bank wire, WU, Anelik and etc, cash) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD/EUR, Perfect Money USD/EUR, Pecunix, Paxum, c-gold, Hoopay, GDP || BTC USD (International bank wire, Western Unon, Moneygram, Xoom etc, cash) EUR (IBAN bank wire) RUB (bank wire, WU, Anelik and etc, cash) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD/EUR, Perfect Money USD/EUR, Pecunix, Paxum, c-gold, Hoopay, GDP PayPal USD/EUR, Moneybookers, Neteller || {{Table Value No}} || 24/7/365 support in english, spanish and russian!
|-
| [[bitNZ]] || Market || BTC NZD (Domestic bank transfer) || BTC NZD (Domestic bank transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|}

==Fixed Rate Exchanges & Others==

For smaller amounts, the options are limited due to bank transfer fees, conversion fees and transaction size restrictions. Options include:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment Method || Notes
|-
| [[Bitcoin Market]] || Market || USD (Liberty Reserve) USD (MoneyBookers) GAU (Pecunix) || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[bitcoins.aunz.ws]] || Fixed Rate || AUD || cash deposit at NAB
|-
| [[BitMarket.eu]] || Market || EUR (Euro) GBP (British Sterling Pound) USD (U.S. Dollar) PLN (Polish złoty) AUD (Australian Dollar) CAD (Canadian Dollar) ZAR (South African Rand) ILS (Israeli Shekel) CHF (Swiss Franc) RUB (Russian Ruble) || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[Bitcoiny.cz]] || Market || CZK || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[Bit]] / BTC China || Market || n/a || n/a
|-
| [[Bitfunnel]] || Credit Card payment exchange/brokering services || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[bitcoin-otc|#bitcoin-otc]] || [http://bitcoin-otc.com/vieworderbook.php Order Book] || Varies (person to person) || IRC trading marketplace will usually have people willing to deal for small and larger amounts using various payment methods, including [[PayPal]], [[Dwolla]], [[Linden Dollars]], etc.
|-
| [[Lilion Transfer]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Liberty Reserve) [[Pecunix]] ||
|-
| [[Nanaimo Gold]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Liberty Reserve) Western Union money transfer Moneygram money transfer Cash in the mail || LR <--> Bitcoin exchange is automated For cash in the mail send USD, EUR, CAD, or GBP. Canada mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin Argentina]] || Fixed Rate || Cash: ARS, BRL, USD Bank transfer: ARS || No exchange fees!
|-
| [[Bitcoin.com.es]] || Fixed Rate || EUR (bank deposit) || Bank transfer or cash deposits at OpenBank in Spain.
|-
| [[Bahtcoin]] || Fixed Rate || Cash, Webmoney Liberty Reserve USD || Will cash out to Thai mobile and gaming prepaid cards as well.
|-
| [[Bitcoin Brasil]] || Fixed Rate || BRL (Brazilian Real) USD || Cash exchange
|-
| [[BitPiggy]] || Fixed Rate || AUD (Australian Dollar)|| Payment via bank transfer.
|-
| [[GetBitcoin]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Dwolla) USD (Bank wire) USD (Cash in the mail) USD (Money Order) USD (Cashier's Check/Certified Check) USD (Western Union) USD (Traveler's Check) USD (Prepaid Debit Card) || For cash in mail, send USD. U.S. mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin 4 Cash]] || Fixed Rate || Cash in the mail || Send USD or CAD. Canada mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin2Cash]] || Fixed Rate || Cash in the mail || Send USD. U.S. mailing address.
|-
| [[bitcoin.local]] || Directory || Varies (person to person) ||
|-
| [[bcchanger.com]] || Directory || Enables person to person purchases and sales via PayPal, MoneyBookers and other e-currency platforms ||
|-
| [[YouTipIt]] || Fixed Rate || USD EUR GBP || Purchase bitcoins to add to your balance with YouTipIt using credit card through ClickAndBuy.
|-
| [[Ubitex]] || In person exchange || Varies (person to person) ||
|-
| [[Bitcoil]] || Fixed Rate || ILS (bank transfer) ||
|-
|[[Accesscoin]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Google Checkout) || Requires Facebook account for second factor authentication ||
|-
|[[btcnow]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Google Checkout) ||
|}

==Other Financial Services==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment || Settled || Notes
|-
| [http://polimedia.us/bitcoin/options.php Derivatives] || Buy / Sell / Exercise CALLs / PUTs, American style. 52 strikes offered (by .5), current month + 2. No shorting available yet.|| BTC || BTC || Transactions encoded via amt. Must use non-rounding client (0.3.24 or later)
|}

==Physical Bitcoins==

Physical Bitcoins are bearer tokens that have an embedded redeemable digital bitcoin value if torn open. While they are somewhat expensive if bought purely for the digital bitcoins, they are relatively easy to get, because they can be purchased with PayPal or credit card - payment methods not typically not accepted for pure digital bitcoin purchases.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment || Notes
|-
| [http://www.memorydealers.com Memory Dealers] || Casascius Physical Bitcoins || USD (PayPal/Credit Card) ||
|-
| [https://www.casascius.com Casascius.com] || Casascius Physical Bitcoins || BTC ||
|-
| [http://www.bitbills.com Bitbills] || Bitbills cards || BTC || Not taking orders as of Nov 2011.
|}

==See Also==

* [[:Category:Digital_currencies|Digital Currencies]]
* [[Selling bitcoins]]
* [[Secure Trading]]
* [[:Category:Local|Local]] exchanges

[[Category:Exchanges]]
[[Category:Introduction]]
[[zh-cn:购买bitcoins]]

Buying bitcoins

2011-11-17T16:25:17Z

Pigeons: added new USD & EUR options for Rock

One issue currently facing a newcomer to bitcoin is, how do I get some? While there is the [[bitcoin faucet]] that can get you started with a small fraction of a coin, when getting larger amounts the user faces an abundance of choice. This page will cut through the clutter, and help direct you to the right exchanger for your needs.

==Major Exchanges==

The least expensive methods for buying bitcoins involve transferring funds using a bank wire, ACH, bank transfer (ACH, EUR / SEPA).

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Exchange || Type || Adding Funds || Withdrawing Funds || [[eWallet]] || Notes
|-
| [[MtGox]] || Market || BTC USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (International bank wire) USD (Wire to [[AurumXChange Company|AurumXChange]]) AUD (Bank wire) GBP (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Wire via [[AurumXChange Company|AurumXChange]]) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (ATM via [[Paxum]]) USD (wire via [[Paxum]]) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve USD (via AurumXChange) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Oldest running exchange. Higest daily volume. Respecting AML laws, Restrictions and limits on withdrawals.
|-
| [[TradeHill]] || Market || BTC USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (wire via [[Paxum]]) EUR (via [[Paxum]] CAD (via [[Paxum]] CLP (Bank transfer) PEN (Bank transfer) INR (Bank transfer) AUD (Bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) USD (Direct deposit / ACH) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (ATM via [[Paxum]]) USD (Prepaid card via [[Paxum]]) EUR (via [[Paxum]] CAD (via [[Paxum]]) CLP (Bank transfer) INR (Bank transfer) AUD (Bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[CryptoXchange]] || Market || BTC NMC LTC USD AUD (Bank Transfer) GBP || BTC NMC LTC USD AUD (Bank Transfer) GBP || {{Table Value Yes}} || <ul> <li> Buy Gold,Silver,Palladium and Casascius physical bitcoins plus other items in the store.</li> <li> Affiliate program.</li> <li> Mining Pool integration program. World Wide Crypto Currency Exchange supporting dozens of languages and currencies</li> <li> Bitcoin, Namecoin and Litecoin </li> <li>Multiple Authentication Levels</li> <li> API </li> <li> Free Yubikey's to High Volume Traders </li> <li> An Australian Owned and Operated Registered Company.</li> <li>
Inquiries: contact@cryptoxchanger.com or Phone: +61280050602 </li> </ul>
|-
| [[BTC-E]] || Market || BTC USD ([[Liberty Reserve]]) USD (Interkassa) || BTC USD (Webmoney) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Russian. Interkassa can be funded from Webmoney and many other methods.
|-
| [[VirWoX]] || Market || BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[PayPal]]) USD,EUR,GBP (Credit & Debit cards via [[Moneybookers]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[NETELLER]]) EUR (DIRECTebanking / Sofortüberweisung) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[paysafecard]]) EUR (SEPA bank transfer) || BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[PayPal]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[Moneybookers]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[NETELLER]]) EUR (SEPA bank transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Trading through Second Life Linden Dollars. Variable limits on PayPal and Credit Card deposits.
|-
| [[Britcoin]] & [[Intersango]] || Market || BTC GBP (bank deposit) USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (ACH) PLN (Bank Wire) || BTC GBP (bank transfer) USD ([[Dwolla]]) PLN (Bank Wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Operated by the [https://bitcoinconsultancy.com/ BitcoinConsultancy] [https://intersango.com Intersango] is a completely custom trading platform built from the ground up with security, scalability and extensibility in mind. [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=43745.0 More Information] Boasts an [https://bitcoinconsultancy.com/wiki/index.php/Intersango/API ever expanding API]
|-
| [[BitChange.pl]] || Market || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[VirtEx]] || Market || BTC CAD (online bill pay) CAD (cash at TDBank) || BTC CAD (direct deposit) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[Camp BX]] (CBX) || Market || BTC USD (Check / ACH) USPS Postal Money Order USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) || BTC USD (Check / ACH) USPS Postal Money Order USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} || <ul> <li> Security certification from McAfee</li><li> Advanced trading options with AON/FOK/Market</li> <li>STOPLOSS and Short-Selling in Pipeline</li><li> Trading API available</li><li> Wallet API available </li><li> CBX Instant Bitcoin Transfers Feature </li><li> Stoploss / Custom Order Expiry Date/Time </li><li> SMS (Text Message) Notifications </li> <li> Two-Factor Authentication </li> <li> Based in USA - Atlanta </li> </ul>
|-
| [[Mercado Bitcoin]] || Market || BTC BRL (Bank transfer) BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Portugese
|-
| [[Bitcoin-Central]] || Market || BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (Bank wire) CAD (Cash deposit) EUR (SEPA) INR (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve EUR PGAU [[Pecunix]] Gold || BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (Bank wire) EUR (SEPA) INR (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve EUR [[Pecunix]] Gold || {{Table Value Yes}} || [https://github.com/davout/bitcoin-central Open-source], community reviewed platform Available in French and English languages
|-
| [[HelloBitcoin]] || Market || BTC USD (Dwolla) USD (Bank wire) USD (Check) || BTC USD (Check) USD (Bank wire) USD (ACH) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Offers margin trading and shorting.
|-
| [[Brasil Bitcoin Market]] || Market || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Portugese
|-
| [[Australian Bitcoin Exchange]] || Market || BTC AUD (Electronic funds deposit) AUD (Mtgox Redeemable Voucher) || BTC AUD (Electronic funds transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[FreshBTC]] || Market || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[BitStamp]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} || EUR deposits converted to/from USD for trading
|-
| [[Aqoin]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) EUR (Domestic bank wire/Spain) EUR (International bank wire) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) EUR (Domestic bank wire/Spain) PayPal || {{Table Value Yes}} || Languages: English, Spanish
|-
| [[Rock Currency Exchange]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) SLL (Second Life) USD (Dwolla) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) SLL (Second Life) USD (Dwolla) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[WM-Center]] || Exchanger || BTC USD (International bank wire, Western Unon, Moneygram, Xoom etc, cash) EUR (IBAN bank wire) RUB (bank wire, WU, Anelik and etc, cash) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD/EUR, Perfect Money USD/EUR, Pecunix, Paxum, c-gold, Hoopay, GDP || BTC USD (International bank wire, Western Unon, Moneygram, Xoom etc, cash) EUR (IBAN bank wire) RUB (bank wire, WU, Anelik and etc, cash) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD/EUR, Perfect Money USD/EUR, Pecunix, Paxum, c-gold, Hoopay, GDP PayPal USD/EUR, Moneybookers, Neteller || {{Table Value No}} || 24/7/365 support in english, spanish and russian!
|-
| [[bitNZ]] || Market || BTC NZD (Domestic bank transfer) || BTC NZD (Domestic bank transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|}

==Fixed Rate Exchanges & Others==

For smaller amounts, the options are limited due to bank transfer fees, conversion fees and transaction size restrictions. Options include:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment Method || Notes
|-
| [[Bitcoin Market]] || Market || USD (Liberty Reserve) USD (MoneyBookers) GAU (Pecunix) || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[bitcoins.aunz.ws]] || Fixed Rate || AUD || cash deposit at NAB
|-
| [[BitMarket.eu]] || Market || EUR (Euro) GBP (British Sterling Pound) USD (U.S. Dollar) PLN (Polish złoty) AUD (Australian Dollar) CAD (Canadian Dollar) ZAR (South African Rand) ILS (Israeli Shekel) CHF (Swiss Franc) RUB (Russian Ruble) || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[Bitcoiny.cz]] || Market || CZK || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[Bit]] / BTC China || Market || n/a || n/a
|-
| [[Bitfunnel]] || Credit Card payment exchange/brokering services || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[bitcoin-otc|#bitcoin-otc]] || [http://bitcoin-otc.com/vieworderbook.php Order Book] || Varies (person to person) || IRC trading marketplace will usually have people willing to deal for small and larger amounts using various payment methods, including [[PayPal]], [[Dwolla]], [[Linden Dollars]], etc.
|-
| [[Lilion Transfer]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Liberty Reserve) [[Pecunix]] ||
|-
| [[Nanaimo Gold]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Liberty Reserve) Western Union money transfer Moneygram money transfer Cash in the mail || LR <--> Bitcoin exchange is automated For cash in the mail send USD, EUR, CAD, or GBP. Canada mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin Argentina]] || Fixed Rate || Cash: ARS, BRL, USD Bank transfer: ARS || No exchange fees!
|-
| [[Bitcoin.com.es]] || Fixed Rate || EUR (bank deposit) || Bank transfer or cash deposits at OpenBank in Spain.
|-
| [[Bahtcoin]] || Fixed Rate || Cash, Webmoney Liberty Reserve USD || Will cash out to Thai mobile and gaming prepaid cards as well.
|-
| [[Bitcoin Brasil]] || Fixed Rate || BRL (Brazilian Real) USD || Cash exchange
|-
| [[BitPiggy]] || Fixed Rate || AUD (Australian Dollar)|| Payment via bank transfer.
|-
| [[GetBitcoin]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Dwolla) USD (Bank wire) USD (Cash in the mail) USD (Money Order) USD (Cashier's Check/Certified Check) USD (Western Union) USD (Traveler's Check) USD (Prepaid Debit Card) || For cash in mail, send USD. U.S. mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin 4 Cash]] || Fixed Rate || Cash in the mail || Send USD or CAD. Canada mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin2Cash]] || Fixed Rate || Cash in the mail || Send USD. U.S. mailing address.
|-
| [[bitcoin.local]] || Directory || Varies (person to person) ||
|-
| [[bcchanger.com]] || Directory || Enables person to person purchases and sales via PayPal, MoneyBookers and other e-currency platforms ||
|-
| [[YouTipIt]] || Fixed Rate || USD EUR GBP || Purchase bitcoins to add to your balance with YouTipIt using credit card through ClickAndBuy.
|-
| [[Ubitex]] || In person exchange || Varies (person to person) ||
|-
| [[Bitcoil]] || Fixed Rate || ILS (bank transfer) ||
|-
|[[Accesscoin]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Google Checkout) || Requires Facebook account for second factor authentication ||
|-
|[[btcnow]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Google Checkout) ||
|}

==Other Financial Services==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment || Settled || Notes
|-
| [http://polimedia.us/bitcoin/options.php Derivatives] || Buy / Sell / Exercise CALLs / PUTs, American style. 52 strikes offered (by .5), current month + 2. No shorting available yet.|| BTC || BTC || Transactions encoded via amt. Must use non-rounding client (0.3.24 or later)
|}

==Physical Bitcoins==

Physical Bitcoins are bearer tokens that have an embedded redeemable digital bitcoin value if torn open. While they are somewhat expensive if bought purely for the digital bitcoins, they are relatively easy to get, because they can be purchased with PayPal or credit card - payment methods not typically not accepted for pure digital bitcoin purchases.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment || Notes
|-
| [http://www.memorydealers.com Memory Dealers] || Casascius Physical Bitcoins || USD (PayPal/Credit Card) ||
|-
| [https://www.casascius.com Casascius.com] || Casascius Physical Bitcoins || BTC ||
|-
| [http://www.bitbills.com Bitbills] || Bitbills cards || BTC || Not taking orders as of Nov 2011.
|}

==See Also==

* [[:Category:Digital_currencies|Digital Currencies]]
* [[Selling bitcoins]]
* [[Secure Trading]]
* [[:Category:Local|Local]] exchanges

[[Category:Exchanges]]
[[Category:Introduction]]
[[zh-cn:购买bitcoins]]

Nanaimo Gold

2011-11-15T02:18:04Z

Pigeons:

An operation by Shane Smith, an independent business operator, located in Nanaimo BC Canada.

Bitcoins and other digital currencies may be purchased and sold using any of a number of different payment methods.

==History==

On April 08, 2011 the exchange described the availability of automated trading between bitcoins and [[Liberty Reserve]]<ref>[http://www.bitcoin.org/smf/index.php?topic=5555.0 Nanaimo Gold automatic LR <---> BTC service]</ref>.

==Currency type:==
* Bitcoin
* [[Liberty Reserve]]
* [[Pecunix]]
* c-gold
* HD-Money
* EuroGoldCash

==Accept payment by:==
* [[Liberty Reserve]]
* Western Union Money Transfer
* Moneygram International Money Transfer
* Canada Post Money Order [by mail]
* Cash by mail or deposited at a BofA (U.S.) or RBC (Canada) bank.

==See Also==

* [[Buying bitcoins]]
* [[Selling bitcoins]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.nanaimogold.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.nanaimogold.com/bitcoin.php Automated Bitcoin <--> Liberty Reserve exchange]
* [http://www.nanaimogold.com/buy.php Buying digital currency]
* [http://www.nanaimogold.com/sell.php Selling digital currency]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Exchanges]]

Buying bitcoins

2011-11-15T02:06:25Z

Pigeons: /* Major Exchanges */ took out some redundancy and marketing language

One issue currently facing a newcomer to bitcoin is, how do I get some? While there is the [[bitcoin faucet]] that can get you started with a small fraction of a coin, when getting larger amounts the user faces an abundance of choice. This page will cut through the clutter, and help direct you to the right exchanger for your needs.

==Major Exchanges==

The least expensive methods for buying bitcoins involve transferring funds using a bank wire, ACH, bank transfer (ACH, EUR / SEPA).

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Exchange || Type || Adding Funds || Withdrawing Funds || [[eWallet]] || Notes
|-
| [[MtGox]] || Market || BTC USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (International bank wire) USD (Wire to [[AurumXChange Company|AurumXChange]]) AUD (Bank wire) GBP (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Wire via [[AurumXChange Company|AurumXChange]]) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (ATM via [[Paxum]]) USD (wire via [[Paxum]]) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve USD (via AurumXChange) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Oldest running exchange. Higest daily volume. Respecting AML laws, Restrictions and limits on withdrawals.
|-
| [[TradeHill]] || Market || BTC USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (wire via [[Paxum]]) EUR (via [[Paxum]] CAD (via [[Paxum]] CLP (Bank transfer) PEN (Bank transfer) INR (Bank transfer) AUD (Bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) USD (Direct deposit / ACH) USD (Check via [[Paxum]]) USD (ATM via [[Paxum]]) USD (Prepaid card via [[Paxum]]) EUR (via [[Paxum]] CAD (via [[Paxum]]) CLP (Bank transfer) INR (Bank transfer) AUD (Bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[CryptoXchange]] || Market || BTC NMC LTC USD AUD (Bank Transfer) GBP || BTC NMC LTC USD AUD (Bank Transfer) GBP || {{Table Value Yes}} || <ul> <li> Buy Gold,Silver,Palladium and Casascius physical bitcoins plus other items in the store.</li> <li> Affiliate program.</li> <li> Mining Pool integration program. World Wide Crypto Currency Exchange supporting dozens of languages and currencies</li> <li> Bitcoin, Namecoin and Litecoin </li> <li>Multiple Authentication Levels</li> <li> API </li> <li> Free Yubikey's to High Volume Traders </li> <li> An Australian Owned and Operated Registered Company.</li> <li>
Inquiries: contact@cryptoxchanger.com or Phone: +61280050602 </li> </ul>
|-
| [[BTC-E]] || Market || BTC USD ([[Liberty Reserve]]) USD (Interkassa) || BTC USD (Webmoney) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Russian. Interkassa can be funded from Webmoney and many other methods.
|-
| [[VirWoX]] || Market || BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[PayPal]]) USD,EUR,GBP (Credit & Debit cards via [[Moneybookers]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[NETELLER]]) EUR (DIRECTebanking / Sofortüberweisung) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[paysafecard]]) EUR (SEPA bank transfer) || BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF ([[PayPal]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[Moneybookers]]) USD,EUR,GBP ([[NETELLER]]) EUR (SEPA bank transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Trading through Second Life Linden Dollars. Variable limits on PayPal and Credit Card deposits.
|-
| [[Britcoin]] & [[Intersango]] || Market || BTC GBP (bank deposit) USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (ACH) PLN (Bank Wire) || BTC GBP (bank transfer) USD ([[Dwolla]]) PLN (Bank Wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Operated by the [https://bitcoinconsultancy.com/ BitcoinConsultancy] [https://intersango.com Intersango] is a completely custom trading platform built from the ground up with security, scalability and extensibility in mind. [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=43745.0 More Information] Boasts an [https://bitcoinconsultancy.com/wiki/index.php/Intersango/API ever expanding API]
|-
| [[BitChange.pl]] || Market || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[VirtEx]] || Market || BTC CAD (online bill pay) CAD (cash at TDBank) || BTC CAD (direct deposit) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[Camp BX]] (CBX) || Market || BTC USD (Check / ACH) USPS Postal Money Order USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) || BTC USD (Check / ACH) USPS Postal Money Order USD ([[Dwolla]]) USD (Domestic bank wire) USD (International bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} || <ul> <li> Security certification from McAfee</li><li> Advanced trading options with AON/FOK/Market</li> <li>STOPLOSS and Short-Selling in Pipeline</li><li> Trading API available</li><li> Wallet API available </li><li> CBX Instant Bitcoin Transfers Feature </li><li> Stoploss / Custom Order Expiry Date/Time </li><li> SMS (Text Message) Notifications </li> <li> Two-Factor Authentication </li> <li> Based in USA - Atlanta </li> </ul>
|-
| [[Mercado Bitcoin]] || Market || BTC BRL (Bank transfer) BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) Liberty Reserve USD || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Portugese
|-
| [[Bitcoin-Central]] || Market || BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (Bank wire) CAD (Cash deposit) EUR (SEPA) INR (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve EUR PGAU [[Pecunix]] Gold || BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (Bank wire) EUR (SEPA) INR (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD Liberty Reserve EUR [[Pecunix]] Gold || {{Table Value Yes}} || [https://github.com/davout/bitcoin-central Open-source], community reviewed platform Available in French and English languages
|-
| [[HelloBitcoin]] || Market || BTC USD (Cwolla) USD (Bank wire) USD (Check) || BTC USD (Check) USD (Bank wire) USD (ACH) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Offers margin trading and shorting.
|-
| [[Brasil Bitcoin Market]] || Market || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || BTC BRL (Bank transfer - MoIP) || {{Table Value Yes}} || Language: Portugese
|-
| [[Australian Bitcoin Exchange]] || Market || BTC AUD (Electronic funds deposit) AUD (Mtgox Redeemable Voucher) || BTC AUD (Electronic funds transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[FreshBTC]] || Market || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || BTC PLN (Bank wire) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[BitStamp]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} || EUR deposits converted to/from USD for trading
|-
| [[Aqoin]] || Market || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) EUR (Domestic bank wire/Spain) EUR (International bank wire) || BTC EUR (SEPA transfer) EUR (Domestic bank wire/Spain) PayPal || {{Table Value Yes}} || Languages: English, Spanish
|-
| [[Rock Currency Exchange]] || Market || BTC SLL (Second Life) || BTC SLL (Second Life) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|-
| [[WM-Center]] || Exchanger || BTC USD (International bank wire, Western Unon, Moneygram, Xoom etc, cash) EUR (IBAN bank wire) RUB (bank wire, WU, Anelik and etc, cash) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD/EUR, Perfect Money USD/EUR, Pecunix, Paxum, c-gold, Hoopay, GDP || BTC USD (International bank wire, Western Unon, Moneygram, Xoom etc, cash) EUR (IBAN bank wire) RUB (bank wire, WU, Anelik and etc, cash) AUD (Bank wire) Liberty Reserve USD/EUR, Perfect Money USD/EUR, Pecunix, Paxum, c-gold, Hoopay, GDP PayPal USD/EUR, Moneybookers, Neteller || {{Table Value No}} || 24/7/365 support in english, spanish and russian!
|-
| [[bitNZ]] || Market || BTC NZD (Domestic bank transfer) || BTC NZD (Domestic bank transfer) || {{Table Value Yes}} ||
|}

==Fixed Rate Exchanges & Others==

For smaller amounts, the options are limited due to bank transfer fees, conversion fees and transaction size restrictions. Options include:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment Method || Notes
|-
| [[Bitcoin Market]] || Market || USD (Liberty Reserve) USD (MoneyBookers) GAU (Pecunix) || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[bitcoins.aunz.ws]] || Fixed Rate || AUD || cash deposit at NAB
|-
| [[BitMarket.eu]] || Market || EUR (Euro) GBP (British Sterling Pound) USD (U.S. Dollar) PLN (Polish złoty) AUD (Australian Dollar) CAD (Canadian Dollar) ZAR (South African Rand) ILS (Israeli Shekel) CHF (Swiss Franc) RUB (Russian Ruble) || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[Bitcoiny.cz]] || Market || CZK || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[Bit]] / BTC China || Market || n/a || n/a
|-
| [[Bitfunnel]] || Credit Card payment exchange/brokering services || Varies (person to person)
|-
| [[bitcoin-otc|#bitcoin-otc]] || [http://bitcoin-otc.com/vieworderbook.php Order Book] || Varies (person to person) || IRC trading marketplace will usually have people willing to deal for small and larger amounts using various payment methods, including [[PayPal]], [[Dwolla]], [[Linden Dollars]], etc.
|-
| [[Lilion Transfer]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Liberty Reserve) [[Pecunix]] ||
|-
| [[Nanaimo Gold]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Liberty Reserve) Western Union money transfer Moneygram money transfer Cash in the mail || LR <--> Bitcoin exchange is automated For cash in the mail send USD, EUR, CAD, or GBP. Canada mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin Argentina]] || Fixed Rate || Cash: ARS, BRL, USD Bank transfer: ARS || No exchange fees!
|-
| [[Bitcoin.com.es]] || Fixed Rate || EUR (bank deposit) || Bank transfer or cash deposits at OpenBank in Spain.
|-
| [[Bahtcoin]] || Fixed Rate || Cash, Webmoney Liberty Reserve USD || Will cash out to Thai mobile and gaming prepaid cards as well.
|-
| [[Bitcoin Brasil]] || Fixed Rate || BRL (Brazilian Real) USD || Cash exchange
|-
| [[BitPiggy]] || Fixed Rate || AUD (Australian Dollar)|| Payment via bank transfer.
|-
| [[GetBitcoin]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Dwolla) USD (Bank wire) USD (Cash in the mail) USD (Money Order) USD (Cashier's Check/Certified Check) USD (Western Union) USD (Traveler's Check) USD (Prepaid Debit Card) || For cash in mail, send USD. U.S. mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin 4 Cash]] || Fixed Rate || Cash in the mail || Send USD or CAD. Canada mailing address.
|-
| [[Bitcoin2Cash]] || Fixed Rate || Cash in the mail || Send USD. U.S. mailing address.
|-
| [[bitcoin.local]] || Directory || Varies (person to person) ||
|-
| [[bcchanger.com]] || Directory || Enables person to person purchases and sales via PayPal, MoneyBookers and other e-currency platforms ||
|-
| [[YouTipIt]] || Fixed Rate || USD EUR GBP || Purchase bitcoins to add to your balance with YouTipIt using credit card through ClickAndBuy.
|-
| [[Ubitex]] || In person exchange || Varies (person to person) ||
|-
| [[Bitcoil]] || Fixed Rate || ILS (bank transfer) ||
|-
|[[Accesscoin]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Google Checkout) || Requires Facebook account for second factor authentication ||
|-
|[[btcnow]] || Fixed Rate || USD (Google Checkout) ||
|}

==Other Financial Services==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment || Settled || Notes
|-
| [http://polimedia.us/bitcoin/options.php Derivatives] || Buy / Sell / Exercise CALLs / PUTs, American style. 52 strikes offered (by .5), current month + 2. No shorting available yet.|| BTC || BTC || Transactions encoded via amt. Must use non-rounding client (0.3.24 or later)
|}

==Physical Bitcoins==

Physical Bitcoins are bearer tokens that have an embedded redeemable digital bitcoin value if torn open. While they are somewhat expensive if bought purely for the digital bitcoins, they are relatively easy to get, because they can be purchased with PayPal or credit card - payment methods not typically not accepted for pure digital bitcoin purchases.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Service || Type || Payment || Notes
|-
| [http://www.memorydealers.com Memory Dealers] || Casascius Physical Bitcoins || USD (PayPal/Credit Card) ||
|-
| [https://www.casascius.com Casascius.com] || Casascius Physical Bitcoins || BTC ||
|-
| [http://www.bitbills.com Bitbills] || Bitbills cards || BTC || Not taking orders as of Nov 2011.
|}

==See Also==

* [[:Category:Digital_currencies|Digital Currencies]]
* [[Selling bitcoins]]
* [[Secure Trading]]
* [[:Category:Local|Local]] exchanges

[[Category:Exchanges]]
[[Category:Introduction]]
[[zh-cn:购买bitcoins]]

Smart card wallet

2011-11-04T14:05:02Z

Pigeons: grammar

This pages gathers resources for the implementation of a Bitcoin wallet on a smart card.

===Rationale===

*Computers and smartphones are target for malware. The software on a smart card can be protected.
*Smart cards do not need a battery, nor internet connection, they are robust.
*Adoption: people are already used to paying with smart cards.

===Desired features===

*no blockchain, no node; the card contains only private keys, and an algorithm to sign a transaction
*the smart card should have its own keyboard (for pin code protection) and display (to show the transaction amount)
*the card should implement a deterministic wallet, so that funds can be recovered if the card is lost.

===Usage scenario===

* the reading device may belong to a merchant at a point of sale; it cannot be trusted with private keys.
* the reading device is connected to a full bitcoin node; it can be trusted for getting and sending blockchain information.
* the reading device sends to the card the current balance of its bitcoin addresses. This information can be cached in the card.
* the reading device sends a bitcoin receiving address and transaction amount to the card.
* the amount is displayed by the card ; the user confirms the transaction with his pin code.
* the smart card creates a signed transaction and sends it to the reading device
* the transaction is checked and broadcast by the bitcoin node.

==Implementation steps==

===1. write a bitcoin daemon that can talk to a lightweight wallet===
*this has been done already, see for example bitcoinjs: https://github.com/bitcoinjs/bitcoinjs-lib
*See also this pull request: [https://github.com/piotrnar/bitcoin/tree/importexporttx importexporttx] can be used to broadcast the transaction
* https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=28278.msg383312#msg383312

===2. write a lightweight wallet===
*wallet without blockchain, in order to test the daemon
*this lightweight wallet will be later implemented on the card
*use it to define the communication protocol between card and reading device.

===3. implement wallet on a simple smart card===

* http://www.opensc-project.org/opensc openSC : tools and libraries for smart cards.
* amadousarr.free.fr/crypto/ECDSAJAVACARD.pdf : A Software Implementation of ECDSA on a Java Smart Card
* http://www.acs.com.hk : cards, readers, development kits; no display, pincode needs to be typed on the reading device

===4. implement wallet on a smart card with display and pincode ===

list of vendors:
* http://www.nidsecurity.com/products/solution-enterprise.html (smart cards with LCD displays)
* http://www.avesodisplays.com/ (smard cards with flexible displays)

==references==
*https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=7539.0 Bitcoin smartcard Point of Sale terminal
*https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=20933.0 Bitcoin and Smart Cards

[[category:Developer]]
[[category:Technical]]
[[category:Wallets]]
[[Category:Mobile]]

Bitcoind

2011-10-21T23:06:14Z

Pigeons: Spelling

[[Image:Bitcoin Original Client.png|thumb|350px|right|The bitcoin original client]]

The '''Original Bitcoin client''' is the first [[bitcoin]] client in the network's history. It's available under the [http://www.opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.php MIT license] for Windows, 32 and 64-bit GNU/Linux-based OSes and Mac OS X.

The client comes with two executables, a GUI and an command line interface (CLI).

== Executables ==
See [[Running_Bitcoin|running bitcoin]] for more detail and an example of the configuration file.
=== Bitcoin (GUI) ===

The bitcoin GUI provides an easy to use wxWidgets-based interface. It allows to send coins and to monitor:
* transactions from and to the opened wallet
* block creations
* confirmations of transactions
* balance of the wallet

=== Bitcoind (CLI) ===

Bitcoind is both a headless daemon and a client for the same daemon. It also provides a JSON-RPC interface, allowing it to be controlled locally (via bitcoind or another CLI client) or remotely. [[Original Bitcoin client/API Calls list|Various commands]] are made available by the API.

To use locally, first start the program in daemon mode:
:bitcoind -daemon

Then you can use the same program to execute [[Original Bitcoin client/API Calls list|API commands]], e.g.:
:bitcoind listreceivedbyaddress 0 true
:bitcoind getbalance

To stop the bitcoin daemon, execute:
:bitcoind stop

==History==
* Version 0.4.0 was released for all supported platforms on September 23th, 2011 <ref>[https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=45410.0 Bitcoin version 0.4.0 released]</ref>.
* Version 0.3.24 was released for all supported platforms on July 8th, 2011 <ref>[http://forum.bitcoin.org/index.php?topic=27187.0 Bitcoin version 0.3.24 released]</ref>.
* Version 0.3.23 was released for all supported platforms on June 13th, 2011 <ref>[http://forum.bitcoin.org/index.php?topic=16553.0 Bitcoin version 0.3.23 released]</ref>.
* Version 0.3.22 was released for all supported platforms on May 19th, 2011 <ref>[http://forum.bitcoin.org/index.php?topic=8894.0 Version 0.3.22]</ref>.
* Version 0.3.20 was released for all supported platforms on February 21st, 2011<ref>[http://www.bitcoin.org/smf/index.php?topic=3704.0 Version 0.3.20]</ref>.

==Theory of Operation==

Satoshi's Original Bitcoin client is a multithreaded C++ program. It is designed to be portable across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. The multithreaded aspect leads to some complexity and the use of certain code patterns to deal with concurrency that may be unfamiliar to many programmers. Also, the code is aggressive in the use of C++ constructs, so it will help to be fluent with map, multimap, set, string, vector, iostream, and templates. As is typical of a C++ program, a lot of code tends to end up in the header files so be sure to search both the .cpp and .h files when looking for a function.

The client is oriented around several major operations, which are described in separate detailed articles and summarized in the following sections.

===[[Satoshi Client Initialization and Startup|Initialization and Startup]]===
Upon startup, the client performs various initialization routines including starting multiple threads to handle concurrent operations.

===[[Satoshi Client Node Discovery|Node Discovery]]===
The client uses various techniques find out about other bitcoin nodes that may exist.

===[[Satoshi Client Node Connectivity|Node Connectivity]]===
The client initiates and maintains connections to other nodes.

===[[Satoshi Client Sockets and Messages|Sockets and Messages]]===
The client processes messages from other nodes and sends messages to other nodes using socket connections.

===[[Satoshi Client Block Exchange|Block Exchange]]===
Nodes advertise their inventory of blocks to each other and exchange blocks to build block chains.

===[[Satoshi Client Transaction Exchange|Transaction Exchange]]===
Nodes exchange and relay transactions with each other. The client associates transactions with bitcoin addresses in the local wallet.

===Wallet Services===
The client can create transactions using the local wallet. The client associates transactions with bitcoin addresses in the local wallet. The client provides a service for managing the local wallet.

===RPC Interface===
The client offers an JSON-RPC interface over HTTP over sockets to perform various operational functions and to manage the local wallet.

===User Interface===
The user interface code is currently based on [http://www.wxwidgets.org wxWidgets] and is scheduled to be superseded by [[Bitcoin-qt]] in version 0.5.0.

==See Also==

* [[Original Bitcoin client/API calls list]]
* [[Protocol specification|Bitcoin network protocol]]
* [[Development process]]
* [[Changelog]]

==External Links==
* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/bitcoin/ Bitcoin Client project on SourceForge]
* [https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/ Bitcoin Client project on Github]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Nodes]]
[[Category:Wallets]]
[[Category:User Interfaces]]
[[Category:Clients]]
[[Category:Developer]]
[[Category:Technical]]
[[Category:Free Software]]
[[Category:License/MIT-X11]]
[[Category:Open Source]]