Bitcoin Wiki - User contributions [en]

Buying Bitcoins (the newbie version)

2013-06-25T09:50:05Z

Tziptzip: /* Via Money Transfer */

This page aims to be the best resource for new users to understand how to buy Bitcoins.
The existing [[Buying bitcoins]] page is too complex, and not transparent enough for new investors.
Be extremely careful when buying bitcoins from not accredited websites or individuals. Like in the real world there are many scammers around.

{{Counterparty-warning}}

== Intro ==
[http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/2293/how-can-i-buy-bitcoin-via-a-credit-card-or-paypal You can't reliably buy Bitcoins using PayPal or credit cards], because it is risky for the seller, and therefore few sellers will offer this. There are basically 4 reasons for that:
* The TOS of PayPal actually prohibit buying digital currency with it
* The buyer of bitcoins can always perform a chargeback and there is no way for the seller to contest that
* There are many hacked accounts and when PayPal realizes that such an account has been fraudulently used, they will also perform a chargeback
* PayPal doesn't like bitcoin, as the bitcoin network is in direct competition to it

=== Anonymity ===
There is a HUGE demand for buying bitcoins off the grid due to ever-increasing government regulations and private agency intrusions and discrimination against alternative currencies.
Due to the possibility of facial recognition cameras at banks and the paper trail involved with credit cards, there are very few options to have high levels of anonymity when buying bitcoins those ways. DNA, Fingerprints, phone and internet records, audio and video records will not be discussed, but they all are possible tools which attackers could use to uncloak even the stealthiest bitcoin buyer.
There are a couple known ways, depending on your location, to buy bitcoins outside of the standard banking system with relatively high anonymity.
Buying locally with cash using a burner or payphone allows a high level of anonymity with the exchange being the weakest link.
Many sellers online will also trade bitcoins for [[MoneyPak]] codes or other cash-like gift codes which can be bought at a local store with cash.
Another way to buy bitcoins with a high level of anonymity is by sending cash in the mail.

=== Cash (International) ===
[http://www.paypaltobitcoin.com Pay2bit] allows you to buy bitcoins by mailing in cash. Low rates, fast customer service, and no account verification needed. This is the ONLY anonymous way to buy bitcoins, don't be fooled by other services. We don't report your transactions to any government, as soon as your transaction goes through all of your information is instantly wiped from our servers.

=== Via Bank Transfer (US) ===
[https://coinbase.com Coinbase] allows you to buy and sell bitcoin by connecting any U.S. bank account. You can start buying right away if you choose instant account verification.

=== Via Bank Transfer (EU) ===
[https://bitcoin-24.com Bitcoin-24.com] charges very low fees for SEPA transfers within the EU.
'''(Service not available/bank account frozen since April 12th)'''

=== Via Money Transfer ===
You can buy Bitcoins with a Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer via [http://www.coinmama.com/ coinmama.com].

=== Finding a direct seller online ===
If you can find another person that is willing to sell them to you, you can transfer him money via whatever method (including PayPal), and he'll send you the Bitcoins. The following websites can be used to find direct sellers online [[Bitcoin OTC]], [https://www.bitcoinary.com/ Bitcoinary] or the [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?board=53.0 Currency Exchange Forum Section]. Be extremely cautious when using those methods, the best way is to ask an admin, moderator or a trusted person. Bitcoins are now also available at [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPCHACM Amazon]. The seller only sells in low volumes so far, but it is a great way to turn amazon gift cards into bitcoin with no hassle, and probably one of the first ways to obtain bitcoin with a debit card or credit card.

=== Physical Trading ===
You might be able to find an individual you can [https://localbitcoins.com Buy bitcoins locally].
Always choose somebody with many reviews.

=== Bitinstant ===
You can buy Bitcoins via cash deposit or bank transfer using [[BitInstant]]. Here is a video tutorial explaining BitInstant: http://vimeo.com/44849463

=== Exchanges ===
The largest and most trusted exchange is [[MtGox]]. For a list of other major exchanges see [[Buying_bitcoins#Major_Exchanges|Major Exchanges]]

=== Blockchain (UK) ===
UK users used to be able to use [https://blockchain.info/wallet/deposit-pingit Barclays PingIt] or [https://blockchain.info/wallet/deposit-bank-transfer Bank Transfer] to purchase bitcoins from blockchain.info. All deposit options for UK/EU are now disabled.

=== Instant bank transfers within the EU and UK ===
Buy bitcoins via the instant Sofort network through [[Bitcoin-24]]. It is a very fast, easy and secure method to deposit Euro instantlly.

== Avoiding Scams ==
Before using any service it is a good idea to look for reviews and feedback from previous customers. This can be done by simply googling the name of the website or company. The bitcointalk forums are also a good place to find discussions and reviews about services.

==Exchange Directories==
* [http://howtobuybitcoins.com/ HowToBuyBitcoins.com]
* [http://howtobuybitcoins.info/ HowToBuyBitcoins.info]

== Links ==
* http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/91/how-do-you-obtain-bitcoins
* http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/4194/whats-the-best-way-to-buy-bitcoin-noob-friendly
* [[Buying bitcoins]]
* http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/nzg4o/the_canonical_newbie_guide_to_bitcoin/c3d5tmc

[[Category:Introduction]]

Buying Bitcoins (the newbie version)

2013-06-25T09:48:14Z

Tziptzip: /* Via Money Transfer */ change url

This page aims to be the best resource for new users to understand how to buy Bitcoins.
The existing [[Buying bitcoins]] page is too complex, and not transparent enough for new investors.
Be extremely careful when buying bitcoins from not accredited websites or individuals. Like in the real world there are many scammers around.

{{Counterparty-warning}}

== Intro ==
[http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/2293/how-can-i-buy-bitcoin-via-a-credit-card-or-paypal You can't reliably buy Bitcoins using PayPal or credit cards], because it is risky for the seller, and therefore few sellers will offer this. There are basically 4 reasons for that:
* The TOS of PayPal actually prohibit buying digital currency with it
* The buyer of bitcoins can always perform a chargeback and there is no way for the seller to contest that
* There are many hacked accounts and when PayPal realizes that such an account has been fraudulently used, they will also perform a chargeback
* PayPal doesn't like bitcoin, as the bitcoin network is in direct competition to it

=== Anonymity ===
There is a HUGE demand for buying bitcoins off the grid due to ever-increasing government regulations and private agency intrusions and discrimination against alternative currencies.
Due to the possibility of facial recognition cameras at banks and the paper trail involved with credit cards, there are very few options to have high levels of anonymity when buying bitcoins those ways. DNA, Fingerprints, phone and internet records, audio and video records will not be discussed, but they all are possible tools which attackers could use to uncloak even the stealthiest bitcoin buyer.
There are a couple known ways, depending on your location, to buy bitcoins outside of the standard banking system with relatively high anonymity.
Buying locally with cash using a burner or payphone allows a high level of anonymity with the exchange being the weakest link.
Many sellers online will also trade bitcoins for [[MoneyPak]] codes or other cash-like gift codes which can be bought at a local store with cash.
Another way to buy bitcoins with a high level of anonymity is by sending cash in the mail.

=== Cash (International) ===
[http://www.paypaltobitcoin.com Pay2bit] allows you to buy bitcoins by mailing in cash. Low rates, fast customer service, and no account verification needed. This is the ONLY anonymous way to buy bitcoins, don't be fooled by other services. We don't report your transactions to any government, as soon as your transaction goes through all of your information is instantly wiped from our servers.

=== Via Bank Transfer (US) ===
[https://coinbase.com Coinbase] allows you to buy and sell bitcoin by connecting any U.S. bank account. You can start buying right away if you choose instant account verification.

=== Via Bank Transfer (EU) ===
[https://bitcoin-24.com Bitcoin-24.com] charges very low fees for SEPA transfers within the EU.
'''(Service not available/bank account frozen since April 12th)'''

=== Via Money Transfer ===
You can buy Bitcoins with a Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer via [https://www.coinmama.com coinmama.com].

=== Finding a direct seller online ===
If you can find another person that is willing to sell them to you, you can transfer him money via whatever method (including PayPal), and he'll send you the Bitcoins. The following websites can be used to find direct sellers online [[Bitcoin OTC]], [https://www.bitcoinary.com/ Bitcoinary] or the [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?board=53.0 Currency Exchange Forum Section]. Be extremely cautious when using those methods, the best way is to ask an admin, moderator or a trusted person. Bitcoins are now also available at [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPCHACM Amazon]. The seller only sells in low volumes so far, but it is a great way to turn amazon gift cards into bitcoin with no hassle, and probably one of the first ways to obtain bitcoin with a debit card or credit card.

=== Physical Trading ===
You might be able to find an individual you can [https://localbitcoins.com Buy bitcoins locally].
Always choose somebody with many reviews.

=== Bitinstant ===
You can buy Bitcoins via cash deposit or bank transfer using [[BitInstant]]. Here is a video tutorial explaining BitInstant: http://vimeo.com/44849463

=== Exchanges ===
The largest and most trusted exchange is [[MtGox]]. For a list of other major exchanges see [[Buying_bitcoins#Major_Exchanges|Major Exchanges]]

=== Blockchain (UK) ===
UK users used to be able to use [https://blockchain.info/wallet/deposit-pingit Barclays PingIt] or [https://blockchain.info/wallet/deposit-bank-transfer Bank Transfer] to purchase bitcoins from blockchain.info. All deposit options for UK/EU are now disabled.

=== Instant bank transfers within the EU and UK ===
Buy bitcoins via the instant Sofort network through [[Bitcoin-24]]. It is a very fast, easy and secure method to deposit Euro instantlly.

== Avoiding Scams ==
Before using any service it is a good idea to look for reviews and feedback from previous customers. This can be done by simply googling the name of the website or company. The bitcointalk forums are also a good place to find discussions and reviews about services.

==Exchange Directories==
* [http://howtobuybitcoins.com/ HowToBuyBitcoins.com]
* [http://howtobuybitcoins.info/ HowToBuyBitcoins.info]

== Links ==
* http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/91/how-do-you-obtain-bitcoins
* http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/4194/whats-the-best-way-to-buy-bitcoin-noob-friendly
* [[Buying bitcoins]]
* http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/nzg4o/the_canonical_newbie_guide_to_bitcoin/c3d5tmc

[[Category:Introduction]]

Buying Bitcoins (the newbie version)

2013-06-25T09:42:09Z

Tziptzip: added an option for buying bitcoins with money transfer

This page aims to be the best resource for new users to understand how to buy Bitcoins.
The existing [[Buying bitcoins]] page is too complex, and not transparent enough for new investors.
Be extremely careful when buying bitcoins from not accredited websites or individuals. Like in the real world there are many scammers around.

{{Counterparty-warning}}

== Intro ==
[http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/2293/how-can-i-buy-bitcoin-via-a-credit-card-or-paypal You can't reliably buy Bitcoins using PayPal or credit cards], because it is risky for the seller, and therefore few sellers will offer this. There are basically 4 reasons for that:
* The TOS of PayPal actually prohibit buying digital currency with it
* The buyer of bitcoins can always perform a chargeback and there is no way for the seller to contest that
* There are many hacked accounts and when PayPal realizes that such an account has been fraudulently used, they will also perform a chargeback
* PayPal doesn't like bitcoin, as the bitcoin network is in direct competition to it

=== Anonymity ===
There is a HUGE demand for buying bitcoins off the grid due to ever-increasing government regulations and private agency intrusions and discrimination against alternative currencies.
Due to the possibility of facial recognition cameras at banks and the paper trail involved with credit cards, there are very few options to have high levels of anonymity when buying bitcoins those ways. DNA, Fingerprints, phone and internet records, audio and video records will not be discussed, but they all are possible tools which attackers could use to uncloak even the stealthiest bitcoin buyer.
There are a couple known ways, depending on your location, to buy bitcoins outside of the standard banking system with relatively high anonymity.
Buying locally with cash using a burner or payphone allows a high level of anonymity with the exchange being the weakest link.
Many sellers online will also trade bitcoins for [[MoneyPak]] codes or other cash-like gift codes which can be bought at a local store with cash.
Another way to buy bitcoins with a high level of anonymity is by sending cash in the mail.

=== Cash (International) ===
[http://www.paypaltobitcoin.com Pay2bit] allows you to buy bitcoins by mailing in cash. Low rates, fast customer service, and no account verification needed. This is the ONLY anonymous way to buy bitcoins, don't be fooled by other services. We don't report your transactions to any government, as soon as your transaction goes through all of your information is instantly wiped from our servers.

=== Via Bank Transfer (US) ===
[https://coinbase.com Coinbase] allows you to buy and sell bitcoin by connecting any U.S. bank account. You can start buying right away if you choose instant account verification.

=== Via Bank Transfer (EU) ===
[https://bitcoin-24.com Bitcoin-24.com] charges very low fees for SEPA transfers within the EU.
'''(Service not available/bank account frozen since April 12th)'''

=== Via Money Transfer ===
You can buy Bitcoins with a Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer via [https://coinmama.com coinmama.com].

=== Finding a direct seller online ===
If you can find another person that is willing to sell them to you, you can transfer him money via whatever method (including PayPal), and he'll send you the Bitcoins. The following websites can be used to find direct sellers online [[Bitcoin OTC]], [https://www.bitcoinary.com/ Bitcoinary] or the [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?board=53.0 Currency Exchange Forum Section]. Be extremely cautious when using those methods, the best way is to ask an admin, moderator or a trusted person. Bitcoins are now also available at [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPCHACM Amazon]. The seller only sells in low volumes so far, but it is a great way to turn amazon gift cards into bitcoin with no hassle, and probably one of the first ways to obtain bitcoin with a debit card or credit card.

=== Physical Trading ===
You might be able to find an individual you can [https://localbitcoins.com Buy bitcoins locally].
Always choose somebody with many reviews.

=== Bitinstant ===
You can buy Bitcoins via cash deposit or bank transfer using [[BitInstant]]. Here is a video tutorial explaining BitInstant: http://vimeo.com/44849463

=== Exchanges ===
The largest and most trusted exchange is [[MtGox]]. For a list of other major exchanges see [[Buying_bitcoins#Major_Exchanges|Major Exchanges]]

=== Blockchain (UK) ===
UK users used to be able to use [https://blockchain.info/wallet/deposit-pingit Barclays PingIt] or [https://blockchain.info/wallet/deposit-bank-transfer Bank Transfer] to purchase bitcoins from blockchain.info. All deposit options for UK/EU are now disabled.

=== Instant bank transfers within the EU and UK ===
Buy bitcoins via the instant Sofort network through [[Bitcoin-24]]. It is a very fast, easy and secure method to deposit Euro instantlly.

== Avoiding Scams ==
Before using any service it is a good idea to look for reviews and feedback from previous customers. This can be done by simply googling the name of the website or company. The bitcointalk forums are also a good place to find discussions and reviews about services.

==Exchange Directories==
* [http://howtobuybitcoins.com/ HowToBuyBitcoins.com]
* [http://howtobuybitcoins.info/ HowToBuyBitcoins.info]

== Links ==
* http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/91/how-do-you-obtain-bitcoins
* http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/4194/whats-the-best-way-to-buy-bitcoin-noob-friendly
* [[Buying bitcoins]]
* http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/nzg4o/the_canonical_newbie_guide_to_bitcoin/c3d5tmc

[[Category:Introduction]]