Buying Bitcoins (the newbie version): Difference between revisions

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[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 several ways, depending on your location. Many sellers online will trade bitcoins for moneypak codes. See http://www.moneypak.com/
[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 several ways, depending on your location. Many sellers online will trade bitcoins for moneypak codes. See http://www.moneypak.com/


=== Finding a direct seller ===
=== 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. One place to look for people willing to sell is [[Bitcoin OTC]]. Some good websites for people to connect locally for bitcoin trade are  http://localbitcoins.com/ and  https://www.bitcoinary.com/
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]


Many Bitcoin users will accept cash in the mail for small amounts of Bitcoin.
=== Physical Trading ===
You might be able to find an individual you can [https://localbitcoins.com Buy bitcoins from locally].


=== Physical locations ===
=== Bitinstant ===
Depending on your country, you might be able to [https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=83209.0;all simply walk into a store and buy them in a retail setting (Cash/credit card)].
You can buy Bitcoins via cash deposit or bank transfer using [[BitInstant]]. Here is a video tutorial explaining BitInstant: http://vimeo.com/44849463


=== Exchanges / Bitinstant ===
=== Exchanges ===
You can buy Bitcoins via [[Buying_bitcoins#Major_Exchanges|an Exchange]] or [[BitInstant]].
The largest and most trusted exchange is [[MtGox]]. For a list of other major exchanges see [[Buying_bitcoins#Major_Exchanges|Major Exchanges]]


Here is a video tutorial explaining BitInstant: http://vimeo.com/44849463
=== PingIt (UK) ===
UK users can use [https://blockchain.info/wallet/deposit-pingit Barclays PingIt] to purchase bitcoins from blockchain.info.
 
== 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.


== Links ==
== Links ==

Revision as of 07:00, 7 October 2012

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 noob-friendly.

Intro

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 several ways, depending on your location. Many sellers online will trade bitcoins for moneypak codes. See http://www.moneypak.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, Bitcoinary or the Currency Exchange Forum Section

Physical Trading

You might be able to find an individual you can Buy bitcoins from locally.

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 Major Exchanges

PingIt (UK)

UK users can use Barclays PingIt to purchase bitcoins from blockchain.info.

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.

Links