Buying bitcoins
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.
Medium to Large amounts
The least expensive methods for buying bitcoins involve transferring funds using a bank wire, ACH, bank transfer (ACH, EUR / SEPA), or using Liberty Reserve even into a major exchange.
| Exchange | Type | Adding Funds | Withdrawing Funds | eWallet | Notes |
| MtGox | Market | BTC Liberty Reserve USD USD (bank wire) USD (Dwolla) USD (ACH) EUR (SEPA bank wire) AUD (Bank wire) |
BTC Liberty Reserve USD USD (Dwolla) USD (ACH Direct Deposit) EUR (SEPA bank wire) |
Yes | Restrictions and limits on withdrawals. |
| TradeHill | Market | BTC USD (bank wire) USD (Dwolla) CLP (bank transfer) PEN (bank transfer) INR (bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD |
BTC USD (bank wire) USD (Dwolla) CLP (bank transfer) INR (bank transfer) Liberty Reserve USD |
Yes | |
| Britcoin | Market | BTC GBP (bank deposit) PokerStars USD |
BTC GBP (bank deposit) PokerStars USD |
Yes | |
| ExchangeBitcoins.com | Market | BTC USD (bank wire) USD (Dwolla) USD (check) |
BTC USD (Dwolla) USD (check) |
Yes | |
| VirtEx | Market | BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (online bill pay) CAD (cash at TDBank) |
BTC CAD (Interac) CAD (direct deposit) CAD (Prepaid VISA) |
Yes | BETA (i.e., no new accounts / no adding funds) |
| Btcex | Market | BTC USD (international wire) EUR (bank transfer) JPY (bank transfer) RUS (RUB, Yandex, WebMoney) |
BTC USD (international wire) EUR (bank transfer) |
Yes | USD handled in Switzerland. EUR through Finland (SEPA) RUS (RUB, Yandex, WebMoney). |
| 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 wire) |
BTC SLL (Second Life) ACD (Avination) OMC (OpenSim) USD,EUR,GBP,CHF (PayPal) USD,EUR,GBP (Moneybookers) USD,EUR,GBP (NETELLER) EUR (SEPA bank wire) |
Yes | Trading through Second Life Linden Dollars (highly liquid). See VirWoX article for instructions on how to buy and sell bitcoins. Variable limits on PayPal and Credit Card deposits. |
Small amounts
For smaller amounts, the options are limited due to bank transfer fees, conversion fees and transaction size restrictions. Options include:
| Service | Type | Payment Method | Notes |
| Bitcoin Argentina | Fixed Rate | Cash: ARS, BRL, USD Bank transfer: ARS |
No exchange fees! |
| BitcoinExchange Services | Fixed Rate | Cash USD, MoneyPak, LR, MoneyGram, Western Union, Pecunix | Selling BTC/MtGoxUSD/LR - Will cash out to PayPal, MoneyGram, Western Union |
| Britcoin | Market | GBP (bank deposit) | No charge for GBP deposits. |
| Bitcoin Market | Market | USD (Liberty Reserve) USD (MoneyBookers) GAU (Pecunix) |
Varies (person to person) |
| BitMarket.eu | Market | EUR GBP USD PLN (Polish złoty) RUB |
Varies (person to person) |
| Bitcoin.com.es | Fixed Rate | EUR (bank deposit) | Bank transfer or cash deposits at OpenBank in Spain. |
| Bitomat | Market | PLN (bank deposit) | No charges |
| 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 Brasil | Fixed Rate | BRL (Brazilian Real) USD |
Cash exchange |
| MeuBitcoin | Fixed Rate | BRL (Brazilian Real) | Payment via MoIP (Money over IP) |
| Bitcoil | Fixed Rate | ILS (Israeli New Shekel) | Payment via bank transfer. |
| Bitcoin 4 Cash | Fixed Rate | Cash in the mail | Send USD or CAD. Canada mailing address. |
| Bitcoin2Cash | Fixed Rate | Cash in the mail | U.S. mailing address. |
| Bitcoin Morpheus | Fixed Rate | Cash, check or money order through the mail | U.S. mailing address for cash transactions. |
| bitcoin.local | Directory | Varies (person to person) | |
| #bitcoin-otc | 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. |
| Ubitex | In person exchange | Varies (person to person) |
eWallet
Some services hold your bitcoins in an eWallet and provide funding methods.
- YouTipIt Add funds with PayPal.