今天以低费率投资过去十年最高回报率的金融资产。在线购买比特币的表现超过了标准普尔500指数、大宗商品和所有其他热门投资机会。
比特币是世界上第一个、也是最受欢迎的加密货币,从2010年的几美分上涨到十多年后的最高价6.9万美元,这一历史最高价在2021年11月创下。
人们购买比特币的原因各不相同。它被视为对抗通胀的避险工具,是一种价值储存资产——就像“数字黄金”——以及一种交换媒介。许多人预计,在2024年的比特币减半之后,比特币将创下新高,截至2023年,比特币价格正在以折扣价交易。
如果你对比特币还不熟悉,你会想要了解它的工作原理以及安全购买比特币的最佳途径。许多平台在服务、交易功能、费用和存款方式上各不相同。在这个指南中,我们将向您介绍如何在线购买比特币,并对最佳加密货币交易所进行评估。
如何购买比特币(BTC)-快速指南
选择一个比特币交易所-我们建议Coinbase作为我们的首选。
创建一个账户并存入资金-接受PayPal、借记/信用卡、银行转账等多种付款方式。
在顶部菜单中搜索“比特币”或“BTC”。
点击“开放交易”并选择购买的比特币数量。
在哪里安全购买比特币
如果你正在寻找更全面的关于如何在线购买比特币的步骤,请参考下面的部分,它将向您展示安全、经济高效地获得比特币所需的步骤。在此示例中,我们使用Coinbase,但下面列出的所有交易所和经纪人都值得推荐。
步骤1:开立一个账户
可以通过台式电脑或移动设备快速开立Coinbase账户。前往网站或下载移动应用程序开始操作,然后填写所需的详细信息,并验证您的电子邮件地址和电话号码。
Coinbase还要求用户填写一个简短的问卷并链接一个付款方式。
步骤2:上传身份证明
作为一家中心化交易所,Coinbase要求用户上传某些了解客户(KYC)文件,以确保合规。其中包括身份证照片。
步骤3:存款
一旦设置了账户,就可以通过借记/信用卡、银行或电汇、PayPal和Apple/Google Pay等方式向Coinbase钱包充值加密货币。
步骤4:购买比特币
在Coinbase账户中存入资金后,在主页仪表盘上选择“交易”按钮,然后搜索比特币或BTC。然后选择“购买”按钮,并输入要花费的资金金额,然后完成交易。
访问Coinbase
在哪里购买比特币
比特币市场已经成熟了很多。由于它的受欢迎程度,现在有几种选项可以购买比特币。这与几年前的情况形成了鲜明对比。
每个人都能轻松获得数字资产,从面向加密货币的交易所和经纪公司到为其他资产类别提供服务的平台。
然而,这种多样性带来的问题是寻找最佳的购买比特币的地方有点困难。在这个指南中,我们经过审核的平台,并提供了一个关于它们的特点、费用以及每个平台的独特之处的简明部分。
为了帮助您避免研究几十个不同的平台,下面是购买比特币的最佳地点。
1. Coinbase-美国最大的加密货币交易所
Coinbase是最大的加密货币交易所之一,也是我们推荐的最佳加密货币交易所。该交易所提供了多种优势,包括直观的界面和许多交易对供客户交易。
Coinbase总部位于特拉华州威尔明顿,通常是美国加密货币新手的首选。在这里也可以进行交易,Coinbase的界面专为初学者设计。如果你是一名经验丰富的交易者,你可以使用Coinbase Pro。
Coinbase也是最大的加密货币公司之一。除了交易所服务外,它还通过其Coinbase Pro平台提供交易。用户还可以享受面向企业的支付平台、托管服务以及其代币-COIN。
优点
简单的界面适合新手和专业交易者
Coinbase是最流动的交易所之一,因此您的交易速度很快
Coinbase提供了很多备选币种
最低余额要求低
缺点
费用结构复杂
交易费用高于其他平台
访问Coinbase
2. Kraken-自2011年以来的热门交易所
Kraken是一家成立于2011年的知名加密货币交易所,总部位于旧金山。它已经存在了一段时间,并在全球设有办事处。Kraken拥有800万活跃用户,可以说是该行业中具有强大影响力的交易所之一。截至撰写本文时,Kraken在交易量方面是全球第三大加密货币交易所。
它支持120多种热门加密货币,并不断增加上市的有前景的项目。平台上支持三种主要的稳定币-USDC、DAI和USDT,还支持七种法定货币,包括美元、加拿大元、欧元、澳元、英镑、瑞士法郎和日元。Kraken受FinCEN监管,确保了其在交易所两个版本-Kraken和Kraken Pro上资产持有方面的良好安全性。
这家交易所的一个缺点是,不使用Kraken Pro的用户必须支付更高的费用才能参与衍生品或期货等高级交易产品。Kraken还为多种资产提供质押服务。
优点
支持七种主要法定货币
受到知名金融机构监管
多年来赢得了声誉
缺点
客户服务可能不足
非Kraken Pro用户需要支付更高的费用
访问Kraken
3. OKX-通过DEX或CEX购买比特币
OKX是一家成立于2017年的塞舌尔交易所,提供了DEX和CEX两种投资者可以用来购买比特币的交易方式。OKX DEX是一个DEX聚合器,利用X Routing来找到流动性池,并提供低滑点和网络费用,使老手能够轻松地将加密资产交换成比特币,而不需要提供任何详细信息。
然而,OKX CEX拥有大多数平台功能。OKX CEX支持350多种加密货币,并提供普通交易、现货交易、衍生品交易和保证金交易等功能。该平台还具有复制交易和交易机器人等工具。前者允许用户利用更成功的交易者的交易信号,而后者则使投资者能够自动化其交易过程。
关于费用,OKX遵循做市商/挂单方费用模式。费用从0.080%/0.1%开始,但如果用户在交易账户中拥有足够的OKB代币,可以减少费用。
用户更喜欢使用OKX购买比特币的另一个原因是OKX风险护盾。OKX风险护盾是一个资产风险准备金,用于存储用户资产的一部分,保护用户免受任何不必要的安全风险。
优点
提供CEX和DEX功能
允许用户复制其他成功交易者的信号
除比特币外,还支持350多种其他加密货币
缺点
不在美国提供服务
只能通过持有OKB代币来减少费用
访问OKX
4. Bybit-通过用户友好的加密货币交易平台购买比特币
Bybit是一家于2018年推出的加密货币交易所,在2022年和2023年初迅速赢得了市场的青睐,成为全球前10大加密货币交易所之一。目前在全球排名第6位,Bybit的日均交易量约为6亿美元。
该平台是购买比特币的最佳地点之一,因为它拥有许多实用程序。首先,它允许用户只需点击一次即可购买比特币或其他资产。除了点对点交易之外,Bybit还提供现货交易和保证金交易功能。
这家加密货币交易所还兼具教育平台的功能,提供了一个学习计划,让用户了解替代加密货币、学习去中心化金融(DeFi)或开始交易。与OKX一样,它还提供了复制交易和交易机器人功能。
Bybit具有标准的费用结构,采用做市商/挂单方费用模式。交易费用因投资者所参与的交易类型而异。另一个决定因素是用户是否为VIP或非VIP。
Bybit还进行了审计,所有用户在平台上的资产都有1:1的准备金。用户可以查看自己的审计数据或Bybit的准备金比例。
优点
提供了一个简化的购买比特币的平台
是全球前10大加密货币交易所之一
具有分层费用结构
提供复制交易
拥有大量关于加密货币和加密货币交易的文章库
缺点
不在美国提供服务
费用结构可能难以理解
不是一家受监管的加密货币交易所
访问Bybit
5. Huobi-购买比特币的可信之选
在Huobi(现在的HTX)上,您可以购买比特币并拥有底层资产——现货交易——或使用虚拟合约进行比特币价格操作,以获得更多的比特币或USDT。它提供高达200倍的杠杆,比大多数比特币交易平台更高。
这家比特币交易所还拥有一个免费的网格交易机器人,用户可以设置该机器人自动进行交易,而不需要全天候监控比特币市场。它还显示了过去一周的回测投资回报率。
Huobi(也称为Huobi Global)成立于2013年,在比特币的早期阶段就成为家喻户晓的名字,并被认为是购买比特币的最佳地点之一。
Huobi用户没有遇到任何黑客攻击或数据泄露问题。
该交易所还曾向过去遭到黑客攻击的其他较小的比特币交易所提供帮助,例如2021年12月的Bitmart,以改善其安全协议。
比特币无法抵押,但Huobi为几种其他货币和代币提供质押服务,以获得高年收益率。
优点
免费的自动交易机器人
为加密货币提供质押收入
高杠杆保证金交易
良好的声誉
缺点
0.2%的做市商/挂单方费用高于Coinbase Pro和Binance
访问Huobi
6. Crypto.com-加密借记卡和应用程序
Crypto.com是一家相对较新的加密货币交易所和移动应用程序,具有金属VISA预付卡,用户可以在卡上存储比特币,并使用比特币进行日常购物,并获得高达8%的现金回扣。
用户还可以从他们的稳定币加密货币持有中获得高达14.5%的利息-对于持有比特币,Crypto.com的利率高达8.5%。
目前,美国投资者可以使用该应用程序、VISA卡和钱包,但不能访问网站交易平台,尽管可能会得到接受。
Crypto.com已列出250多种加密货币,并支持DeFi农业、质押和比特币贷款。它还拥有自己附属的非同质化代币市场,您可以在该市场上创建、展示、出售和购买NFTs;该网站上的一些廉价NFTs的起价仅为10美元,或者在拍卖中为1美元。
Crypto.com成立于2016年,相对来说是一个新兴的加密货币市场,并赞助了UFC、几支体育队和F1,并在其广告中邀请了Matt Damon。它的口号是“好运眷顾勇敢者”。平台上有超过1000万用户。
优点
比特币可获得8.5%的年利率
质押和其他加密货币的利息
DeFi农业
比特币借记卡和钱包
缺点
美国投资者部分受限
买卖价差费用高
访问Crypto.com
7. Uphold-便捷的网络和应用程序交易
Uphold交易平台、应用程序和借记卡在184个国家拥有700万用户,是一种快速便捷购买比特币的方式。
除了网站之外,他们还在谷歌Play和应用商店上提供了应用程序,供安卓和iOS用户使用。
Uphold在购买比特币时收取0.85%的买入费用和1%的卖出费用。
您还可以使用Uphold购买其他一些热门资产,包括苹果股票、亚马逊、AT&T、特斯拉、黄金、白银、铂金、钯金等。他们的座右铭是“任何东西都可以交易为任何东西”。
他们还通过部分股票交易为任何人开放投资-您可以以1美元的资金投资谷歌等公司,而其他在线股票经纪人可能要求您投入大量资金才能开始。
优点
没有存款或提款费用
使用加密货币的借记卡可获得2%的现金回扣
还可以购买和交易股票、金属和法定货币
缺点
尚不支持PayPal
支持的加密货币资产较少,比较其他大型交易所
访问Uphold
8. Binance-购买比特币的顶级加密货币交易所
Binance是全球交易量最大的加密货币交易所。该交易所在全球范围内享有盛誉,日交易量超过500亿美元。对于用户来说,Binance提供了很多好处。您可以享受出色的流动性,因为资产的交易活动很大,该交易所提供了对包括比特币和以太坊在内的多种加密货币的访问。
Binance的交易佣金从约0.1%开始,该平台的KYC流程相对简单。Binance还提供杠杆交易和访问加密货币期货,允许交易者购买超过他们钱包余额的加密货币。
您也可以使用法定货币购买比特币。最便宜的选择是完成银行转账,不过,根据您所在的地区,资金到账可能需要几天时间。如果您希望获得超快速的存款,可以考虑使用借记卡或信用卡。
优点
超过100种加密货币可供选择
低交易费用
众多交易选项
支持借记卡/信用卡和银行转账
在加密货币领域声誉很好
非常适合寻求复杂工具和功能的高级交易者
缺点
不适合新手投资者
借记卡/信用卡费用较高
访问Binance
9. Libertex-股票和差价合约的行业领先经纪商
总部位于塞浦路斯的Libertex自1997年开始运营。该平台以其零点差定价结构而闻名,这在差价合约交易领域是独一无二的。它为交易者提供了两个网络交易平台。Libertex提供了MT4和Libertex Web Trader。
在服务提供方面,Libertex的服务有些有限。该交易平台涵盖约213个市场。它包括股票、外汇、比特币等加密货币等。您可以在Libertex上交易和购买50多种加密货币。高级交易者还将享受高达1:30的杠杆比例的保证金交易。
Libertex通过移动应用和桌面交易界面提供灵活性和无缝交易界面。可用的存款渠道包括Skrill、Neteller、信用卡和借记卡、银行转账、Multibanco、Sofort、Trustly等。
优点
提供模拟账户
灵活的付款和提款方式
便于技术分析和研究测试
缺点
教育部分较差
某些提款渠道收费
访问Libertex
什么是比特币?
对于计划在线购买比特币的加密新手来说,了解这种资产是什么以及它是如何工作的非常重要。
那么,什么是比特币?
最简单的方式是将比特币描述为一种数字货币,它允许您以数字形式发送和接收价值。
作为一种数字货币,比特币存在于虚拟形式中-不同于传统货币。
支持比特币的底层技术被称为“区块链”-它允许去中心化的交易发生。
这意味着没有单个团体或权威机构对比特币拥有控制权。
在向另一个人发送比特币时,交易是在钱包之间完成的。这通常需要10分钟的处理时间-无论发送方和接收方位于何处。
比特币是由中本聪于2009年推出的-中本聪是一个至今仍然未知的人或一群人的化名。中本聪在一个与加密相关的邮件列表上发布了一条信息,标题为“比特币P2P电子现金论文”。该信息是一个指向标题为“比特币:一个点对点的电子现金系统”的白皮书的链接。
中本聪在他的论文中分享了比特币作为一种数字、去中心化货币系统的概念。作为一种去中心化资产,没有单个个人或公司会控制比特币。相反,它将在称为区块链的公共交易账本上运行。任何人都可以在计算机上存储区块链,促进了从一个人到另一个人的发送,无需中间人。
在2009年1月,比特币的区块链推出。该资产的第一个区块-创世区块-被开采,并且第一个比特币交易在区块开采后一周进行。此时,比特币毫无价值。通过解决比特币区块链上的复杂方程来获得更多代币的挖矿者-会将其交换成娱乐。
然而,在2010年5月22日,一位佛罗里达州的居民成功以1万个比特币购买了两个派通比萨。当时这两个比萨的价值为25美元,使比特币的价值约为每分4个比特币。
在比特币的早期阶段,交易发生在互联网论坛上。资产保持着任意的价值,大多数人在比特币上进行讨论。2011年,矿工和程序员开始寻求建立自己的比特币网络版本。
像莱特币和以太坊这样的区块链开始出现,吸引了更多的人。由于具有更广泛的应用基础和更多的用户,比特币的价值开始上升。
比特币作为一种货币的使用也有所增加-尤其是一些公司开始使用BTC作为支付选项。当比特币在主要交易所上可用时,交易和交易变得更加便利。这些交易所允许比特币与美元、泰达币(USDT)等货币进行定价。
第一个版本的比特币闪电网络于2018年3月实施,以提高可扩展性。
为什么购买比特币?比特币分析
人们购买比特币有很多原因。有些人认为这是为了技术。其他人购买它是出于投机的原因。如果您不确定比特币是否适合您的投资组合,我们列出了一些您可能决定今天投资的主要原因。
收益潜力
将资金存放在银行中的回报率如今已经不那么高了。当您将资金存入银行时,您很幸运如果能获得1%的利息。考虑通货膨胀率,您会发现这个利率太低了。大多数人通过股票来防止财富贬值,因为股票已被证明可以提供更高的回报。
比特币在时间的推移中仍然具有更高的回报率。在它的早期阶段,比特币毫无价值——实际上,这种资产在2011年只值1美元。但是快进到2023年,比特币现在的价值已经超过了2.5万美元。这种增长是惊人的。
很容易认为您已经错过了比特币的繁荣期——事实上,您可能不会在短时间内看到这些天文数字的回报。但是,当您考虑到比特币所提供的回报并将其与任何其他金融资产——或将您的资金存放在银行中——进行比较时,您会发现这个回报率太高了。
比特币的坚实经济学
中本聪理解到一旦比特币得到认可,它将变得非常有价值。因此,创造者在其中设置了一种机制来保护其价值。比特币目前的上限是2100万,一旦挖掘出2100万个代币,就不会再有更多的代币。
了解经济学的任何人都知道,稀缺性使资产具有最大的价值。想想黄金和其他贵金属。它们的稀缺性增加了它们的价值,因为随着时间的推移,越来越多的人需要它们。同样的事情也发生在比特币上。由于其有限的供应,比特币可以保持和维持其价值。比特币也不受任何政府或中央机构的控制,因此其供应无法被操纵。
投资少量资金
人们常常错误地认为您需要购买整个比特币才能进入这个市场。以五位数的价格购买一枚硬币对某些投资者来说可能是不可及的。然而,作为一种数字货币,比特币可以被分割成更小的单位。一枚比特币可以分割成8个小数点。
但是,您需要确保您使用的加密货币经纪人允许小额投资-大多数加密货币交易所和经纪人允许用户购买至少10美元的比特币和其他加密货币。
全天候市场
当您投资比特币时,您购买的是一个受到极高流动性支持的资产类别。例如,在过去的24小时内,价值超过680亿美元的比特币已经交易了。
这一点非常重要,因为它意味着您的投资资金从未被锁定。相反,您可以在24小时内将您的比特币卖回现金,每周7天。
购买比特币的方式
如果您想要增加比特币的投资组合,您应该知道有不同的方式可以实现这一目标。您可以使用的一些最受欢迎的付款方式包括以下内容:
通过银行转账购买比特币
将您的银行账户链接到加密货币交易所,可以方便快捷地进行存款和提款,并且费用比使用借记卡或信用卡低。
使用PayPal购买比特币
PayPal是全球最受欢迎的支付处理器。该服务拥有数亿客户,甚至在去年开始接受加密货币。目前,PayPal客户可以直接从该服务购买比特币。
阅读更多关于如何使用PayPal作为交易所上的支付选项来购买比特币。
使用信用卡购买比特币
如果您计划使用信用卡购买比特币,首先要确保您的经纪人接受信用卡付款。这一点很重要,因为一些交易所拒绝信用卡付款。这可能是由于您所在地区的限制或其他原因。
此外,一些信用卡发卡机构可能会将您的比特币购买定义为“现金预付款”。您需要支付现金预付款费用才能完成交易。这笔费用通常在交易总额的3%至5%之间。如果您处于这种情况,请与您的信用卡发卡机构联系。
使用借记卡购买比特币
借记卡选项可能是购买比特币最常见的方法之一。它简单、快速且便宜。如果您想购买比特币使用借记卡,最重要的考虑因素是处理费用。
比特币交易所拥有不同的支付处理器,因此收取的费用也不同。有些交易所可能在借记卡购买上收取高达4%的费用,而其他交易所可能更低。
使用电子支票购买比特币
阅读我们的指南,了解如何在像Paxful这样的网站上使用电子支票购买比特币。
使用比特币ATM
在过去的几年中,比特币自动柜员机(ATM)变得非常流行。就像传统ATM一样,专门的加密货币ATM允许您通过机器界面进行加密货币购买。
来自Coin ATM Radar的数据显示,目前全球共有22,130台加密货币ATM。
其中大多数机器支持比he option you settle for, you might have to pay for deposits, trading, withdrawal, and sometimes, for converting your Bitcoin to another coin. Settling for an online broker with affordable fees can save you hundreds of dollars in fees.
Safety
Most people store their Bitcoin on the platform where it’s purchased. It isn’t the safest option, but you can reduce the likelihood of theft by ensuring you only deal with media with robust security protocols.
Support
If you have problems, you should be able to reach out to the exchange and get a response as quickly as possible. No one anticipates that any issues will arise, but a vital customer support service will come in handy now and then.
Payment Methods
How can you deposit funds and request a withdrawal? What are the channels available? The best platforms usually support bank transfers and debit cards. You can also look out for payment processors like Square and PayPal.
Volume and Liquidity
A broker service must have the right volume and liquidity levels. You want to ensure that the service gets the proper transaction volumes and that you can withdraw your funds whenever you like.
Bitcoin Price
Bitcoin has gone through its fair share of crests and troughs since the beginning of its launch. The first bullish cycle happened in 2012-2013 when Bitcoin was almost close to hitting $1000, followed by its first halving event. The second halving took place in 2016, which led to BTC hitting $10,000 in 2017 and setting a new all-time high of $17,000.
But the most significant bullish movement came for this crypto in late 2021, pushing its price to its historical all-time high of $68k. However, the level couldn’t be maintained as 2022 brought some significant events that created a bearish scenario for this crypto. Luna Crash and the FTX exchange crash had the most disastrous effect not only on Bitcoin but the whole crypto market.
LUNA Crash
– May 2022 LUNA’s crash upended people’s belief in the asset and pushed the price of Bitcoin close to $30k. LUNA crash led much of people’s belief in crypto to be vaporized, encouraging aggressive sell-offs by institutions and individuals alike.
FTX Crash
– The third and the most prominent adverse event to the crypto market was the FTX Crash. SBF, long thought to be the messiah of the cryptocurrency market due to his “effective altruism,” turned out to be just another scammer that evaporated $8 billion to be evaporated from the cryptocurrency market.
Other events affecting Bitcoin’s price include factors like environmental concerns related to Bitcoin mining, raising regulations over cryptocurrencies in many countries, SEC’s lawsuit against XRP, and other minor events. Some of these events created panic among investors and led to massive sell-offs. Hence, by the end of 2022, Bitcoin was trading at just above $15k.
But Bitcoin is a speculative asset, and that was just a short bearish period for the cryptocurrency. Things have started to change since the beginning of 2023, and bulls came in full force to support Bitcoin. BTC got back its price of $20,000 shortly, and by the end of January, it was already traded at above $23,000. The bullish direction continued for the next few months until BTC eventually raised above $30k in April.
After going back to $25,000 for a short period, BTC prices again started to increase. In mid-July, Bitcoin hit its all-time high for the year reaching $31,000. This was probably associated with the US Federal court decision about the SEC vs. XRP lawsuit, which crypto enthusiasts considered a victory for the crypto world.
Another peak took place at the end of August, with Bitcoin reaching almost $28k. This remarkable surge is attributed to the latest institutional interest in the cryptocurrency market, with such financial giants like BlackRock and Fidelity having submitted applications for spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Another event that may have had its influence is the SEC’s rejection of the Gravescales application for BTC ETFs, which was recognized as wrong by the US Court. But the price of Bitcoin dropped again to $25,000 in early September, which was the lowest price for the cryptocurrency in the last two months, which many analysts attribute to the rumors about SpaceX selling it holding of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Price Prediction
Technical indicators for Bitcoin were quite positive a few months ago, as the cryptocurrency has shown an upward trend since the beginning of the year. In mid-July, Bitcoin increased to $31K when its price almost doubled compared to its price at the end of 2022. The Fear and Greed index for BTC was over 55, indicating Greed. Meanwhile, crypto enthusiasts believed that the coin could break a resistance level of $30,000.
However, BTC did not manage to do that and set a new low for the last two months, dropping to $25,000 in the last few days. The Fear and Greed index is 40 for Bitcoin, which indicates Fear meaning that investors are more inclined to sell their holdings rather than hold them. Most of the technical indicators are bearish, meaning that the cryptocurrency could take a downtrend in the upcoming months.
Considering all of these indicators, many analysts predict that Bitcoin will experience price drops by the end of 2023. Its price can drop below $20,000 again, with the possibility of dropping as low as $15,000. Still, we must consider that these predictions are based only on technical analyses, and no one can precisely say what would happen in the crypto sector. Any unpredicted event can change the direction of the market.
Investing in Bitcoin vs. Trading Bitcoin
Investors have different strategies that determine their actions in the crypto market. Some prefer to buy Bitcoin for the long term. Others want to trade BTC. When should you pick one over the other? We examine the difference between investing and trading in Bitcoin.
Investing in Bitcoin
Investing is the path chosen by most crypto holders – especially the newbies. The strategy is simple – purchase Bitcoin from a broker, keep the asset in a wallet, and wait for the price to rise. Once it gets to a level you’re comfortable with, you sell. Most crypto investors look to put their money into the asset and leave it for the long run – at least a year. The strategy makes sense – long-term holding has proven very profitable if you consider how Bitcoin started in 2009 and where it is today.
Investing is also convenient for many people who don’t want to endure the stress of monitoring prices daily. They simply keep their coins in a secure wallet and “forget about it.” Daily market swings don’t strictly concern them since they’re in it for the long haul.
Trading Bitcoin
Trading is the other side of the coin. It involves entering positions with the asset and cashing out based on price swings.
Bitcoin trading aims to make money when the price swings in your favor. So, you could enter today and buy 1 BTC for $30,000. If its value increases to $32,000 hours after and you sell off, you’ve gained $2,000. If Bitcoin’s value drops below $30,000 again – remember that the asset is volatile – you could enter a position and hope for another price gain.
Regarding trading, you make decisions based on your asset price analysis. So, you could decide to open a long position on the asset today and short it tomorrow. Trading usually occurs over a few days or weeks. However, there are also swing traders and day traders who hold positions for much shorter time frames.
You could also engage in leverage trading – trading with more money than you have. Exchanges and brokers usually provide leverage to their professional customers, allowing them to maximize their chances of making a profit.
Which is Better?
Like most things crypto-related, it’s never clear-cut. People have different reasons for holding cryptocurrencies; there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. To help you make a decision, here are some factors to consider:
Time Frame
How long do you plan to hold your crypto? If you’ve got the long game in mind, you could invest and not bother yourself about price swings. Cryptocurrencies – especially Bitcoin – have provided steadily increasing returns to investors for the past few years. So, you can rest assured that your money is safe.
Reason for Holding Bitcoin
Like it or not, some people see crypto as a “get rich quick” scheme. They hear of assets jumping by over 100 percent in less than a month and want to try such. It’s understandable – every asset class in the world has such people.
You might be better off trading if you’re such a person. Watch for price swings and jump on the train till it flatlines. You might get lucky to witness such bullish momentum.
Consistent Effort
Effective trading requires a lot of research and attention to price charts. It’s easy to jump from one hot cryptocurrency to the other, but the truth is that these types of holders eventually pick losers and see their wealth erode.
While no one is discouraging you from choosing hot assets and maximizing your gains, you must ensure that your decisions are based on facts and research. Also, always keep an eye on price charts and make sure not to get swept during a market downturn.
If you’re too busy and have no time to research and check prices, you might be better off investing in Bitcoin. Just leave your coins in a wallet and let the forces of demand and supply decide your fate.
Buying Bitcoin as a CFD Product
Like many other financial assets, Bitcoin is also available as a contract for difference (CFD). A CFD is simply an agreement between a buyer and a seller showing that the buyer must pay the seller the difference between the current value of an asset and its value when the contract expires. The value of a CFD doesn’t consider the asset’s underlying value – simply the difference between entry and exit prices.
Taxation on Bitcoin Earnings
There have been several attempts to impose taxes on crypto earnings, but the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has yet to develop a stable regulatory regime. The
IRS defined
cryptocurrency as “property” in 2014, meaning they qualify for capital gains tax treatments.
Crypto tax
However, there are also some instances where crypto activity is treated as income – and, as such, is subject to income taxes.
Taxable events that qualify for capital gains tax in the United States include:
Selling your crypto for fiat currency
Purchasing goods and services using crypto
Trading one cryptocurrency for another – via an exchange or through peer-to-peer channels
Events that qualify for income tax are:
Receiving crypto from an airdrop
Interest earnings through lending on decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms
Block rewards got from crypto mining
Crypto accepted as payment for work
Cryptocurrencies earned through staking and liquidity pools
Note that you can use losses gained from trading to offset some of your capital gains. You can also deduct up to $3,000 from your income tax, depending on how long you’ve held the assets.
Calculating Your Capital Gains Tax
In the United States, your capital gains tax for crypto activities will depend on how long you’ve held your assets and your income tax brackets. This classification will help you determine the following:
Short-term Capital Gains
If you made gains or losses from crypto held less than a year ago, your capital gains tax is treated at the same rate as your tax bracket. This list provides information on tax brackets for 2023. Note that you can use losses to offset taxable income by up to $3,000. You can also carry losses forward into the following year.
Long-term Capital Gains
If you hold crypto for over a year, gains or losses from activities will incur 0%, 15%, or 20% in taxes based on your income. You can find a classification of income in this list.
The Importance of Responsible Bitcoin Investment
From its humble beginnings in 2009 till date, Bitcoin has delivered over 48,22,525%. BTC has also
produced an average annualized
return of 230%–ten times more than the second-ranked asset class (Nasdaq 100 index). Little wonder why everyone wants to jump into Bitcoin and become rich overnight.
However, investing in Bitcoin comes with risk. You must take precautions when investing in Bitcoin. To ensure that you’re doing the right thing, keep the following in mind:
Consistent Research
This point can’t possibly be stressed enough. When investing in Bitcoin, remember to do as much research as you possibly can.
You can get signals from some dedicated social media channels, read the news, and listen to experts having analyses for Bitcoin. You can also get expert analyses from review sites such as ours. Inside Bitcoins has experts who regularly analyze Bitcoin and other altcoins.
Hedge your Bets
It’s essential to have a limit when investing. If Bitcoin’s price drops by a certain percentage, cut your losses and take your money out. You’ll lose money, but you’d at least be wiser. Many people make the mistake of keeping their money and waiting out the storm. However, this should only be done with the money you can lose.
Would You Try Bitcoin Mining?
Many people who want to earn Bitcoin tend to buy or trade it. However, there’s a third option – mining. Bitcoin mining is a process where you perform complex mathematical processes and verify transactions on the blockchain. You validate and confirm transactions, and add them to the Bitcoin blockchain, thus contributing your part to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Transactions that are verified on Bitcoin’s blockchain are grouped into blocks. When a block is verified, the trades are added to the blockchain, and the miners get Bitcoins as a reward. While mining seems easy, it’s quite the opposite. The Bitcoin blockchain is so congested that miners now must use specialized tools. In Bitcoin’s early days, mining was possible with your personal computer.
Now, the competition in the blockchain has made that PC mining essentially obsolete. You must use an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) to make money through mining. Sadly, ASICs are pretty expensive. Some ASICs could cost as high as $5,000.
You will also need to consider electricity costs as mining is a highly energy-dependent endeavor – except you live where renewable energy is abundant if government subsidies exist.
Even with all this, you might not make any money from mining. Blocks are mined on a first-come-first-serve basis, so it will likely take a while before you can earn. All in all, much work will have to go into mining before you can make enough money to justify your costs. If you want to
earn Bitcoin
, you’re better off just trading – it is less expensive, and you can start with as much money as you have.
Minimizing Your Risk With Crypto Investment
Two of the most important points we’ve raised are these:
Bitcoin is very profitable
Bitcoin is very risky
When you put money into Bitcoin, you must find a way to minimize your risk as much as possible. To wit, consider the following tips to reduce your risks with Bitcoin investing:
1. Do Your Own Research
A famous acronym in crypto lingo is Do Your Research (DYOR). Before investing, always do the work and be as confident as possible in your position.
Learn as much as possible and get your information from trusted sources. Remember that review sites can show some of the best analyses and get good information from experts online and via social media.
2. Beware of Fraudulent Schemes
Crypto is largely unregulated, which means that many individuals and companies are on the prowl looking for who to swindle. Before committing funds to a platform, know its security levels. It is another benefit you can get from review sites.
We will also recommend that you only do business with regulated brokers or exchanges that are actively pursuing regulation.
3. Only Invest Funds You Can Lose
Every investment carries a risk – especially Bitcoin. To be on the safe side, it is recommended that you invest only funds that you can lose.
Don’t lie to yourself or take a loan because you want to make a Bitcoin investment. Only invest when you have enough capital, and you should be ready to lose that capital if things go wrong.
One of the best things about Bitcoin is that you can start investing and trading with as little money as you have – especially if you’re a newbie. Grow from there, both financially and in your trading skills. Soon enough, you’ll be raking in the big bucks.
4. Track Your Results
Whether investing or trading, you must know how your portfolio holds up. It is especially true if you’re a trader. You must know the market’s outlook and how it could affect your position.
Bitcoin’s volatile nature makes it difficult to track its price.
However, several apps make it easy to keep an eye on the asset and monitor your portfolio’s performance. Once you make a habit of checking your account, you reduce the risk of suffering significant losses.
5. Resist FOMO
It can be challenging to handle the pressure of crypto trading – especially if you’re new. But, never enter a position or invest just because others are doing the same thing. That’s the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).
Remember to take your time and do your research. If people are FOMO-ing into a trade, the worst that can happen is that they miss out on an earning opportunity. Your money will at least be safe. Don’t invest unless you’re confident and prepared, no matter the temptation’s strength.
Best Bitcoin Wallet
As we have explained through this guide, if you want to invest in Bitcoin, you must think about where you will store your digital funds.
There are hundreds of Bitcoin wallets in the markets, some of which can be accessed via a mobile app or desktop software, such as Best Wallet or MetaMask.
It’s even possible to store your Bitcoin on a hardware device, like Trezor or Ledger, with the BTC held offline and impossible to access via a hack – however, the physical devices often come with a relatively large price tag.
Read our article on the
best crypto wallets
to safely store tokens.
Bitcoin Against Other Top Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin isn’t the only cryptocurrency available. Here’s how it compares against some other options:
Bitcoin vs. Dogecoin
Dogecoin was one of the best-performing cryptocurrencies of 2021. The meme coin was created in 2014 as a parody of cryptocurrencies, but it somehow caught on and is now the world’s sixth most valuable digital asset. Dogecoin’s value comes in large part from its community. Celebrity endorsements have also helped the asset, with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo, and Elon Musk regularly promoting it on social media.
Bitcoin vs. Ethereum
Ethereum is the second most valuable cryptocurrency. It also presents a remarkable investment opportunity, especially with its value rising significantly in recent years.
Most of Ethereum’s value comes from its use as a token on the Ethereum blockchain – for paying transaction fees, etc. However, its status as Bitcoin’s most significant competitor means it has a sizable community and significant functionality benefits.
Bitcoin vs. Litecoin
Litecoin and Bitcoin are quite popular. The former launched as a “lite version of Bitcoin,” with its creators touting it for its transaction speed and ability to produce more coins per time.
As of 2023, Litecoin is currently the 20th highest market capitalization cryptocurrency. It is a popular option for some investors, seen as a ‘blue chip’ crypto, and is available on all the top exchanges and brokerage platforms.
Bitcoin vs. Libra
Libra was a planned crypto project from the Facebook-backed Libra Association. When it was announced, the Libra Association explained that the asset’s value would be backed by a basket of some of the world’s most popular fiat currencies. Several regulatory pushbacks since then have delayed the launch, and Libra has gone through a rebranding in terms of name and structure. It’s now called “Diem,” the organization planned to roll out Diem as a stablecoin in 2021. As of 2023, it is yet to be released.
Where Does Bitcoin Go From Here?
With the current market situation, you could be skeptical about investing in Bitcoin. Its price and that of every major cryptocurrency crashed far below the 2022 open in mid-January 2023. BTC is currently traded at 63% lower compared to its all-time high. Additionally, it is predicted that BTC will enter another bearish cycle for the Q4 of 2023.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean Bitcoin is dead. Bitcoin has repeatedly shown that it can always come back, so investors continue to have that confidence – especially those who invested for the long term. Bitcoin’s price might take a while to bounce back, but it eventually happens. It’s only a measure of how long you can wait. Another factor that might push bitcoin prices higher is the recent Bitcoin Blackrock approval.
Many believed Bitcoin was dead when its price crashed from almost $20,000 to $3,000 in 2018. But it came back and in 2021 hit its highest all-time high bringing more than 100% YTD return for investors at the beginning of that year. One event that can significantly affect Bitcoin’s price is its halving which is expected in April 2024. Bitcoin price history shows that while BTC price drops close to the halving date, it recovers, setting a new all-time high in the following months.
Bitcoin News – Latest Updates in December 2023
Biggest Trends to Watch in Cryptocurrency in 2023
Connections Between Robinhood, FTX and Biden Officials Revealed
Gemini’s Winklevoss Twins and Grayscale’s Barry Silbert – Dispute Continues
What’s Ahead in 2023 for Bitcoin Alternatives ETH & XRP
The Bitcoin price opened September 2023 at $25,940, based on the Binance BTC / USDT monthly chart. 2023 has seen a substantial recovery for the Bitcoin price compared to the 2022 bear market.
Currently, 2023 holders are up 70%, as Bitcoin opened 2023 at $16,541. Many investors are confident the next crypto bull run could be underway and pick up more steam in the March 2024 Bitcoin halving run-up.
Best Place to Buy Bitcoin
Bitcoin has again shown the global investment world that it is here to stay in the long run. With the digital currency increasing in value by over 1,000% in the past 12 months alone – it’s clear why so many people are now looking to buy Bitcoin and hold for future gains. Read thirty quotes from wealthy
Bitcoin investors
here – including Elon Musk, Mark Cuban, and the Winklevoss twins.
If you are ready to take the cryptocurrency plunge and wish to buy Bitcoin right now, we recommend Coinbase as the top choice, although all the exchanges reviewed in this article are reputable.
You should also remember the following:
Do your research before investing in and trading Bitcoin.
When trading or investing, do so with only registered brokers and exchanges.
You should also check out review sites and online experts for opinions about Bitcoin.
Resist FOMO; only invest what you can afford to lose.
If you’re interested in lower market cap Bitcoin alternatives, see our list of the
best new cryptocurrency assets
.
Visit Coinbase
FAQs
How do you Buy Bitcoin?
There are many ways in which you can buy Bitcoin, albeit the safest and most convenient is to use an online broker or exchange.
Should I Buy Bitcoin?
Whether or not you should buy Bitcoin is your decision. On the one hand, Bitcoin is super volatile and can experience rapid price shifts daily. But, Bitcoin is one of the best-performing asset classes in recent years. With that in mind, if you do have an interest in Bitcoin but have a low tolerance for risk – just make sure you keep your stakes conservative.
What is the Best Way to Buy Bitcoin?
If you’re wondering where to buy Bitcoin – the best option is to use crypto exchange or broker – we would recommend Coinbase as our top choice.
How does Bitcoin Work?
Bitcoin is a digital currency that a central bank or government does not back. The network is decentralized – so no single entity has control over Bitcoin. Regarding what governs Bitcoin’s price, it’s similar to traditional stocks. The value of Bitcoin rises and falls based on market sentiment. You will make money if you sell Bitcoin for a higher price than you originally paid. Don’t forget to consider where to buy Bitcoin – as commissions and fees can vary wildly.
Is it Safe to Buy Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a relatively safe investment in 2023. Of course, all investments carry risk – including Bitcoin. However, for someone who has done enough research and is confident, Bitcoin is very safe.
How Do I Make Money with Bitcoin?
Usually, you make money with Bitcoin by trading or investing it in the long term. However, you can also mine Bitcoin if you have enough resources.
What are the Benefits of Buying Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a good investment for those who know their research. It also provides a want to hedge your health against inflation, and its sizable returns provide the opportunity to maximize your earnings.
What are the Best Payment Methods to Buy Bitcoin with?
The best payment method to use is your debit card. However, if you have funds in your PayPal or Square account, you could also use them, as long as your chosen broker enables it.
What are the Best Bitcoin Brokers?
Several qualified and registered brokers allow their customers to buy Bitcoin, including Capital.com, Libertex, and AvaTrade.
How Can I Buy Bitcoin Instantly?
If you would like to make an instant purchase, you will need to have an account with a registered broker. Once you register and verify your account, you will be able to make quick Bitcoin purchases whenever and wherever you like.
How can I Buy Bitcoin with USD?
The best way to buy Bitcoin with USD is through an exchange or a brokerage service.
What are the Taxes on Trading Bitcoin?
There are different tax rates on Bitcoin trading. However, it primarily depends on your region and the applicable tax laws there.
How Much is Bitcoin Worth?
Bitcoin’s value changes often. Bitcoin started 2023 at over $16,602.58 but was at its ATH of $69000 in November 2021.
How Do You Mine Bitcoin?
The days of being able to mine Bitcoin from the comfort of your home are long gone. Instead, this industry is dominated by large-scale mining farms with vast technological resources. The only way to mine Bitcoin as an Average Joe is to join a cloud mining farm. However, there are many scam artists in this space, so do tread with caution.
What is Bitcoin Cash?
Much like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash is a cryptocurrency that can be bought and sold with ease. The Bitcoin Cash blockchain was actually copied from the original Bitcoin code in 2017.