How Can I get Bitcoin?

The first step is getting a Bitcoin account, known as a wallet. To view a list of wallet options, please visit Bitcoin.org.

When choosing a Bitcoin wallet, there are several options of varying levels of security strength.

1. A software wallet stored on the hard drive of your computer.
2. An online, web-based service.
3. A vault service that stores your bitcoin offline to keep them protected.
4. A multisig vault that uses a number of keys to keep the account protected.

Once you’ve chosen your wallet, acquiring Bitcoins themselves is easy. A few of the most common options are listed below.

• Bitcoin Exchanges – this is the most common way to buy Bitcoin. If you’re new to Bitcoin, you’ll find many exchanges and wallets competing for your business. Most of them will store amounts of currency for you like a traditional bank account.
• Face-to-face or over the counter trade – this is directly trading conventional currency for Bitcoin with another person.
• Payments for goods and services – many businesses will take Bitcoin as payment.
• Bitcoin ATMs – As with any traditional ATM, you simply go up to a machine and insert your cash. You then have the choice of scanning your mobile wallet QR code or receiving a paper receipt with the codes necessary to load Bitcoin into your wallet. Here is a listing of active Bitcoin ATM’s to find the one nearest to you.