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New to crypto? Start here.

A simple five-step path from “what is Bitcoin?” to owning your first crypto and storing it safely. No jargon, no hype, written for complete beginners.

About 30 minutes of reading. Free, always.

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The beginner path

Five steps to your first crypto

Take them in order. Each step links to the one guide you need, so you never feel lost.

01

Learn the basics

Understand what cryptocurrency is, how blockchains work and why prices move so much.

02

Protect yourself first

Most beginner losses come from scams and hype, not bad luck. Learn the red flags before you spend a dollar.

03

Choose an exchange

Pick a reputable, regulated platform that serves your country. For most US beginners, that means Coinbase, Kraken or Gemini.

04

Make your first purchase

Start small, stick to established coins and decide how much you’ll invest before you log in.

05

Store it safely

If you plan to hold long term, move your crypto to a wallet you control and back up your recovery phrase offline.

Beginner questions

Quick answers before you start

Straight answers to the questions beginners ask us most.

Is crypto a safe investment?

Crypto is high risk. Prices can fall 50% or more, and scams are common. The safest approach is to use a reputable exchange, invest only money you can afford to lose, and avoid anything promising guaranteed returns. Read crypto scams to avoid.

How much money do I need to start?

Most exchanges let you start with a few dollars, because you can buy fractions of a coin. Many beginners start with $100 or less. See how to invest your first $100.

Which cryptocurrency should I buy first?

Most beginners start with Bitcoin or Ethereum, the two largest and most established cryptocurrencies, before exploring smaller coins.

Where should I buy crypto?

Use a reputable exchange that serves your country, such as Coinbase, Kraken or Gemini in the US. Compare them in our list of the best crypto exchanges.

Do I need a crypto wallet?

Not to get started, because exchanges hold crypto for you. For larger amounts you plan to hold long term, a hardware wallet gives you full control.

Do I have to pay taxes on crypto?

In the US and many other countries, selling, trading or spending crypto can trigger taxes. Keep records of every transaction, or use crypto tax software.

Prefer to be walked through it?

Take the free crypto masterclass.

Christy Lynn walks complete beginners through getting started, step by step. Plain English, no hype.

  • LEARNHow to invest your first $100, step by step
  • LEARNHow staking can earn passive income
  • LEARNHow to avoid the mistakes most beginners make
FREE MASTERCLASSLearn How to Successfully Get Started with Crypto in 2025

In this free masterclass, you'll learn:

โœ… The exact, step-by-step process to investing your first $100 into cryptocurrency today.

โœ… Staking strategies to make insane passive income and secrets to start making money from NFTs.

Free beginner masterclass

Join free
FREE MASTERCLASSHow to Successfully Get Started with Crypto in 2025

In this free masterclass, you'll learn:

โœ… The exact, step-by-step process to investing your first $100 into cryptocurrency today.

โœ… Staking strategies to make insane passive income and secrets to start making money from NFTs.

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