Quick answer: The easiest way to buy Ethereum in the US is through a regulated exchange like Coinbase, Kraken or Gemini: create an account, verify your ID, link your bank account (the cheapest funding method), and buy ETH. To pay lower fees, use the exchange’s advanced trading screen (such as Coinbase Advanced) instead of the simple Buy button. You can also get ETH exposure through a spot Ether ETF in a regular brokerage account.
Updated October 2026. This guide previously relied on Coinbase Pro, which has been discontinued, so we’ve rewritten the steps for today’s apps.
How to buy Ethereum on Coinbase
- Create your account: sign up with Coinbase, verify your email and phone, and complete identity verification with a photo ID.
- Add a payment method: link your bank account for the lowest fees. Debit cards are instant but cost more.
- Buy ETH: tap Buy, choose Ethereum (ETH), enter an amount and review the total before confirming.
- Save on fees with Coinbase Advanced: for larger purchases, switch to Coinbase Advanced and place a limit order. Advanced trades skip the simple-buy spread and charge much lower maker-taker fees.
- Consider recurring buys: set up weekly or monthly purchases to dollar-cost average.
Other good places to buy ETH
- Kraken: low fees on Kraken Pro, plus ETH staking in most US states. Compare Kraken vs Gemini.
- Gemini: a simple, security-focused app.
- Robinhood: convenient if you already invest there. See how to buy crypto on Robinhood.
- Outside the US: Binance and other international exchanges offer ETH with low fees. US residents must use US-licensed platforms.
- Spot Ether ETFs: since July 2024, US investors can buy ETFs that hold ETH through ordinary brokerage and retirement accounts.
Not sure which to choose? See our list of the best crypto exchanges.
Where to store your Ethereum
Leaving ETH on a reputable exchange is fine for small amounts. For larger amounts, move it to a wallet you control:
- Software wallets like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet. See MetaMask vs Coinbase Wallet and the best Ethereum wallets.
- Hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor for long-term storage. See the best hardware wallets.
When withdrawing, double-check the network. Sending ETH on the wrong network can cause delays or loss of funds.
Earn rewards on your ETH
Ethereum uses proof of stake, so you can stake ETH to earn rewards, typically a few percent a year. See the best staking platforms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to buy Ethereum?
Fund your account with a bank transfer and buy through an exchange’s advanced trading platform using a limit order.
How much Ethereum can I buy?
You can buy a fraction of an ETH, often starting at $1โ$10. There’s no need to buy a whole coin.
Is it safe to buy Ethereum?
Buying through a regulated exchange is safe, but ETH’s price is volatile. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and protect your account with two-factor authentication.
Should I buy ETH or an Ether ETF?
An ETF is simpler for retirement accounts and needs no wallet. Owning ETH directly lets you transfer it, stake it and use it in apps.
