How to buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Australia (2024)

How to buy Bitcoin in Australia

The original cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC) is arguably the best-performing asset of all time. Launched in 2009, Bitcoins could originally be obtained for effectively nothing and are now worth around $100,000 each.

So how do you invest?

The best way to buy Bitcoin in Australia is using a cryptocurrency exchange or trading platform. If you're ready to buy now, you can follow these 4 steps to buying Bitcoin.

If you want more options on where to buy BTC, you can compare other ways to buy Bitcoin.

Otherwise, you can learn more about the process of buying Bitcoin, including its investment profile, security considerations, payment methods and more.

Step-by-step guide to buying BTC

While there's a few ways to invest in Bitcoin, the easiest method for beginners is generally to buy Bitcoin through a crypto exchange or platform that lets you deposit funds and buy Bitcoin directly using Australian dollars (AUD).

This will save you having to convert your AUD into another currency and potentially help you save on fees. Thankfully, there are quite a few exchanges that let you buy Bitcoin with AUD, including Kraken, CoinSpot and Swyftx. There's generally also no fees for signing up, but you'll need to prove your identity to open an account.

Follow the 5 steps below to get started:

1. Choose an exchange

   For beginners, fees, AUD support and ease-of-use might be your top priorities when choosing where to buy BTC. You can compare our picks for the best places to buy Bitcoin.

2. Create an account

   Once you've chosen the platform you want to use you will need to create an account. You will need to provide some photo ID like a driver's licence or passport to complete the process. You may also be required to take a selfie to prove your identity in accordance with Australian law.

3. Choose a payment method

   It's possible to deposit funds using bank transfer, debit or credit card, PayPal and more, but using bank deposit or PayID to a crypto exchange can mean you don't pay any fees. Alternatively, you may already have a specific payment method in mind, so you could instead start by choosing an exchange that supports it – such as finding a platform that accepts PayID or debit card.

4. Purchase your Bitcoin

   Depending on which platform you choose, there may be a number of ways to buy BTC. The spot market is typically where fees are lowest but it may require some getting used to if you've never used an investment platform before. The easiest method is usually using the "instant purchase" option, but this is likely to come with higher fees.

5. Safely store your Bitcoin

   Once you've bought Bitcoin, you have the choice of keeping it on the exchange or platform you bought it from, or transferring it to your own wallet. While it can be more convenient to leave it on the exchange, it's generally recommended you move your Bitcoin to a private wallet for added security and safety. Find out more about storing your Bitcoin.

Where's the best Australian site to buy Bitcoin?

The easiest way for a beginner to buy Bitcoin is usually through a crypto exchange.

However, what's best for you will depend on your preferred payment method and investment goals.

To help you choose, we've analysed 25 cryptocurrency trading platforms in Australia on things like fees and payment methods.

Our goal is to help you find the platform that best suits your needs and budget. All of the platforms on this page are registered with AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre), which regulates digital currency exchanges in Australia.

Our picks for the best places to buy

Best for beginners

Swyftx

Finder Award

Best for instant purchases

OKX

Best Australian exchange

CoinSpot

Best Overall

Kraken

Finder Award

"Top picks" are those we've evaluated to be best for certain product features or categories – you can learn more in our full methodology. If we show a "Promoted Pick" it's been chosen from among our commercial partners based on factors that include special features or offers, and the commission we receive.

See Also

15 Best No-KYC Crypto Exchanges of 2023 | ZenLedgerWhy Do I Need to Re-verify My Binance Account (EEA Countries) | Binance SupportHow To Invest In Crypto With Just $200? | Trading EducationWhy Do I Need to Complete Identity Verification for My Binance Account? | Binance Support

Keep in mind that these picks are suggestions and that the best crypto exchange for you will depend on your individual needs. There are other products on the market not included in our picks.

This is not an endorsem*nt of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade or use any services.

How to buy Bitcoin from a crypto exchange

As we've already mentioned, buying BTC on a crypto exchange is the most common way to invest in Bitcoin. It's also one of the most beginner-friendly.

Exchanges such as CoinSpot, Swyftx and Kraken are some of the most widely used crypto exchanges. They also enable you to buy other cryptocurrencies if you want to expand your portfolio beyond BTC.

Most Australian exchanges let you buy Bitcoin instantly using cash deposited from a bank account.

Some also let you buy with debit card or credit card. Be aware though that purchasing Bitcoin with a card is typically the most expensive option, in terms of fees.

The cheapest way to buy Bitcoin on an exchange is by placing a "market order" using the spot market.

This will let you buy as much Bitcoin as you like for the lowest price currently available.

The spot market is the part of the exchange where you trade with other users.

If you like, you can also place a "limit order" where you set the price you want to pay. If the price moves low enough, your bid will automatically be accepted and your AUD swapped for BTC.

Holding your Bitcoin on a centralised platform like an exchange means trusting the exchange to protect your assets. Assets held on an exchange are at risk of hacks, phishing attacks and potential mismanagement by the exchange operators.

To help avoid these risks and have complete control over your Bitcoin, consider withdrawing your funds to a personal wallet after you have completed your purchase.

Where you can buy Bitcoin in Australia

5 other ways to buy Bitcoin in Australia

There are a quite a few ways to buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Australia, including crypto wallets, share trading platforms, Bitcoin ETFs, peer-to-peer transactions and even dedicated Bitcoin ATMs.

Here's a brief explainer of the other common ways you can buy and sell Bitcoin in Australia outside of crypto exchanges:

• Stock trading platform. Some online trading platforms and brokers now also offer the ability to buy and sell Bitcoin but may lack the trading features and withdrawal options of crypto exchanges.
• Crypto wallet. Popular software and hardware wallet providers like Ledger, Trezor and Trust Wallet now offer the ability to trade Bitcoin and other cryptos through their apps.
• Bitcoin ETF. Spot Bitcoin ETFs are a way to get exposure to the price of Bitcoin without having to purchase or manage the Bitcoin yourself. When you buy an ETF, the company purchases and holds Bitcoin on your behalf.
• Bitcoin ATM. Like the name suggests, Bitcoin ATMs are physical ATMs that let you purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
• Peer-to-peer. There are a number of peer-to-peer platforms where you can buy and sell Bitcoin directly with other holders.

Finder survey: How many Australians own Bitcoin and how do they invest?

Online share trading platforms allow you to manage various investments, such as cryptocurrency, shares and ETFs in one location.

Platforms such as eToro, CMC Markets and SelfWealth are popular options, with eToro now having quite a strong focus on crypto alongside traditional assets.

Although trading platforms and apps will give you direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin, they may not give you the actual coins to withdraw.

This is one of the major differences between cryptocurrency exchanges and online share trading platforms.

This means you may not be able to move your BTC off the platform to your personal wallet or another platform. This simplifies the experience but may be an issue for anyone who wants the full experience and security of using crypto.

How to buy Bitcoin from a decentralised exchanges

Decentralised exchanges (DEX) shave grown in popularity over the last few years and now process billions of dollars in crypto transactions every day. Uniswap and Sushiswap are 2 of the leading crypto DEXs.

How to buy Bitcoin from a crypto wallet

Cryptocurrency wallets are specialised software applications or physical devices designed for managing cryptocurrencies and keeping them highly secure.

Many of these wallets, including Ledger, Trezor and Trust Wallet offer you the ability to purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through a third party. These apps typically accept credit or debit card payments.

Hardware wallets provide a secure and private way to hold your Bitcoin personally, rather than being entrusted to a third-party exchange or platform.

Although the Bitcoin blockchain is more secure than exchanges and has never been hacked, your security depends on you. You are responsible for managing your private key or seed phrase, which, if lost, may result in lost funds.

How to buy a Bitcoin ETF

You can now invest in Bitcoin via an ETF (exchange-traded fund). An ETF is a simplified way of investing in physical assets like gold, silver and oil without needing to deal with storing the actual product itself.

Similarly, Bitcoin ETFs eliminate the need for you to learn how to safely store and manage Bitcoin yourself – which can be a complicated process for some people.

They can also be managed as part of your traditional stock or ETF portfolio, which makes managing your investments much easier.

How to buy Bitcoin from a Bitcoin ATM

Buying Bitcoin using an ATM is a way to purchase the digital currency at a physical location. The process typically involves using cash or a debit card to purchase Bitcoin, which is then transferred to a digital wallet, which you must have set up before using the ATM.

It's worth noting that the fees associated are often much higher than purchasing via an online exchange and Bitcoin ATMs are only available in a limited range of locations throughout Australia. ATMs are also a clunky way to deal with inputting a Bitcoin address, which is a long string of letters and numbers.

How to buy Bitcoin from a P2P marketplace

A peer-to-peer (or P2P) crypto marketplace is a platform that allows individuals to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly with one another through offers, a bit like eBay.

P2P marketplaces typically support a wide range of fiat currencies, including AUD.

Low or no fees are common for P2P trades. Since order prices are fixed, you can potentially find Bitcoin below market value.

Purchasing Bitcoin through P2P exchanges regularly can be challenging, as it may be hard to consistently find a seller willing to sell you the exact amount you want each time.

Here are some of our favourite P2P exchanges available in Australia

• Binance P2P – Best P2P exchange overall
• KuCoin P2P – Best P2P exchange for altcoins
• Bybit P2P – Best P2P exchange for low fees

What to look for when buying Bitcoin

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when looking for where to buy Bitcoin.

• Using a locally registered exchange is a good idea. It's more likely to accept Australian dollars and local payment methods like PayID, which helps avoid foreign exchange fees.

  Choosing from Australia-based exchanges also means it's likely to be registered with AUSTRAC, which means it has to comply with local laws in Australia.

  Using AUSTRAC-registered exchanges

  There are plenty of places to buy Bitcoin and people in Australia can choose from platforms registered here at home or in locations all around the world. Opting for a locally registered BTC exchange typically offers more convenience, but may have some downsides depending on your goals.

  Pros

  • Australia-based exchanges must comply with AUSTRAC Anti-money Laundering (AML) and Counter-terrorism Financing (CTF) reporting obligations.
  • You can usually buy Bitcoin with AUD. Exchanges in Australia typically support local payment methods, such as PayID, POLi and BPAY.
  • You may be able to access local customer support.
  • Subject to local laws.

  Cons

  • You'll need to provide your personal details and proof of ID – a disadvantage if you want to trade anonymously.
  • Overseas trading platforms may provide better liquidity.
  • AUD-to-crypto prices are often slightly higher than USD-to-crypto prices, meaning you sometimes pay a premium for buying directly with Australian dollars.
  • Some features are simply not available on AUSTRAC-registered exchanges. For example, high-leverage margin trading, DeFi features and some altcoins.

• Look at the security features the platform has to offer, like 2-factor authentication and PGP-encrypted emails. Cold storage of user funds is considered industry standard, but insurance funds are less common and indicative of good security practices.

• A very small number of exchanges now offer insurance on users' funds. Beware that policies vary significantly between exchanges, so research this thoroughly if insurance is important to you.

• If you ever have a problem with a transaction, will you be able to quickly and easily get in touch with the customer support team? Are they based in Australia? Check what contact methods are available and find out how quick the team is at responding to enquiries.

• Check the different transaction types and the corresponding fees before buying Bitcoin, so you know exactly how much it will cost. Fees typically differ depending on whether you use the spot market or an instant purchase option. Depending on the platform you choose, fees may include spreads, trading fees and deposit and withdrawal charges.

After you've bought Bitcoin

Once you own some BTC, you have 2 options – keep it on an exchange or move it to a personal wallet. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.

• Pros

  • Convenience. Keeping your Bitcoin on an exchange is convenient because you can buy and sell at any time.
  • Security. Holding Bitcoin on an exchange does come with significant counterparty risks, but reputable platforms also invest heavily in security so you don't have to worry about the pitfalls of self-custody.
  • Insurance. A small handful of exchanges now operate insurance schemes. These can range from insuring user deposits held in cold storage to reimbursing customers if a hack occurs.
  • Earn yield. Many exchanges now let you earn yield on your Bitcoin. This is achieved by lending your BTC so carries its own set of risks. Do your research before deciding if it's the right option for you.

  Cons

  • Phishing. Exchange users are frequently targeted by scammers trying to steal login information through malicious emails and fake website links.
  • Hacking. Exchanges are major targets for hackers. While security practices have improved substantially, hacks still occur from time to time.
  • Account freezing. Exchanges have been known to occasionally freeze user accounts, whether due to security concerns, technical issues or market turbulence. This could see you temporarily lose access to your crypto.

• Pros

  • Self-custody. A mantra repeated by crypto investors is "Not your keys, not your coins". This comes from the idea that the only way to guarantee ownership of your Bitcoin is to own the private key — which isn't the case when you hold on an exchange.
  • Security. Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets vary greatly in their features and security. For the most secure experience, consider purchasing a hardware wallet, which is usually a small USB device that keeps your private keys offline at all times for an extra layer of security.
  • Utility. If you plan to use your Bitcoin for transactions, daily spending or decentralised finance (DeFi), then storing it in a wallet rather than an exchange will be more convenient.

  Cons

  • Learning curve. It's no secret that learning how to use a crypto wallet takes some time and effort. Spend some time learning how Bitcoin wallets work before transferring any of your funds.
  • Personal responsibility. Owning your own money can be liberating, but it also means the responsibility is all yours. If you lose your private key, the only way to regain access to your wallet is through the seed phrase. Make sure to store both of these privately and securely.
  • Inheritance. A challenge presented by crypto wallets is how to pass access on in the event of death or disability. Several companies are experimenting with ways to solve this problem, like the Trezor Model T wallet's Shamir back-up feature.

Is Bitcoin safe to invest in?

All investments have risk associated. Before you buy Bitcoin, make sure you do due diligence in research and understand these risks:

• Bitcoin's price is largely based on speculation, meaning it can rise or fall quickly. It's common for Bitcoin to move by 5% or more in a single day.

• Leaving your Bitcoin on a crypto platform exposes you to several counterparty risks, including scams, hacks and theft and fiscal mismanagement, as we saw in the case of FTX in 2022. To reduce this risk, it's best to keep your Bitcoin in a non-custodial wallet.

• The regulatory environment for Bitcoin and other cryptos is constantly changing. In some countries owning and trading Bitcoin is legal and in others, it isn't. Even in countries in which it is legal to own Bitcoin or other cryptos, there can still be some jurisdictions that don't permit certain Bitcoin or crypto services and platforms. For example, only a few crypto companies are permitted to operate in New York state, so there are only certain ways to buy Bitcoin in NY.

• Bitcoin was created in 2009, making it relatively new as a form of technology and currency. Bitcoin doesn't yet have the same track record or performance history as some other asset classes.

• If you plan to invest in Bitcoin and custody the asset on your own, you'll have to learn how to use a non-custodial crypto wallet.

• The Bitcoin network is near-impossible to hack, but the hardware and software used to manage your funds — known as wallets — can still be vulnerable. We researched BTC wallets and shared which ones we felt were best.

• Once you've submitted a transaction to the Bitcoin network, it can't be cancelled or reversed. Double-check the receiving address before sending a Bitcoin payment or moving Bitcoin off an exchange. One good way to do this is to check the first and last 4 digits of the wallet address you are sending to before setting the transaction in motion. There is no way to refund BTC sent to the wrong address.

Frequently asked questions

• Bitcoin is widely considered as a high-risk asset, so you should "only invest what you can afford to lose".
  To help cushion the highs and lows of market volatility, consider dollar-cost averaging (DCA). This involves buying small amounts of Bitcoin at regular intervals, such as every week or month. DCA removes some of the emotion from investing and can help support a long-term strategy.

• The safest way to buy Bitcoin is through a reputable cryptocurrency exchange or broker that complies with Australian laws and regulations. Look for one that promotes stringent security measures such as registration with AUSTRAC, KYC for all users, 2-factor authentication and an insurance fund.

  Once you've purchased some BTC, consider moving it into a self-custodial wallet for added security.

• The best way to buy Bitcoin is to identify your investment goals first. Do you plan to trade frequently or make a few purchases and hold long term? For regular trading, fees are lowest on a spot market, while casual investors might feel the convenience of a higher-fee instant purchase is worthwhile.

  Compare exchanges and trading platforms in our table to decide which is the best place to buy Bitcoin for you.

• There are still a small number of ways to buy Bitcoin (BTC) without an ID. However, it tends to be safer to purchase BTC through a platform that's registered with AUSTRAC. You won't be able to create an account on a AUSTRAC-registered platform without providing identification as part of the KYC verification process.

• Bitcoin is treated as an asset by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), which means that if you've bought, sold or earned BTC during the financial year, you will need to report it at tax time. Investors will need to declare any profits as capital gains, while losses can be used to reduce your tax bill or offset any future gains.

  If you make frequent BTC trades in a professional capacity you may be classified as a trader, which is a bit more complex. Learn more in our guide to crypto tax in Australia or use our round-up of the best crypto tax software to make tax reporting easier.

• Buying Bitcoin with a credit card might seem convenient at first glance, but once you add up the purchasing fees, any interest payments or charges from your card issuer, it may not end up being the most cost-effective option.

  There are also a number of additional risks and considerations when using a credit card. Read our dedicated guide on buying Bitcoin with a credit card before making a purchase.

  Of all the payment methods listed on this page, buying Bitcoin with a credit card is typically the most expensive. To help you, we've put together a list of some of the platforms with the lowest credit card fees in Australia, based on our research.

  Platform	Supported cryptos	Trading fees	Regulator registration	Finder Score
  CoinJar	70+	Average (2%): Approximately $20.00 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased using a credit card.	AUSTRAC	3.5 ★★★★★	Go to site
  CoinSpot	492+	Average (2.58%): Approximately $25.80 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased using a credit card.	AUSTRAC	4.0 ★★★★★	Go to site
  Binance Australia	383+	Very high (3.5%): Approximately $35.00 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased using a credit card.	AUSTRAC	4.0 ★★★★★	Go to site

• PayPal is only accepted by a small number of cryptocurrency platforms in Australia. This is because PayPal allows for chargebacks, which causes problems when buying and selling crytocurrency.

  You may have heard of people purchasing Bitcoin directly from the PayPal app, but this feature is not currently available to Australian users.

  If you want to learn more about buying Bitcoin with PayPal in Australia, you can read our dedicated guide

  Otherwise, check out the table below for a list of platforms that let you buy Bitcoin with PayPal in Australia.

  Platform	Supported cryptos	Trading fees	Regulator registration	Finder Score
  Independent Reserve	30+	Very low (0.5%): Approximately $5.00 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased on the spot market using a PayPal deposit.	AUSTRAC	Not rated yet	Go to site
  eToro	103+	Average (2.5%): Approximately $25.00 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased using PayPal.	ASIC	4.0 ★★★★★	Go to site

• Many crypto platforms support free and instant bank transfers in Australia. This includes PayID and Osko.

  Once you've passed a know your customer (KYC) check, you can deposit AUD from your bank account and will usually be able to swap it for Bitcoin within minutes.

  Below is a list of reputable platforms that support deposits via bank transfer, Osko or PayID and offer some of the lowest fees in Australia, based on our research.

  Platform	Supported cryptos	Trading fees	Regulator registration	Finder Score
  CoinSpot	492+	Very low (0.1–1%): Approximately $1.00 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased using a market order.	AUSTRAC	4.0 ★★★★★	Go to site
  Kraken	257+	Very low (0.26%): Approximately $2.60 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased on the spot market.	AUSTRAC	4.5 ★★★★★	Go to site
  Swyftx	422+	Very low (0.6%): Approximately $6.00 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased on the spot market.	AUSTRAC	4.0 ★★★★★	Go to site

• An increasing number of Australian cryptocurrency platforms now support buying Bitcoin with a debit card.

  A benefit of buying Bitcoin with a debit card is that the process is often simplified and designed for beginners and or people that have never invested in cryptocurrency before.

  The downside is that the fees are typically higher than when you pay using a bank transfer or PayID.

  Below is a list of reputable platforms that support purchases of Bitcoin using debit card and offer some of the lowest fees in Australia, based on our research.

  Platform	Supported cryptos	Trading fees	Regulator registration	Finder Score
  CoinJar	70+	Average (2%): Approximately $20.00 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased using a debit card.	AUSTRAC	3.5 ★★★★★	Go to site
  Independent Reserve	30+	Average (2%): Approximately $20.00 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased using a debit card.	AUSTRAC	Not rated yet	Go to site
  CoinSpot	492+	Average (2.58%): Approximately $25.80 of fees per $1,000 BTC purchased using a debit card.	AUSTRAC	4.0 ★★★★★	Go to site

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Thomas Stelzer

Publisher

Tom Stelzer is a publisher and writer for Finder, covering investing and cryptocurrency. He previously worked for Finder as a writer in Australia and the UK, covering things like personal finance, loans, investing, insurance as well as small business and business loans. He has a Master of Media Arts and Production and Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Technology Sydney. See full bio