Start Here: Your First Step Into Crypto
Cryptocurrency can feel overwhelming at first—but it doesn’t have to be. This guide is designed to help you take your first safe and confident steps into the world of crypto using Coinbase, one of the most trusted platforms in the industry.
What Is a Cryptocurrency Exchange?
A cryptocurrency exchange is a secure online platform where you can buy, sell, store, and trade digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. These platforms connect buyers and sellers, similar to how stock exchanges work, but for crypto.
Most exchanges also provide tools to:
- Convert fiat money (like USD or EUR) into cryptocurrency
- Store your crypto securely in digital wallets
- Track price charts and trends
- Place orders with varying levels of control (like market or limit orders)
Why Use Coinbase?
Coinbase is one of the largest and most established crypto exchanges. It’s based in the United States. It’s publicly traded, regulated, and built for ease of use, making it ideal for beginners and everyday users. Here’s why it’s a popular choice:
- ✅ Easy Account Setup: Create an account in minutes with identity verification built-in.
- 🔒 Secure Storage: Most assets are stored offline in cold wallets with strong protection.
- 📱 User-Friendly Interface: The Coinbase app and website are streamlined for clarity.
- 🛡️ Compliance & Regulation: Registered with U.S. regulators, so you’re operating within a trusted framework.
- 📈 Options to Grow: Start simple, and when you’re ready, switch to Coinbase Advanced for more trading tools and lower fees.
This guide will walk you through everything—step by step—from setting up your account to your first crypto purchase, all with safety and clarity in mind.
Our partnership with Coinbase allows you to get a bonus of $30 of FREE Bitcoin when you register!
✓ Safe
✓ Secure
✓ Simple
Here’s A Summary Of The Process Of Starting A Coinbase Account
Getting started with Coinbase is a straightforward process designed to take you from beginner to crypto owner in a few simple steps. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
1. Create Your Coinbase Account
Start by visiting coinbase.com and signing up with your email. You’ll set a password, confirm your email, and enter some basic personal information. This is standard and required for all regulated exchanges to help prevent fraud.
🔐 Tip: Use a strong, unique password and consider enabling two-factor authentication for extra security.
2. Complete Identity Verification (KYC)
Coinbase is required by law to verify your identity through a process known as KYC (Know Your Customer). You’ll upload a photo of your government-issued ID and may be asked to take a quick selfie to match.
This process typically takes just a few minutes and unlocks access to all of Coinbase’s features.
3. Link a Payment Method
Once verified, you can connect a payment method to fund your account. Coinbase supports:
- Bank accounts (ACH)
- Debit cards
- Wire transfers
Bank transfers usually have lower fees and higher limits, while debit cards are faster but may cost more per transaction.
4. Buy Your First Crypto
With your payment method in place, you’re ready to buy crypto. You can choose from major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins such as USDC. The platform shows real-time prices, fees, and lets you confirm everything before purchase.
After the transaction, your crypto will appear in your Coinbase wallet, where it’s stored securely.
Ready to register an account at Coinbase?
The registration and set up process is easy and self-explanatory. If you’re familiar with registering at websites, verifying your identity and using online dashboards, you should be able to go through the steps easily enough without any further research.
What You’ll Learn in the Start Here Section
The Start Here section lays the groundwork for your crypto journey. Whether you’re completely new or just cautious, each page in this section is designed to build trust, understanding, and momentum—so you can move forward with confidence.
How to Start Crypto Safely
Before you make your first trade, it’s essential to understand how to protect yourself. From creating strong passwords to recognizing scams and phishing attempts, this page walks you through basic but vital security habits. If you’re new, reading How To Start Crypto Safely is a must.
Site Overview
This site is designed like a step-by-step roadmap. But instead of guessing where to go next, you’ll get clear guidance based on where you are in the process—whether you’re signing up, trading, or just exploring. For a breakdown of the page structure, referral logic, and learning flow, see the Site Overview.
Crypto Onboarding Guide’s Mission and Independence
In the crypto world, it’s easy to come across hype, affiliate noise, and financial advice disguised as facts. This site avoids all of that. Our mission is to offer helpful, unbiased onboarding without pushing you to invest or take risks. You can learn more about how we operate on the Crypto Onboarding Guide’s Mission and Independence page.
Trust Basics
Trust is everything in crypto. From exchanges and wallets to influencers and platforms, knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) can protect both your money and your privacy. The Trust Basics page explains how trust works in the crypto space—and how to assess it at every step.