How to Buy BTC, ETH + Other Crypto with Low Fees

When you’re starting out buying crypto, a lack of knowledge can cost you. Literally. Crypto fees can add up fast, which might end up making your purchase less of a bargain than you thought you were getting. The fees you pay when buying crypto are (unfortunately) necessary to keep networks running smoothly and securely. However there are plenty of ways to reduce the amount you end up paying, keeping more funds in your wallet where they belong..

Best ways to save on fees when buying crypto

Your goal when buying crypto should always be to pay as little in fees as possible. Crypto fees are most likely here to stay, but with some basic knowledge and strategizing you can pay significantly less. Best of all, it’s easy to ensure you don’t overpay on crypto fees. You don’t have to be an expert market watcher or crypto whiz; just follow some simple best practices.

Use a trusted buying platform with limited fees

The key word here is trusted. There are plenty of exchanges out there offering rates that seem too good to be true. It may be tempting to transact with the platform that advertises the lowest fees, but always do your due diligence before forking over your hard-earned cash. Unknown exchanges or platforms with a spotty reputation can put your funds at risk.

Review exchange rates closely

Some exchanges may advertise super-low fees, which they can afford to do because they jack up the exchange rate (or “spread”). If an exchange is offering rock-bottom fees, check to see that they aren’t overcharging on their exchange rate. The amount of crypto you receive is ultimately more important than the line item fees shown in your buy preview.

For example, consider you want to buy $500 worth of BTC. Which of the following buys would you choose?

Which is the better buy? The answer is Exchange #2. While the fees may be higher, you are receiving more BTC for your money by way of a better exchange rate.

Time your buys

One of the purposes of crypto fees is to incentivize miners to push transactions through the network. When a crypto network is experiencing high traffic, miner fees go up. With some cryptocurrencies, users can even fast-track their transactions by voluntarily paying more in fees. To avoid these crypto traffic jams, time your purchases when network traffic is at a minimum. Typically the most expensive time to buy crypto is during U.S. business hours, so if you’re a night owl or an early bird, take advantage. See the example of how the impact BTC ordinals had on Bitcoin Network congestion.

Choose low-fee payment methods

Where you purchase crypto can have a big impact on the amount you pay in fees. But your method of payment can also make a difference. For instance, some exchanges allow you to buy crypto with a credit card. But you’ll pay for the privilege in the form of higher fees. Direct bank account transfers are typically less expensive than using a credit card. Learn more about buying crypto straight from your bank account.

Consider transfer fees into your buying equation

With a few notable custodial services facing legal troubles, we’re seeing a clear trend of crypto users preferring to self-custody their assets instead of relying on an exchange to manage and secure their funds. So before you buy, consider where your funds will ultimately “live”. Fees may appear low when purchasing through a centralized exchange like Coinbase or Kraken. But you’ll wind up paying additional transaction fees if your plan is to transfer those funds to a self-custody wallet. The best way to avoid this double-fee is to buy with a self-custody wallet in the first place.

How BitPay gets you the best rates with low fees on your crypto buys

You’re free to shop around on your own for the best rates every time you make a crypto purchase. But why would you want to if you didn’t have to? BitPay’s partner network ensures you always get the best available price with every buy. Using BitPay’s “Best Offer” feature, either online or in the BitPay Wallet app, you’ll be presented with multiple offers. No hidden fees, no excessive markups. Simply choose your preferred offer and you’ll be taken to one of our trusted partner sites to complete your transaction.

Buying Crypto In the BitPay app

Step 1: Get the BitPay Wallet app

Get the app for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. Scan the QR code provided, or visit the iOS store to download it to your device. (You can skip this part if you already have the BitPay app).

Step 2: Tap “Buy Crypto”

BitPay supports Bitcoin, Ethereum and many of the most popular cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

Step 3: Choose your amount and your crypto of choice.

Enter how much you’d like to convert to cryptocurrency. BitPay supports over 40 fiat currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD and many others.

Step 4: Choose your preferred payment method.

With BitPay you can buy Bitcoin with a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH bank transfers, and other local bank transfers methods (options may vary by location).

Step 5: Choose your “Best Offer.”

We work with a network of partners to ensure you always get the best possible price. We also take the guesswork out of buying crypto by highlighting the best rate for each purchase you make (just look for the “Best Offer” flag). Once you’ve chosen your offer, you’ll be taken to one of our partner sites to complete the transaction.

Buying Crypto on BitPay.com

The BitPay widget offers a seamless experience when buying crypto online, allowing you to buy the cryptocurrency of your choice and have it sent to a self-custody wallet address.

Step 1: Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to buy

Choose your crypto of choice and input the amount of local fiat currency you wish to convert.

Step 2: Enter your wallet address

You can send crypto to any wallet, simply enter the address where you’d like to receive it. Need a wallet? BitPay’s self-custody wallet is easy to use and offers maximum peace of mind your funds will always be secure.

Step 3: Choose the “Best Offer” rate

BitPay does the work for you, aggregating offers from our multiple partners and surfacing those with the lowest fees and best exchange rate. Just look for the “Best Offer” flag and choose the offer that works best for you. Then you’ll be brought to one of our partner websites to complete the transaction.

BitPay partners with low buy fees

We’ve mentioned our partner network a few times already, but here are some of the BitPay partners that offer the lowest buy fees. BitPay consistently adds new partners to our network to ensure you get the best buying experience.

Simplex

Simplex offers users the ability to buy cryptocurrency with a range of payment methods, even a credit card, with no account required.

Sardine

Sardine is an instant-settlement onramp service allowing users to buy crypto with a debit card or bank transfer. Its deep expertise in both payments and fraud makes it a trusted partner in both the crypto and traditional finance world.

Ramp

Ramp provides a powerful fiat to crypto toolkit with a robust feature set working to connect the crypto economy with the modern financial infrastructure.

MoonPay

Moonpay allows users to purchase crypto, NFTs and more with multiple payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay and more.

Additional benefits of buying crypto with BitPay

Whether you’re a seasoned digital assets veteran or just starting out on your crypto journey, BitPay offers the tools, features and security that make it a one-stop shop for your cryptocurrency buying needs.

Buy with self-custody

As the saying goes, “Not your keys, not your crypto.” BitPay’s self-custody wallet means you’ll always be in complete control of both your private keys and your funds.

Safe and secure

In addition to the standard safety features you expect from crypto walles, BitPay’s self-custody Wallet offers multi-sig and optional key encryption, allowing users to seamlessly manage their assets across platforms. Multi-factor wallets let you split payment authorization across up to 12 devices or trusted copayers for even more security.

60+ cryptocurrencies

BitPay supports more than 60 of the most popular coins, tokens and stablecoins, with more being added all the time.

Use any wallet

Even if you’re not a BitPay Wallet user, you can still use BitPay’s website to make crypto buys and have them sent to any self-custody wallet.

Flexible payment methods

With BitPay, you’re free to purchase crypto with just about any payment method you want. BitPay supports credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and direct ACH transfers.

FAQs about buying crypto with BitPay

What fees am I paying and where do they go?

Many exchanges use complicated fee structures, BitPay does not. Of the fees you do pay with BitPay, a portion goes to BitPay itself, its partner platforms and also to network validators/miners.

Which cryptocurrencies can I buy with BitPay?

With BitPay you can purchase 60+ of the most popular tokens and coins, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Dai (DAI), Binance USD (BUSD), USD Coin (USDC), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Pax Dollar (USDP), Gemini Dollar (GUSD), and dozens more.