How To Buy Bitcoin

Below are some reliable and easy methods to buy bitcoin online in the UK.

Choose whatever suits you best.

1. Revolut

What It Is

A UK fintech app that offers Bitcoin exposure. Note: Not real Bitcoin ownership — you’re buying a price position, not actual BTC.

Step-by-Step

1. Download & Sign Up

  • Download Revolut app (iOS or Android)
  • Sign up with phone number
  • Complete identity verification (passport/licence + selfie)
  • Usually approved within minutes

2. Add Money

  • Tap Add Money
  • Link your UK bank account or add via debit card
  • Transfer GBP in

3. Buy Bitcoin

  • Tap the Crypto section in the app
  • Search for Bitcoin
  • Tap Buy
  • Enter GBP amount
  • Confirm

4. Selling

  • Same screen — tap Sell
  • Converts back to GBP in your Revolut balance
  • Transfer GBP back to your bank

5. Withdrawing Bitcoin (Limited)

  • Some Revolut plans allow sending to external wallets
  • Go to Crypto → Bitcoin → Send
  • Paste external wallet address
  • Subject to daily limits and approval delays
  • Metal/Premium plans have better withdrawal access

Fees

  • Exchange spread: 1.5–2.5% (built into price, not shown explicitly)
  • Free plan: limited to 5 free crypto exchanges/month
  • Standard purchases beyond free allowance: 0.5% fee

2. Coinbase

What It Is

The world’s largest regulated crypto exchange. Very beginner-friendly, fully FCA registered in UK.

Step-by-Step

1. Create Account

  • Go to coinbase.com or download the app
  • Enter email, create password
  • Verify your email

2. Verify Identity (KYC)

  • Enter your full name, date of birth, address
  • Upload passport or driving licence
  • Take a selfie
  • Usually verified in 5–15 minutes

3. Add Payment Method

  • Go to Payment Methods → Add
  • Options:
    • Debit card — instant but ~3.99% fee
    • Bank transfer (Open Banking) — free, arrives same day usually
    • PayPal — available on Coinbase

4. Buy Bitcoin

  • Tap Buy / Sell on home screen
  • Select Bitcoin
  • Enter GBP amount
  • Review the fee breakdown shown
  • Tap Buy Now

5. Withdraw to Your Own Wallet

  • Tap Send / Receive
  • Select Bitcoin
  • Paste your external wallet address (BlueWallet, hardware wallet etc.)
  • Enter amount
  • Confirm — arrives within 10–30 mins

3. Kraken

What It Is

One of the most trusted and long-running Bitcoin exchanges globally. UK-regulated and FCA registered.

Step-by-Step

1. Create Account

  • Go to kraken.com
  • Click Create Account
  • Enter email and create a strong password
  • Verify your email

2. Starter Verification (Tier 1 — minimal KYC)

  • Just email + name + date of birth + country
  • Allows up to £750/day in purchases
  • No ID document needed at this tier

3. Express Verification (Tier 2 — full KYC)

  • Add your address
  • Upload passport or driving licence photo
  • Usually verified within minutes to a few hours
  • Unlocks higher limits

4. Add Payment Method

  • Go to Funding → Deposit
  • Select GBP
  • Use Faster Payments bank transfer (free, arrives quickly)
  • Alternatively use debit card (higher fees ~1.5%)

5. Buy Bitcoin

  • Go to Buy Crypto
  • Select Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Enter amount in GBP
  • Review price and confirm

6. Withdraw to Your Wallet (Important)

  • Go to Funding → Withdraw → Bitcoin
  • Paste your wallet address
  • Enter amount
  • Confirm withdrawal

Fees

  • Bank transfer deposit: Free
  • Trading fee: 0.25–0.40%
  • Debit card: ~1.5%
  • Withdrawal: Small fixed BTC network fee