So, how and where you get your first crypto currency. There are many ways and platforms to purchase crypto, some fairly easy and straight forward like joining exchange like Coinbase or Binance, some more complicated like using Defi P2P platforms.
Lets go through the steps.
First you should already know what crypto you want to buy. This is crucial, because not all exchanges trade all crypto. Sure, Some of the big ones(BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, etc.) are available pretty much on every exchange, but unless you want to buy bitcoin and trade it for something else (and paying fees for doing so), you should check if the exchange actually carries the particular crypto.
Then, get the actual wallet that carry your crypto(same thing as exchanges, not every wallet carries every crypto – revisit the wallet section). Do not leave your crypto on exchange as it was explained in wallet section.
Next step would be to check which exchange carries the crypto you want, create account, confirm your identity trough KYC(know your customer) process, and set up the way you want to pay – most commonly debit card or wire transfer from your linked bank account.
I also recommend to do some research into the exchange as well, not all exchanges are created equal and I would avoid ones that were hacked in past or involved in some scams or have history of “loosing” customers funds. As a beginner, you probably want a strong customer service available in your language (not every exchange is in US and not everybody speak English)
Let me stop for minute at the KYC process – some people do not like it because it require your full identification, but in my opinion it is one of the most important security features that protect not only exchange from money laundering, but also protect customers from roque actors joining. Most established exchanges requires KYC anyway and you should see it as a sign of security and stability rather than bureaucratic hassle.
Once you linked your card to the exchange account, now you can either buy your crypto directly, or in some cases you deposit desired amount of money into exchange account in form of some stablecoin (often USDC or USDT) and buy your crypto with that.
Last step would be to transfer your crypto from exchange to your wallet, just as was explained in wallet section.
do not forget this step, remember – not your keys, not your crypto.
there are other ways, some wallets can be used to purchase crypto directly trough wallet using third party processor, one also can use crypto on/off ramps like Alchemy Pay, Defi, etc. But for beginner I would suggest using established exchange route as most secure and easiest.
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