Step 1, Register at BTC Direct
The first step is creating a BTC Direct account. The registration form takes a couple of minutes, you'll need an email address, a password, and a few personal details.
After signing up, we’ll ask you to verify your identity (KYC). This is a legal requirement for all crypto exchanges in the EU. We do this to keep the platform safe for everyone, without identity checks, criminals could use stolen bank accounts to buy crypto and launder funds. With most documents, verification takes minutes; in some cases it can take a few hours.
What happens to your documents?
The documents you upload are stored on encrypted infrastructure and are only accessible to a small group of trained BTC Direct employees who handle compliance. They are never shared with third parties outside legal obligations.
Step 2, Set up a wallet
A wallet is where you store and manage your bitcoin. Think of it like a bank account, but you hold the keys yourself. There are several types:
- Mobile wallet (app on your phone) — Best for daily use, small amounts. Good security, but only as safe as your phone.
- Desktop wallet (program on your computer) — Best for active management of medium amounts. Good security, keep your computer free of malware.
- Hardware wallet (physical device) — Best for long-term storage of larger amounts. Excellent security, keys never leave the device.
For your very first bitcoin, a mobile or desktop wallet is fine. As your holdings grow, consider adding a hardware wallet.
About your recovery phrase: when you set up a wallet, you'll be given a recovery phrase, usually 12 or 24 words. Write it down on paper and store it somewhere safe. Never share it. Never type it into a website. Never store it as a screenshot or in a notes app. Anyone with this phrase has full access to your bitcoin.
Step 3, Place your first order
With your account verified and your wallet ready, you're set to buy.
- Select bitcoin in the calculator on our homepage.
- Enter an amount, either in BTC or in euros. The calculator shows you both.
- Click "Buy bitcoin" to see your order summary.
- Paste your wallet address, copy it from your wallet's “receive” screen. Don't type it manually; even a single wrong character means lost funds.
- Choose a payment method, bank transfer, card, or another method available in your country. Payments must come from a bank account in your own name.
- Review and confirm. Read our terms, double-check the wallet address, and complete the payment.
- Verify the transaction in the final pop-up. This is your last chance to spot mistakes, if anything looks off, do not confirm and contact our support team instead.
When will my bitcoin arrive?
Most orders are processed within 10 minutes. First-time orders or orders from a new bank account need manual verification, which can take longer outside business hours. Once the transaction is on the bitcoin network, the speed depends on network traffic, that part is out of our hands.
A few good habits before you buy
- Start small. Buy a small amount first to test the full flow, you'll know what to expect for next time.
- Triple-check addresses. Copy-paste, never type. Bitcoin transactions can't be reversed.
- Don't invest borrowed money. Cryptocurrency prices can swing significantly. Only invest what you're comfortable losing.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline. No screenshot, no cloud note, no email to yourself.
Buy bitcoin from €25
Create your free BTC Direct account and complete your first purchase in minutes. Bank transfer, card, and other local payment methods supported.
Buy your first crypto in 3 minutes, straight to your own wallet.
