How to buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Australia for beginners (2025)

Compare crypto exchanges that offer Bitcoin, plus other ways to invest.

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By

Thomas Stelzer

Edited by

Kylie Purcell

Reviewed by

Fred Schebesta

Updated

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Searching for a way to buy Bitcoin (BTC), you'll get hit with dozens of websites all claiming to offer the best service for your time.

Put really simply, the best way to buy Bitcoin is through a regulated crypto exchange that offers AUD deposits, has low fees and useful trading features.

In this guide you'll get a comparison table of crypto exchanges that offer Bitcoin to Australians plus other ways to buy, so you can find the best option for you.

How to buy Bitcoin in 5 steps

While there's a few ways to invest in Bitcoin, the easiest method for beginners is generally to buy Bitcoin through a crypto exchange. Follow the steps below to get started:

  1. Find an exchange
    For beginners, fees, AUD support and ease-of-use might be your top priorities when choosing where to buy BTC. You can compare our picks for the best places to buy Bitcoin.
  2. Create an account
    Once you've chosen the platform you want to use you will need to create an account. You will need to provide some photo ID like a driver's licence or passport to complete the process. You may also be required to take a selfie to prove your identity in accordance with Australian law.
  3. Choose a payment method
    It's possible to deposit funds using bank transfer, debit or credit card, PayPal and more, but using bank deposit or PayID to a crypto exchange can mean you don't pay any fees. Alternatively, you may already have a specific payment method in mind, so you could instead start by choosing an exchange that supports it – such as finding a platform that accepts PayID or debit card.
  4. Purchase your Bitcoin
    Depending on which platform you choose, there may be a number of ways to buy BTC. The spot market is typically where fees are lowest but it may require some getting used to if you've never used an investment platform before. The easiest method is usually using the "instant purchase" option, but this is likely to come with higher fees.
  5. Safely store your Bitcoin
    Once you've bought Bitcoin, you have the choice of keeping it on the exchange or platform you bought it from, or transferring it to your own crypto wallet. While it can be more convenient to leave it on the exchange, it's generally recommended you move your Bitcoin to a private wallet for added security and safety.

Our picks for the best places to buy

This is not an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade or use any services.

Compare crypto exchanges

The easiest way to buy Bitcoin is through an exchange that lets you deposit funds and buy Bitcoin directly using Australian dollars (AUD).

This will save you having to convert your AUD into another currency and potentially help you save on fees. Thankfully, there are quite a few exchanges that let you buy Bitcoin with AUD, including Kraken, CoinSpot and Swyftx.

You can compare Australian crypto exchanges that let you trade Bitcoin below:

10 of 23 results
Deposit methods Fiat currencies Cryptocurrencies Rewards Disclaimer
Coinbase logo
Coinbase Australia
Debit card, Bank transfer, Paypal, Cryptocurrency
7
315
ENDS SOON!
$100
$100
VISA CARD REWARD
1
Join Finder
2
Sign up to Coinbase and make a trade
3
Get card from Finder
Ends by. T&Cs apply.
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
Kraken logo
Kraken
Finder Award
Debit card, Credit card, Bank transfer, Paypal, Cryptocurrency
10
457
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
Webull logo
Webull Pay
4
100
ENDS SOON!
$100
$100
VISA CARD REWARD
1
Join Finder
2
Sign up to Webull Pay and make a trade
3
Get card from Finder
Ends by. T&Cs apply.
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
CoinSpot logo
CoinSpot
Most Loved
Debit card, Credit card, Bank transfer, Paypal, Cryptocurrency
1
537
Get $20 in BTC when you make a deposit. T&Cs apply.
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
Bitcoin.com.au logo
Bitcoin.com.au
Debit card, Credit card, Bank transfer, Paypal, Cryptocurrency
1
37
Get $20 worth of Bitcoin when you sign-up, verify and trade. T&Cs apply.
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
Swyftx logo
Swyftx
Finder Award
Debit card, Credit card, Bank transfer, Cryptocurrency
3
450
Get $20 in BTC when you verify your account. T&Cs apply.
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
eToro logo
eToro Crypto
Debit card, Credit card, Bank transfer, Paypal, Cryptocurrency
27
130
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
Digital Surge logo
Digital Surge
Bank transfer, Cryptocurrency
1
441
Receive $10 BTC on sign-up and verification. T&Cs apply.
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
Independent Reserve logo
Independent Reserve
Debit card, Credit card, Bank transfer, Paypal, Cryptocurrency
4
37
Get $20 of Bitcoin when you sign-up, verify and trade. T&Cs apply.
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
Binance Australia logo
Binance Australia
Debit card, Credit card, Cryptocurrency
98
404
Get 100 USDT welcome bonus when you sign up, verify and deposit. T&Cs apply.
Go to site More info
Compare product selection
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Showing 10 of 23 results

Crypto exchanges: What to consider

  • Pro: Straightforward and affordable buying and selling of BTC accessible to all experience levels.
  • Cons: If you leave your BTC in the custody of a crypto exchange, your funds are potentially at risk if issues arise with the exchange.

What to look for when choosing an exchange

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when looking for where to buy Bitcoin.

How to safely store your Bitcoin

Once you buy Bitcoin from a crypto exchange, the exchange normally holds the BTC in custody on your behalf until you choose to sell or withdraw it.

However, this isn't always the safest option. Cryptocurrency exchanges are at risk of hacks or financial mismanagement, which means leaving your BTC on the same platform you purchased it on could put it at risk.

It can be safer to move your Bitcoin to a self-custodial wallet, which gives you full possession and control over your tokens and protect you from the risks of keeping your crypto on an exchange.

Safe storage of cryptocurrency is important for everyone, even beginners.

Other ways buy Bitcoin in Australia

While the most straight forward method is to use a crypto exchange, it isn't the only way to invest in Bitcoin. You can also buy Bitcoin through a crypto wallet, share trading platform and even specialised ATMs.

Here's an overview of your options:

  1. Crypto exchange. Dedicated crypto exchanges like CoinSpot and Kraken are the most popular way for Australian investors to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
  2. Stock trading platform. Some online trading platforms and brokers now also offer the ability to buy and sell Bitcoin but may lack the trading features and withdrawal options of crypto exchanges.
  3. Crypto wallet. Popular software and hardware wallet providers like Ledger, Trezor and Trust Wallet now offer the ability to trade Bitcoin and other cryptos through their apps.
  4. Bitcoin ETF. Spot Bitcoin ETFs are a way to get exposure to the price of Bitcoin without having to purchase or manage the Bitcoin yourself. When you buy an ETF, the company purchases and holds Bitcoin on your behalf.
  5. Bitcoin ATM. Like the name suggests, Bitcoin ATMs are physical ATMs that let you purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
  6. Peer-to-peer. There are a number of peer-to-peer platforms where you can buy and sell Bitcoin directly with other holders.

What's the cheapest way to buy Bitcoin in Australia?

The cheapest method for buying Bitcoin would be using a crypto exchange that has no deposit fees and low trading fees.

If you're looking for a low-cost but convenient way to buy BTC, many exchanges let you buy Bitcoin using an "instant purchase" feature via bank deposit or card and will normally charge around a 1-2% fee, plus potentially a transaction fee if using card.

But if you're looking for the absolute cheapest way to buy Bitcoin in Australia, you'll probably want to buy it using what's known as the spot market.

The spot market is the part of the exchange where you trade with other users.

You'll need to deposit AUD or crypto into your account first to trade on the spot market, but this will let you buy as much Bitcoin as you like for the lowest price that someone is selling it for (a "market order").

According to our research, Coinjar, CoinSpot, Binance, Bitget, KuCoin and ByBit all offer 0.10% spot market trading fees, as of March 2025.

BTC Markets also offers -0.05% trading fees when buying Bitcoin using Etheruem, Litecoin or XRP, making it technically the cheapest place to buy Bitcoin in Australia.

If you like, you can also place a "limit order" where you set the price you want to pay. If the price moves low enough, your bid will automatically be accepted and your AUD swapped for BTC.

For example, say the price of 1 BTC is $100,000. You could set a limit order to buy a certain amount of Bitcoin if the price of 1 BTC hits $90,000. If it hits that price, your order is automatically processed, otherwise it stays in place until you either cancel it or it eventually reaches that price.

Finder survey: How many Australians own Bitcoin and how do they invest?

Response
Yes - For long-term growth49.28%
No32.97%
Yes - For short-term growth17.03%
Yes - For day trading5.43%
Yes - To hedge against central bank currencies3.62%
Yes - Other1.09%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1009 Australians, December 2023

Buy Bitcoin from an online trading platform

Online share trading platforms allow you to manage various investments, such as cryptocurrency, shares and ETFs in one location.

Platforms such as eToro, CMC Markets and SelfWealth are popular options, with eToro now having quite a strong focus on crypto alongside traditional assets.

Although trading platforms and apps will give you direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin, they may not give you the actual coins to withdraw.

This is one of the major differences between cryptocurrency exchanges and online share trading platforms.

This means you may not be able to move your BTC off the platform to your personal wallet or another platform. This simplifies the experience but may be an issue for anyone who wants the full experience and security of using crypto.

PlatformSupported cryptosTrading feesRegulator registrationFinder Score
eToro130+Fees vary between 1% (cash purchases) and 2.5% (debit, credit and PayPal purchases).AUSTRAC
4.0
★★★★★
Go to site
CMC Invest8+You'll pay a 0.9% brokerage fee plus FX spread on all crypto purchases.ASICNot rated yet

Share trading platforms: What to consider

  • Pro: Can be a convenient way to buy if you already have an account.
  • Cons: Most platforms won't let you withdraw your Bitcoin to your own wallet.

Buy Bitcoin from a decentralised exchange

Decentralised exchanges (DEX) have grown in popularity over the last few years and now process billions of dollars in crypto transactions every day. Uniswap and Sushiswap are 2 of the leading crypto DEXs.

Decentralised exchanges: What to consider

  • Pro: You have total control over your investment, secured by an encrypted wallet rather than a third party like an exchange.
  • Con: Learning to use a wallet requires time and effort. Transactions are irreversible and your funds are at risk of human error.

Buy Bitcoin from a crypto wallet

Cryptocurrency wallets are specialised software applications or physical devices designed for managing cryptocurrencies and keeping them highly secure.

Many of these wallets, including Ledger, Trezor and Trust Wallet offer you the ability to purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through a third party. These apps typically accept credit or debit card payments.

Hardware wallets provide a secure and private way to hold your Bitcoin personally, rather than being entrusted to a third-party exchange or platform.

Although the Bitcoin blockchain is more secure than exchanges and has never been hacked, your security depends on you. You are responsible for managing your private key or seed phrase, which, if lost, may result in lost funds.

Crypto wallets: What to consider

  • Pro: You have total control over your investment, secured by an encrypted wallet rather than a third party like an exchange.
  • Con: Learning to use a wallet requires time and effort. Transactions are irreversible and your funds are at risk of human error.

Buy a Bitcoin ETF

You can now invest in Bitcoin via an ETF (exchange-traded fund). An ETF is a simplified way of investing in physical assets like gold, silver and oil without needing to deal with storing the actual product itself.

Similarly, Bitcoin ETFs eliminate the need for you to learn how to safely store and manage Bitcoin yourself – which can be a complicated process for some people.

They can also be managed as part of your traditional stock or ETF portfolio, which makes managing your investments much easier.

Bitcoin ETFs: What to consider

  • Pro: Buying a Bitcoin ETF takes out the complexity out of buying Bitcoin and storing it safely.
  • Con: Owning an ETF doesn't give you access to the actual Bitcoin, so you cannot withdraw off the platform into your own wallet.
James Quinn-Kumar's headshot
Expert insight: Bitcoin as a serious investment

"Bitcoin's recent all-time high highlights the continued optimism surrounding Bitcoin and its potential for sustainable growth in both traditional and emerging markets.

Looking ahead, the crypto market remains optimistic, as Bitcoin's role in diversified portfolios continues to expand and gain further acceptance."

James Quinn-Kumar's headshot
Community engagement director, Binance Australia

Buy Bitcoin from a Bitcoin ATM

Buying Bitcoin using an ATM is a way to purchase the digital currency at a physical location. The process typically involves using cash or a debit card to purchase Bitcoin, which is then transferred to a digital wallet, which you must have set up before using the ATM.

It's worth noting that the fees associated are often much higher than purchasing via an online exchange and Bitcoin ATMs are only available in a limited range of locations throughout Australia. ATMs are also a clunky way to deal with inputting a Bitcoin address, which is a long string of letters and numbers.

Bitcoin ATM: What to consider

  • Pro: A way to purchase Bitcoin using physical cash or card.
  • Con: High fees mean less value for money than using an online exchange and the process may be more time-consuming.

Buy Bitcoin from a P2P marketplace

A peer-to-peer (or P2P) crypto marketplace is a platform that allows individuals to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly with one another through offers, a bit like eBay.

P2P marketplaces typically support a wide range of fiat currencies, including AUD.

Low or no fees are common for P2P trades. Since order prices are fixed, you can potentially find Bitcoin below market value.

Purchasing Bitcoin through P2P exchanges regularly can be challenging, as it may be hard to consistently find a seller willing to sell you the exact amount you want each time.

Here are some of our favourite P2P exchanges available in Australia

P2P marketplace: What to consider

  • Pro: Interact directly with Bitcoin sellers and choose from hundreds of payment options.
  • Con: You have to buy the specific amount of Bitcoin the buyer is selling.

Is Bitcoin safe to invest in?

All investments have risk associated. Before you buy Bitcoin, make sure you do due diligence in research and understand these risks:

Is now a good time to buy Bitcoin?

How are investors feeling about Bitcoin right now? You can use the scale below to get a sense of whether the market is optimistic or pessimistic about the price of Bitcoin. This index is calculated using a number of data sources including trading volume, social media sentiment and Google Trends. Latest Crypto Fear & Greed Index

Bottom line

If you want to buy Bitcoin, start by comparing a range of crypto brokers and exchanges available in Australia. Look at their features, fees, security and overall reputation to decide which platform is the right fit for you. Consider an exchange registered with AUSTRAC for added peace of mind.

Remember that owning and using Bitcoin is not without its risks. Carefully consider investing in BTC as part of a wider strategy and talk to a financial adviser if you have any questions.

Once you've bought some BTC, think about what your short- and long-term goals are. This will help you decide whether to keep it on an exchange or move it to your own wallet.

Bitcoin market update: October 2025

Despite dipping in September, Bitcoin is up over 100% over the past 12 months, positioning itself as the world's best performing major asset.

Meanwhile, crypto exchanges in Australia face more stringent licensing, according to draft legislation revealed by the government. Once the new rules take affect, exchanges operating here will need to hold an Australian Financial Services License under ASIC.

Read more on that here: Crypto exchanges in Australia face ASIC licensing – what it means

And get the latest BTC price forecast: Bitcoin Price Prediction Survey 2025

Why is crypto up today?
Kylie Purcell Kylie Purcell is an investments editor at Finder.

VIDEO: What is Bitcoin?

3:08

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.

Sources

Kylie Purcell's headshot
Fred Schebesta's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Kylie Purcell and reviewed by Fred Schebesta, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
Thomas Stelzer's headshot
Written by

Journalist

Tom Stelzer is a journalist with 6 years of experience covering personal finance, specialising in investment and cryptocurrency. With a Master of Media Arts and Production and a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Technology Sydney, Tom provides expert analysis on digital assets and market trends, helping readers navigate the fast-evolving world of finance. See full bio

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39 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    jubyJuly 28, 2016

    does coinbase provide service to australia

      Elizabeth Barry's headshotFinder
      ElizabethJuly 28, 2016Finder

      Hi Juby,

      Coinbase just expanded its services to Australia yesterday. You’re able to buy bitcoins with a credit or debit card.

      Hope this helps,

      Elizabeth

      Default Gravatar
      JubyJuly 28, 2016

      Bitcoin is legal in au? Do we need to declare it during the time of tax return.thank you

      Elizabeth Barry's headshotFinder
      ElizabethJuly 29, 2016Finder

      Hi Juby,

      Bitcoin is legal in Australia. There are no tax implications if you’re simply paying for goods or services (for your personal consumption) in bitcoin. According to the ATO, any capital gains or loss from bitcoin will be disregarded if it is $10,000 or less. If you receive bitcoin as payment as goods for services you will need to record it in Australian dollars as part of your regular income.

      According to the ATO:

      “Transacting with bitcoins is akin to a barter arrangement, with similar tax consequences.

      The ATO’s view is that Bitcoin is neither money nor a foreign currency, and the supply of bitcoin is not a financial supply for goods and services tax (GST) purposes. Bitcoin is, however, an asset for capital gains tax (CGT) purposes.

      The records you require in relation to bitcoin transactions are:

      – the date of the transactions
      – the amount in Australian dollars (which can be taken from a reputable online exchange)
      – what the transaction was for, and
      – who the other party was (even if it’s just their Bitcoin address).”

      I hope this helps,

      Elizabeth

    Default Gravatar
    fredMay 2, 2016

    Hi,

    So basically it’s impossible to buy bitcoin in Australia anonymously? Because you either have to leave a trail online via BPAY or online banking(comes back to you if anyone looks), or walk in to a bank branch(under CCTV surveillance so just a matter of looking up time and date to find out who it is etc.)? Therefore defeating the entire purpose of paying for things anonymously. They really don’t like us being anonymous do they. Hence why cash is so rare these days I guess. Thanks anyway!

    Default Gravatar
    BrendanApril 29, 2015

    Hi if one was trying to set up a wallet and purchase bitcoins using a debit card for the past few months and found it virtually impossible to do. Is there anything you would suggest to have the ability to make this happen with a debit card that is Visa? In other words how the hek can you actually purchase these things
    /

      Default Gravatar
      ChristopherOctober 30, 2015

      Hi Brendan,

      Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, Visa/Mastercard transactions are reversible. Only a few exchanges overseas accept Visa/Mastercard, because of the risk of somebody buying Bitcoins and then reversing the card transaction.

      The few exchanges that take the risk must increase their prices significantly to counter the risk, which then makes them uncompetitive. Darn.

      Most exchanges in Australia use bank deposits, except for Coinjar which uses Bpay (IMHO a very good way to do it, which is probably why it’s such a popular exchange in Australia).

      If you wanted to use your Visa card because you’re not sure if you can trust a Bitcoin exchange, then maybe you should try only sending small amounts of money to start off with. Although 1 BTC is worth $450, you can buy as little as $20 worth of Bitcoin. That’s how I started off, and if you’re unsure you can start by buying just that amount.

      Default Gravatar
      julianJuly 20, 2017

      Shirley in a reply in 2015 Christopher said Coinjar was a very popular exchange but it doesn’t appear in your table.Why?

      Default Gravatar
      JonathanAugust 2, 2017

      Hello Julian,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Christopher is not one of our staff. He is a website visitor who only shared his opinion and we welcome them on our site.

      Hope this clarifies.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

      Shirley Liu's headshotFinder
      ShirleyMay 2, 2015Finder

      Hi Brendan,

      Thanks for your question.

      To our knowledge there are no bitcoin exchanges based in Australia that accept debit cards as a form of payment for bitcoins, this method is available overseas. If you’re insistent on using your debit card, you may want to conduct some more research regarding international bitcoin exchanges.

      An option you may want to consider is using a bank transfer from your transaction account instead, this method is a lot more common for Australian bitcoin exchanges.

      I hope this helps,
      Shirley

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