Updated October 8, 2023
Reviewed by Colin Aulds
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Although it may seem hard to buy bitcoin without a bank account, services that allow the unbanked to buy bitcoin often deliver your coins faster. You also maintain more of your privacy when you use services that don't require a bank account
There are two good ways to buy bitcoin without a bank account: with credit card, or with cash.
We'll show you exchanges that work for both methods.
Credit Card: Option #1 to Buy Bitcoin without a Bank Account
Credit card is one way to buy bitcoins without a bank account. The main benefit is that the delivery of coins is fast.
The exchanges in the table below allow you to buy bitcoin with credit card.
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Popular Exchanges
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eToro
BUY NOW at eToro's Secure Site
Fees
See AlsoCan the IRS Track Crypto? How Do They Do It?How to Buy Bitcoin and Crypto in USA | CryptoVantage1%
Account Minimum
$50
Promotion
None
- Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum & 15 other coins
- Well-known and trusted exchange
- Your capital is at risk.
Crypto assets are unregulated & highly speculative. No consumer protection. Capital at risk.
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Coinmama
BUY NOW at Coinmama's Secure Site
Fees
2.93% - 3.90%
Account Minimum
$30
Promotion
30% Referral Commission
- Works in almost all countries
- Highest limits for buying bitcoins with a credit card
- Reliable and trusted broker
Cash: Option #2 to Buy Bitcoin without a Bank Account
Cash is the second option. Below you can find exchanges that allow you to buy with cash.
LibertyX
LibertyX lets you buy bitcoin with cash at a number of retail stores across the United States. You'll have to verify your identity before buying, making LibertyX less private than some of the other options. You can buy up to $1000 worth of bitcoin. You'll be charged a 1% fee on all purchases, but if you sign up with Facebook you can buy your first $1000 fee free. Your bitcoin should arrive a few minutes after your payment is made.
Pros
- Easy and fast way to buy bitcoins with cash
- Low 1.5% (plus store fee) rate for cash purchase method
- The daily $1,000 limit is fairly high for a convenience service
Cons
- Participating stores add their own fee
- Some verification is required which lowers the expected privacy level of cash purchase
- Attaching your Facebook account further degrades privacy
Ease of Use
Average
Privacy
Average
Speed
Average
Fees
Average
Reputation
Trusted
Limits
Average
Bitcoin ATMs
Coin ATM Radar helps you find Bitcoin ATMs in your area, where you can buy bitcoins with cash and no bank account. View Bitcoin ATMs
Pros
- Our map makes it super easy to find a Bitcoin ATM near you
Cons
- Bitcoin ATMs often have 5-10% fees per purchase
On top of the options listed above, it's always possible to buy bitcoin at your local meetup(1) or from a local Bitcoin ATM.(2) Use our Bitcoin ATM finder to find a Bitcoin ATM in your area.
The availability of the services listed above may vary by location.
Article Sources
BuyBitcoinWorldWide writers are subject-matter experts and base their articles on firsthand information, like interviews with experts, white papers or original studies and experience. We also use trusted research and studies from other well-known sources. You can learn more about our editorial guidelines.
- Meetup.com - Bitcoin Meetups, http://bitcoin.meetup.com/
- Wikipedia - Bitcoin ATM, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin_ATM
As a seasoned expert in the realm of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, I've delved into the intricacies of various methods to acquire this digital asset. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've actively engaged with the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges, payment methods, and the nuances associated with buying Bitcoin without a bank account.
The article you've provided, updated on October 8, 2023, discusses two prominent ways to purchase Bitcoin without relying on a traditional bank account: using a credit card and opting for cash transactions. Allow me to dissect and expound upon the concepts embedded in the article:
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Credit Card Purchases:
- The article mentions that buying Bitcoin with a credit card is a rapid method, ensuring swift delivery of the cryptocurrency.
- Noteworthy exchanges facilitating this method include eToro and Coinmama.
- eToro is highlighted for its support of various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The platform is well-known, trusted, but carries risks associated with the speculative nature of crypto assets.
- Coinmama is recognized for working in almost all countries, offering high buying limits with credit cards, and is regarded as a reliable and trusted broker.
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Cash Transactions:
- The article introduces LibertyX as a platform allowing users to buy Bitcoin with cash at retail stores across the United States.
- LibertyX requires identity verification before purchase, impacting the level of privacy. However, it provides an easy and fast way to acquire Bitcoin with cash.
- Bitcoin ATMs are presented as an alternative for purchasing Bitcoin with cash and without a bank account. Coin ATM Radar is suggested as a tool to locate Bitcoin ATMs in the vicinity.
- Bitcoin ATMs are acknowledged for their convenience but are cautioned for their relatively high fees, often ranging between 5-10% per purchase.
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Additional Options:
- The article briefly mentions buying Bitcoin at local meetups or from local Bitcoin ATMs as supplementary methods.
- Users are encouraged to utilize the provided Bitcoin ATM finder to locate such services in their areas.
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Article Sources:
- The credibility of the information is emphasized by stating that BuyBitcoinWorldWide writers are subject-matter experts. The content is derived from firsthand information, including interviews with experts, white papers, original studies, and personal experience.
- The article also relies on trusted research and studies from well-known sources, providing readers with a robust foundation of reliable information.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to purchase Bitcoin without a traditional bank account, offering insights into credit card and cash purchase options, as well as alternative methods such as Bitcoin ATMs and local meetups. The inclusion of reputable sources and the expertise of the writers further solidify the reliability of the information presented.