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Ethereum (ETH) is an open-sourced blockchain that supports thousands of decentralized applications (dApps). It’s considered the de facto network for the Web 3 era. While there are now other options for smart contract protocols and new layer-1 blockchains have caught on, Ethereum remains the gold standard.
This guide explains how to buy Ethereum in 2026 and the best way to buy Ethereum. We also discuss the best places to invest, which wallets offer secure storage, and a brief overview of Ethereum’s investment thesis.
Key Takeaways
- Ethereum is the second most valuable crypto blockchain in the world, with a market cap of over $400 billion.
- You can buy the ETH cryptocurrency on centralized crypto exchanges, decentralized exchanges, and on peer-to-peer marketplaces.
- Investors can also get Ethereum exposure via exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which removes the hassle of storing and securing ETH tokens.
- Traders looking to speculate on the price of ETH can use crypto futures to bet on the rise/fall of ETH’s price without having to own the crypto.
- Storing ETH on non-custodial wallets such as Best Wallet gives you complete control and full ownership over your crypto.
Summary: How to Buy Ethereum (ETH)
In this How to Buy Ethereum guide for beginners, we will cover everything you need to know, from choosing the best Ethereum crypto exchanges to the top Ethereum crypto wallets in the market. The TLDR is that we consider Best Wallet to be the best way to buy Ethereum securely and efficiently from directly within a self-custodial crypto wallet. Alternatively, we will also explore new options such as the spot ETH exchange-traded funds. You will also learn how to buy ETH using a credit or debit card, PayPal, or via bank transfers. The guide also compares the pros and cons of using crypto wallets vs centralized exchanges.
Different Ways of Buying Ethereum (ETH)
There are four common ways to buy Ethereum in 2026. Each comes with pros and cons.
Buy Ethereum Through a Crypto Wallet
While crypto wallets are primarily designed to store Ethereum, many now allow users to buy ETH directly within the app. Initially, users had to connect their wallets to decentralized exchanges like Uniswap (UNI), but this added complexity and risk.
Today’s wallets integrate with fiat gateways such as Transak, Simplex, and MoonPay, enabling users to buy, sell, and swap crypto using traditional payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, without needing to access external decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.
The key advantage is self-custody. When you buy ETH through a DEX or fiat gateway, it goes directly into your non-custodial wallet, giving you complete control over your private keys. This differs from centralized exchanges, where the provider manages custody.
Best Wallet: Overall Best Non-Custodial Wallet To Buy ETH
We rate Best Wallet as one of the best decentralized crypto wallets for buying Ethereum. Best Wallet is a self-custody wallet app for iOS and Android smartphones. A browser extension for desktop devices is also being developed – expect this in the coming months. Best Wallet offers safe ETH storage away from centralized servers; only the user has access to their private keys.
Moreover, the Best Wallet app comes packed with security features. This includes two-factor authentication and biometrics. Best Wallet is also protected by a backup passphrase for account recovery. Not only does Best Wallet support ETH, but all ERC-20 tokens. It also supports custom tokens from BNB Chain and Polygon. Bitcoin will be added in the next development phase.
In terms of buying Ethereum, Best Wallet offers a user-friendly fiat on-ramp. It takes minutes to complete the KYC process. Investors can then choose from a debit/credit card or e-wallet. The ETH coins will instantly be added to Best Wallet upon completion. Best Wallet will soon be launching a fiat off-ramp too, meaning ETH can be cashed for your preferred currency.
Check out our Best Wallet review to learn more about this multi-blockchain crypto wallet.
How to Buy Ethereum With Best Wallet Using Credit or Debit Card
This step-by-step guide explains how to buy ETH using a credit or debit card on Best Wallet:
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Download the App: Search for “Best Wallet” in your app store and install it. It’s quick and free to download.
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Create Your Wallet: Follow the setup prompts, save your secret recovery phrase somewhere safe, and lock your wallet with a PIN or biometrics.
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Open the Buy Option: Once you’re inside the app, tap on “Buy” from the main screen to get started.
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Choose Ethereum: From the list of available cryptocurrencies, select Ethereum (ETH).
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Pick Your Currency and Amount: Enter how much you want to spend and in what currency, like USD or EUR.
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Compare Payment Providers: Best Wallet will show you different payment options. Some don’t need ID, so choose the one that suits you best.
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Pay with Your Card: Enter your credit or debit card details, review the summary, and confirm your purchase.
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Receive ETH in Your Wallet: Ethereum will arrive in your Best Wallet balance instantly. You’ll get a notification when it’s in.
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ETH purchase complete: You now officially own Ethereum. You can hold it, send it, or swap it directly in the app.
Pros and Cons of Best Wallet
Here is a quick pros and cons section to help you decide whether Best Wallet is the one for you:
Pros
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Best Wallet gives user full ownership of their Bitcoin by storing private keys locally.
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Users are not required to complete KYC verification to use Best Wallet.
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The platform supports multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, and BNB Chain.
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Best Wallet comes with an in-built DEX aggregator for easy and cheap crypto trading.
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Best Wallet’s interface is user-friendly, setup is simple, and it does not charge high fees, making it the perfect platform for beginners.
Cons
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Best Wallet does not have a desktop app or browser extension.
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Limited customer support.
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You will be responsible for securing the cryptocurrencies, as Best Wallet is a self-custodial crypto digital wallet.
Best Wallet Review
Other Wallets to Consider
There are many other wallet options when exploring where to buy Ethereum. Here are some of my other top picks for Ethereum wallets:
While buying Ethereum directly is the most common route, some investors prefer not to hold ETH in a wallet due to security, tax, or custodial concerns. However, if you still want exposure to Ethereum’s price movements without owning the asset itself, trading futures can be a smart alternative. Futures allow you to speculate on ETH’s price without managing private keys. One platform built specifically for this is CoinFutures, a dedicated futures trading platform designed for beginners. It is a simulated crypto futures trading platform that lets you bet on the price movement of ETH without having to own the cryptocurrency. The platform is known for providing a user-friendly experience through its gamified interface, which makes it easy for first-time users to learn how to trade crypto futures. The biggest advantage of using crypto futures to gain exposure to ETH is the use of leverage. For the unaware, leverage allows you to make larger bets than your available capital. You are using borrowed money to place outsized bets. However, users must be aware that the use of leverage can amplify profits as well as losses. Small price movements can lead to enormous losses. At the time of writing, CoinFutures offers users leverage up to 1000x. The platform has risk-management tools such as stop-loss and take-profit orders to automate trading based on your risk appetite. You can bet on the price of ETH moving either way. If you are bullish on ETH, you can go long. If you are bearish on ETH, you can go short. Read all about this 1000x leverage trading platform and learn how to trade Ethereum futures in our CoinFutures Review. Here are the pros and cons of CoinFutures: Crypto exchanges remain the most popular way to buy Ethereum in 2026. Many platforms are designed with beginners in mind, ensuring even first-time buyers can complete their purchase seamlessly. What’s more, the best exchanges are adequately licensed, allowing them to directly accept fiat payment methods, such as debit/credit cards and local bank transfers. This makes crypto exchanges more competitively priced than Ethereum wallets, which rely on third-party gateways. For instance, we mentioned earlier that Simplex charges up to 5% on debit/credit card purchases. In contrast, eToro fees start from 1.5%. And, if you’re using US dollars, the deposit fee is scrapped entirely. Once you’ve deposited funds and bought Ethereum, it’s wise to transfer the coins to a self-custody wallet. This ensures you’re in control of the coins, rather than worrying about counterparty risks. This extra step could be a drawback for some. That said, reputable exchanges approve wallet transfer requests near-instantly – so the extra step is minimal. We rate eToro as the best crypto exchange for buying Ethereum. Launched in 2007, eToro offers a regulated environment, ensuring investors can purchase ETH safely. Beginners will like eToro’s user-friendly platform, which can be accessed online or via the app. It takes minutes to open an account, including the mandatory KYC process. Deposit methods include debit/credit cards and e-wallets. Local banking methods like ACH are also supported. Note that credit card and PayPal purchases are not available for UK residents. The minimum Ethereum purchase is $10. The ETH coins are instantly added to the eToro wallet, although this is a custodial solution. Fortunately, eToro allows users to withdraw their ETH to a private wallet. Although eToro is safe and user-friendly, it charges a 1% trading commission. This is more than other exchanges in the market. For users searching for how to buy Ethereum without fees, eToro might not be fee-free, but it’s certainly among the cheapest ways to buy Ethereum using USD and other local currencies. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk US customers can only invest in Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Bitcoin Cash. Here are some of my other top picks to consider: Buying Ethereum is easy with multiple payment methods available to suit different needs – Be it the convenience of PayPal or the speed of credit and debit cards. Looking to buy Ethereum with PayPal? The process is simple. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to buy ETH directly through PayPal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy ETH using PayPal on your desktop. If you mainly use your phone for buying and holding crypto, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy ETH using the PayPal app. Want to buy Ethereum using your credit or debit card? It’s quick and convenient! Just follow these simple steps. Buying Ethereum has changed a lot in just two years. Whether you’re trying to find the cheapest way to buy Ethereum, wondering “how do I invest in Ethereum”, or just looking for the easiest way to buy Ethereum, 2025 offers more options than ever. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and what matters. The Shanghai upgrade went live in April 2023, giving stakers the ability to withdraw their ETH for the first time. While it might seem like a technical detail, it boosted trust in the Ethereum network and made staking more appealing. For new buyers wondering how to buy Ethereum coin or whether it’s still worth it, this update helped answer that question with confidence. In May 2024, the SEC approved spot Ethereum ETFs, which started trading on Nasdaq and NYSE by July. These ETFs don’t give you direct ownership of ETH, but they do track Ethereum’s price. So if you’ve been thinking about how to invest in Ethereum without touching a crypto exchange, this is now a real option. You can buy in through a regular brokerage account, no wallet required. While not useful for sending or staking ETH, ETFs open the door for investors who prefer familiar financial tools. These can also be accessed via pension funds, 401k’s, and other investment instruments. As of August 2025, Ethereum ETFs hold 5.66 million ETH, worth around $22B. In June alone the ETF flows exceeded $1.17B, with $10B more expected during the second half of 2025 due to increase in demand. Biggest upgrades coming from Pectra are account abstraction via EIP-7702, giving wallet developers the chance to upgrade an EOA into a smart-contract wallet (improving UX by reducing friction when creating transactions), EIP-7251 or so-called maxEB – allowing stakers to consolidate validators up to 2048 ETH instead of the previous limit of 32 ETH, and increasing blob space from a target of 3 blobs to 6 blobs. The increase in blobspace has already given Ethereum Layer 2 solutions better scaling and has reduced the transaction fees. The number of blobs is set to be increased once again to 48 by the end of 2025. In Q2 of 2025 a few companies came out with plans to start building up their Ether treasuries, in addition to onchain entities holding ETH as their strategic reserves. As of August 2025 they already hold over 3 million ETH, worth almost $12B. Top ETH holders are Bitmine Immersion Tech (BMNR) and SharpLink Gaming (SBET). Not everyone wants to deal with exchanges or complicated wallets. That’s why services like MoonPay let you buy ETH with a credit card or buy Ethereum with a debit card in a few taps. It’s one of the easiest ways to buy Ethereum, especially if you’re just getting started. You can also buy Ethereum with PayPal through platforms like eToro (excluding UK) or BitPay. That said, always double-check eToro fees, which can sneak up on smaller purchases. If your goal is the cheapest way to buy ETH, you’ll want to skip the flashy one-click apps and use an app like Best Wallet or an exchange like eToro. Funding your account with a bank transfer usually comes with lower fees than credit or debit cards. Wondering how to buy Ethereum without fees? Technically, every platform charges something, but some exchanges offer fee discounts for using their native tokens or running promotions. Keep an eye out. Ethereum’s market price is determined by demand and supply. Its price changes every second based on buying and selling pressure. This works the same as other cryptocurrencies – and financial markets in general. Today, Ethereum trades at just
per coin. This makes Ethereum more affordable than Bitcoin, which trades at over
. However, casual investors will be pleased to know that Ethereum can be fractionalized into smaller units – known as ‘wei’. There are 1 quintillion wei for every 1 ETH. In theory, this means investors can purchase any amount they like – starting from micro-cents. On top of that, there are ways to earn free Ethereum if you are patient and willing to learn a few tricks. We’ve explained how to invest in Ethereum, covering various methods for beginners in 2026 without diving into complex topics like the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Some investors prefer crypto exchanges, especially when using fiat money. This is because top Ethereum exchanges offer low fees and commissions. Another option is to buy Ethereum via a crypto wallet. Most wallets come with a fiat on-ramp, meaning users can purchase ETH with a debit/credit card or e-wallet. The ETH coins are then added to the wallet directly, preventing the need to use a crypto exchange. See Also: Most investors buy Ethereum from a crypto exchange, such as eToro, Coinbase, or Gemini. Another option is to use a crypto wallet such as Best Wallet, which is more convenient. Although Ethereum currently trades at just
– there’s no requirement to buy one full ETH. This is because ETH can be fractionalized into tiny units called wei. Yes, you can buy whatever amount you want, and it depends on your available funds that you want to invest into ETH. Even most payment providers that accept credit cards as payment for crypto allow buys as low as $10. Most cryptocurrency exchanges have some minimum trade limits, like for example $5 on Kraken, but on decentralized exchanges you can do trades worth even less than $1. For a beginner, the safest way to buy ETH would definitely be a regulated and centralized exchange, such as Coinbase or Kraken. eToro is the best place to buy Ethereum from a regulated crypto exchange. Best Wallet is a great option for buying Ethereum directly from a self-custody wallet. Ethereum has huge price potential, with ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood predicting a $20 trillion market capitalization by 2032. However, Ethereum isn’t without its risks – especially when factoring in competitors like Solana and Avalanche. If you’re buying Ether on a decentralized exchange then you can use almost any cryptocurrency available on that blockchain. There are also cross-chain swap solutions like Jumper, aggregators like COWSwap and 1inch, etc. When buying ETH on a CEX you need to check their available ETH-pairs. Established in 2013, 99Bitcoin’s team members have been crypto experts since Bitcoin’s Early days. Weekly Research Monthly readers Expert contributors Crypto Projects Reviewed
How to Get Ethereum Exposure Without Buying ETH?
CoinFutures Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
CoinFutures Review
Buying Ethereum Through a Crypto Exchange
eToro – Our Recommended Exchange
eToro Review
Other Exchanges to Consider
Buying Ethereum Through Different Methods
How to Buy Ethereum with PayPal?
How to Buy Ethereum on PayPal (Web Version)?
Log In: Go to PayPal’s official page and sign in to your account.
Go to Finances: Click “Finances” from the main menu.
Go to the Crypto Section: Click “Buy.”
Select Ethereum (ETH): Choose Ethereum from the list of supported cryptocurrencies.
Set Your Purchase Preferences: Enter the amount of ETH you want to buy. Choose a one-time purchase or set up recurring buys (Daily, Weekly, Biweekly, or Monthly).
Pick Your Payment Method: Choose from PayPal balance, linked bank account, or debit card.
Complete the Purchase: Click “Buy Now”, and your ETH will be added to your PayPal account.
How to Buy Ethereum on the PayPal App?
Download the PayPal App: Download the PayPal app on your smartphone. Open the PayPal App and log in.
Find the Crypto Section: Tap “Accounts”, then tap “Crypto.”
Tap “Buy”: Start your Ethereum purchase.
Select Ethereum (ETH): Choose ETH as your cryptocurrency.
Set Your Purchase Preferences: Enter the amount of ETH you’d like to buy. Pick a one-time purchase or set up a recurring buy (Daily, Weekly, Biweekly, or Monthly).
Set a Start Date (For Recurring Purchases): Choose when your automated ETH investments should begin.
Review & Confirm: Tap “Next” to verify the details.
Select a Payment Method: Pay using PayPal balance, bank account, or debit card.
Finalize Your Purchase: Tap “Authorize and Schedule” to complete the transaction. How to Buy Ethereum with a Credit or Debit Card
Choose a Crypto Exchange or Broker: Many platforms support card purchases, including Best Wallet, Margex, and MEXC. Make sure to choose a platform that supports your country and offers low fees for card transactions.
Create and Verify Your Account: Sign up using your email and set a secure password. Complete KYC verification by submitting an ID and proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).
Navigate to the “Buy Crypto” Section: Find the option labeled “Buy Crypto” or “Buy Ethereum.” Select Ethereum (ETH) as your chosen cryptocurrency.
Select “Credit/Debit Card” as Your Payment Method: Enter your Visa or Mastercard details and specify how much ETH you want to purchase.
Confirm and Complete Your Purchase: Review the details (exchange rate, transaction fees, total cost), then click “Confirm” to proceed. Your bank may request two-factor authentication (2FA) via OTP or an authenticator app.
Receive Ethereum in Your Wallet: Your ETH will be credited to your exchange wallet instantly. For extra security, transfer it to a private wallet; if you need recommendations, check out our guide here. Recent Developments with Buying Ethereum
Shanghai Upgrade Unlocked Staked ETH (2023)
Spot Ethereum ETFs Launched in the US (2024)
Pectra Upgrade Improved Scalability (2025)
Strategic ETH Reserve Companies
The Easiest Way to Buy Ethereum in 2026
Cheapest Way to Buy ETH: What’s Worth It
How Much Does it Cost to Buy Ethereum?
Conclusion
FAQs
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