How to Buy Ethereum (ETH): Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners in 2025
Have you heard about Ethereum and want to buy your first coins? But are you afraid of choosing the wrong platform and losing money? We'll break down three methods—from the simplest to the most anonymous.
Short answer: Register on a regulated exchange with a MiCA license, pass identity verification (will take up to 24 hours), fund your account via bank transfer and buy ether in 5 minutes.
If you have 15 minutes right now:
Open a licensed exchange website (for example, Kraken)
Register (email + password)
Upload a passport photo for verification
Wait for approval (10 minutes – 24 hours)
Fund your account and buy ETH
If you want to learn more—read on.
What Actually Happens When You Buy ETH
ETH is the cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, the second-largest by market cap after Bitcoin. When you buy it, you receive a digital code—a private key. It's like a password to a bank safe, except the safe is located in the blockchain (a public database of all transactions).
Analogy: The blockchain is a huge ledger that everyone can see. Your private key proves that the entry "0.5 ETH belongs to you" is true.
Purchased ether can be stored in two places:
On an exchange—the company (Binance, Kraken) holds the private keys for you. Like money in a bank account: convenient, but the bank controls access.
In your wallet—you yourself hold the private keys. Like cash in a home safe: full control, but if you lose the key—the money will disappear forever.
For your first purchase, leave the ether on the exchange. When you get comfortable—you'll withdraw it to your wallet (more on this later).
What to remember: ether is code, not a physical coin; where it's stored—you decide when choosing a buying method.
Three Ways to Buy ETH: Which to Choose
There are three main methods for buying ether. Each serves a different purpose.
Exchange—an online platform where you register, confirm your identity with a passport, and buy ether for euros. For whom: beginners with an EU/CIS card, ready to pass document verification.
P2P platform—a marketplace where you buy ether directly from another person. The platform blocks the seller's coins until your payment confirmation (protection from fraud). For whom: exchange is unavailable or anonymity is needed.
Offline exchanger—a physical location in your city where you exchange cash euros (or local currency) for ether. For whom: no bank card, prefer cash, or a certain degree of anonymity is important.
Which Method to Choose:
Method | Best for | Risk | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Centralized exchange | You're in a hurry, want a simple interface | Exchange custody risk, account blocking | 0.1–1% per trade + withdrawal €0.20-5 |
P2P platform | Avoiding KYC, or exchange unavailable in your region | Fraudster-seller, arbitration | 0–1% to platform + spread 2-7% |
Offline exchangers | Cash only, privacy matters, local restrictions | Fraud, physical security | 1-5% |
What to remember: for most beginners in the EU, the first option is optimal—simpler and fully regulated.
Exchanges—The Main Method for Beginners
A crypto exchange is a platform for exchanging euros for ETH, like a currency exchange. This is the best option for a beginner: simple interface, technical support, and asset protection.
Two recommendations:
Binance—the simplest for beginners. Intuitive interface, but higher fees (2-3%).
Kraken—a bit more complex, but cheaper. Lower fees (0.2-0.5%).
Choice: Binance for convenience, Kraken for fee savings.
Next step: See the step-by-step instructions below.
How to Buy ETH on an Exchange: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Registration Open the exchange website → click Sign Up → enter email and password → click Create Account → confirm email via the link in the email.
Step 2: Identity Verification Go to Profile → click Get Verified → upload passport photo → take a selfie with the document in your hands → send for verification. Wait time: 10 minutes – 24 hours. The KYC process is necessary for legal compliance.
Step 3: Deposit Funds Open Wallet → select Deposit → Euro → SEPA Transfer → copy the exchange's IBAN → send the transfer through your bank. SEPA arrives in 1-2 days for free. Card deposits are instant but cost 3.75%.
Step 4: Buying ETH Click Trade → Simple → select EUR (left) and ETH (right) → enter amount in euros → Preview Order → Submit Order. ETH will appear in 30 seconds.
Step 5: Checking Balance Open Wallet → Balance → find the ETH line → view your ether balance.
Next step: Learn the real cost with fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy ETH—Example Calculation
Scenario: Purchase of €500 through Binance using Instant Buy (card/simplified purchase).
Step-by-step calculation:
SEPA deposit: €1
Instant Buy fee: €12 (2.4%)
Spread: €2.5 (0.5%)
Total fees paid: €15.5
Result: Paid €515.5, received ETH worth €500.
Comparison of payment methods:
SEPA + spot trading: total fee 0.5-1%
Instant Buy / card: total fee 3-4%
How to save: Use SEPA transfers with spot trading instead of Instant Buy, buy in larger amounts less frequently (€500+ instead of €50 ten times).
What to remember: Real fee is 0.5-1% with SEPA + spot trading, 3-4% with Instant Buy or card.
Storage: Where to Withdraw Ether After Purchase
ETH on the exchange belongs to the exchange, not you. If the exchange closes or blocks your account—you'll lose access to the coins.
For long-term storage (more than a week) transfer ether to your wallet. Crypto security is critically important.
Step 1: Choose a Wallet
For beginners (€50-1000):
MetaMask—free browser extension and app, the simplest option
Trust Wallet—mobile app, great for on-the-go use
For serious amounts (€1000+): Ledger or Trezor—store keys on a physical device
Step 2: Create a Wallet
Open MetaMask → click Create a Wallet → create a password → write down 12 words (seed phrase) on paper.
⚠️ CRITICALLY IMPORTANT:
Seed phrase restores access to all your money
If it's stolen—all coins will be stolen
If you lose it—you'll lose all coins forever
DO NOT photograph, DO NOT save in the cloud, DO NOT store on your phone
Store only on paper in a safe or secure location
Step 3: Withdraw ETH from Exchange
On the exchange: open the Wallet or Withdraw section → select Ethereum (ETH) → paste your wallet address (long string like 0x742d35Cc6...) → enter amount.
CHECK THE ADDRESS TWICE:
Compare first 4 characters: 0x74...
Compare last 4 characters: ...Cc6a
One mistake = funds will be lost permanently
Click Withdraw → confirm via email or 2FA.
Withdrawal fee: €0.20-1 (you pay Ethereum network validators, not the exchange). Specific amount depends on network congestion.
Time: 5-15 minutes (depends on network congestion).
What to remember: withdrawing to a wallet costs €0.20-1, so don't withdraw very small amounts (€10-20)—fees will consume 5-10%.
P2P Platforms: If Exchange Is Unavailable
P2P is buying ether directly from another person through an intermediary platform. The platform blocks the seller's coins in secure storage (escrow) until your payment confirmation—this is protection from fraud.
How It Works:
Choose a listing for your desired amount
Start a trade—the platform blocks the seller's ether
Transfer money to the seller (via Revolut, Wise, bank)
Confirm payment on the platform
Seller releases ether—it goes to you
Pros: verification not required on small amounts (up to €500 on most platforms), more payment methods (Revolut, Wise, PayPal, cash in person).
Cons: fee 3-7% (seller includes it in the rate), fraud risk (check rating >95% and >100 deals), process takes 30 minutes – 2 hours.
Available platforms: Binance P2P, Hodl Hodl, Bybit P2P.
When this is needed: exchange is blocked in your country or anonymity is important.
Offline Exchangers: Purchase for Cash
Offline exchanger—a physical location in your city where you bring cash euros (or local currency) and receive ether to your wallet. Document requirements depend on the amount and specific exchanger.
How to find: Use a catalog of verified exchangers (for example, Crypto Navigator) to search for reliable locations in your city—all exchangers are vetted for reputation and safe exchange security.
Process: come with cash → show your wallet address (QR code) → hand over money → operator sends ether → wait for blockchain confirmation (10 minutes) → leave.
Pros: no bank card needed, quick transaction (15-30 minutes), can ask questions in person.
Cons: sometimes higher fee (1-5%), not all cities have locations, risk of meeting a fraudster—must verify exchanger reputation in advance through reviews or Crypto Navigator catalog.
When this is needed: no bank card, only have cash euros, or prefer a face-to-face transaction for first purchase. Also important if you plan regular cryptocurrency exchange to cash.
Typical Beginner Mistakes
Mistake | Consequence | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
Didn't check wallet address before withdrawal | ETH went to someone else's address, cannot be recovered | Check first and last 4 characters twice |
Bought ETH and left on exchange | Exchange can be hacked or may block your account | Withdraw to your wallet within a week |
Photographed seed phrase and saved in the cloud | Hackers got access to photo, stole all coins | Write seed phrase only on paper, store in safe |
Chose P2P seller with low rating | Seller didn't send ETH, money lost | Choose sellers with rating >95% and >100 deals |
Didn't account for withdrawal fee on small purchase | Bought ETH for €20, withdrawal cost €1 (5% loss) | Withdraw from exchange only amounts from €100+ |
Used unlicensed exchange | Exchange blocked for EU, access to funds limited | Use only MiCA-licensed platforms |
What to remember: always check address twice, withdraw ETH to your wallet, store seed phrase only on paper, use only licensed exchanges.
Features for Different Countries
European Union
Best choice: Exchanges with full MiCA license (Kraken, Coinbase, OKX)
Payment methods: SEPA, EU cards
Features: High degree of consumer protection thanks to MiCA
Russia and Countries with Restrictions
Problem: Most international exchanges are unavailable
Options: Local exchangers, P2P platforms (with caution)
Important: The situation changes frequently, always check current service availability
Other Countries
Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan: European exchanges available
Payment methods: SWIFT transfers, some local payment systems
Fees: Higher due to currency conversion
Verdict
Buying ETH is easiest through a regulated exchange with full MiCA license. Process: registration 5 minutes + verification up to 24 hours + deposit via SEPA 1-2 days + purchase 2 minutes.
Recommendations by Amounts:
If you have €50-500: Licensed exchange + SEPA (time: 2-3 days, cost: €1-2)
If you have €500-5000: Licensed exchange + SEPA, immediately withdraw to Ledger or Trezor (time: 3-4 days, cost: €80 for wallet + €2 fees)
If you have €5000+: Licensed exchange + consultation with tax specialist (time: 1 week, cost: €200-500 for consultation)
First Action Right Now:
Choose a licensed exchange (for example, Kraken) → register → upload passport for verification.
DO NOT deposit funds until:
You've studied the interface
You've found the "Wallet" section (deposits and withdrawals)
You're sure you understand how to withdraw your funds
When you're confident—deposit €50-100 for first test. Buy ether. Withdraw to MetaMask. Write down seed phrase on paper.
This will take 30 minutes of hands-on time + 1-2 days for verification and SEPA.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a financial recommendation. Cryptocurrency investments carry high risks. Always conduct your own research and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions.
