There are three main ways to get Bitcoin: buy it, earn it, or mine it.
1. Buying Bitcoin
This is the most common route for beginners.
- Exchanges: Sign up with a reputable exchange, complete any required identity checks, deposit money, then buy Bitcoin. Withdraw to a self custody wallet if you want full control.
- Broker apps: Some fintech apps let you buy small amounts of Bitcoin from your phone. Make sure you understand whether you can withdraw to your own wallet.
- Bitcoin ATMs and peers: In some places, machines or peer to peer platforms let you buy for cash.
2. Earning Bitcoin
Instead of spending fiat to buy Bitcoin, you can accept it as payment.
- Freelance or salary: Offer your services or products and accept Bitcoin.
- Tips and rewards: Some sites, social platforms, or communities let people tip you in Bitcoin.
- Business invoices: Companies can integrate Bitcoin payments for customers, especially useful on low fee chains.
Earning is often the most natural way to get Bitcoin because you are directly trading your time or products for coins.
3. Mining Bitcoin
Mining is the most technical option.
- You buy specialized mining hardware and secure low cost power.
- You point your machines at a mining pool or run your own setup.
- You earn a share of the block rewards and fees for the work your machines do.
For most individuals today, mining is a serious business decision, not a hobby with a laptop. It involves real capital, long term planning, and understanding of the specific chain’s economics.
No matter which method you choose, the key step is the same. Learn to use a reliable wallet, back up your seed phrase, and move coins into self custody if you want true control.