Preface

With the development of the Web3 ecosystem, cryptocurrencies are no longer just an investment tool for a few people, but are gradually becoming part of the global financial system. Whether you want to invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, explore DeFi, NFTs, and the metaverse, buying cryptocurrencies is the first step into this world.

Why buy Crypto Assets?

Before officially entering the purchase process, let’s talk about why more and more people are choosing crypto assets.

• Hedge Against Inflation and Store of Value: Bitcoin is often referred to as “digital gold” due to its limited supply (21 million max), making it a hedge against inflation in an era of currency devaluation.

• Participate in NFTs and the Metaverse: If you want to buy NFTs or play GameFi titles, you’ll need tokens specific to those blockchains—like ETH or SOL.

• Decentralized payment: Using crypto assets, global transactions can be conducted without being restricted by the banking system, and can even be used to pay for goods and services in some countries.

Ways to purchase crypto assets

The ways to buy Crypto Assets are mainly divided into centralized exchanges (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX). For beginners, they usually start with CEX because it is easier to operate and supports fiat deposits.

Purchase through centralized exchanges

Centralized exchanges (CEX) are currently the most common channels for purchasing cryptocurrencies, such as Gate.io, a globally renowned exchange that supports multiple fiat deposit methods and provides a variety of trading pairs for users to choose from. The following is the purchasing process:

Step 1: Register Exchange Account

Go to the CEX official website, register for an account, and complete KYC (identity verification), most exchanges will require a passport or ID for verification.

Step 2: Deposit Fiat (Deposit)

Exchanges typically offer the following deposit methods:

• Credit card/debit card: directly purchasing Crypto Assets, but with a higher transaction fee (2-5% varies).

• Bank transfer: Some exchanges support SEPA, FPS, ACH transfers, with lower fees.

• P2P (peer-to-peer trading): Trading with other users through C2C platforms, such as Binance P2P, using bank transfer or electronic payment.

Step 3: Purchase Crypto Assets

Once the fiat currency is credited, you can use spot trading to buy Crypto Assets, for example:

• Market Order: Buy at the current market price, suitable for beginners.

• Limit Order: Set a target price, and the trade will be automatically executed when the market reaches that price, suitable for long-term investors.

Purchase through decentralized exchange

If you do not want to go through centralized exchanges, you can use decentralized exchanges (Decentralized Exchange, DEX) to buy Crypto Assets, such as:

• Uniswap (Ethereum ecosystem)

• PancakeSwap (Binance Chain ecosystem)

• SushiSwap, Curve, Raydium (corresponding versions on each chain)

Purchase Process:

Step 1: Prepare Web3 Wallet

First, you need to create a decentralized wallet that supports Web3, such as MetaMask or Phantom (for Solana).

Step 2: Deposit Crypto Assets

If there are no crypto assets in the wallet, you can withdraw some USDT, ETH, or BNB from CEX, and then deposit them into the Web3 wallet.

Step 3: Connect to DEX and exchange tokens

Open DEX such as Uniswap, PancakeSwap, connect your wallet, and then select the token you want to exchange. For example: buy ETH with USDT.

Step 4: Confirm the transaction and pay Gas fees

After ensuring the accuracy of the transaction details, click “Exchange” and pay the blockchain transaction fee (Gas Fee) to complete the transaction.

The advantage of using DEX is complete decentralization, no need for identity verification, but you need to have a certain understanding of Web3 transactions, otherwise you may easily encounter the risk of fraud or asset loss.

Things to Note When Buying Crypto Assets

Whether it’s CEX or DEX, please pay attention to the following matters when buying crypto assets:

• Choose a secure exchange or wallet

Ensure that the exchange or DEX has a good security record, and avoid using platforms of unknown origin.

• Avoid FOMO, invest rationally

The cryptocurrency market is volatile. Please avoid impulsive purchases due to market sentiment, and be sure to prioritize research.

• Protect private keys and seed phrase

If you’re using a Web3 wallet, losing your private key or seed phrase means your assets are gone for good. Store them offline—preferably written on paper, not stored on phones or computers.

• Be Aware of Scams and Phishing Attacks

Scammers often use fake websites, fake tokens, or impersonate exchanges. Always double-check URLs and never click unknown links.

Conclusion

Buying cryptocurrency may seem complicated at first, but once you try it, it becomes straightforward. As Web3 continues to reshape how we think about money and ownership, learning how to buy crypto is a fundamental step toward digital financial freedom.

If you’re a beginner, start with a trusted CEX to get comfortable. Once you’re confident, explore DEXs, DeFi platforms, NFTs, and other advanced Web3 applications. As long as you stay alert and keep learning, you’ll be able to participate in the crypto revolution safely and confidently.