from our Buying Bitcoin Series

How to Buy Your First Bitcoin: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Kraken

Kraken is one of the most trusted and secure cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Known for its strong regulatory compliance and robust security, it’s a great platform for beginners who value safety — and for serious investors who want advanced features as they grow.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to buy your first Bitcoin (BTC) on Kraken, step by step.

Kraken is Built for Security, Trust, and Performance

Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the longest-standing crypto exchanges in the industry. With a spotless security record and support for both beginners and pros, Kraken is ideal for anyone ready to start their Bitcoin journey with confidence.

Why Kraken?

✅ Top-tier security with a strong reputation

✅ Fully regulated in the U.S., EU, and other regions

✅ Simple Buy interface for beginners

✅ Advanced trading tools for future growth

✅ Supports bank transfers, cards, and more

✅ 24/7 customer support and detailed help center

Step 1

Create a Kraken Account.

Go to www.kraken.com or download the Kraken app (iOS/Android).
Click Create Account.
Enter your email, username, and password, then verify your email.
Complete identity verification (KYC) by submitting an ID and a selfie.
Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) in your account settings.

💡 Security Tip: Use Google Authenticator for stronger 2FA than SMS.

Step 2

Add a Payment Method

To fund your Kraken account, go to Funding and choose one of the available options:

SEPA (EU bank transfer)
SWIFT (international wire transfer)
FPS (UK Faster Payments)
Bank cards (in supported countries)

💡 Pro Tip: Bank transfers usually have the lowest fees, while cards are faster but might cost slightly more.

Step 3

Buy Your First Bitcoin. Once your funds arrive in your Kraken account:

Go to the Buy Crypto tab (on desktop or mobile).
Select Bitcoin (BTC) as the crypto to purchase.
Enter the amount of fiat (e.g., $50 or €100).
Choose your payment method (your Kraken balance or card).
Click Preview Buy, then Confirm your purchase.

✅ Congrats! You now own Bitcoin, securely stored on Kraken.

Step 4

Store Your Bitcoin Safely

Your BTC is stored in your Kraken Spot Wallet by default. From here, you can:

Keep it on Kraken (great for short-term or frequent use)
Move it to a hardware wallet for long-term cold storage
Transfer it to your own software wallet for more control

💡 Security Tip: Always keep your wallet’s recovery phrase and private keys offline and secure.

Bonus Features to Explore

Once you’re comfortable, Kraken offers powerful tools like:

Recurring crypto buys (set it and forget it)
Staking to earn passive income
Advanced trading with margin and futures
24/7 live chat support when you need help

💡 Good-to-Know: Kraken is one of the safest and most respected crypto exchanges available today. If you’re serious about starting your Bitcoin journey the right way — with trusted tools and industry-leading security — Kraken is a top choice.

Want to learn more? Check out Kraken Learn for free educational content.