The Old North State has adopted a progressive approach to cryptos and blockchain technology. Like most other crypto-friendly states, North Carolina hopes to strike a balance between regulation and consumer protection.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get started. You’ll learn how to buy cryptocurrency in North Carolina, where to buy crypto, and how to choose a cryptocurrency to buy. We’ll also discuss ways to buy in the Tar Heel State and some of the risks you should consider.
How to Buy Cryptos in North Carolina – An Easy 5-Step Guide
We start by introducing you to a quick 5-step guide to buying cryptocurrency in North Carolina. The process is quick and straightforward, taking no more than 10 minutes. Further, you only need $10 to start buying cryptos on the highly reputable and SEC-regulated crypto brokerage.
- Step 1: Choose a cryptocurrency exchange: A crypto exchange offers a way to buy crypto or trade one cryptocurrency for another. Selected a crypto trading platform that accept customers from the US, like eToro.
- Step 1: Open a crypto trading account: Click on the “Join Now” button on the eToro official website or mobile app. You only need to complete a user registration form and answer questions about your income source or disposable income. You also need to verify your identity.
- Step 2: Deposit funds: The minimum deposit and trade limits on eToro is $10. You can fund your account using such supported payment methods as bank deposit, ACH transfer, credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal.
- Step 3: Decide which cryptocurrency to buy: eToro lists dozens of the best cryptos to buy in the US. Identify the best crypto for you from this list and select the “Buy” option.
- Step 4: Buy cryptocurrency: Customize this crypto investment on the trading tab that appears. Indicate how much you wish to invest in the crypto and hit the “Open Trade” button to execute.
Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
We will provide a more detailed crypto buying process later on in this article. First, though, we need to learn about the most popular cryptos in North Carolina and where to buy them. In the sections further below, we will discuss crypto regulation in the state, taxation, and share valuable tricks to crypto investing.
Most Popular Cryptos to Buy in North Carolina
Determining the most popular crypto in North Carolina can be quite difficult. There isn’t too much state by state data available today. However, we can get insight of the most popular cryptos in the North Carolina by analyzing national statistics and search queries. We may also tell what the most popular crypto is in a particular region by analyzing discussions on social media platforms.
Based on these metrics, it is safe to assume that Bitcoin is the most popular digital currency in North Carolina. Other popular cryptos here include:
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Tether USD (USDT)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- USD Coin (USDC)
- Solana (SOL)
- Shiba Inu (SHIB)
- Cardano (ADA)
Where to Buy Cryptocurrency in North Carolina – Best Platforms Reviewed
There is no shortage of top crypto trading platforms in North Carolina. Finding the one that works best for you can, however, be an onerous task. To help you get started, though, there are a number of factors that you must pay close attention to. These include the platform’s user-friendliness, cost of trading, liquidity, customer support, safety, and crypto library.
These are the considerations our analysts paid the most attention to when vetting the best crypto exchanges in North Carolina. Ultimately, they settled on the following as the best places to buy Bitcoin and other cryptos in the state:
1. eToro – Overall Best Crypto Exchange in North Carolina
eToro started as a multi-asset brokerage founded in Tel Aviv in 2007. Close to two decades later, it has morphed into one of the most sought-after crypto trading platforms for beginners in North Carolina. It started by listing Bitcoin before extending coverage to virtually all the most promising cryptos. The fact that it is a multi-asset platform allows you to divest risk by adding traditional assets like stocks to your portfolio.
Among the top factors making eToro include the fact that it is SEC-regulated. We also appreciate its solid reputation for reliability and safety. For example, it insures your cash deposits of up to $250,000 with the FDIC. It has also integrated multiple security safeguards around its systems. These include two-factor authentication and third-party security audits.
Further, eToro promises not to share your sensitive personal information with third parties. It then provides you with two free and secure digital wallets. The non-custodial web wallet keeps 90%+ of your private keys offline. The self-custody eToro Money mobile wallet, on the other hand, gives you absolute control over your keys.
You may also want to buy cryptocurrency in North Carolina on eToro because it is transparent about the cost of trading on the platform. We have already mentioned you only need $10 to start buying Bitcoin and other cryptos on eToro. Deposits into the brokerage are free. The trading fees are, on the other hand, fixed at 1% of the trade volume. Withdrawals attract a $5 fee, while crypto transfers to the eToro Money wallet are charged a 0.5% fee (capped at $50).
- eToro is beginner-friendly and presents you with a free demo account
- It has a clean and easy-to-use trading interface
- The platform has some of the fastest transaction processing speeds
- You cannot deposit cryptos into the eToro brokerage
- The fees are considerably higher than on other crypto exchanges
Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
2. Crypto.com – The Best Crypto Exchange for Passive Investing in North Carolina
Crypto.com is one of the fastest crypto trading platforms in the US. Though it started in 2016, it only blew up in the US after running a crypto ad during the 2022 Super Bowl. We, however, don’t feature it here because of ads. We believe it to be the best exchange to buy cryptocurrency in North Carolina because of its passive investing programs. These have become immensely popular with long-term and newbie investors.
The exchange exposes Old North State residents to passive income-generating opportunities such as staking (up to 12% APY) and crypto lending. You also earn cash-back rewards of up to 5% if you use the Crypto.com card. In addition to these, crypo.com lets you automate your crypto trades. Long-term investors may do this using the DCA (Dollar-cost-averaging) bot, while active traders get to use the Grid bot.
You only need $2 to start trading cryptos on Crypto.com. And the exchange exposes you to 350+ cryptos. This implies that you get to interact with not only the most sustainable cryptos like BTC and ETH. You also get to interact with the best meme coins – from SHIB to DOGE. It even lets you buy these cryptos instantly with PayPal or cards.
You will also want to buy virtual currencies on Crypto.com because of its competitive fees. It charges a volume-based maker/taker fee of between 0% and 0.075%. You also stand to benefit from a fee discount of between 3% and 30% if you have staked CRP tokens.
- Crypto.com DeFi Wallet exposes you to the best DeFi cryptos to buy
- Crypto.com is a safe trading platform
- The exchange supports margined derivative trading
- You can also buy top NFTs on Crypto.com
- Crypto.com charges comparatively high crypto withdrawal fees
- Suffers low liquidity for less popular coins
Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
3. Coinbase – One of the Safest Places to Buy Cryptos in North Carolina
The Coinbase exchange is one of the most recognizable crypto brands in the US. Much of this can be attributed to its impressive marketing and crypto ads. However, it can also be attributed to its regular and hugely popularized crashes with the law and regulators. These range from legal battles with the likes of the SEC, involvement with crypto lobby groups, and activism by calling for clearer crypto laws.
In addition to being a popular crypto, it provides North Carolinians with one of the best crypto trading platforms. We especially appreciate the creative design that takes into account all classes of investors – from newbies to trusts. These investors are then exposed to a decent crypto library of close to 100 cryptos.
In addition to having one of the best trading platforms, Coinbase also has a solid reputation for safety. Though its mobile wallet app has suffered several hacks, Coinbase is still considered one of the safest crypto trading platforms in the US. Much of this may be attributed to the fact that it keeps 98% of client assets offline. It also insured the remaining 2%. Further, client’s cash deposits are insured with the FDIC – up to $250,000.
Other reasons you will want to buy cryptocurrency in North Carlonia on Coinbase include the fact that it is deeply liquid. It is also a multi-platform exchange, allowing you to monitor your trades while on the move. The crypto buying process on the exchange is also quick and straightforward. Not forgetting that it gives you access to the derivatives markets, supports staking, and even exposes you to all the popular NFTs.
- Coinbase supports all the popular payment methods, including PayPal
- Earn free crypto through the Coinbase Learn-to-Earn program
- Coinbase is a beginner-friendly exchange
- Coinbase maintains a rather complicated fee model
- Their customer support team has been accused of being sluggish
Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
4. Binance.US – Best Place to Buy Cryptos at Low Fees
Binance.US has proved to be one of the most resilient crypto exchanges in North Carolina. It has survived brutal legal battles against the SEC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) and is being backed in states like New York. It has also survived mass crypto withdrawals that at one point exceeded $1 Billion within 24 hours. This speaks volumes about its safety, especially when considering that mass withdrawals triggered FTX’s collapse.
When using Binance, you will have access to 150+ of the most searched cryptos in North Carolina. You can assert investing in any of these with as little as $1. You also have the choice of buying these assets instantly or trading the more than 5000+ supported crypto pairs on the platform.
When buying cryptos on the platform, you will be charged a competitive and volume-based maker/taker fee. This ranges between 0.019% and 0.57%. But if you settle this fee using BNB coins, you qualify for a 5% discount. Binance.US also runs regular promotions involving BTC pairs where they charge 0% trading fees.
You may also be interested in noting that Binance.US is the largest staking platform in the US. Here, you can stake tens of the most popular cryptos and earn double-digit interest and rewards per annum. The exchange is also considerably liquid and maintains some of the fastest transaction processing speeds.
- Binance.US is a multi-platform exchange with one of the best crypto trading mobile apps.
- Interact with extensive educational materials on the Binance.US website
- It has a straightforward crypto-buying process
- Integrates multiple advanced trading tools for expert traders
- No margin trading on Binance.US
- No crypto derivative trading on Binance.US
5. BitStamp – Best Crypto Trading Platform for Active Traders
Three critical factors make BitStamp one of the best crypto exchange to buy cryptocurrency in North Carolina for active traders. First is the fact that it has integrated a decent crypto library and is deeply liquid. Secondly, it has some of the fastest crypto transition speeds and charges competitive fees. Lastly, it not only exposes you to spot crypto trades but also crypto derivatives, especially futures.
In addition to these, BitStamp makes it here because it is a multi-platform exchange. You may choose to interact with its web trader, the BitStamp mobile app, or Tradeview. These platforms integrates 100+ advanced trading and analytical tools as well as technical indicators. You also get access to financial news as well as opinions from expert investors and crypto analysts on the BitStamp blog.
We must, however, observe that while it is primarily designed to appeal to experts, it is also beginner-friendly. This is evidenced by its quick and straightforward crypto-buying process. It also has instant deposit options and lets you cash out directly to your bank. Not forgetting that it supports beginner-friendly passive investing programs like crypto staking and crypto lending.
Several other factors make BitStamp one of the best crypto exchanges in North Carolina. First is the competitive trading fees that range between 0% and 04% for spot crypto. Secondly, despite having been hacked in 2025, BitStamp bounced back and currently offers institutional-grade security. It also supports all the popular payment methods – from PayPal to Apple and Google Pay.
- Trade crypto derivatives on BitStamp platforms
- It has a resource-rich Learn Center dedicated to beginner investors
- BitStamp lets you whitelist addresses and confirm crypto transactions
- Highly reputable, having been around since 2011
- Has been accused of having a sluggish verification process
6. Kraken – The Best Crypto Exchange in North Carolina for Institutional Investors
Kraken’s deep liquidity and a decent crypto library make it the best choice for institutional investors in North Carolina. It is also listed here because it offers institutional-grade security to client assets. The exchange not only holds 90%+ of client assets offline but has also never been hacked. It has even come up with the Kraken Dark Pool trading platform that is dedicated to high rollers and institutional investors.
In addition to the Dark Pool, you may also choose the Kraken PRO trading platform. It is dedicated to active traders and integrates tens of highly advanced crypto trading and analysis tools. These include customizable charts and technical indicators. Its other noticeable features include support for more crypto trading pairs and lower fees.
We must also observe that Kraken also integrates some beginner-friendly tools. You can, for example, buy cryptos instantly on Kraken with cards. It has also oversimplified both the client onboarding and crypto buying processes.
Other factors helping Kraken make it here include its highly responsive support team. We also liked that, in addition to cryptos, you can buy top NFTs on the exchange. However, the exchange stopped offering passive crypto investing programs, including staking, after being sued for listing digital assets that the SEC describes as securities.
- Supports crypto derivatives trading with leverage of up to 50x
- Offers advanced security features like 2FA and cold storage
- Kraken is a regulated and highly reputable exchange
- Kraken gives you access to 200+ cryptos
- Doesn’t offer crypto staking
- Charges high fees when you buy cryptos instantly
7. Uphold – Best Crypto Investing Platform for a Diversified Portfolio
If you are looking to create a reduced risk and create a diversified portfolio, use Uphold. At the time of writing, Uphold hosts 260+ crypto and hundreds of traditional assets. Among the supported cryptos are established assets like Bitcoin as well as relatively new coins. The traditional assets, on the other hand, include foreign currencies and metals.
At Uphold, you may choose to create an all-crypto portfolio, mixing the most sustainable cryptos with the most volatile. Alternatively, you may hedge against the crypto market’s volatility by adding equities and metals. The good thing is that Uphold is an anything-for-anything trading platform. This implies that you can do exchange one asset for virtually any other asset.
Other than supporting a diversified portfolio, Uphold is big on safety. This is evidenced by the fact that client assets are 100% reserved. Further, Uphold promotes transparency and regularly updates the proof-of-reserves report. It also provides all its platform users with a free web wallet that holds your private keys in cold storage.
Other factors making Uphold the best crypto exchange to buy cryptocurrency in North Carolina include its deep liquidity. This is complemented by its fast transaction processing speeds. Not forgetting its transparency, noting that you only need $10 to start buying Bitcoin and the best DeFi coins on Uphold. The only serious drawback to using Uphold is that the trading fees on the platform range between 0.25% and 2.95%.
- Uphold has a money transmitter license issued in North Carolina
- Integrates many educational materials dedicated to newbies
- It provides you with advanced trading tools and daily crypto market updates
- It provides you with three different digital wallets
- Charges higher fees than top competitor crypto trading sites
- Uphold has been accused of closing client accounts arbitrarily
Is Crypto Investing Legal in North Carolina
North Carolina is a crypto-friendly state. It has also been at the frontline of coming up with crypto regulation. Like most other crypto friendly states, North Carolina has come up with state-specific legal frameworks for virtual currency businesses. This framework is clearly spelt out in the North Carolina Money Transmitter Act of 2016.
The law states that all companies that transmit virtual currencies have to obtain a money transmitter license. This is issued by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB), which also serves as the financial regulator in the state. The company must also submit to periodic examinations by the NCCOB. Not forgetting that it must enforce compliance with KYC and AML checks.
Crypto Taxes in North Carolina
While North Carolina has state-specific rules on crypto regulation, it doesn’t have clear policies in place regarding crypto taxation. In place of state-level taxes, North Carolina follows the federal tax principles. This implies that cryptos are treated as cryptos in the state. You will need to pay taxes on the capital gains and losses.
You will be taxed in North Carolina if you profit from selling or trading digital currencies. Investors will also need to pay taxes on incomes earned from mining or staking digital assets. Note that paying for goods or services with cryptos is also considered a taxable event. In addition to the state taxes applicable, you will also need to file your taxes with the IRS.
Practical Tips for Buying Crypto and Bitcoin in North Carolina
Investing in cryptocurrencies can be highly rewarding. But it also carries its fair share of risks. In this section, we go over the top tricks and strategies you need to consider when buying cryptos:
- Do your own research: Before buying a cryptocurrency, learn everything you can about it. Look it up on crypto platforms like CoinLore to confirm features like its tokenomics, price action and market cap. Independent reviews and forecasts should help you learn about the coin’s future performance.
- Consider storage and custody: Before buying a coin, decide where to keep it. We, for example, encourage our readers not to leave their coins in an exchange. Only store their cryptos in a secure and reliable hardware wallet.
- Diversify your portfolio: We also encourage you to consider diversifying your portfolio. Invest in not just the most promising cryptos but the next cryptos to explode.
- Use reliable exchanges: Only use regulated and highly reputable exchanges. Avoid exchanges like the now-defunct FTX that misuse and misappropriate client funds. The exchange should commit to holding your keys offline and maintain a regularly updated and audited proof of reserves report.
- Understand risk management: Before you start buying Ethereum and other cryptos, understand your risk-tolerance level. Align your investment with this level. Low-risk tolerant individuals should try to avoid the high-risk volatile cryptos. They may also want to keep off such risky investment strategies as crypto derivatives trading.
How to Buy Cryptocurrency in North Carolina Walkthrough
Once you’ve chosen the best place to invest in cryptocurrency in North Carolina, it’s time to walk through the process of how to invest in crypto.
Let’s use eToro.
Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to buy cryptocurrency in North Carolina for beginners on eToro.
Step 1: Open an Account
Open the official eToro website or download the eToro crypto trading mobile app. Click on the “Join Now” on either platform and complete the registration form that appears. The exchange will ask for your basic personal information, income sources, and trading experience.
Step 2: Verify your Identity
Complete the registration process by verifying your identity. Simply send a photo of your government issued identification document such as a driver’s license of passport. You also need to come up with unique username and strong password for this account.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
Log in to the approved eToro trading platform and click on the “Deposit Funds” icon. This brings up the funding tab, which introduces you to all the payment methods available to you. Select one and follow the prompts to deposit at least $10 into this account.
Step 4: Select a Cryptocurrency to Buy
eToro is home to all the best cryptos to buy for beginners in the US. Choose the best altcoin to buy from this list and hit the “BUY” icon.
Step 5: Make your Purchase
A trading tab will pop up, and you can use it to customize this trade. Simply indicate how much you wish to invest in the said crypto. Hit the “Open Trade” icon to authorize this investment.
Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk
Note: eToro will deposit the cryptos you just purchased into the broker-provided web wallet. Remember that the eToro account doesn’t accept crypto deposits or withdrawals from third-party platforms. To move the said crypto, you first need to download the eToro Money Wallet app and move the cryptos here.
How to Sell Cryptos in North Carolina
Selling cryptos on eToro doesn’t have to be complicated. The selling process is equally quick and straightforward, and this is how you go about it:
- Step 1: Start by logging back into your eToro trader account.
- Step 2: Hit the “Portfolio” icon on your user dashboard.
- Step 3: Select the crypto you wish to sell from this portfolio and choose the close trade option. You will also need to customize the trade by indicating whether you intend to sell a portion of this asset or the entire position.
- Step 4: Hit the “Close Trade” button to execute this trade.
Note: eToro immediately deposits the cash equivalent of the crypto you just sold into your cash account. Use this cash to buy more cryptos on the platform. Alternatively, choose to withdraw the cash.
Conclusion
In this guide on how to buy cryptocurrency in North Carolina, we covered the basic steps you’d need to take to make your first crypto purchase, ranking from opening an account to making your first buy.
We also discussed where to invest in cryptocurrency in the NC state. A crypto exchange like eToro provides a beginner-friendly experiences, allowing users to access copy trading tools. But before you start investing cryptos, you need to learn such investing tricks as risk management and portfolio diversification.
Do you want to start buying cryptos right away? Follow the step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin and other cryptos on eToro that we have outlined above.
More States Buying guides on Crypto2Community
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in New Jersey
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Nevada
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Maryland
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Illinois
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Hawaii
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Georgia
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in California
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Colorado
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in New York
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Washington
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Connecticut
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Delaware
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Idaho
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Indiana
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Kansas
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Iowa
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Louisiana
- How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Kentucky
References:
- https://cointelegraph.com/news/super-bowl-2022-here-s-the-scoreboard-of-crypto-ads
- https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2023-102
- https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/coinbase-launches-lobbying-initiative-to-safeguard-crypto-interests/
- https://www.coinbase.com/blog/coinbase-takes-another-formal-step-to-seek-regulatory-clarity-from-sec-for
- https://www.reuters.com/technology/binance-sees-withdrawals-19-billion-last-24-hours-data-firm-nansen-says-2022-12-13/
- https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_53/Article_16A.html
- https://www.coinlore.com/all_coins
FAQs
What is the best crypto exchange in North Carolina today?
eToro is our top choice for the best places to buy Bitcoin and other cryptos in North Carolina. It is a multi-asset.trading platform that supports fractional investing with a minimum trade amount of $10.
How to buy cryptos with cards in North Carolina?
Virtually all the best crypto exchanges in North Carolina support credit card and debit card deposits. The likes of eToro and Binance.US will even let you buy cryptos instantly with cards.
What is the best crypto trading mobile app in North Carolina?
All the best altcoin exchanges operating in North Carolina have free crypto trading mobile apps. Our top pick for the best mobile trading platforms would, however, be the Coinbase app because of its user friendliness.
Are there fees associated with buying cryptos in North Carolina?
Yes, different crypto trading platforms maintain varied crypto trading fees. Among the few reputable and commission-free crypto trading platforms operating in North Carolina is Robinhood. Beware, though, that Robinhood profits from selling client trading data.
Can I buy Bitcoin and other cryptos with PayPal in North Carolina?
Yes, a number of popular crypto trading platforms, like Coinbase, eToro, and eToro.Com will let you buy Bitcoins with PayPal. Others supported eWallet payment options in North Carolina include Skrill, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.