Buying crypto when under 18 is challenging. Luckily, there are other ways for teens to invest in crypto.
Most exchanges and platforms follow age restrictions. Under-18s face difficulties purchasing crypto due to regulations.
Some crypto platforms have less strict KYC rules. Under-18s can use them if allowed by their country and the platform’s Terms of Service.
Apart from exchanges, teens can explore other ways to buy small amounts of crypto.
How To Buy Cryptocurrency Under 18
Here is a complete list of the different ways to buy crypto if underage:
Use a parent or guardian. This is one of the easiest ways for minors to buy crypto via their parents or a guardian who will create an account with a crypto exchange to buy crypto with their bank account. Then, transfer to the teenager’s external wallet.
Ask a friend or relative over the age of 18. Similar to the above, ask someone over the age of 18 to buy and transfer crypto on their behalf to a self-custody crypto wallet. This can take place as a cash transaction in exchange for crypto.
Use a crypto debit card. There are several platforms that do not require KYC to purchase crypto with funds from a bank account using a credit card. It may be more difficult to obtain a credit/debit card and some banks can restrict crypto purchases. Although, there are some exchanges that permit buying crypto with credit cards.
Trade goods or services for crypto. Having a physical or online business that accepts payment in crypto using a third-party merchant. The crypto earned from providing a service can be stored in a wallet and cashed out when over 18 years old.
Participate in airdrops and bounties. This method requires holding existing crypto using the above methods. Some blockchain projects will distribute airdrops and bounties for holding their coins to increase awareness of their project.
Buy crypto with gift cards. P2P platforms offer multiple payments such as prepaid cards and Amazon gift cards which can be converted into crypto.
Participate in a crypto rewards program.
These methods are usually tethered to promoting blockchain projects such as content creators, sharing referral links, and joining Telegram groups. It is also one of the best ways to earn free crypto for any age group.
Receive crypto as a gift. This method involves receiving crypto as a gift. There are several ways to give crypto as a gift to anyone under the age of 18.
How To Buy Crypto Under 18 Using An Exchange
Buying cryptocurrencies under 18 does not have to be a tricky process. To help explain how the process works, here’s a full tutorial to buy crypto under 18.
Step 1 – Create an account with a no KYC exchange
This will be completed using the KuCoin cryptocurrency exchange. Head over to the KuCoin website and click ‘Sign Up’ in the top right corner of the screen. On the next screen, fill in the required account details. KuCoin provides the option to use either an email address or phone number to create an account. Choose a strong password and read the ‘Terms & Conditions’. The email address or phone number may need to be verified before access is granted.
Step 2 – Choose a purchase method
There are several ways to purchase cryptocurrencies through the KuCoin exchange. However, the easiest is through the exchange’s ‘Fast Trade’ option. Fast Trade allows individuals to purchase crypto directly using a range of payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfer. Note, the payment method will vary depending on the cryptocurrency being purchased. Remember to check which payment methods are available for the crypto of interest.
Step 3 – Enter transaction details
Once on the Fast Trade webpage, select a fiat currency from the drop-down menu on the right and enter the amount to spend. Then select a cryptocurrency to purchase. The ‘I want to buy’ field will be automatically filled.
Step 4 – Confirm the transaction
Before completing the transaction, remember to double-check all transaction details.
Examine the ‘Reference Price’ located at the bottom of the page to precisely comprehend which cryptocurrencies you will receive.
Click the ‘Buy’ button when you are content with the transaction.
After you complete the transaction, unless specified otherwise, the platform will send the cryptocurrencies to an exchange wallet on the KuCoin platform.
Step 5 – Send crypto to a non-custodial wallet
While it’s possible to securely store cryptos in an exchange’s internal wallet, the recommended practice is to transfer cryptocurrencies to a personal crypto wallet for full control.
These wallets, referred to as non-custodial wallets, come in two types: software-based like desktop or mobile applications, and hardware-based like USB memory sticks.
How Many Under 18s Are Interested In Crypto?
Investing in crypto is a young buyer’s market.
According to data collected by Stilt, 17.40% of all cryptocurrency transactions are completed by those from Generation Z (currently aged between 18-24).
Although there is little data on the investing habits of those under 18, there is sufficient data available to highlight a clear trend in the investing habits of those aged 18 and above.
Gen Z is the second largest market participant after millennials, who make up the bulk of crypto activity.
Together, Gen Z and millennials make up 94% of all crypto holders, highlighting that younger investors largely dominate the crypto industry.
It is therefore understandable why individuals under 18 may have the desire to buy cryptocurrency or at least participate in the growing ecosystem.
It should also be noted that the above figures do not include crypto purchases between friends and family, using crypto ATMs, or receiving crypto for providing a service.
Where To Buy Crypto Under 18
We’ve listed ID-free crypto exchanges. They require users over 18 but don’t enforce ID verification. Payment methods demand 18+, limiting centralized exchange access. Parents/guardians can use these exchanges for minors.
1. ByBit
ByBit is our best overall pick for those looking to buy under 18. The world-leading platform does not require KYC verification to make spot purchases and provides a safe, secure, and clean environment to start building a crypto portfolio.
Key highlights:
- One-click buy across 20 different cryptocurrencies
- Withdraw up to 2 BTC per 24 hours
- Spot trading fees start from 0.1%
- Purchase crypto using over 50 different fiat currencies.
With high trading volumes and high liquidity, ByBit has quickly risen to the top of the crypto exchange market.
Under-18s have the option to purchase cryptos using either Bybit’s ‘One Click Buy’ module or through the spot market.
There is also the benefit of paying zero fees on crypto purchases regardless of age.
Funds can be deposited using a range of payment methods including credit cards, SEPA, bank transfer, and Google Pay.
While fees are higher for One Click Buy purchases, spot trading fees for non-verified users start from 0.1% which is competitive in the market.
Without KYC, only crypto can be withdrawn and withdrawal limits are capped at the equivalent of 2 BTC per day. But, unverified users do have the option to trade other crypto derivatives if they so wish.
2. KuCoin
KuCoin is a market-leading trading platform that allows investors to purchase over 700 different cryptocurrencies.
It is therefore one of our best picks for those under 18 looking to invest in a wide range of altcoins.
For individuals under 18, KuCoin offers optional account verification, allowing them to purchase and trade cryptocurrencies using only an email or phone number.
KuCoin users can purchase different altcoins through spot markets, the P2P platform, or the platform’s Fast Trade module.
Key highlights:
- Access to over 700 different cryptocurrencies
- Withdraw up to 1 BTC every 24 hours (without KYC)
- Spot trading fees start from 0.1% and can be reduced by holding the native KCS token
- Free educational material for learning the basics of cryptos
Although Fast Trade incurs higher fees, spot trading fees begin at 0.1% and can be further decreased by holding the native KCS coin. This potentially makes it a more economical choice compared to ByBit.
Unverified accounts have a withdrawal limit of 1 BTC per 24 hours for cryptocurrency withdrawals, which should be ample for individuals under 18.
Unfortunately, all other KuCoin products such as margin trading, derivatives trading, and buying NFTs do require KYC verification, so these will not be accessible to underage investors.
Perhaps the biggest limitation is that KuCoin can’t be used in the US. Therefore, those under 18 from the US will need to look elsewhere.
3. CoinEx
CoinEx is next on our list. It is a privacy-focused crypto exchange that makes it perfect for those under 18.
With privacy at the forefront, users can take advantage of all CoinEx products without needing to submit KYC documentation.
Key highlights:
- Access to over 500 different cryptocurrencies in spot markets
- All features accessible to unverified users
- Withdraw up to 10,000 USDT every 24 hours
- CoinEx spot trading fees start from 0.2%
Those that create a new account with CoinEx can purchase over 500 different cryptocurrencies through the exchange’s spot markets which are slightly less than KuCoin’s offering.
There is also a ‘quick buy’ feature using USDT, USDC, BTC, and ETH.
The fees for quick buy purchases vary based on the payment method and spot trading fees start from 0.2% which is quite reasonable.
We note that CoinEx makes clear in its Terms & Conditions that use of the platform falls on the responsibility of each individual.
Therefore, each person needs to verify if they can use CoinEx in their geographic location.
Although geographic restrictions might be somewhat puzzling, CoinEx users enjoy the additional advantage that most of its products are accessible to unverified investors, granting them the ability to trade futures.
This is prohibited on the platforms mentioned earlier (and not advisable for individuals under 18 as well).
CoinEx may be a good exchange to consider for small purchases under the 10,000 USDT daily withdrawal limit.
4. PrimeXBT
PrimeXBT launched in 2017 as a platform enabling users to trade forex, commodities, and indices by utilizing Bitcoin as collateral.
Unlike competitors, the platform allows USD withdrawals up to $20,000 and is, therefore, our best pick for those under 18 looking to withdraw in USD.
Key highlights:
- Trade forex, commodities, cryptos, and indices using BTC as collateral
- Withdraw up to $20,000
- Trading fees start from 0.5%
- Demo trading mode to help beginners
Although only KYC-verified users have permission to make fiat deposits, individuals seeking anonymity can deposit Bitcoin and initiate trading right away.
When using Bitcoin as collateral, all features within PrimeXBT are available.
Unfortunately, the ease of withdrawing high amounts of USD comes at the cost of higher trading fees, which start at 0.5%.
But, with high withdrawal limits, PrimeXBT could be a strong choice for those looking to make their first purchase while under 18.
The higher-than-average fees might be a price worth paying for the additional access to forex, commodities, and indices.
5. 1Inch
1inch is a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange (DEX) aggregator.
Instead of completing transactions internally, 1inch searches for the best exchange rate across multiple DEXs.
As the platform operates using blockchain technology, users have the possibility of trading over 400 different cryptocurrencies without KYC requirements.
Key highlights:
- Trade over 400 different cryptocurrencies
- Non-custodial which means control remains with the investor
- Agreggator searches for the best exchange rates among a variety of DEXs
- Users can earn interest by depositing cryptos within liquidity pools
To utilize 1inch, investors must have cryptocurrencies to trade.
However, once you acquire 1inch, you can then use it to carry out crypto-to-crypto transactions.
The greatest advantage of this is that completing transactions with 1inch does not necessitate custodial control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should minors be buying Bitcoin?
Minors should not invest in cryptocurrency markets. It’s risky, and they may not grasp the dangers, leading to losses.
Parental consent and guidance are essential. Only invest money that can be lost.
What is the best approach to buying crypto as an under 18?
Best method for under 18s to get crypto: Ask parents/guardian to buy it.
Transfer to hardware wallet for investment until legal age. Sell on licensed exchange when allowed; KYC won’t permit underage accounts.
Is it legal to buy cryptocurrency if I am under 18?
Under 18s can’t legally buy cryptocurrencies in most countries. Some platforms allow it, but parental permission and controls are a must.
Are there any risks when buying crypto under 18?
Laws and regulations pose risks in some countries, especially for minors trading crypto. Other risks are non-KYC exchange restrictions, financial volatility, and security issues related to scams for under-18s.
Conclusion
Buying crypto gets harder for those under 18 on centralized platforms due to KYC verification and regulations preventing sales to minors.
However, alternatives like no KYC exchanges and decentralized aggregators exist.
Some withdrawal restrictions apply, but a few platforms are available for crypto experimentation.
Remember, cryptocurrencies are risky investments. Consult a parent or guardian before purchasing or wait until you’re of legal age.