For Individuals · The Starter Kit

WTF is Bitcoin?

So you've heard of Bitcoin, or your annoying friend won't shut up about it and you have no clue where to start? We've curated the killer list — easy to consume, not a snooze fest.

Not an extensive list — that's entirely on purpose.

1Watch first
Start with this 6-minute video.
The Internet Changed Information. Bitcoin Changes Money.
Watch first
The Internet Changed Information. Bitcoin Changes Money.
The clearest short explanation of why Bitcoin exists. Watch this before anything else — everything clicks better after.
~6 min
2Read
The one book worth reading first.
Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can't F*ck With
Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can't F*ck With
Jason A. Williams
No-one controls it. No governments, no companies, no central banks, no money printing. It's a revolution as big as the internet — and it's never been hacked. Written in plain, readable English — the best first Bitcoin book you'll read.
Find on Amazon
3Listen
Three beginner-friendly podcast episodes.
Claire Chisholm
Episode
Claire Chisholm
Alan Smith
Episode
Alan Smith
Antonia Roupell
Episode
Antonia Roupell
4Go deeper
When you're ready for more.
What's the Problem?
What's the Problem? — Joe Bryan
A clear-eyed story demonstrating why the current monetary system is broken — and why Bitcoin is the fix.
~40 min
This Machine Greens
This Machine Greens
The definitive documentary on Bitcoin and energy — tackles the environmental argument head on.
Documentary
5Buy
Where to buy Bitcoin in the UK.
ExchangeProsCons
CoinCorner
Bitcoin only · IoM FSA
  • Operating since 2014
  • GBP via Faster Payments
  • Excellent human support
  • Bolt Card & auto-buy
  • IoM FSA regulated, not FCA
  • Higher fees (~1% + spread)
Strike
Bitcoin only · Lightning
  • Lightning Network, near-zero fees
  • Near-zero DCA fees
  • Free GBP deposits
  • Clean, simple app
  • Newer to UK (mid-2024)
  • Promotions via Englebert Ltd, not directly FCA
  • Support can be slow
Kraken
FCA registered
  • Since 2011, zero fund losses
  • Low Pro fees (0.16%)
  • Fast GBP deposits
  • 24/7 phone support
  • Complex for beginners
  • Instant Buy fees are high
  • 400+ cryptos, not Bitcoin-focused
eToro
FCA registered
  • Beginner-friendly
  • GBP deposits direct
  • ~1% fee
  • Custodial — you don't own the keys
  • $5 withdrawal fee
  • $10/month inactivity fee
  • Not Bitcoin-focused
Revolut
FCA registered
  • Easiest onramp, buy in under a minute
  • Custodial — you don't own the keys
  • £1,000/month withdrawal cap (Metal only)
  • Up to 1.99% fees
  • Banking app, not a Bitcoin platform
Verify any exchange: register.fca.org.uk
Important: Educational only, not financial advice. Bitcoin Collective is not FCA authorised. Buying Bitcoin carries significant risk — value can go to zero. No affiliate relationships with any exchange listed. Always do your own research and consider an FCA-authorised adviser. Capital not protected by FSCS.
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