WTF is Bitcoin?
So you've heard of Bitcoin, or your annoying friend won't shut up about it, and you've 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.
Start with this 6-minute video.
The one book worth reading first.
Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can't F*ck With
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 AmazonThree beginner-friendly podcast episodes.
When you're ready for more.
Where to buy Bitcoin in the UK.
CoinCorner
- Operating since 2014
- GBP via Faster Payments
- Excellent human support
- Bolt Card and auto-buy
- IoM FSA regulated, not FCA
- Higher fees (~1% + spread)
Strike
- Lightning Network, near-zero fees
- Near-zero recurring-buy fees
- Free GBP deposits
- Clean, simple app
- Newer to the UK (mid-2024)
- Promotions via Englebert Ltd, not directly FCA
- Support can be slow
Kraken
- 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+ coins, not Bitcoin-focused
eToro
- 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
- 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
- A banking app, not a Bitcoin platform
Bitcoin, the beginner questions.
Is Bitcoin legal in the UK?
Yes. It's legal to buy, hold and sell Bitcoin in the UK. It's treated as an asset rather than legal tender, and any exchange serving UK customers has to register with the FCA.
Do I have to buy a whole Bitcoin?
No. A single Bitcoin divides into 100 million tiny units called satoshis, so you can buy a few pounds' worth and own a fraction.
How do I buy Bitcoin in the UK?
Through a registered exchange. You deposit pounds, buy Bitcoin, and ideally move it to a wallet you control. The comparison above walks through the main UK options.
Is Bitcoin safe?
The Bitcoin network itself has never been hacked. The real risks are its price, which can fall sharply, and losing access to your own coins, which is why backups and self-custody matter.
How much do I need to start?
As little as a few pounds. Plenty of people start small with a regular amount rather than a lump sum. What you do is your call, and this page is education, not advice.
Stay close to what's happening, and connect with others on the same journey.
Own a business? There's a separate path for you, and a network of UK businesses already doing this.
Bitcoin for business →