How to Buy Ethereum

Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin and the pioneer of smart contract platforms. This guide will teach you how to safely and quickly purchase your first Ethereum!

What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is not just a cryptocurrency—it's a decentralized application platform.

Tip

Ethereum's native token is called ETH (Ether), which is used to pay network fees and execute smart contracts.

Main Uses of Ethereum:

DeFi (Decentralized Finance) applications
NFT marketplace transactions
Smart contract execution
Store of value and investment

Ways to Buy Ethereum

Method 1: Through Exchanges (Recommended)

The most convenient method with the best prices, suitable for all users.

Tip

Best choice for beginners! Exchanges offer the best liquidity and competitive pricing.

Advantages:

Transparent pricing and fast transactions
Relatively low fees
Multiple deposit methods

Method 2: P2P Trading

Direct peer-to-peer trading with other users.

Suitable for:

Users who value privacy
Those preferring cash transactions
Need flexible payment methods

Warning

P2P trading requires caution against scams. Always use platforms with escrow mechanisms.

Method 3: Direct Credit Card Purchase

Some platforms support direct ETH purchase with credit cards.

Disadvantages:

Higher fees (3-5%)
May have purchase limits
Slower processing time

Pre-Purchase Preparation

Before buying Ethereum, prepare:

ID Documents - For exchange KYC verification
Bank Account or Credit Card - For fiat deposits
Mobile Phone - Download exchange app and Google Authenticator
Email Address - For exchange registration

Choosing an Exchange

For Taiwanese Users

If you're in Taiwan, there are two main purchasing routes:

Route A: Direct Purchase via Taiwanese Exchange

The simplest and most direct method, suitable for beginners.

Exchange	Features	Discount
MAX Exchange	Taiwan licensed、TWD deposits	20% fee discount
BitoPro	Established TW exchange、Convenience store purchase	20% fee discount

Advantages:

Direct TWD deposits, convenient and fast
Chinese interface and customer support
Compliant with Taiwanese regulations

Disadvantages:

Fewer coin selections
Lower trading volume
Slightly higher fees than international exchanges

Route B: Taiwan Deposit + International Exchange

A more advanced method with better trading conditions.

Process:

Buy USDT with TWD on MAX
Transfer USDT to Binance, OKX, or Bybit
Purchase Ethereum with USDT

Exchange	Features	Discount
Binance	World's largest exchange、Most trading pairs	20% fee discount
OKX	Strong derivatives、Web3 wallet integration	20% fee discount
Bybit	Best for futures、Copy trading	20% fee discount
Pionex	Free trading bots、Grid trading	Free trading bots

Advantages:

More coin selections
Better prices and liquidity
Advanced trading features

Disadvantages:

Additional transfer step required
Need familiarity with on-chain transfers

For International Users

Simply choose a major international exchange:

Exchange	Features	Discount
Binance	World's largest exchange、Most trading pairs	20% fee discount
OKX	Strong derivatives、Web3 wallet integration	20% fee discount
Bybit	Best for futures、Copy trading	20% fee discount
Pionex	Free trading bots、Grid trading	Free trading bots

Complete Purchase Process

Using "Taiwanese User + International Exchange" as an example, this is the most cost-effective method:

Step 1: Register on Taiwanese Exchange

Visit MAX exchange official website
Click "Register" and enter your email
Verify email address
Complete KYC verification (prepare ID card and selfie)
Wait for approval (usually 1-3 business days)

Tip

MAX is Taiwan's largest cryptocurrency exchange, regulated by the FSC, ensuring higher security.

Step 2: TWD Deposit

Log in to MAX exchange
Click "Wallet" → "TWD" → "Deposit"
Copy your unique deposit account number
Transfer via online banking or ATM to that account
Wait for deposit confirmation (usually within 30 minutes)

Warning

Each user has a unique deposit account number—make sure you transfer to the correct one!

Step 3: Purchase USDT

Click "Trade" to enter trading page
Select "USDT/TWD" trading pair
Choose "Market Order" (recommended for beginners)
Enter the TWD amount you want to spend
Click "Buy USDT" to confirm

Tip

USDT is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, serving as the "universal currency" in crypto.

Step 4: Register on International Exchange

Visit Binance official website (or OKX, Bybit)
Register account and verify email
Complete basic KYC verification
Enable Google 2FA authentication

Step 5: Transfer USDT to International Exchange

On Binance, click "Deposit"
Select "USDT"
Choose network: TRC20 recommended (lowest fee, ~1 USDT)
Copy the deposit address
Return to MAX, click "Withdraw" → "USDT"
Paste the Binance USDT address
Select TRC20 network
Enter withdrawal amount
Complete 2FA verification
Wait for arrival (usually 5-15 minutes)

Danger

When transferring, ensure:

Address is correct
Network selection matches (both TRC20) Choosing the wrong network may result in permanent asset loss!

Step 6: Purchase Ethereum

On Binance, click "Trade" → "Spot"
Search and select "ETH/USDT" trading pair
Choose "Market" (recommended for beginners) or "Limit"
Enter the USDT amount you want to spend
Click "Buy ETH"
Confirm order
Congratulations! You now own Ethereum!

Tip

Market orders execute immediately, while limit orders let you set your desired price but may not fill immediately.

Post-Purchase Recommendations

Secure Storage

Small Holdings (< $2,000)

Can keep on exchange
Remember to enable all security settings

Large Holdings (> $2,000)

Recommend transferring to your own wallet
Hardware wallets recommended (like Ledger, Trezor)

Investment Strategy Recommendations

Tip

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) is the most suitable strategy for beginners!

What is DCA?

Buy a fixed amount at regular intervals (weekly or monthly)
Continue buying regardless of price
Average out cost over time

Benefits of DCA:

Spread out risk, avoid buying at peaks
Reduce emotional decision-making
Suitable for long-term holders

Continuous Learning

Ethereum's applications extend far beyond investment:

Learn to use MetaMask wallet
Explore DeFi applications (like Uniswap, Aave)
Understand NFT marketplaces
Follow Ethereum ecosystem developments

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the minimum amount of Ethereum I can buy? A: Most exchanges have minimums around $10-20 USDT. You can buy fractional ETH (like 0.01 ETH).

Q: What's the difference between Ethereum and Bitcoin? A: Bitcoin is primarily digital gold and a store of value, while Ethereum is a smart contract platform that can run various decentralized applications.

Q: Do I need to pay taxes on Ethereum purchases? A: Tax regulations vary by country. In many jurisdictions, crypto gains are taxable. Consult a tax professional in your area.

Q: What is Ethereum 2.0? A: Ethereum has completed its upgrade (formerly called ETH 2.0), transitioning from PoW to PoS consensus mechanism, making it more eco-friendly and efficient.

Q: When is the best time to buy? A: No one can predict the perfect timing. Dollar-cost averaging is the most reliable strategy.

Q: What are Gas Fees? A: Gas fees are Ethereum network transaction fees, paid in ETH. You need to pay them when making on-chain transfers or using DeFi.

Important Precautions

Warning

Avoid Common Mistakes:

Don't publicly share your holdings on social media
Never share your private keys or seed phrases
Don't disable 2FA authentication
Don't use public Wi-Fi to access exchanges

Security Checklist:

✓ Verify correct website URL (avoid phishing sites)
✓ Enable 2FA authentication
✓ Set up withdrawal whitelist
✓ Change passwords regularly
✓ Don't click suspicious links

Next Steps

Buying Ethereum is just the first step! Next, you can:

Ready to get started? Choose an exchange to begin your Ethereum journey:

Exchange	Features	Discount
Binance	World's largest exchange、Most trading pairs	20% fee discount
OKX	Strong derivatives、Web3 wallet integration	20% fee discount
Bybit	Best for futures、Copy trading	20% fee discount
Pionex	Free trading bots、Grid trading	Free trading bots