Read on to learn how to buy Bitcoin with euros in this beginner’s guide.

What You Need Before You Start

You don't need much: just a smartphone, a Euro bank account or card, and a destination for your Bitcoin.

That last part is where most beginners skip a step. Buying Bitcoin and leaving it on an exchange is not the same as actually holding Bitcoin. You’re better off holding it in a Bitcoin wallet you control.

For amounts under certain thresholds, some apps require minimal identity verification. For larger purchases, you'll typically go through a standard KYC process: a photo ID and sometimes a selfie. It's a one-time setup and usually takes a few minutes.

Step 1: Choose Where to Buy

Europe has several options for buying Bitcoin with euros, from large multi-asset exchanges to Bitcoin-only apps. The differences come down to what they sell, how they store your funds, and what they charge.

Large exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken support dozens of cryptocurrencies and keep custody of your assets by default. They work fine for plenty of people, but there's a trade-off: if you leave Bitcoin on an exchange, you're trusting that platform to stay solvent and secure.

Apps built specifically for Bitcoin tend to be simpler and are designed around self-custody from the start. If you decide to use the Relai app, for example, your Bitcoin goes into a non-custodial wallet where you hold the private keys. This means that Relai doesn't hold your funds on your behalf.

Whatever platform you pick, check that it holds a valid license. As of 2026, reputable European providers should have a valid license under MiCA, the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, which sets baseline consumer protection standards across the EU Market.

Step 2: Create and Verify Your Account

Download the app or sign up on the platform's website. Most regulated platforms will ask for a full name and date of birth, a government-issued photo ID, and sometimes proof of address.

Verification is automated on most platforms and takes a few minutes. You only do it once.

Step 3: Add a Payment Method

The most common ways to buy Bitcoin with euros are bank transfer, card, and mobile payment.

Bank transfer via SEPA is usually the cheapest option. Standard SEPA transfers settle in one to two business days; Instant SEPA, which many apps now support, goes through in seconds where supported.

Debit and credit cards are faster but carry higher fees. This is useful if you want to buy immediately rather than wait for a transfer to clear.

Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported on many mobile apps. Fees run similarly to card payments. Link your preferred method in the app's settings before placing your first order.

Step 4: Place Your Order

Once your payment method is linked, the actual purchase is straightforward. Enter the amount in euros, review the exchange rate and fees on screen, and confirm the transaction.

Most apps show the exact amount of Bitcoin you'll receive before you confirm, so be sure to check that number. Fees vary by platform and payment method, so reading the fee schedule before your first purchase is worth a couple of minutes.

Bitcoin is divisible down to eight decimal places. Purchases of €20, €50, or €100 work exactly the same way as larger orders.

Step 5: Understand Where Your Bitcoin Goes

This is the step that gets skipped most often, and at the same time, it tends to be one of the most important steps. When you buy Bitcoin, it needs to be stored somewhere.

There are two main options:

Exchange custody means your Bitcoin stays on the platform. You see a balance in an app, but the platform controls the underlying keys. This is convenient, but it introduces platform risk. If the platform is hacked or goes bankrupt, your access to those funds is at risk.

Self-custody means the Bitcoin is sent to a wallet you control, and nobody else holds the keys. This takes a little more setup, but it removes reliance on any third party.

Some apps handle both in one place. Others default to custodial storage and require a separate step to withdraw. Know which model you're using before you buy.

Step 6: Back Up Your Wallet

If you're using a self-custody wallet, you'll receive a recovery phrase when you first set it up, typically made up of 12 or 24 words. Write it down on paper and store it somewhere secure.

Don't photograph it, don't save it in a notes app, and don't share it with anyone. That phrase is the only way to recover your funds if your phone is lost or broken.

The Bottom Line

Buying Bitcoin requires you to pick a regulated platform, verify your identity, link a payment method, and decide how you want to hold what you buy. The technical side is manageable, but the more important part is whether you or someone else controls your coins after the purchase.

Finally, remember to never invest more than you can afford to lose, and make sure you back up your wallet (if you’re using a self-custody wallet), so that you don’t accidentally lose access to your coins.