On-ramp directory
Coinbase
The largest US-listed exchange — the mainstream on-ramp in most Western markets.
Coinbase is the largest US-listed exchange and the mainstream on-ramp in most Western markets, prized more for accessibility and regulatory standing than for low fees. For many people it is the first place they ever buy bitcoin.
It is a fit for users who want the most familiar, widely-supported venue and are willing to pay for that convenience. It is KYC’d and multi-asset; the standard advice holds — buy here if it’s easiest, then withdraw to a wallet you control.
Other exchanges
Binance
The highest-volume global exchange — vast rails and P2P markets; availability varies by jurisdiction.
Bitso
Latin America’s biggest exchange — local currency rails across the region.
Firi
The largest Nordic crypto exchange — NOK/DKK rails, regulated locally.
Independent Reserve
Long-running regulated exchange for Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Kraken
Veteran global exchange with a strong security record and broad fiat rails.
Luno
Exchange focused on Africa and Southeast Asia with simple local-currency rails.
Quick answers
- Does Coinbase require KYC?
- Yes — Coinbase requires identity verification before you can buy bitcoin.
- Does Coinbase support Lightning?
- Yes — Coinbase supports Lightning deposits and/or withdrawals, so you can move sats out cheaply.
- How can you pay on Coinbase?
- Coinbase supports bank, card payments.
- Where is Coinbase available?
- Coinbase serves a limited set of countries (35 listed in our directory) — verify yours on the official site before signing up.
Availability and rules change with regulation — verify on the official site before sending funds. Bought your sats? Move them to a wallet you control, and check your country's tax rules.