Coinbase
Coinbase is the world’s largest Bitcoin broker. They represent an easy and fast way for new users to purchase bitcoins. Coinbase supports customers in over 30 countries, including the United States, Europe (besides Germany), UK, Singapore, Canada, and Australia.
Customers in the above-mentioned countries can purchase bitcoins by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, SEPA transfer, and more.
PROS
- High liquidity and buying limits
- Easy way for newcomers to get bitcoins
- “Instant Buy” option available with credit card or debit card
CONS
- Purchases made with bank transfer can take up to 5 days to complete
- Coinbase may track how and where you spend your bitcoins
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GDAX
Coinbase’s exchange, GDAX, is one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges in the United States. Users can fund their accounts via bank transfer, SEPA, or bank wire. GDAX offers good prices and low fees, but their confusing user interface may initially prove difficult to navigate.
PROS
- Some of the lowest fees available for US and EU customers
- Possible to buy bitcoins for 0% fees
CONS
- User interface is confusing for first time buyers
- Sending bitcoins directly from GDAX to any legally-questionable site may result in closure of your account
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Independent Reserve
Independent Reserve is an Australian Bitcoin exchange, geared towards traders and corporations. You can fund your account with EFT, SWIFT, POLi, or Crypto Captial. All these methods are free above certain minimums.
Customers can deposit to the Market via UK bank transfers and to the exchange via bank transfer, SEPA, or SWIFT.
PROS
- Great liquidity means good prices close to market rate
- Fair range of payment methods
- Support for AUD, NZD, and USD
- Fees start at 0.5% but may fall as low as 0.1%, depending on trading volume
CONS
- User interface is confusing for first time buyers
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CoinCorner
CoinCorner is a Bitcoin exchange based on the Isle of Man. They cater to users in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and certain African, Asian, and South American countries. CoinCorner users may purchase bitcoins with SEPA, credit/debit card, GBP bank transfer, and now Netellertoo.
PROS
- Trusted and regulated company in the UK
- Wide range of payment options
- Good customer support
- Instant credit card purchases
- Supports a very wide range of countries
- Video tutorials covering the basics of Bitcoin and buying and sellingMulti-sig security features
CONS
- Slightly high 5% fee for buying with a credit card
- 1% trading fee slightly high by European standards
- Offers a mobile wallet but this is not ideal for bitcoin storage
- Requires ID verification, so not private
- Geared towards traders; slightly confusing for first time buyers
- Does not provide exchange prices for comparison without sign-up
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