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How to Buy Cardano (ADA) in 2024
Cardano (ADA) is one of the biggest cryptocurrencies, with a current market cap of over $27 billion. The platform is a cryptocurrency and blockchain network, similar to Ethereum, that facilitates decentralized transactions. Since its launch, many have anticipated that Cardano will grow to become one of the largest blockchain networks, making it an appealing investment opportunity.
However, cryptocurrency is still in its early stages, and there is still a lot of progress to be made, leaving many to believe that ADA is a long-term investment proposition.
This guide will focus on the best platforms to invest in Cardano, such as Coinbase, Binance, along with some easy step-by-step guides to help you begin investing.
- How to Buy Cardano (ADA): Quick Guide
- What is Cardano (ADA)
- Why Invest in Cardano?
- Before You Buy Cardano
- Best Crypto Exchanges to Buy ADA
- A Closer Look at The Best Ways to Buy Cardano in 2024
- Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchanges
- Best Wallets to Buy and Store ADA
- Buy ADA Using CFDs – Best for Trading
- Best Apps to Buy ADA – Most Convenient
- Buy ADA on Binance: Step-By-Step Guide
- Buying ADA on a Decentralized Exchange
- Buy ADA on PancakeSwap: Step-By-Step Guide
- Can You Buy ADA Using P2P Services?
- Can You Buy ADA Using Other Trading Platforms?
- Best Ways to Buy ADA in 2024
- Best Platforms to Buy ADA in Other Countries
- What Are the Fees When Buying ADA?
- Cheapest Way to Buy ADA
- Fastest Way To Buy ADA
- Should You Buy or Sell ADA?
- How to Make Money With Cardano in 2024
- Best Alternatives to ADA
- What to Consider When Investing in ADA
- Final Thoughts: Is It Still Worth Investing in ADA or Not?
- FAQs
- Find Out More About Smart Contract Tokens & Altcoin Guides
How to Buy Cardano (ADA): Quick Guide
If you do not have time to read through our entire article, here is a quick guide on how to buy ADA from a centralized exchange.
- Step 1: Sign up to a reputable cryptocurrency exchange that supports Cardano. Popular options include Binance, Coinbase and eToro.
- Step 2: Fund your account. Connect a payment method to your account or deposit funds using a debit card or bank transfer. Make sure that you deposit enough funds to cover the costs of buying Cardano including network fees.
- Step 3: Search for Cardano. Use the explore feature to search for ADA. You will then be able to view the price chart and relevant market information. It is a good idea to spend time conducting analysis before you make a purchase.
- Step 4: Buy Cardano. Once you are certain that now is a good time to buy Cardano, fill out the order form and confirm the transaction.
- Step 5: Move your ADA to a crypto wallet. For safekeeping, move your tokens to a decentralized cryptocurrency wallet. This will keep your investments away from third-party interference. For maximum safety, move your tokens to a cold wallet that is not connected to the internet, such as Ledger or Trezor.
What is Cardano (ADA)
Cardano is a blockchain project that combines the best features of Bitcoin and Ethereum while improving on their downsides. It works in two layers: the first for processing transactions securely (like Bitcoin) and the second for running smart contracts that power decentralized apps (like Ethereum).
The project has a native coin, ADA, used for payments and network operations. Cardano is unique because it focuses on making blockchains operate seamlessly together. It’s currently developing a system that could easily exchange assets between layer-one chains without needing an intermediary.
Regarding its consensus, Cardano is eco-friendly as it ditches the energy-intensive Proof of Work (PoW) and implements a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism. Here, users can stake their ADA tokens to help strengthen network security and earn rewards — a faster, cheaper, and more sustainable approach.
It’s no wonder that Cardano has been resilient across numerous bull/bear cycles and continues to deliver impressive gains to loyal investors and holders.
Why Invest in Cardano?
The reasons for buying ADA tokens often differ from investor to investor. Some may want to capitalize on its growth, while others seek passive income. Regardless, here are three top reasons why investing in Cardano may be a good choice:
Support its Vision
By investing in Cardano, you support a blockchain tailor-made for a more efficient and sustainable digital future. Plus, owning ADA earns you a voice in the Cardano network operations.
Earn Passive Income
Thanks to Cardano’s use of a crypto staking system, you can lock your purchased ADA tokens to secure the network. In return, the project rewards you with more ADA tokens, which you can sell or lock again to increase your income.
Speculate on Long-term Growth
ADA has impressed the crypto market in the past. In the 2020 bull cycle, ADA surged over 30x within a year. Although many cryptos are unpredictable in their price action, many investors eagerly bet on Cardano and are sure it could deliver more pumps in the coming years.
Before You Buy Cardano
Before you start the process of buying Cardano, it’s important to get a few things in order.
Setting Up a Cryptocurrency Wallet
Since Cardano is a distinct blockchain network, you’ll need a crypto wallet that interacts with it. Interestingly, these wallets can easily connect to your browser so you can make transactions quicker and track your assets properly.
Some of the best browser wallets for Cardano include:
Hardware wallets are recommended for those who want a secure way to store their cryptos. Ledger is the leading cold storage wallet and accepts tokens from multiple chains, including Cardano.
How to Choose the Right Crypto Exchange
According to Coinranking data, Cardano is traded on 70 exchanges. Knowing where to buy Cardano can be tricky, given the number of trading platforms. So, selecting one to buy ADA involves considering the exchange’s payment options, user experience, and security features.
It’s also crucial to know the exchange’s reputation and liquidity. These considerations can assist you in determining the best platform for you.
Best Crypto Exchanges to Buy ADA
Exchange | Why we like it: | Best for: |
Coinbase | – User-friendly interface – Native crypto wallet – Earn interest on your crypto – Low account minimum | Beginners looking to trade large-cap coins. |
eToro | – Access stocks and crypto in one place – Copy the trades of experts – Regulated by global bodies – Access Bitcoin Spot ETF | Investors who want to buy crypto and stocks. |
Kraken | – Cold wallet storage – Trade with leverage up to 5x – Advanced traders can access – Kraken Pro with sophisticated trading tools – Over 200 cryptocurrencies available | Advanced traders who are interested in margin trading. |
Crypto.com | – Excellent mobile app – Users can receive trading discounts by holding CRO – Native decentralized wallet – Over 250 cryptocurrencies available | Traders who want to manage their portfolio on their mobile phones. |
Binance | – Over 500 cryptocurrencies available – Extensive range of educational materials – Automated trading | Users who are looking to build a diverse portfolio with lots of different cryptos. |
A Closer Look at The Best Ways to Buy Cardano in 2024
In the following section, we will take a most in-depth look at the best ways to buy Cardano. We will cover centralized exchanges, trading apps, decentralized exchanges, Cardano wallets and P2P marketplaces. By the end, you should have a good idea of how to buy ADA in a way that suits your needs.
Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Buying Cardano from a centralized exchange is perhaps the easiest choice (although it doesn’t come without risk!). With a centralized exchange, you can buy ADA directly with a debit card or bank transfer. These platforms also often come with native wallets which means that you can store your tokens in your account, reducing the need to send your crypto between platforms.
Our top centralized exchange are:
Coinbase
Coinbase is a top exchange that recently changed its fees to more favorable rates. Clients can purchase ADA using multiple trading pairs, and the exchange offers a private wallet to hold your coins securely.
One of the standout features of Coinbase is that you can buy crypto from just $1. This makes it an excellent option for beginners who do not have a large budget.
Binance
This crypto exchange offers an outstanding service for purchasing ADA because of its several deposit methods, trading pairs for ADA and other crypto assets, and passive investment opportunities afterward. Moreover, Binance provides trading interfaces with tools for beginners and experts.
Out of the two centralized exchanges, Binance is probably the most suitable platform for experienced traders. It offers complex charting tools for technical analysis and supports automated trading APIs.
Best Wallets to Buy and Store ADA
Cryptocurrency wallets are devices or software that will hold your coins securely. Hardware wallets are the preferred way to store your crypto assets, as leaving them on an exchange can be risky because they are targets for cyber attacks. Moreover, software wallets are free to use, and the only cost you’ll encounter is transfer fees. Therefore, we advise using them after investing in ADA or other cryptocurrencies. Hardware wallets are safer.
Also, Bitcoin wallets are often compatible with multiple coins, so you can use them to store all your investments.
Provider |
Wallet Type |
Get Started |
🥇 Ledger Nano X |
Hardware | |
🥈 Trust Wallet |
Software | |
🥉 Guarda Wallet |
Software |
Buy ADA Using CFDs – Best for Trading
Brokers have entered the cryptocurrency market by offering CFDs (Contract for Differences) to their clients. This is a derivative product, so you will not own real coins. However, cryptocurrency brokers often have an easier buying process, making them convenient for beginners. Here are the top three platforms for acquiring Cardano.
Provider |
Fee (USD 1000) |
Get Started |
🥇 Pepperstone |
$10 | |
🥈 Eightcap |
$35 |
Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a useful platform for trading Cardano due to its user-friendly interfaces. Also, this broker has an in-depth learning section that teaches beginners various subjects about trading. Also, you can open a demo account to familiarize yourself with what you’ve learned before trading with real money.
Eightcap
Eightcap is a popular CFD broker that supports over 250 cryptocurrencies, including Cardano. Perhaps their best feature is social trading, which lets you look at successful portfolios and copy them. Also, their customer support is amazing, so you can receive help quickly when investing in ADA.
Best Apps to Buy ADA – Most Convenient
The most convenient way to buy Cardano is through a cryptocurrency exchange due to their simple convert pages and competitive fees. They also let you withdraw coins to a private wallet for better protection. These are our top three picks that offer the most convenience.
Provider |
Fee (USD 1000) |
Get Started |
🥇 Coinbase |
$6 | |
🥈 Binance |
$1 | |
🥉 Kraken |
$1.60 |
Buy ADA on Binance: Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Create an Account
Register for a new account through the official Binance website. Enter your email and password, then accept the terms of service. Verify your email, identity, and physical address to complete your account.
Step 2: Add Funds
Transfer funds into your account using your preferred payment method.
Step 3: Enter the Trading Platform
Click the trade tab at the top of the screen and choose “Spot”. Then search for the ADA trading pair that correlates with your deposited currency. For example, pick the USD/ADA pair if you have US dollars.
Step 4: Execute the Trade
Now, type in how much you are willing to pay for each Cardano coin and the amount you want to acquire. Finish by clicking the green “Buy ADA” button.
Step 5: Confirm the Transaction Using the Blockchain Explorer
All transactions are visible on the blockchain explorer, letting you verify if a payment has truly been sent. However, you will not see these transactions when trading through a centralized exchange. Payments are documented when transactions have been made to and from exchanges and between crypto wallets. The best websites to track transactions are Etherscan, BscScan, and Blockchair.
Buying ADA on a Decentralized Exchange
Decentralized exchanges are dApps that let you trade coins without revealing your identity. They work by using smart contracts, so only cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Cardano, and Binance Coin can host them. You’ll need a crypto wallet to connect to a DEX, so you cannot trade with fiat currency.
Traders might choose to use a decentralized exchange if they are looking for instant transactions and complete anonymity. Another benefit of using a DEX is that there are very few restrictions around what you can and can’t do with your crypto.
Here are the top decentralized exchanges for buying ADA:
Provider |
Fee (USD 1000) |
🥇 PancakeSwap |
Varies |
🥈 SundaeSwap |
Varies |
🥉 ADAX |
Varies |
Buy ADA on PancakeSwap: Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Connect Your Wallet
Enter the PancakeSwap dApp and connect your crypto wallet to the platform. You do this by clicking the “Connect Wallet” button and choosing the wallet you use. Then type in your password.
Step 2: Select Cardano
In the swap page, choose the coin you have in your wallet, and in the bottom part, search for Cardano.
Step 3: Exchange
Finally, press the swap button, and PancakeSwap will showcase the fees you’ll pay. Also, your wallet app will ask you to confirm the transaction, so agree if you accept the trade terms.
Can You Buy ADA Using P2P Services?
After thoroughly researching the top P2P platforms, they do not offer buying opportunities for ADA. However, you can find buyers or sellers through social media groups centered around your location. Afterward, you can set up the time, location, and spreads yourself. This buying method is often cheaper as you don’t have to pay exchange rates, and Cardano has low transfer fees.
Can You Buy ADA Using Other Trading Platforms?
Now we’ll go over the most popular platforms and if you can buy ADA through them. Also, the fee rates will be disclosed for full transparency.
Cryptocurrency Platform |
Can You Buy ADA? |
Fee (USD 1000) |
Review |
Binance |
Yes |
$1 |
Binance review |
TD Ameritrade |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
Bitstamp |
Yes |
$5 |
Bitstamp review |
Bittrex |
Yes |
$3.50 |
Bittrex review |
Coinbase |
Yes |
$6 |
Coinbase review |
Poloniex |
Yes |
$1.55 |
Poloniex review |
BitMart |
Yes |
$2.50 |
N/A |
Bitrue |
Yes |
$2 |
Bitrue review |
BlockFi |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
CoinDCX |
Yes |
$2 |
N/A |
CoinSwitch |
Yes |
$5 |
N/A |
Crypto.com |
Yes |
$4 |
N/A |
EtherDelta |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
E*TRADE |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
Fidelity |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
FTX |
Yes |
$7 |
N/A |
Gate.io |
Yes |
$7.50 |
N/A |
Hotbit |
Yes |
$2 |
N/A |
Kraken |
Yes |
$1.60 |
Kraken review |
KuCoin |
Yes |
$1 |
KuCoin review |
Robinhood |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
Uphold |
Yes |
$19.50 |
N/A |
Venmo |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
Voyager |
Yes |
$10 |
N/A |
WazirX |
Yes |
$1.50 |
WazirX review |
Wealthsimple |
Yes |
$15 – $20 |
N/A |
Webull |
Yes |
$10 |
N/A |
Best Ways to Buy ADA in 2024
In 2024, it is possible to buy Cardano with a number of different payment methods. These include swapping crypto tokens for ADA, buy ADA with debit card and even using an eWallet to complete the purchase.
So, what is the best way to buy ADA?
Buy ADA instantly with online banking – the fastest way
Coinbase Pro allows clients to transfer money via online banking. They will provide their information based on the deposit method you select. For example, selecting EUR showcases SEPA transfer details. Typically, transfer speeds from your bank account take a few minutes to an hour to complete.
Buy ADA using a debit card – the cheapest way
Debit cards are widely available, and you can use them on most exchanges such as Binance, KuCoin, and Coinbase.
Buy ADA using a credit card
Perhaps the best platform to buy ADA via credit card is Crypto.com. They provide several great features for investors like staking programs, debit cards with cashback rewards, and multiple trading pairs for ADA.
Best Platforms to Buy ADA in Other Countries
The top exchanges operate in multiple regions and offer great buying opportunities in ADA. Take a look at the best options based on each individual country.
Country |
Best Provider |
Provider Type |
Fee |
Australia |
Coinbase |
Exchange |
$6 |
the UK |
Coinbase |
Exchange |
$6 |
Canada |
Binance |
Exchange |
$1 |
Hawaii |
Gemini |
Wallet app |
$5 |
India |
WazirX |
Exchange |
$1.50 |
Japan |
KuCoin |
Exchange |
$1 |
Nepal |
Kraken |
Exchange |
$1.60 |
New Zealand |
Binance |
Exchange |
$1 |
Pakistan |
KuCoin |
Exchange |
$1 |
Philippines |
Binance |
Exchange |
$1 |
Singapore |
Crypto.com |
Exchange |
$4 |
UAE |
Coinbase |
Exchange |
$6 |
What Are the Fees When Buying ADA?
Most exchanges have fixed fee rates when purchasing ADA, making it easier to calculate the expected costs. This table shows the standard fees you’ll pay to buy $1,000 worth of ADA and hold for 30-days.
Platform |
Pepperstone Broker |
Coinbase Exchange |
Binance Exchange |
Deposit fees |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Purchase fees |
$10 |
$6 |
$1 |
Holding fees |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Selling Fees |
$10 |
$4 |
$1 |
Payout fees |
$5 |
$10 |
$15 |
Total fees |
$25 |
$20 |
$17 |
Cheapest Way to Buy ADA
The best way to buy ADA is through a large cryptocurrency exchange as they provide the best fee structures. Here’s a rundown of providers that offer ultra-low fees.
Provider |
Fee (USD 1000) |
Get Started |
🥇 Binance |
$1 | |
🥈 KuCoin |
$1 | |
🥉 Kraken |
$1.60 |
Fastest Way To Buy ADA
The fastest way to acquire ADA is with a crypto broker or exchange that provides simple buying interfaces. All of the platforms listed have simple pages for converting money to Cardano. Also, they have trading software for experienced investors.
Provider |
Fee (USD 1000) |
Get Started |
🥇 Pepperstone |
$10 | |
🥈 Coinbase |
$6 | |
🥉 Kraken |
$1.60 |
Should You Buy or Sell ADA?
If you’re undecided if ADA is a great cryptocurrency, here are some pros and cons:
Why should you buy Cardano? |
Why should you sell Cardano? |
Expert development team working on the project. |
Cardano’s price is unstable. |
Ultra-low fees for transferring coins between wallets. |
Cardano is still in development, and there is a lot of progress to be made. |
Cardano is future-proof and ensures unlimited scalability with quick transfers. |
Marketing can do a better job of advertising Cardano. They are technologically more advanced than most coins, but the price does not reflect that. |
Cardano is open-source. |
Charles Hoskinson is a controversial figure (One of the Cardano founders), which can have a negative impact on the project. |
Using a proof of stake protocol ensures the blockchain cannot be breached by malicious attacks. |
Most of the circulating supply is in staking protocols, so the price may be inflated due to coins not being used. |
Remember, you must pay capital gain tax on crypto that you’ve sold and made profits in the US.
How to Make Money With Cardano in 2024
Once you have bought Cardano, you might be interested in how you can maximize your returns. Here are a few ways that you can earn money from your ADA investment.
Stake ADA using DeFi or CeFi
Cardano is available to stake on Binance through their earning programs. Also, you can use decentralized exchanges that offer Cardano staking and liquidity pools.
Buy ADA using ETPs (ETFs & ETNs)
Unfortunately, there are not many platforms that offer ADA ETPs. CoinShares is one of the only sites that issue Cardano ETPs.
Buy and sell NFTs using ADA
Cardano has NFT capabilities and currently hosts over 800,000 pieces of art. The top marketplace for Cardano NFTs is CFNT.io.
Buy stocks and shares in companies owning Cardano
There are no companies that have disclosed if they bought or are holding shares in Cardano. The only recent news is FD7 Ventures have bought $380 million worth of ADA, but they do not have tradable stocks.
Use Cardano faucets
Faucets are rewards given by a cryptocurrency exchange for completing easy tasks. The best way to earn cryptos like ADA is through Coinbase’s earn section.
Best Alternatives to ADA
Solana
Both Cardano and Solana are smart-contract-enabled projects that provide their communities with access to a variety of functionalities within their respective decentralized financial ecosystems (DeFi), which is one of their many commonalities. Solana and Cardano have been called “Ethereum killers” on numerous occasions, but Solana has supported this concept with its fast transactions, scalability, and low transaction costs.
Sandbox
Users of SAND can trade it on major exchange platforms. Creators and players have many DeFi opportunities in the virtual sandbox world, and in the Metaverse, users can buy, develop, and trade virtual land.
Polygon
MATIC is the native cryptocurrency of the Polygon blockchain and an ERC-20 token. Sandbox rewards contributors who help secure the blockchain and pay transaction fees.
What to Consider When Investing in ADA
The project’s developers have some ambitious goals in mind. By integrating Cardano technology, the team aims to restore trust in international economic systems. In particular, the platform presents an international business model that is safer, more transparent, and more sustainable.
In addition, the creators of Cardano want to make financial services accessible to people who are unbanked. It is estimated that there are currently over 1.7 billion unbanked people. With this in mind, Cardano is actively working on initiatives in Africa and other underdeveloped countries.
Cardano’s third goal is to help stabilize the dApp market. Applying security and sustainability specifically to decentralized applications, systems and society is the main focus of the platform.
Final Thoughts: Is It Still Worth Investing in ADA or Not?
ADA is definitely worth buying if you want to hold long-term because the coin has an amazing development team, a detailed roadmap, and multiple use-cases. The coin has experienced significant growth during bull runs and is often referred to as the next “Ethereum killer”. Therefore, many consider ADA a safe investment in the crypto world.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not investment advice. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you may not get back the amount you invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions.
FAQs
What is the best provider to buy Cardano ADA in the US?
The best provider in the United States is Coinbase. They offer clients multiple payment options and trading pairs for ADA.
What is the cheapest provider to buy Cardano in the US?
Binance.US has the best fee structure for clients in the United States. Buying ADA for $1,000 will result in a $1 fee since their starting rate is 0.01%
Is it worth investing in Cardano right now?
Yes, the coin is still in its early stages being launched in 2017, and there is huge potential for it to grow. Also, the coin has multiple use-cases giving it real value, unlike most crypto projects.
Is there a limit to how many Cardano coins I can buy?
There is no limit when using a crypto broker as they issue CFDs. However, exchanges can have a limit depending on their liquidity.
Can you buy Cardano on the blockchain?
You can only buy Cardano through a broker, exchange, or real-world trading. There is no option to buy Cardano ADA directly from the blockchain.
What can you buy with Cardano?
You can buy a limited number of things with Cardano as the coin is still in its early stages. The coin is mainly used to buy NFTs, use with dApps, and make payments with companies that accept crypto.
Can You Buy Cardano Offline?
You cannot buy Cardano ADA offline since DEXs, CEXs, brokers, and P2P platforms require an internet connection to trade.
How to Buy Cardano Without Verification?
You may use a DEX to buy Cardano ADA without verification. The best option is PancakeSwap because they have high liquidity and various trading settings. Also, there is no signup process with this decentralized exchange, so no ID verification is needed.
How to Buy Cardano Without Registration or KYC?
Cryptocurrency exchanges will let you deposit coins and trade without completing a KYC. However, you cannot deposit fiat currency, so you must have crypto in your wallet beforehand. The platforms that let you deposit and trade without a KYC are KuCoin and Binance.
How to Buy Cardano Anonymously?
How to buy Cardano ADA without revealing your identity? Decentralized exchanges are the best option because you can buy and sell Cardano anonymously. They let you connect your crypto wallet to dApp for trading. Therefore, no account creation or ID is necessary.
How Is Cardano Different From Bitcoin? Cardano Network
The Cardano ecosystem allows other developers to create tokens, decentralized applications, or create other use cases for the scalable blockchain network.
Cardano network uses PoS in its consensus and doesn’t reward Ada as an incentive in a competitive mining process like Bitcoin does.
Does ADA have its own blockchain platform?
Unlike other major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and Ethereum, cardano has its own wallet for the ADA cryptocurrency. With the Daedalus wallet, users don’t just get a wallet, they run a full blockchain node, giving them total control over their funds and the ability to ensure transparency over the Cardano blockchain.