Disclaimer: This page is not financial advice or an endorsement of digital assets, providers or services. Digital assets are volatile and risky, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Potential regulations or policies can affect their availability and services provided. Talk with a financial professional before making a decision. Finder or the author may own cryptocurrency discussed on this page.
1 - 4 of 4
As the first cryptocurrency ever created, Bitcoin (BTC) introduced blockchain technology to the world back in 2009, and BTC has since reached a remarkable all-time-high price of $444.015.837,33 COP in January 2025.
While this has helped make BTC the #1 crypto by market cap, Bitcoin is still a highly volatile asset capable of major price swings in a single day.
Today, BTC is trading for $419.491.784,20 COP, which is down from yesterday’s trading price of $436.027.790,02 COP. Bitcoin has increased by 156% over the past year.
So before you buy Bitcoin, make sure you understand these unique risks as well as its legal, regulatory and tax status here in Colombia.
If you’re ready to get started, read on for step-by-step instructions and a list of platforms you can use to buy Bitcoin in Colombia.
How to buy Bitcoin in 4 steps
To buy BTC, all you’ll need is a smartphone or computer, an internet connection, photo identification and a way to pay.
Compare crypto exchanges. The easiest way to buy Bitcoin is from a cryptocurrency exchange. Comparing in the table helps you find a platform with the features you want, like low fees, ease of use or 24-hour customer support.
Create an account. To create an account on an exchange, you will need to verify your email address and identity. Have some photo ID and your phone ready.
Make a deposit. Once verified, you can deposit COP using the payment method that best suits you — cryptocurrency, bank and card payments are widely accepted.
Buy Bitcoin. You can now exchange your funds for Bitcoin. On beginner-friendly exchanges, this is as simple as entering the COP or BTC amount you want to purchase and selecting “buy.” If you like, you can then withdraw your Bitcoin to a personal wallet.
Disclaimer: This page is not financial advice or an endorsement of digital assets, providers or services. Digital assets are volatile and risky, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Potential regulations or policies can affect their availability and services provided. Talk with a financial professional before making a decision. Finder or the author may own cryptocurrency discussed on this page.
Where to buy Bitcoin in Colombia
If this is your first time buying cryptocurrency look for a platform that accepts Colombian pesos, like Binance.
Don’t worry too much about extra features or coins for now — you can always sign up with another exchange later.
Use the table to choose a platform that meets your needs and select the Go to site button to get started.
What is ?
Bitcoin is the world's oldest and biggest digital currency by market cap. Created in 2009 by an unknown person (or persons) using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin is a form of decentrd electronic cash designed to provide an alternative to traditional fiat currencies like s.
Rather than having to deal with a centrd authority such as a bank to process transactions, Bitcoin holders can transfer their coins directly to one another on a peer-to-peer network. All Bitcoin transactions are tracked on a public ledger known as the blockchain, and people working as miners verify transactions and update the blockchain.
The maximum coin supply of Bitcoin is limited to 21 million, but it's possible to buy a small fraction of a coin – each individual coin can be divided down to 0.00000001 BTC.
To create an account with your chosen crypto platform, you only need an email address or mobile number. This will usually allow you to deposit cryptocurrency, but not COP.
If you want to buy Bitcoin with Colombian pesos, you’ll need to pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check.
This procedure is standard security for most exchanges in Colombia and requires you to upload a photo ID and, in some cases, a selfie with today’s date.
KYC is usually approved instantly, but in rare cases, you may have to wait a few hours or days.
What are the best ways to buy Bitcoin?
Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll need to deposit funds to buy Bitcoin with. We’ve listed some popular ways to buy BTC and what you should know about each payment method.
Many exchanges support free and instant bank transfers in Colombia.
Some offer other options like bank transfers and wire transfers, but make sure you check if you’ll be charged a deposit fee first.
How you transact with a debit card will depend on the platform.
Some exchanges let you transfer funds from your debit card to spend as you like.
Others will only let you use a debit card to make instant purchases, which often involves higher fees.
Lots of exchanges accept credit cards as an instant purchase method. But you should think very carefully before buying Bitcoin with a credit card, because:
Credit card fees are higher than using bank transfers.
Some card issuers may block cryptocurrency transactions.
Your purchasing options will be limited and more expensive.
You may end up losing your initial investment and being charged fees and interest by your credit card provider.
Only a handful of platforms in Colombia offer PayPal deposits to buy BTC, including eToro and Bitget.
Because of the high risk of scammers taking advantage of PayPal’s chargeback feature, PayPal purchases often attract high fees.
You might have heard that you can purchase Bitcoin in the PayPal app, but unfortunately, that feature isn’t available in Colombia yet.
Buying Bitcoin with cash isn’t common in Colombia, but it can still be done.
There are a few ways to buy BTC with cash:
Crypto ATMs. You can purchase BTC with cash using a specialized crypto ATM. These can be found in many major cities in Colombia. You will still need to hand over some photo ID and pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check.
Peer-to-peer (P2P). You can use a P2P platform to find someone who will sell you BTC directly in exchange for cash. Beware that this comes with a high risk of fraud if you attempt to settle the transaction in person or without an escrow service. Look for an established and reputable platform that provides an escrow service and facilitates your trade online.
You can swap any cryptocurrency you already own for BTC using the “swap” or “convert” service on some platforms. This lets you instantly exchange one crypto for another, even if there is no trading pair on the spot market.
What is the cheapest way to buy Bitcoin?
First things first — you don’t have to buy a whole Bitcoin.
Most exchanges let you buy as little as $1.50 COP worth of BTC, if not less. Just type in how much you want to spend in COP and let the exchange work out the rest.
Some platforms only offer one way to buy Bitcoin, while others provide several choices. The two most common ways to buy BTC are on the spot market or with an “instant buy” feature.
Instant buy
If it’s your first time buying Bitcoin, this will be the fastest method — but also the least cost-effective.
The instant buy section is usually located under a “Buy now” heading on the platform you’ve chosen.
It should feature a simple interface that lets you enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to buy or Colombian pesos you want to spend.
This is usually the only option available for credit or debit card purchases, but you may also be able to make an instant buy if you’ve pre-funded your account with a bank transfer.
Be prepared to pay a markup on BTC’s market rate in exchange for convenience.
Spot market
If you see colorful charts with a range of prices, you’re probably in the spot market.
The spot market is where buyers and sellers come together to place bids for BTC on the open market. It’s usually the cheapest way to buy Bitcoin because it lets traders set their own prices.
You’ll find the spot market under a “Trade” or “Spot” heading on the site or app menu of the platform you’ve chosen to use.
There are several different order types that you can make on the spot market.
Market order. This will buy you the amount of Bitcoin you specify at the lowest possible price available. This makes it like an instant buy order but with much lower fees.
Limit order. This is the most common order type and lets you purchase Bitcoin at the price you specify. Traders use this to time the market and capitalize on price dips or increases.
How to find the best place to buy Bitcoin in Colombia
There are dozens of different trading platforms to choose from when buying Bitcoin in Colombia, so to help you find your best option, keep these factors in mind:
Security. Look at the security features the platform has to offer, like 2-factor authentication and PGP-encrypted emails. Cold storage of user funds is considered industry standard, but insurance funds are less common and indicate good security practices.
Fees. Check the fine print to find out exactly how much your transaction will cost. Depending on the platform you choose, these could include spreads, trading fees and deposit and withdrawal charges.
Transaction limits. Are there any minimum or maximum limits on the amount of Bitcoin you can purchase? Does the exchange restrict the amount of funds you can withdraw from your account in any 1 transaction or 24-hour period?
Other platform features. Look out for other features that suit your investment or trading needs. For instance, many exchanges now let you earn yield on your holdings, while some issue crypto debit cards to help you spend your coins.
Customer support. If you ever have a problem with a transaction, will you be able to quickly and easily get in touch with the customer support team? Are they based in Colombia? Check what contact methods are available and find out how quick the team is at responding to inquiries.
Insurance fund. A small number of exchanges now insure user funds. Beware that policies vary greatly between exchanges, so you’ll need to research this thoroughly if insurance is important to you.
Reputation. As a young industry, reputation can provide a lot of clues when choosing an exchange. For instance, who are the founders? Have there been any controversies? Are their business practices transparent? If you can’t find any of this information, that may be a red flag.
Range of coins. If you’re thinking about adding other cryptos to your portfolio in the future, check to see what other coins you can buy through the platform.
Read reviews. Finder’s crypto exchange reviews include user feedback, which helps you get a better idea of what the exchange is like to use for other people starting just like you.
Is Bitcoin safe to invest in?
You shouldn’t invest in any asset, including BTC, without doing plenty of research first. Before you buy Bitcoin, make sure you understand and weigh up these risks:
Price volatility. Bitcoin’s price is largely based on speculation, which means it can rise or fall in a short time. It’s not uncommon for BTC to lose more than 10% of its value in a single day.
Perceived value. BTC is a unique asset that does not have any tangible value. It derives most of its value from utility and speculation.
Exchange vulnerabilities. Leaving your Bitcoin on a crypto platform exposes you to several counterparty risks, including:
Scams. Scammers frequently try to trick exchange users into handing over their username and password, often by phishing with malicious emails or fake website links. Use 2FA and encrypted emails to help protect your funds.
Hacks and theft. Exchanges are vulnerable to hacks and theft, so choose one with good security practices and a track record of safety.
Fiscal mismanagement. In mid-2022 a number of crypto platforms froze user funds after it was revealed they had engaged in irresponsible funds management.
Insurance. Unlike stocks, only a small handful of exchanges provide insurance on your cash deposits.
Regulatory uncertainty. The regulatory environment for Bitcoin and other cryptos is constantly changing. It’s important to understand how international rulings have the potential to impact Bitcoin’s future — for better or worse.
Novel technology. Bitcoin was created in 2009, which makes it relatively new as a form of technology and as a currency. BTC doesn’t yet have the same track record or performance history as some other asset classes.
Technical learning curve. Evaluating the tech behind BTC before you invest is important, but requires a deep understanding of the blockchain and other aspects of decentralized finance. Be prepared to do plenty of research.
Wallet vulnerabilities. The Bitcoin network itself is near-impossible to hack, but the software used to manage your funds — known as wallets — is still vulnerable. Thoroughly research a number of BTC wallets before deciding which to use.
Transactions can’t be reversed. Once you’ve submitted a transaction to the Bitcoin network, it can’t be canceled or reversed. Double-check the receiving address before sending a Bitcoin payment or moving Bitcoin off an exchange. There is no way to refund BTC sent to the wrong address.
Energy consumption. Bitcoin is reliant on proof-of-work mining, which consumes huge amounts of energy. This could place it in the cross-hairs of governments as the world moves to a greener economy.
Where could Bitcoin's price be heading?
Bitcoin's price is expected to rise to US$87,125 by year-end 2025, according to the average prediction from Finder's panel of fintech specialists. Panelists also predict that BTC will hit US$220,708 by 2030.
Bitcoin is increasingly treated as a financial asset by governments around the world. You may need to declare your BTC holdings at tax time and should consider consulting a tax professional to make sure you don’t run afoul of the law.
After you’ve bought Bitcoin
Once you own some BTC, you have two options — keep it on an exchange or move it to a personal wallet. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Keeping your Bitcoin on an exchange
Pros
Convenience. Keeping your Bitcoin on an exchange is convenient because you can buy and sell at any time.
Security. Holding Bitcoin on an exchange does come with significant counterparty risks, but reputable platforms also invest heavily in security, so you don’t have to worry about the pitfalls of self-custody.
Insurance. A small handful of exchanges now operate insurance schemes. These can range from ensuring user deposits are held in cold storage to reimbursing customers if a hack occurs.
Earn yield. Many exchanges now let you earn yield on your Bitcoin. Exchanges do this by lending your BTC so it carries its own risks. Do your research before deciding if it’s the right option for you.
Cons
Phishing. Exchange users are frequently targeted by scammers trying to steal login information through malicious emails and fake website links.
Hacking. Exchanges are major targets for hackers. While security practices have improved substantially, hacks still occur from time to time.
Account freezing. Exchanges have been known to occasionally freeze user accounts, whether due to security concerns, technical issues or market turbulence. This could see you temporarily lose access to your crypto.
Moving your Bitcoin to a non-custodial wallet
Pros
Self-custody. A mantra repeated by crypto investors is “Not your keys, not your coins.” This comes from the idea that the only way to guarantee ownership of your Bitcoin is to own the private key — which isn’t the case when you hold on an exchange.
Security. Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets vary greatly in their features and security. For the most secure experience, consider purchasing a hardware wallet, which is usually a small USB device that keeps your private keys offline at all times for an extra layer of security.
Utility. If you plan to use your Bitcoin for transactions, daily spending or decentralized finance (DeFi), then storing it in a wallet rather than an exchange will be more convenient.
Cons
Learning curve. It’s no secret that learning how to use a crypto wallet takes some time and effort. Spend some time learning how Bitcoin wallets work before transferring any of your funds.
Personal responsibility. Owning your own money can be liberating, but it also means the responsibility is all yours. If you lose your private key, the only way to regain access to your wallet is through the seed phrase. Make sure to store both of these privately and securely.
Inheritance. A challenge presented by crypto wallets is how to pass access on in the event of death or disability. Several companies are experimenting with ways to solve this problem, like the Trezor Model T wallet’s Shamir backup feature.
Bottom line
If you want to buy Bitcoin, start by comparing a range of crypto brokers and exchanges available in Colombia. Look at their features, fees, security and overall reputation to decide which platform is right for you.
Remember that owning and using Bitcoin is not without its risks. Carefully consider investing in BTC as part of a wider strategy, and talk to a financial advisor if you have any questions.
Once you’ve bought some BTC, think about your short and long-term goals. This will help you decide whether to keep it on an exchange or move it to your own wallet.
FAQs
Can I buy Bitcoin for $10 COP?
Yes, you can buy Bitcoin for $10 COP — and even less — depending on the platform you use.
Bitcoin can be divided into very small fractions, called Satoshi, and many investors choose to buy it in small recurring amounts like $5 COP a day.
How do beginners buy Bitcoin?
Beginners will probably find it easiest to buy Bitcoin from a crypto exchange that offers instant purchases with COP. Once you’re comfortable, buying Bitcoin on the spot market is usually a less expensive option, and many platforms have now made their trading interfaces beginner-friendly.
How much Bitcoin should a beginner buy?
Bitcoin is widely considered a high-risk asset, so you should only invest what you can afford to lose.
To help cushion the highs and lows of market volatility, consider dollar-cost averaging (DCA). This involves buying small amounts of Bitcoin at regular intervals, such as every week or month. DCA removes some of the emotion from investing and can help support a long-term strategy.
What is the safest way to buy Bitcoin?
The safest way to buy Bitcoin is through a reputable cryptocurrency exchange or broker that complies with Colombian laws and regulations. Look for one that promotes stringent security measures such as KYC for all users, 2-factor authentication and an insurance fund.
Once you’ve purchased some BTC, consider moving it into a self-custodial wallet for added security.
What is the best way to buy Bitcoin?
The best way to buy Bitcoin is to identify your investment goals first. Do you plan to trade frequently or will you make a few purchases and hold long-term? For regular trading, fees are lowest on a spot market, while casual investors might feel the convenience of a higher-fee instant purchase is worthwhile.
Compare exchanges and trading platforms in our table to decide which is the best place to buy Bitcoin for you.
Can I buy Bitcoin without ID?
There are still a small number of ways to buy Bitcoin (BTC) without an ID. However, it tends to be safer to purchase BTC through a platform that requires identification as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance of BTC is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators’ websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency discussed.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
Holly Jennings is an editor and updates writer at Finder, working with writers across all niches to deliver quality content to readers. She’s edited hundreds of financial articles ranging from credit cards to investments. With empathy at heart, she especially enjoys content that breaks down complex financial situations into easy-to-understand information. Prior to her role at Finder, she collaborated with dozens of small businesses to maximize the reach and impact of their blog posts, website copy and other content. In her spare time, she is an award-winning author for Penguin Random House, writing about virtual reality worlds, magical girls and lasers that go pew-pew. See full bio
Holly's expertise
Holly has written 23 Finder guides across topics including:
Learn how to buy Bitcoin in Colombia with our simple step-by-step guide and tips on what to know before you get started.
How likely would you be to recommend Finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Advertiser disclosure
Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
These are the crypto exchanges which offer low fees coupled with plenty of features, a wide range of options and a good user experience.
7+
Great
These exchanges may have slightly higher fees or fewer features but are, overall, still a competitive offering.
5+
Standard
Usually, these exchanges offer a decent choice of crypto and may still include some good features, but they're not the best value for the overall cost.
0+
Basic
These crypto exchanges have higher fees and/or fewer features than other platforms on the market, or they may offer a limited choice of currencies and altcoins.
