Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Estimated reading time: 2 min
Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers this investment to be high risk.
What are the key risks?
1. You could lose all the money you invest
The performance of most cryptoassets can be highly volatile, with their value dropping as quickly as it can rise. You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in cryptoassets.
The cryptoasset market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money or any cryptoassets you purchase due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and firm failure.
2. You should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) doesn't protect this type of investment because it's not a 'specified investment' under the UK regulatory regime – in other words, this type of investment isn't recognised as the sort of investment that the FSCS can protect. Learn more by using the FSCS investment protection checker.
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) will not be able to consider complaints related to this firm or Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA regulated firm, FOS may be able to consider it. Learn more about FOS protection here.
3. You may not be able to sell your investment when you want to
There is no guarantee that investments in cryptoassets can be easily sold at any given time. The ability to sell a cryptoasset depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at that time.
Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and comingling of funds could cause unwanted delay and you may be unable to sell your cryptoassets at the time you want.
4. Cryptoasset investments can be complex
Investments in cryptoassets can be complex, making it difficult to understand the risks associated with the investment.
You should do your own research before investing. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Putting all your money into a single type of investment is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well.
A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments.
If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA's website here.
For further information about cryptoassets, visit the FCA's website here.
To buy , 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 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 GBP using the payment method that best suits you – cryptocurrency, bank and card payments are widely accepted.
Buy
You can now exchange your funds for . On beginner-friendly exchanges, this is as simple as entering the GBP or amount you want to purchase and clicking "buy". If you like, you can then withdraw your to a personal wallet.
Best for
Overall exchange
Best for
Debit card
Best for
Low fees
Best for
Altcoins
"Top picks" are those we've evaluated to be best for certain product features or categories – you can read our full methodology here. If we show a "Promoted Pick", it's been chosen from among our commercial partners based on factors that include special features or offers and the commission we receive.
Keep in mind that these are suggestions and that the exchange that is best for you will depend on your individual needs. There are other products on the market not included in our picks.
Where to buy in the UK
If this is your first time buying cryptocurrency look for a platform that accepts pounds, like CoinJar or Uphold.
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 click the Go to site button to get started.
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What is ?
Shiba Inu (SHIB) is a meme coin launched in 2020 by an anonymous person or persons known only by the pseudonym, Ryoshi. It has since grown into one of the world's most well-known cryptocurrencies and has even been labelled as "The Dogecoin Killer".
The Shiba ecosystem is divided into multiple tokens – SHIB, LEASH and BONE – each with different functionality.
SHIB is the foundational cryptocurrency investors can trade on all popular crypto exchanges.
LEASH provides staking rewards for those validating transactions on the Ethereum blockchain, where the Shiba ecosystem operates.
BONE is used as a governance token to vote for network changes.
SHIB originally had 1 quadrillion authorised tokens. However, it has a deflationary supply, and many of these coins have since been burned.
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 GBP.
If you want to buy with pounds, you'll need to pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check.
This is a standard security procedure for most exchanges in the UK and requires you to upload some 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 ?
Once you've set up your account, you'll need to deposit funds to buy with. We've listed some popular ways to buy and what you should know about each payment method.
Many exchanges support free and instant bank transfers in the UK.
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.
Only a handful of platforms in the UK offer PayPal deposits to buy , including CoinJar .
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 in the PayPal app, but unfortunately, that feature isn't available in the UK yet.
Buying with cash isn't common in the UK, but it can still be done.
There are a few ways to buy with cash:
ATMs. You can purchase with cash using a specialised ATM. These can be found in many major cities in the UK. 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 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 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 ?
Most exchanges let you buy as little as £5 worth of , if not less. Just type in how much you want to spend in GBP and let the exchange work out the rest.
Some platforms only offer 1 way to buy , while others provide several choices. The 2 most common ways to buy are on the spot market or with an "instant buy" feature.
Instant buy
If it's your first time buying , 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 you want to buy or pounds 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 's market rate in exchange for the convenience.
Spot market
If you see colourful 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 on the open market. It's usually the cheapest way to buy 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 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 at the price you specify. Traders use this to time the market and capitalise on price dips or increases.
How to find the best place to buy in the UK
There are dozens of different trading platforms to choose from when buying in the UK, so to help you find your best option, keep these factors in mind:
Where it's registered. Using a locally registered exchange is a good idea. It's more likely to accept pounds and local payment methods , which helps avoid foreign exchange fees. Choosing from UK-based exchanges also means it's likely to be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which means it has to comply with local laws in the UK.
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 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 the UK? Check what contact methods are available and find out how quick the team is at responding to enquiries.
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.
Using FCA-registered exchanges
There are plenty of places to buy , and people in the UK can choose from platforms registered here at home or in locations all around the world. Opting for a locally registered exchange typically offers more convenience but may have some downsides, depending on your goals.
Pros
UK-based exchanges must comply with FCA Anti-money Laundering (AML) and Counter-terrorism Financing (CTF) reporting obligations.
You can usually buy with GBP.
Exchanges in the UK typically support local payment methods, such as .
You may be able to access local customer support.
Subject to local laws.
Cons
You'll need to provide your personal details and proof of ID – a disadvantage if you want to trade anonymously.
Overseas trading platforms may provide better liquidity.
GBP-to-crypto prices are often slightly higher than USD-to-crypto prices, meaning you sometimes pay a premium for buying directly with pounds.
Some features are simply not available on FCA-registered exchanges. For example, high-leverage margin trading, DeFi features and some altcoins.
Is safe to invest in?
You shouldn't invest in any asset, including , without doing plenty of research first. Before you buy , make sure you understand and weigh up these risks:
Price volatility. 's price is largely based on speculation, which means it can rise or fall in a short time. It's not uncommon for to lose more than 10% of its value in a single day.
Perceived value. 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 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 and other cryptos is constantly changing. It's important to understand how international rulings have the potential to impact 's future – for better or worse.
Novel technology. was created in 2024, which makes it relatively new as a form of technology and as a currency. doesn't yet have the same track record or performance history as some other asset classes.
Technical learning curve. Evaluating the tech behind before you invest is important, but requires a deep understanding of the blockchain and other aspects of decentralised finance. Be prepared to do plenty of research.
Where could 's price be heading?
Finder's expert panel expects the token's value to continue to plummet and be worth $0.000002500 to close out 2025 and $0.000000325 by the end of 2030.
is treated as a capital asset by HMRC, which means if you sell, trade, spend or gift during the tax year, you will need to report any taxable profit in your self-assessment return.
Investors will need to declare any profits as capital gains, while you may be able to use losses to reduce your tax bill or offset any future gains. If you mine or stake , or trade it in large volumes, you may be required to pay income tax instead of capital gains tax.
Once you own some , you have 2 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 on an exchange
Pros
Convenience. Keeping your on an exchange is convenient because you can buy and sell at any time.
Security. Holding 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 insuring user deposits held in cold storage to reimbursing customers if a hack occurs.
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 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 is to own the private key — which isn't the case when you hold on an exchange.
Security. 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 for transactions, daily spending or decentralised 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 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 , start by comparing a range of crypto brokers and exchanges available in the UK. Look at their features, fees, security and overall reputation to decide which platform is right for you. Use an exchange registered with the FCA for added peace of mind.
Remember that owning and using is not without its risks. Carefully consider investing in as part of a wider strategy, and talk to a financial advisor if you have any questions.
Once you've bought some , 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.
Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.
Are you visiting from outside the US?
*Cryptocurrencies aren't regulated in the UK and there's no protection from the Financial Ombudsman or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Your capital is at risk. Capital gains tax on profits may apply.
Cryptocurrencies are speculative and investing in them involves significant risks - they're highly volatile, vulnerable to hacking and sensitive to secondary activity. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This content shouldn't be interpreted as a recommendation to invest. Before you invest, you should get advice and decide whether the potential return outweighs the risks. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
James Edwards was the global cryptocurrency editor at Finder. He coordinates a distributed team of journalists to help further Finder's mission of helping people make better financial decisions.
He has been using Bitcoin since 2013 and began working in the industry in 2017. He takes pride in boiling down complex topics into language his parents can understand.
His expertise has seen him called on to report at events such as TechCrunch Disrupt, CoinDesk Consensus and IBM Think and has coordinated a vast number of high-profile interviews with the industry's brightest minds.
He is a regular contributor to Nasdaq, The Street and is frequently called upon for market commentary in Australia and abroad. See full bio
Billy Endres was a cryptocurrency writer for Finder. His background in software development helped open the door to the world of decentralised technologies, financial markets and technical writing. See full bio
Billy's expertise
Billy has written 4 Finder guides across topics including:
Web3 and decentralised technologies
Front-end development
Cryptocurrency futures trading and technical analysis
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy Arbitrum, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (ARB).
Learn how to buy in the UK with our simple step-by-step guide and tips on what to know before you get started.
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