Bitcoin Forum

Hi,

I am new to the game and wanted to purchase some BTC and ETH with USD. What I realized that the commission of Coinbase is much higher than the one of Gemini, or Kraken. The other major exchanges don't accept USD deposits though.
Is Gemini, or Kraken okay to buy BTC and ETH?

Thanks!

Just try to buy using localbitcoins. Buy them directly from other people.

Yeah, fees are sometimes super expensive in those middlemen as that is where they profit.

You can probably get about 3-5% fees if you use localbitcoins.

Both Gemini and Kraken are perfect choices to go for buying and make sure are clearing their verification levels so that you will be having enough limits on daily basis.

Just remember : you might need only BTC for USD after that you may go for buying ETH from any crypto exchanges. Dealing with crypto will not be having any limits and restrictions but with fiats might attract a lot of restrictions. First get your BTC for your USD then you may go for ETH at any time and at any volume.

As others have said localbitcoins is the way to go. It has a very easy sign up process and you can choose from a range of advertisements and payment methods. Make sure to read how the site works and how to minimalist risks with certain trades first though!

I personally wouldn't recommend Localbitcoins to new users, if they don't have any issues with getting verified on a trusted exchange.
New users especially are great targets for scammers, since they do not have experience with Bitcoin and might choose a seller with fake reviews, ratings.

Exchanges typically charge less fees as well.

I've always used Kraken and their verification process is pretty smooth, if I remember correctly.
Haven't had any issues with them.

Why going to LocalBitcoin when the guy can sign up at Kraken and get a better rate, without the need to deal with someone.
He just needs to create an account, verify it to Tier 2 (no need to upload your ID card) and make a bank deposit

@abc073
Yes Kraken is fine for buying BTC and ETH

Currently best option for newbie is Kraken but if you want some quick then you can use this forum also but surely use any reputable escrow for your all deals because if you are going to try direct then any one can scam you and you can lost your hard earned money very quickly

Kraken, Gemini or HitBTC are solid and trustworthy. For the newbie localbitcoins is the place with some risks involved.

Edited: BitQuick is nice option to buy in cash (for US only).

Thanks, everybody!
I think I will start with Gemini as the localbitcoin is quite overwhelming for me at this moment and I don't really see how it could be cheaper than one of the exchanges.
I really like Gemini's daily auctions and they just started one for ETH as well. Another reason is that setting up a wire transfer deposit for Gemini is quite easy.

Gemini is the cheapest place - for an example $150 in Ether costed me 38 cents tranasction fee. Coinbase on the other hand charges $2.99 to buy $150 of Ether.  I prefer Gemini. 

I tried to sign up for Kraken.  but they had some kind of automated process to confirm your picture ID.  For kraken i sent them a picture of my Dirvers Liscense several times after rescanning and tweaking photo - they kept telling me they could not read it.  It is because they did not have a human look at it.  Totally sucked and I stopped trying to join kraken.