If I go through an exchange I'd like prefer to deal with one in the us.
The factors that matter in order to give you the best answer include:
- Where are you located (country)? [You said U.S.]
- How much are you looking to buy?
- What payment methods do you have available?
- How soon do you need access to the proceeds?
- Is privacy important?
A fairly comprehensive list of options is compiled here:
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http://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Buying_bitcoinsFor your first purchase this won't help much but if you go get started using Dwolla (create an account, link your bank account) you can get the clock started on your 30-day probationary period in which you are prohibited from sending any funds to a Bitcoin exchange. Once that probationary period has ended you can use Dwolla to send funds to Mt. Gox (if you've verified your account with them) or Camp BX. There are also individual traders who accept Dwolla USDs for trade on #bitcoin-otc marketplace.
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http://www.Dwolla.com -
http://www.Bitcoin-OTC.comCoinbase is the quickest way (and among the cheapests) to buy using a bank account. You don't get the coins right away but you do get the price locked in today. The downsides are that they too have a 30-day probationary period in which you can buy a max of $100 worth of bitcoins per day. If for whatever reason Coinbase flags your account, they'll cancel the transaction(s) days after you've initiated the transfer so don't assume you have the coins until you have the coins.
Cash works. You can deposit cash for credit to your BitMe.com exchange account at Chase bank branches. With BitFloor, you can deposit cash at any Bank of America branch. You can also add funds using your Capital One 360/ING account. With Ziggap you can deposit cash as Western Union and Moneygram. With BitInstant you can deposit cash at 7-11, Walmart, CVS, Moneygram.
Of course LocalBitcoins works fantastically for matching up buyers and sellers.
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http://www.LocalBitcoins.comThere may be other methods that work for you as well.