why is it so hard to buy bitcoin

[Shiroslullaby]

Yes if you have an established relationship with a trader you can buy BTC without spending too much in fees,
otherwise you are either paying large fees, at risk of getting scammed,
or forced to use an exchange that requires multiple verification- government ID, paypal, bank account,
and (as we now know) will probably hand your records over to the government (Coinbase giving records to the IRS for example).

Conversion to and from fiat is still one of the weak points of Bitcoin.
We need more ways to anonymously convert crypto coins to fiat to create a truly free financial system.

[batang_bitcoin]

I have not really bought any bitcoin in a while, i have been mostly trading this last year.  but i have been trying to buy today from localbitcoins and bittylicious and it has been a real challenge.  they want photos of me holding cards on localbitcoins and on bitty they need about 4 different forms of id, what is going on. 

this is seriously restrictive to anyone wanting to get into bitcoin,  like its meant to be pseudonymous but if the gate ways into bitcoin dont allow that people will be put off.   

It seems that some exchange are requiring some identification before buying a bitcoin. It can be a good part for them so that they would know who are their customers and can be used in future purposes. But in the part of customers, this is hassle. And have you ever tried to look for some exchange that doesn't require those things?

Most if not all exchanges require that since they are applying KYC know your costumer policies that banks are also forced to comply with and even if you found an exchange that did not require it I will not trust them that much.

It is a good initiative that some of the exchange sites are doing this but the thing of bitcoin's anonymity will be gone. Because that's why many are using bitcoin because there is no information required for each transaction. And this is kinda awaring for getting their customers information and making themselves like bank. Sooner or later they will be regulated by gov't.

They have no choice, either they comply or they close shop, if we don't want to deal with it, and I know for sure I don't, then you can use localbitcoins or similar websites, or you can do trades here in the forum.

Well it is same as here in my place that it needs KYC but i think it is not the problem if you want to be anonymous transactions you can use bitcoin mixer to transfer to your anonymous wallet so there is no problem with it only for depositing or buying bitcoin is your problem..

There are still exchange sites that doesn't require that requirements in able for you to buy bitcoins. I guess they are just following some protocol from their local government so they are requiring us to do so. And that mixing services are also good if you don't want to let exchanges trace where you are getting your bitcoins.

[Dudeperfect]

Buying bitcoin was difficult in early days but today any one can buy bitcoin and that too with cash also. I think you have logged in your localbitcoins account after a long break and thus they asked you to verify your identity. Yes, I have also experienced their security measures and couple of times was failed to trade bitcoin but ultimately it’s good thing for us because the more security the more reliability.  I will advise you to do verify your identity and then you won’t face any issues like this one.

[freedomgo]

Buying bitcoin was difficult in early days but today any one can buy bitcoin and that too with cash also. I think you have logged in your localbitcoins account after a long break and thus they asked you to verify your identity. Yes, I have also experienced their security measures and couple of times was failed to trade bitcoin but ultimately it’s good thing for us because the more security the more reliability.  I will advise you to do verify your identity and then you won’t face any issues like this one.

Exactly because bitcoin is getting popular now and more business are opening to take the market of bitcoin supporters, in my country it's simple as 123 when buying bitcoin.. I do not even understand why there are still people who are having a problem with buying bitcoin.

[X-ray]

Buying bitcoin was difficult in early days but today any one can buy bitcoin and that too with cash also. I think you have logged in your localbitcoins account after a long break and thus they asked you to verify your identity. Yes, I have also experienced their security measures and couple of times was failed to trade bitcoin but ultimately it’s good thing for us because the more security the more reliability.  I will advise you to do verify your identity and then you won’t face any issues like this one.

Exactly because bitcoin is getting popular now and more business are opening to take the market of bitcoin supporters, in my country it's simple as 123 when buying bitcoin.. I do not even understand why there are still people who are having a problem with buying bitcoin.

some place may not the same as your place in how to buy bitcoin,there may be a restriction on transacting cryptocurrencies or limited of bitcoin resources such as lack of exchanger or lack of bitcoin owner,you don't understand why people still having problem with buying bitcoin because you never live in any place that's really hard to get bitcoin

[shield132]

If you want to buy bitcoin from banks, than you need to verify your "Person". Nowdays gambling websites are offering verification and what's the matter if bank required same service? I know bitcoin is another type of money but It's money and for money verification is required like in usd/euro exchange. But also you can to pay someone with Pay Boxes which are in street ( There are many in my country) and them tell him to send you some bitcoin, it's alternative of bypassing verification.

[Mastsetad]

I have not really bought any bitcoin in a while, i have been mostly trading this last year.  but i have been trying to buy today from localbitcoins and bittylicious and it has been a real challenge.  they want photos of me holding cards on localbitcoins and on bitty they need about 4 different forms of id, what is going on. 

this is seriously restrictive to anyone wanting to get into bitcoin,  like its meant to be pseudonymous but if the gate ways into bitcoin dont allow that people will be put off.   

Why don't you buy using this forum? Here you can easily buy bitcoins in Currency Exchange section, all you will need are the funds and hiring an escrow, and you are done, you can easily get someone interested to sell their coins out there i'm sure.

[(altair)]

I think it is because many people don't know about it. So it is not yet well known in our world. As well as converting it to fiat is difficult because of that. Let's hope in the future many people will know about it so it would be easier buying bitcoin and converting bitcoin to fiat.

[cpfreeplz]

Buying bitcoin was difficult in early days but today any one can buy bitcoin and that too with cash also. I think you have logged in your localbitcoins account after a long break and thus they asked you to verify your identity. Yes, I have also experienced their security measures and couple of times was failed to trade bitcoin but ultimately it’s good thing for us because the more security the more reliability.  I will advise you to do verify your identity and then you won’t face any issues like this one.

First, not everyone can buy with cash depending on where you live. Secondly I completely agree that the ID should be updated. If you have nothing to hide (like shady illegal dealings) then it's not a big deal.

[richmcrich]

Buying bitcoin was difficult in early days but today any one can buy bitcoin and that too with cash also. I think you have logged in your localbitcoins account after a long break and thus they asked you to verify your identity. Yes, I have also experienced their security measures and couple of times was failed to trade bitcoin but ultimately it’s good thing for us because the more security the more reliability.  I will advise you to do verify your identity and then you won’t face any issues like this one.

First, not everyone can buy with cash depending on where you live. Secondly I completely agree that the ID should be updated. If you have nothing to hide (like shady illegal dealings) then it's not a big deal.

Yes, it is the real challenge of converting fiats into bitcoins. And also due to all possible payment processors are having charge back facility whereas bitcoin does not allow that.
Still, earning bitcoins or converting altcoins into bitcoin would be done without any hassles. I believe most of the people are doing these and they are simply getting their preferred amount of bitcoins more easily this way.

[acroman08]

Buying bitcoin was difficult in early days but today any one can buy bitcoin and that too with cash also. I think you have logged in your localbitcoins account after a long break and thus they asked you to verify your identity. Yes, I have also experienced their security measures and couple of times was failed to trade bitcoin but ultimately it’s good thing for us because the more security the more reliability.  I will advise you to do verify your identity and then you won’t face any issues like this one.

First, not everyone can buy with cash depending on where you live. Secondly I completely agree that the ID should be updated. If you have nothing to hide (like shady illegal dealings) then it's not a big deal.

I agree that it is easier to buy bitcoins today. Easier in the sense that there plenty more options/exchanges/traders to choose from. But, the problem is indeed that almost all of the exchanges now require ID's.
ID's may not be a problem for some, but this is a real concern for others. And it's not really just about 'shady illegal dealings'. There's the matter of privacy, safety, data leaks, etc. Anonymity is not = to shady/illegal.

Oh well. I myself have verified with 1 exchange. And I only use that exchange. Nowhere else. Though I have verified, I'm not really feeling safe with the fact that a copy of my personal info is out there.Just.

[funkenstein]

I have not really bought any bitcoin in a while, i have been mostly trading this last year.  but i have been trying to buy today from localbitcoins and bittylicious and it has been a real challenge.  they want photos of me holding cards on localbitcoins and on bitty they need about 4 different forms of id, what is going on. 

this is seriously restrictive to anyone wanting to get into bitcoin,  like its meant to be pseudonymous but if the gate ways into bitcoin dont allow that people will be put off.   

Why is it hard to get to the exit door in a crowded theatre after the air is thick with smoke and somebody yells "fire"  ? 

[bitbunnny]

Well, Bitcoin is far less anonimous now then it used to be. And the situation will be even worse. Due to so many scams and fraudulent scheems exchangers and traders have become very precocious and it's almost impossible to buy Bitcoins without some kind of verification. That could be annoying because one of the first and best Bitcoin values was anonimity. But things have changed.

[danherbias07]

It is hard if it is p2p for many dont trust that system anymore. You would better go to a wallet site then just buy there either on credit card or whatever mode of payment they are offering.

[nikrobi]

No, it's not hard. You just need to find an exchange on your local country and make the transaction. Send them your local currency and they will give you btcs, it's already common in many countries. Check on google if there is any exchange reputable in your country or ask to your fellows on your local board on forum and start buying btcs.

[xIIImaL]

It is hard if it is p2p for many dont trust that system anymore. You would better go to a wallet site then just buy there either on credit card or whatever mode of payment they are offering.

Who said bitcoin purchasing is so hard. You could easily buy the bitcoin through localbitcoins, kraken and yobit. These sites provide some good and trusted traders to purchase bitcoins. Kindly check the person's trust and feedback before you buy

[crairezx20]

It is hard if it is p2p for many dont trust that system anymore. You would better go to a wallet site then just buy there either on credit card or whatever mode of payment they are offering.

Who said bitcoin purchasing is so hard. You could easily buy the bitcoin through localbitcoins, kraken and yobit. These sites provide some good and trusted traders to purchase bitcoins. Kindly check the person's trust and feedback before you buy

Maybe in some countries they are hardly buy bitcoin if they have no local exchange. buying with credit cards for me is hassle and it takes few days before it will be credited according to other people.
But here in my country we do not need to buy bitcoins via credit card we can buy bitcoins here just use our local wallet and ask for how much do i need to deposit and i will receive a code then i will go to the store 7/11 and give the code and money thats sooner my deposited will be credited in my wallet..
This is easy that using credit cards in my opinion or even buying in localbitcoin..

[richardsNY]

No, it's not hard. You just need to find an exchange on your local country and make the transaction. Send them your local currency and they will give you btcs, it's already common in many countries. Check on google if there is any exchange reputable in your country or ask to your fellows on your local board on forum and start buying btcs.

You clearly haven't read what OP was saying as you solely pointed your focus on the title. It has to do with the verification process that people experience as being a total hassle, which also impacts their privacy in a bad way. They have to send all details with high res scans of ID cards and all that. Otherwise it will be a difficult task to buy Bitcoin from a legit exchange or buying service. It's the government that forces exchanges to ask for all this.

[lol3c]

I think it is because many people don't know about it. So it is not yet well known in our world. As well as converting it to fiat is difficult because of that. Let's hope in the future many people will know about it so it would be easier buying bitcoin and converting bitcoin to fiat.

You are totally wrong. There have been many people known about the Bitcoin already. We are living in the modern and technological world in where people quickly adapt and understand new developments and technologies. In my area, although Bitcoin is not used very popular, most of the people know about it and you can easily buy bitcoin wherever you are. In my opinion, the reason why he can not buy Bitcoin is that people in his local area do not want to sell Bitcoin. That's all

[clickerz]

It is hard if it is p2p for many dont trust that system anymore. You would better go to a wallet site then just buy there either on credit card or whatever mode of payment they are offering.

Who said bitcoin purchasing is so hard. You could easily buy the bitcoin through localbitcoins, kraken and yobit. These sites provide some good and trusted traders to purchase bitcoins. Kindly check the person's trust and feedback before you buy

It is easy indeed to buy bitcoin from exchanges. Just  open an account on the said exchanges, fund your account and trade or buy bitcoin with it. But as of now, bitcoin price is  up, but still its ok when you are planning for a long term investment.