Good question. I've been using bitcoin since 2013 and range of good bitcoin exchanges has vastly expanded since. Security has not improved though, so be sure to remove your coins to an offline wallet after purchasing.
Hi guys, I'm looking for the best bitcoin exchanges for a new user with little technical knowledge.
This site keeps an updated rating of all the top bitcoin exchanges:
https://www.bestbitcoinexchange.io/ and gives very good advice. Use the column where it says "beginner-friendly" to get an idea of which place is best for your experience level.
As of May 2017, I would say that the following exchanges are well-suited for new users and have good reputation:
1. Coinbase - great for real newbies. Simple UI and easy to purchase with a card or bank transfer. Higher commissions. Insured deposits (don't let this tempt you into keeping your coins on their exchange).
2. Localbitcoins - good place to buy with cash and stay anonymous. Works well in every country globally. Nice opportunity to meet real life bitcoiners and chat. You can use bank transfer to buy online also.
3. CEX - ok for beginners with visa or mastercard. Fees are higher but it's very straightforward to use. You can buy with USD EUR GBP RUB. SEPA and wire transfer is possible too.
4. Bitstamp - a very reputable bitcoin exchange. Good prices. Just recently added card purchases for US customers too.
5. Blockchain.info - an online web-wallet that recently started acting as a trusted bitcoin exchange. Recommended for beginners because easy to purchase with card. European users only.
6. WeSellCrypto - you mentioned finding a good paypal to bitcoin exchange, well this place is decent. Only buy small amounts as fees are very high for PayPal - everywhere is the same.
I would be looking to buy 10 k usd worth of bitcoin with my card or bank account.
My advice is for large amounts try to find an exchange that allows bank transfers, as fees are generally lower. Kraken is a very good bitcoin exchange with the lowest fees, but the user interface may not be adapted for beginners. Expect to pay at least 5 to 10 percent more if you buy 10 k USD of bitcoin with a bank card.
I could also use my paypal to buy the bitcoins, but i'd imagine the fees would be far higher?
Correct. Avoid using PayPal to buy bitcoin unless you only want small amounts (under 25 usd). Fees can go as high as 40 percent more than what you would normally pay using a bank transfer.