Where to buy bitcoin?

[Bluestreak66]

How does one go about purchasing bitcoins? I hava a MTGox Acount that has been verified. I also setup a bitinstant acount. But I can't seem to find a way to transfer funds from my Bank of america account into MTGox (or into bitinstant then MTGox). I also have a paypal account but I've heard paypal does not play nice with Bitcoin. If Bitcoin is ever going to be adopted then there needs to be an easy way to transfer funds as the average person gets paid in $ not Bitcoin.

[Cudahuda]

Use coinbase to link a checking account.  It is the easiest way imo.

[Bluestreak66]

Awsome thanks!

[bitfromit]

Coinbase is ok, if small amount. If larger amount it is cheaper to wire an exchange like Bitstamp, buy, (then transfer and sell on mtgox if you want), the US does not have a monopoly on bitcoin.

right now
bitstamp = 84.61
mtgox    = 89.68

about 5% difference. Often more.

[Tuck Fheman]

Be aware that Coinbase will take 3-5 days to verify your bank account then another 3-5 days to get your Bitcoin (have used successfully many times).

Bitinstant is a quicker option (have not used, but hear good things).

[berrycorp]

Use coinbase to link a checking account.  It is the easiest way imo.

+1

[Bluestreak66]

Be aware that Coinbase will take 3-5 days to verify your bank account then another 3-5 days to get your Bitcoin (have used successfully many times).

Bitinstant is a quicker option (have not used, but hear good things).

Coinbase verified my info instantly. Fund transfer says it takes 5-6 days to complete. Which is about the same for all wire transfers. Bit instant would not let me transfer any money via checking account nor card.

[JamesIV]

I have had success with localbitcoins.com I used people with 200+ reviews.

[Bananery]

So far I bought bitcoins at localbitcoins.

[KellyKirk]

Coinbase is ok, if small amount. If larger amount it is cheaper to wire an exchange like Bitstamp, buy, (then transfer and sell on mtgox if you want), the US does not have a monopoly on bitcoin.

I agree that Coinbase is good. Thanks for the tip on Bitstamp! I didn't know about them.

[bestmarketer004]

I always buy from BTC-e. This site is fine for me.