Never used crypto before? This guide will walk you through it
step by step.
The whole process takes about 10 minutes once you're set up.
The Quick Version
- Buy it on an exchange (like buying currency at a bureau de change)
- Send it to the payment address shown in the FDat extension
- Wait a few minutes for confirmation — done!
Step 1: Choose Your Payment Chain
FDat accepts four different cryptocurrencies. Pick whichever suits you:
| Chain | Speed | Privacy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monero (XMR) | ~20 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Maximum privacy |
| Ethereum (ETH) | ~5 min | ⭐⭐ | Available everywhere |
| Tron (TRX) | ~3 min | ⭐⭐ | Low fees |
| Solana (SOL) | ~1 min | ⭐⭐ | Fastest |
Step 2: Get Some Crypto
For ETH, TRX, or SOL — The Easy Way
Use a mainstream exchange. Sign up, verify your identity, buy coins, done. These are the biggest and most trusted:
- Crypto.com — Great app, easy for beginners. Buy with card or bank transfer.
- Kraken — Trusted since 2011. Competitive fees.
- Binance — Largest exchange worldwide. Widest selection of coins.
- Coinbase — Very beginner-friendly. Popular in the US and UK.
These exchanges require ID verification (KYC) — similar to opening a bank account. Your purchase is linked to your identity just like a bank transfer or credit card purchase, unless you choose Monero.
For Monero (XMR) — The Private Way
Monero is the most private cryptocurrency. Think of it as internet cash. Transactions are untraceable — nobody can see who sent what to whom. Regulators make it more difficult than it needs to be, but here are two ways to get it:
Option A: Buy Directly (No ID Required)
- Sign up to CoinEx (no ID verification needed for small amounts)
- Buy USDT (a stablecoin pegged to USD) using your preferred method
- Trade USDT → XMR on the exchange
- Withdraw XMR to any Monero wallet or payment address.
Option B: Swap from Another Coin
- Buy any popular coin (BTC, ETH, LTC) on whichever exchange you prefer
- Download Cake Wallet (mobile) or Exodus Wallet (desktop)
- Send your coins to your wallet address and use the built-in exchange to swap to XMR
- Send XMR to wherever you like!
A Word on Exchange Types
KYC Exchanges (Crypto.com, Kraken, Binance, Coinbase)
These require ID verification. They're the easiest way to buy crypto with a debit card or bank transfer. Your purchase history is linked to your identity, and can be traced anywhere you send them. Unless you buy Monero or another privacy coin of course.
No-KYC Exchanges (CoinEx, Uniswap)
These don't require ID for smaller amounts if at all. Less convenient, often higher fees but more private — ideal if you value anonymity from the start.
Wallets (Cake Wallet, Exodus)
A wallet stores your crypto (your private keys). Think of it like a digital version of a physical wallet — it's yours, on your device, and only you control it. Some also have a built-in exchange feature that lets you swap between different coins.