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 using your local currency, just like buying foreign currency online.
- Send it by scanning a QR code or copying the address shown in the FDAT extension.
- Wait a few minutes for the network to confirm your payment. Done!
Step 1: Choose Your Payment Chain
FDAT accepts five different cryptocurrencies. Pick whichever suits you:
| Chain | Speed | Privacy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monero (XMR) | ~45 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Maximum privacy |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | ~10 min | ⭐⭐⭐ | Most widely accepted |
| Ethereum (ETH) | ~5 min | ⭐⭐ | Available everywhere |
| Tron (TRX) | ~3 min | ⭐⭐ | Low fees |
| Solana (SOL) | ~1 min | ⭐⭐ | Fastest |
Step 2: Get Some BTC, ETH, or Other Crypto
For BTC, 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 and nobody can see who sent what to whom. Regulators make it harder to buy than it needs to be, but here are two ways to get it:
Option A: 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!
Option B: Buy via a P2P Exchange, then Swap
- Purchase Bitcoin or Ethereum on a peer-to-peer exchange. No middleman, you trade directly with other people:
- Bisq — Decentralised, open-source, no registration required
- RoboSats — Lightning-fast Bitcoin trades, privacy-focused
- LocalCoinSwap — Multiple coins, many payment methods
- Send your BTC or ETH to Cake Wallet or Exodus and 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.
P2P Exchanges (Bisq, RoboSats, LocalCoinSwap)
Peer-to-peer exchanges connect you directly with other buyers and sellers without a corporate middleman holding your funds or verifying your identity. Trades are settled between individuals using bank transfers, cash, or other payment methods. More effort than a centralised exchange, but maximum privacy 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.