How to Buy Crypto Under 18 Legally: Best Apps for Teens (2025)

Buying crypto under 18 isn’t easy, but many teens still want to get started early. Most big exchanges like Binance or Coinbase need you to be 18 or older. After checking real user reviews, testing platforms, and reading the terms, we found some ways teens are actually buying crypto without breaking laws or risking scams.

This guide explains how to buy crypto under 18 safely and smartly. We compared decentralized platforms, peer-to-peer apps, and no-KYC wallets. You’ll learn what works, what’s risky, and how to avoid mistakes.

Best Exchange to Buy Bitcoin Under 18: Top No-KYC Crypto Apps

How to Buy Cryptocurrency Under 18 Using MEXC (Only email required)

Step 1: Register Your MEXC Account

First, you need to create an account on the MEXC platform.

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the MEXC official website. Look for the “Sign Up” button, usually found in the top right corner of the homepage.
• Choose Registration Method: You can register using your email address or mobile phone number. For this guide, let’s assume you choose email.
• Enter Details: Input your email address, create a strong password, and you must use our MEXC referral code to get $8,000 bonus, enter it.
• Agree to Terms: Make sure to read and agree to the MEXC User Agreement and Privacy Policy. These documents contain important information about using the platform.
• Verify Email: A verification code will be sent to your registered email. Enter this code to complete the initial registration.

(Read my MEXC review)

Step 2: Complete Identity Verification (KYC)

This is a crucial step for digital asset security and compliance. While you can register with just an email, to buy, sell, and withdraw significant amounts of crypto, you will need to complete KYC.

• Navigate to Verification: After logging in, go to your “Profile” section. Look for “Identity Verification”/
• Provide Information: You will typically need to provide personal details like your full name, date of birth, and country of residence.
• Upload Documents: You will be asked to upload images of a valid government-issued ID (like a passport or national ID card) and possibly a proof of address.
• Face Verification: Some platforms also require a selfie or a live face verification to match your face with your ID.
• Wait for Approval: The MEXC team will review your documents. This process can take some time, from a few minutes to a few days. Once approved, your account will have higher trading limits and withdrawal limits.

Step 3: Deposit Funds into Your Account

Once your account is verified, you can deposit funds to start buying digital currencies.

• Go to “Wallet”: On the MEXC interface, find the “Assets” section.
• Select “Deposit”: Choose the “Deposit” option.
• Choose Deposit Method: You can deposit cryptocurrency (if you already own some on another platform) or fiat currency (like USD, EUR) using various methods. Common options include:
  • Crypto Deposit: Select the cryptocurrency you want to deposit (e.g., USDT, BTC) and the correct network. A deposit address will be generated. Send your crypto to this address from your external wallet or another exchange.
  • Fiat Deposit: Look for options like “Buy Crypto” or “Fiat Deposit.” MEXC often partners with third-party payment providers (e.g., MoonPay, Simplex) to facilitate purchases using bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or other local payment methods. Follow the on-screen instructions of the chosen provider.

Step 4: Buy Your Desired Cryptocurrency

With funds in your account, you are ready to make a purchase.

• Navigate to “Trade”: On the MEXC homepage, find “Trade” in the navigation bar. You can choose “Spot Trading” for direct purchases.
• Select Trading Pair: Choose the cryptocurrency pair you want to trade (e.g., BTC/USDT if you deposited USDT and want to buy Bitcoin).
• Place Order: You can place different types of orders:
  • Market Order: This buys or sells immediately at the current market price. It’s the simplest for beginners.
  • Limit Order: This allows you to set a specific price at which you want to buy or sell. The order will only execute when the market reaches your set price.
• Enter Amount: Input the amount of cryptocurrency you wish to buy or the amount of fiat/USDT you want to spend.
• Confirm Purchase: Review your order details and confirm the purchase. The transaction fees will be displayed before confirmation.

Step 5: Manage Your Cryptocurrency Assets

After buying, it’s important to manage your crypto assets responsibly.

• Check Your Wallet: Your purchased cryptocurrency will appear in your “Spot Wallet” or “Assets” section.
• Security Practices: Consider enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for added security. For long-term holding, you might consider withdrawing your crypto to a cold storage wallet (hardware wallet) for maximum security, though this involves withdrawal fees.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the market and news related to your digital assets to make informed decisions.

Read: Best Bitcoin wallets

How to Trade Crypto Under 18: Ways for Teenagers to Legally Invest

Using no-KYC Exchanges

“No-KYC exchanges” are platforms that do not ask for your identity documents (like a passport or ID card) when you sign up or for small transactions. KYC stands for “Know Your Customer,” and it is a process banks and safest crypto exchanges use to check who their users are. This is done to stop illegal activities like money laundering.

For someone under 18, using a no-KYC exchange might seem like a way to get around age limits because you do not need to show an ID. However, these exchanges often have very low limits on how much crypto you can trade or withdraw.

Also, they might not be as secure or regulated as exchanges that do require KYC. This means there could be higher risks for your funds. It is also important to know that even if an exchange does not ask for KYC, the laws in your country might still require you to be of legal age to enter into financial contracts.

Check this out: best no-KYC crypto exchanges

Using Bitcoin ATMs

Bitcoin ATMs are physical machines, like regular bank ATMs, where you can buy or sometimes sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using cash or a debit card. They are found in many cities.

The process usually involves scanning a QR code from your crypto wallet, inserting cash, and then the Bitcoin is sent to your wallet. Some Bitcoin ATMs might ask for a phone number verification, but not always a full ID, especially for smaller amounts.

For a teenager, this could be a way to get a small amount of crypto with cash. However, Bitcoin ATMs often have higher fees compared to online exchanges, and the exchange rates might not be as good. Also, the legal age for using these machines can vary by location, and some might still require ID for larger transactions.

Usng Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

Decentralized exchanges, or DEXs, are different from regular crypto exchanges like MEXC. On a DEX, there is no central company or authority controlling your funds.

You trade directly from your own crypto wallet. This means you keep full control of your assets, and you do not need to go through a KYC process.

Because DEXs do not require identity verification, they are often seen as an option for people who want more privacy or for those who cannot pass KYC on centralized exchanges. For a teenager, this means you would not need to show an ID.

However, DEXs can be more complicated to use, especially for beginners. You need to understand how to manage your own crypto wallet and how to deal with network fees. There is also a higher risk of making mistakes if you are not careful, as there is no customer support to help you if you send funds to the wrong address.

Check this out: Best decentralized crypto exchanges

Using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Trading

Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading means you buy or sell cryptocurrency directly with another person, without a central exchange holding the funds.

Platforms that offer P2P trading connect buyers and sellers. You might agree to meet in person, or you can use online methods like bank transfers or other payment apps to send money to the seller, and they send crypto to your wallet.

Some P2P platforms might have escrow services, which means the crypto is held by the platform until the payment is confirmed, adding a layer of security.

For a teenager buying crypto under 18, P2P trading might seem like a way to buy crypto without strict age checks, as it is a direct agreement between two individuals.

However, it is very important to be careful with P2P trading. There is a higher risk of scams or fraud, and you need to trust the person you are trading with. Always use a reputable P2P platform that offers security features like escrow and dispute resolution.

You can use P2P platforms like Paxful and LocalBitcoins.

Read: Best Bitcoin exchanges

FAQs: Crypto Investments for Teens