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How to Buy Ethereum (UK)

Živile Šarkauskaite

Written by

Živile Šarkauskaite

June 29, 2023

Reviewed by

Ciaran Lawler

Do you want to invest in Ethereum, today’s leading cryptocurrency? In this blog post, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of buying Ethereum in the UK.

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What is Ethereum?

Online innovation for global digital currency creation, direct communication, and transactions is what Ethereum offers by way of blockchain technology from its software platform.

The platform functions with distributed ledgers maintained by diverse global networks devoid of centralized control or intermediaries steeped in rigidity like Twitter or conventional financial services.

With unparalleled speed at a much lower cost, peer-to-peer communication leveraging self-validated transactions forms unique highlights of this fully decentralized ecosystem managed globally by volunteers.

With ease, this creates opportunities for communities worldwide sans geographic limitation.

The notorious Ether (ETH) facilitates cryptocurrency leveraging Ethereum’s branded distributed ledger within the ecosystem rather than relying on traditional fiat currencies processing through banks, thus ensuring secure and efficient processing without delays associated with third parties validating the transaction at higher costs.

Furthering innovation with good value-added is what Ethereum represents – not being limited strictly to cryptocurrency tracking operations alone but extending its reach into custom-built decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contract environments.

It offers specific functionality in AI & Encryption as well as other crypto trading platforms such as Peepeth where users enjoy unhindered interactions globally offering censorship-free user experience on a phenomenal level unprecedented anywhere else. Moreover, you can pay for various products and services with Ethereum.

Related: Ethereum (ETH) Wallet

Ethereum blockchain technology: how does Ethereum work?

Ethereum serves as a distributed public database that safely stores records of online transactions. Unlike traditional techniques, it doesn’t depend on a central authority, enabling trustless equal-to-equal transactions without intermediaries.

Ethereum technology offers greater flexibility than the Bitcoin blockchain, allowing computer engineers to build various tools and applications, including decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming software, and logistics management software.

Ether (ETH) is the currency of Ethereum apps and the network itself. With ETH, people can take control of their money and make secure Ethereum transactions without intermediaries. ETH is a decentralized and worldwide available currency that cannot be manipulated or controlled by any company or lender.

Using ETH requires an online connection and a budget, which serves as proof of ownership. For the extra security and convenience of online transactions, users can sell Ethereum and receive it instantly, like transferring cash in person. Additionally, ETH can be bought and held in fractions, just like other properties.

Ethereum hosts a wide range of decentralized apps and websites in its community, commonly known as microservices. Customers interact with these microservices rather than explicitly with Ethereum itself. Dapps fall under various headings, such as general technology, gaming, the arts, collectibles (NFTs), and finance (DeFi).

What is the purpose of Ethereum?

A small group of blockchain enthusiasts began creating Ethereum in 2015 to develop an amazingly adaptable blockchain system that supports various types of transactions.

The concept was presented in 2013 white papers by Vitalik Buterin, an 18 – year – older computer programmer and co-chairman of the Bitcoin edition.

Ethereum gives consumers more control over their data. The Ethereum blockchain enables the development of decentralised applications (dApps) and next-generation contracts by enabling automated and immutable cause-and-effect statements.

In contrast to Bitcoin, which uses a centralized network but can’t create and implement applications, smart contracts, and other transactions, Ethereum operates on decentralized networks and enables developers to develop different dApps.

What is Ethereum 2.0?

The update of the Ethereum key system, called Ethereum 2.0, also known as ETH2, aims to improve survival, protection, and versatility. Many teams in the Ethereum ecosystem are putting these improvements into practice.

One of the main objectives of Ethereum 2.0 is to move away from authority, an extensive and expensive mining method. Ethereum aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 99.95 %. It accomplishes this by switching from its present consensus mechanism for proof of work to a new stake-one evidence.

Users immediately had to compete to guess a complicated alphabet string quickly to authenticate transactions. This evidence-of-work procedure needs a lot of power. However, with Ethereum 2.0, customers may get validators by building their own ETH.

The likelihood of becoming a validator and earning newly minted ETH increases with the amount of Ether that is produced. The need for massive computational resources is eliminated by this new consensus mechanism, which also lessens mining’s detrimental environmental effects.

While these changes in flexibility, stability, and conservation are included in Ethereum 2.0, it has also been criticised for favouring people who hold large volumes of ETH.

Finally, Ethereum 2.0 is a full set of modifications designed to make Ethereum more flexible, secure and clean, and different groups are collaborating across the Ethereum ecology to see these enhancements through to completion.

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Ethereum network

The Ethereum network refers to a decentralized blockchain platform that enables the execution of smart contracts, the development of decentralized applications (dApps), and the transfer of digital assets.

The core function of the Ethereum network is a distributed computing platform that allows developers to build and use blockchain technology in applications. ETH is used as a medium of crypto exchange for value transfer, as a unit of account for trading fees, and as a form of digital asset that can be held and traded.

Ethereum worth

As usual for cryptocurrencies, the value of Ethereum is highly volatile. Many different factors influence it, including market demand, investor sentiment, regulatory changes and technological advances.

If you want to find out the current Ethereum worth, click here.

Should I buy Ethereum?

The Ethereum blockchain technology is considered more sophisticated than Bitcoin, which has led some investors to believe that Ethereum can surpass Bitcoin in terms of value.

Ethereum’s advanced technology has been successfully utilized in real-world establishments, including being accepted as payment at Christie’s for a $69.3 million artwork by Beeple.

However, investing in cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, carries certain risks. It is advisable to only risk a small portion of your wealth and be prepared for the possibility of losing the entire amount. It is important to note that crypto-asset investments are unregulated in the UK, lacking EU investor protection and consumer safeguards.

While Ethereum enjoys significant popularity, with over 116 billion coins held by investors, it does not necessarily mean it is the right investment for everyone. Before purchasing volatile assets like Ether, thorough research and financial stability are essential.

It is recommended to have a solid emergency fund, minimal debt exposure, and well-managed pension arrangements.

Even if the prerequisites are met, portfolio diversification is crucial, meaning that only a portion of investments should be allocated to Ethereum or other cryptocurrencies.

Investing in Ethereum offers potential benefits, but it also involves risks. Like all cryptocurrencies, Ethereum is subject to volatility. Its volatility index, measured over 30 days, has been around 5.2%, while gold has a volatility index of 1.2%, and significant currencies have volatility indices ranging from 1.0% to 0.5% (at the time of initial publication of this article).

How to buy Ethereum ETH?

To buy Ethereum in the UK, follow these steps:

  • Choose a crypto exchange: Pick one that provides access to the Ethereum wallet and is trustworthy. Research and examine their functions, fees, and safety measures before making a decision.
  • Create an account: Sign up for an account on your chosen crypto exchange platform.
  • Secure your account: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or other additional security measures offered by the exchange to protect your account.
  • Deposit cash: Link your bank account or credit/debit card to your trade account and deposit money into it. Follow the instructions provided by the trade to complete the payment method.
  • Locate Ethereum: Find Ethereum on the exchange’s trading platform. It is usually listed under the ticker symbol ETH. Some markets have different trading pairs, so you may need to transfer your stored funds to Ethereum.
  • Order: Buy Ethereum at the current market price or set a specific one. Examine the order information and enter the desired number of Ethereum you wish to buy.
  • Trade: Once you’re pleased with the order details, kill the trade. Your trade may approach the transaction, and if the market conditions are favorable, you will become the proprietor of the purchased Ethereum.

Remember to do a complete analysis, remain vigilant against fraud, and only spend what you can afford to lose when dealing with bitcoins.

📚Related: How to create an Ethereum wallet?

Where to buy Ethereum?

You should buy Ether from a reputable and licensed Ethereum platform. For example, you can buy Ethereum on the swissmoney platform. The platform offers competitive exchange rates and fast onboarding. To start trading crypto, set up and verify your account and make a bank transfer to add money. Now you’re ready to make crypto exchanges.

In addition to cryptocurrency exchanges, you can use swissmoney for SEPA/SWIFT payments, payment card transactions, and internal transfers between swissmoney clients.

What is ETH trading?

Buying Ethereum entails taking advantage of changes in the value of ETH to make money. If the token’s worth rises over time, traders hope to buy it at a lower price and sell it for more.

Analysis of various economic and political factors that can affect the price movement of the token is necessary for successful ETH buying.

Business dynamics, prospective market adjustment, token availability, rising adoption and acceptance, government regulations, media influence, and technological advancements are just a few of these factors. By evaluating them, investors attempt to forecast and create reasonable decisions about the direction of Ethereum’s price.

Where can I trade cryptocurrency in the UK?

If you want to trade Ethereum in the UK, here are some recommended crypto exchanges:

  • swissmoney is a great app for the crypto-to-fiat exchange; it offers financial management and crypto solutions.
  • eToro is good for beginners and experts; it offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
  • Crytpo.com is a good app for usability; it provides a user-friendly trading experience.
  • Coinbase is good for education; it is suitable for beginners with educational resources.
  • BlockFi is good for earning interest and rewards; it offers interest-earning options for cryptocurrencies.
  • Coinsmart is good for beginners; it has user-friendly features.

Read More: Best Crypto Exchanges for Day Trading

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to buy Ethereum in the UK?

The cheapest way to purchase Ethereum is using a low-cost crypto exchange with lower fees. When compiling a list of the best crypto exchanges, consider deal fees to determine the cheapest option.

The most inexpensive way to purchase Ethereum in the UK is to use a low-cost crypto exchange. To draw traders, superior crypto exchanges may also charge lower fees, but they can be more difficult for beginners to navigate.

How to buy Ethereum for beginners?

Follow these steps to buy Ethereum for newbies:

  1. Create a crypto wallet for Ethereum tokens.
  2. Pick a reputable cryptocurrency exchange that accepts Ethereum.
  3. Create an account and go through the necessary confirmation steps.
  4. Deposit money into your trade account.
  5. Select the sum you want to buy by navigating to the trading section.
  6. Examine and confirm.
  7. Keep your Ethereum firmly: Transfer the Ethereum tokens from the trade to your crypto wallet for secure storage once the purchase is full.

Remember to do thorough research, become mindful of possible risks, and only spend what you can afford to lose when buying Ethereum or any other cryptocurrency.

Can you buy Ethereum from swissmoney in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Ethereum from swissmoney in the UK.

How can I buy Ether without fees?

Although some of the exchanges mentioned previously may provide commission-free trading, it’s crucial to be aware of any possible extra costs, such as withdrawal or inactivity fees.

BlockFi is one alternative that doesn’t charge fees, but it’s crucial to remember that it carries more risk. Consumer funds are stored at its steward trade, which is not insured, and currently, in the UK, there isn’t any consumer protection.

Gemini does, however, take precautions to keep crypto holdings in a safe Ethereum wallet to prevent hackers from accessing them.

Many markets charge fees for storing public and private keys or impose costs when withdrawing money, although some, like eToro, offer fee-free ETH deals.

In general, there are no fee-free ways to buy Ethereum or any other cryptocurrencies because every cryptocurrency exchange needs to make money. Nevertheless, you can reduce the fees by choosing a more affordable swap.

What’s the difference between Ethereum, Ether and ETH?

Ethereum is a network or blockchain platform. Ether (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency you use within the Ethereum network. The ETH is a stock symbol that represents Ether on exchanges.

Can I buy Ethereum with another cryptocurrency?

Yes, without a doubt! Similar to using the Ethereum exchange to buy ETH, you can trade different cryptocurrencies for Ether( ETH ). Keep in mind that the exchange rate may vary depending on the value of the specific currency.

Can Ethereum overtake Bitcoin?

First, Bitcoin and Ethereum have various uses. Ethereum gives users more control over cryptocurrency assets and the ability to create applications and crypto transactions on its network. In contrast, Bitcoin is virtual money and a store of value.

Ethereum may surpass Bitcoin in terms of market capitalisation. It is mainly due to Ethereum’s evidence-of-play Bitcoin, which should increase flexibility. The Ethereum system can handle more purchases and offers faster exchanges than Bitcoin.

Switching to proof of stake is seen as a way to create Ethereum more lasting than Bitcoin in the long term, which may lead to its potential to exceed its competitor.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Bitcoin is designed for obligations only, while Ethereum provides more functions, making immediate comparisons between the two hard.

However, a single Bitcoin is approximately 20 times more expensive than an Ether token. Ethereum is, therefore, a far cry from Bitcoin.

On the other hand, Ethereum’s daily transaction volume grew by 53%, while Bitcoin’s – only 14%. These numbers imply that Ethereum has the potential to surpass Bitcoin. Unfortunately, it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions given the divergent objectives and goals of the two.

Is Ethereum legal in the UK?

Yes, buying, owning, and selling Ethereum in the UK is legal. Nevertheless, you are responsible for the profit you make from your Ethereum investment. Therefore, you have to pay the appropriate capital gains tax.

Additionally, the cryptocurrency market is currently uncontrolled. Thus, there is no state protection if the market collapses or frauds cause you to lose money on your investments.

It is necessary to pay taxes on earnings made when you sell your Ethereum in the UK.

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