How to buy Cardano (ADA) from the UK

By   |   Verified by Andrew Boyd   |   Updated 20 Oct 2023

  • Cardano is a secure, scalable, and sustainable blockchain platform.
  • Cardano uses a Proof of Stake (PoS) protocol which is more energy-efficient and cannot be mined like cryptocurrencies using a Proof of Work (PoW) protocol.
  • Cardano’s digital currency ADA can be purchased on any Cardano-supported crypto exchange.

If you are interested in buying Cardano (ADA) from the UK, the easiest way to buy is with a crypto exchange where Cardano is listed.

This is a step-by-step guide for where and how Britons can buy Cardano today.

Not sure which exchange to use?

Where to buy Cardano

eToro Crypto

On website

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

eToro Crypto

Highlights

  • Trade and stake a range of crypto assets with low fees.
  • Copy successful traders. Practice with a demo account.
  • eToro is regulated by CySec, FCA and ASIC.

Pros

  • The user-friendly website and app make it easy to trade from anywhere.
  • Trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 60+ other crypto assets.
  • With its CopyTrader feature, you can replicate the moves of other investors.
  • Start trading with just $10.

Cons

  • There is a 1% fee that is added to the market price.
  • Other exchanges have more selections of crypto coins and tokens.
Coinsmart

On website

Coinsmart

Highlights

  • Get $20 in BTC with your first deposit.
  • Trade major coins and popular altcoins including Dogecoin, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, and Polygon.
  • Fund your account with wire transfers, credit / debit cards, or crypto with access to trade funds the same day.

Pros

  • Low trading fees.
  • Deposits are cleared within the day.
  • Supports CAD, EUR, and USD.
  • Get 24/7 customer support.

Cons

  • Limited coins.
  • Fee applies to credit card and debit card deposits.
Uphold Crypto

On website

Crypto assets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Uphold Crypto

Highlights

  • Invest in 250 + cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, 27 national currencies, and multiple precious metals with 0% commission.
  • Ability to trade crypto against other assets like foreign currency and commodities.
  • Registered with FinCEN (US), FCA (UK), and FCIS (Lithuania).

Pros

  • Open an account in less than a minute.
  • Low deposit requirement and commission-free trading.
  • Option to trade fiat currencies and precious metals.

Cons

  • High spreads on low-liquidity assets.
Coinbase

On website

Finty may be compensated when you click on the link.

Coinbase

Highlights

  • Get £5 in Bitcoin with your first trade on Coinbase.
  • Buy and sell popular digital currencies, and keep track of them in the one place.
  • Invest in cryptocurrency slowly over time by scheduling buys daily, weekly, or monthly.
  • Crypto stored on Coinbase servers is covered by an insurance policy.


Cryptocurrency is not regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and is not subject to protection under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme or within the scope of jurisdiction of the UK Financial Ombudsman Service. Investing in cryptocurrency comes with risk and cryptocurrency may gain in value, or lose some or all value. Capital gains tax may be applicable to profits from cryptocurrency sales.

Pros

  • Get access to a wide variety of altcoins.
  • Start trading with as little as $2.
  • Offers Coinbase card which allows you to spend crypto anywhere.

Cons

  • Fees are higher compared to other exchanges.

First time buying?

How to buy Cardano

Step 1: Find an exchange that sells Cardano

Since Cardano is among the most popular coins, lots of the top cryptocurrency exchanges offer it. If you're comparing crypto exchanges where you can buy Cardano, the most important factors to consider are security and charges.

Step 2: Set up and verify your account

Before you are able to purchase Cardano with an exchange, you must first create an account and then verify your identity for regulation and security. This is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes to complete. Most likely, you'll need to supply your name, birth date, your country of residence, and a phone number. You might also be required to provide further proof of identification such as a copy of your driving licence, passport, or other government-issued ID.

Step 3: Transfer funds

You can add funds to your account in a variety of ways. You can deposit fiat currency (GBP) from your bank account, credit or debit card, PayPal, etc. It might take a few days for cash to be cleared. You can also fund your account with crypto. Some exchanges require a minimum deposit.

Step 4: Decide how much to invest

It is important to set a firm budget for how much to invest in Cardano. Since the value of Cardano can be volatile, you should only invest what you can afford to lose.

Step 5: Purchase Cardano

Once your account has been verified and funded, you can buy Cardano. Depending on the exchange you select, you might be able to create a recurring order and automatically buy more Cardano on a regular basis. Some exchanges offer the option of using stops and limits.

After you buy

Where to store your Cardano

When it comes to storing your Cardano, you have a multitude of options including your exchange wallet, Cardano wallets, and other third-party wallets.

If you want anytime access, you should store your ADA in a hot wallet. However, if you don't require frequent access, consider storing your coins in a cold wallet for greater security.