How to buy Avalanche (AVAX) from the USA

By Verified by Andrew Boyd   |   Updated Oct. 18, 2023

  • Interested in taking a position in Avalanche for exposure to this Ethereum challenger?
  • Find where you can buy the AVAX token.
  • Step-by-step guide through the entire process.

Avalanche is an open-source blockchain technology that competes with Ethereum. It uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. One of its defining features is speed: transactions are verified very quickly on the Avalanche network, which is one of the reasons why the project is tipped as a long-term alternative to Ethereum.

Want to find out how to buy Avalanche? Read on for your full step-by-step guide.

Not sure which exchange to use?

Where to buy Avalanche

eToro Crypto

On website

eToro USA LLC and eToro USA Securities Inc.; Investing involves risk, including loss of principal; Not a recommendation.

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.


Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. [website domain name] is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MS


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.
Coinbase Earn

On website

Coinbase Earn

Highlights

  • Earn up to 5.75% APY on your crypto.
  • Earn rewards with as little as $1 in crypto.
  • More assets mean more rewards.

First time buying?

How to buy Avalanche

Step 1: Open an account with an exchange

AVAX is offered on many cryptocurrency exchanges. Exchanges are the easiest way to purchase cryptocurrency, particularly if you are new to crypto.

When comparing exchanges, be aware of transaction costs (maker and taker fee, sometimes spread) and if there are any fees for depositing fiat currency, available order types, and other features such as the ability to stake, take out crypto-backed loans, or buy NFTs, etc.

Those exchanges listed on this page have all listed Avalance on their trading platform.

Step 2: Get verified

You'll probably be asked to provide your personal information — like your name, telephone number, email address, etc. — in order to get verified and start trading.

Verifying your identity will require any valid photo ID, such as your passport or driver's license. The verification may take about five minutes to complete. After your identity has been verified, you'll be able to begin trading.

Step 3: Decide how much to allocate

Cryptocurrencies are volatile investments and just like any other crypto token, Avalanche’s price has experienced both bull runs and bear markets. Therefore, you should only invest money you can afford to lose should the market turn after you buy.

Step 4: Deposit funds

You can transfer fiat (USD) to your account from a bank account or debit card. Some exchanges accept credit cards too. Payment services such as Payoneer, PayPal, Skrill, Venmo, etc., may be accepted too depending on the exchange.

Note that if you use a credit card to deposit funds, you'll likely be charged a fee on that transaction. Some exchanges do not allow crypto-to-crypto deposits.

Step 5: Buy AVAX

Market orders can be an excellent option for people who wish to buy AVAX quickly and are not concerned about slippage costs.

Many exchanges let you create orders that can be instantly executed at any point in time that AVAX reaches a specific price point. For example, you can configure an order to buy AVAX in the future when it hits a certain price (assuming your account is funded) or to sell if its price falls below a certain price.

Some exchanges support recurring orders, making it easy to build a position in Avalanche over time with additional purchases at set intervals, e.g. each week or every month. This strategy helps average out the price of AVAX over time.

After you buy

Where to store your Avalanche

To have easy access to AVAX tokens, store them in the exchange's hot wallet where you purchased the tokens. You may transfer them to an account at another exchange later. Note that hot wallets are connected to the internet, making them more vulnerable to hacking attacks, theft of funds, and malware. Bear this in mind if you plan on holding a substantial amount of crypto on an exchange.

A more secure, less convenient alternative is to keep your Avalanche tokens in a cold wallet.