While there are many platforms for trading cryptocurrencies, options for buying BTC with USD are more limited.

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Financial institutions face big fat legal issues when operating within the US. The Trade Federation does not want consumers escaping its monopoly, so the corporation that is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA levies huge regulations on its citizens and businesses operating within its jurisdiction. 

As we know, cryptocurrency is way into freedom and decentralization, so many exchanges opt to avoid the headache of complying with US regulation and simply do not offer trades in certain areas or through USD. Cex.io, for example, does not offer its services in Texas, where we are.

Or they require higher degrees of verification. Kraken and Bitfinex require utility bills or bank statements for proof of residence, as well as photos of IDs and selfies taken with IDs. People who are way into freedom and decentralization don't necessarily have recurring bills, bank accounts, or even government issued IDs, so verification requirements are valid considerations if you wish to open a trading account.

Other smarty pants found a work around, and created the USDT, a cryptocoin tethered to the US dollar. It is essentially the dollar on the blockchain. You can buy USDT with USD on a site like Tether.to, where you can also use USD to buy BTC. Bitshares and Poloniex also offer crypto trades through USDT.

So while trading between cryptos is relatively straightforward, fast, and efficient, initially buying in with USD is a bit more cumbersome. 

Where can you go to buy BTC with USD from within the US?

• Coinbase
• Kraken
• Bitfinex
• Bitsquare
• Tether.to (can also buy USDT here to transfer to other platforms)
• there are also physical BTC ATMs throughout the country

Where can you trade USDT for other cryptocurrencies?

• Poloniex
• Bitshares
• Bittrex

These are obviously not comprehensive lists, rather they are options we have explored during our research. We're new to cryptocurrency, and we hope that by sharing our learning experience, the next user finds it easier to navigate through this financial revolution. 

So how do you convert physical cash to digital currency?

1. Put your USD in a bank account.
2. Open an account with a cryptocurrency exchange.
3. Enable security measures including two factor authentication (2FA).
4. Verify your account and link your bank account (process may take some days).
5. Fund your crypto exchange account with your bank account after verification.
6. Trade away!

Once you have converted USD to BTC, trading between cryptocurrencies is a relative breeze.

May you be inspired to dive into the market!

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