Buy Crypto & Bitcoin in Connecticut

We may receive advertising compensation when you click certain products. Before jumping into this page, an important disclosure.

eToroeToro

eToro allows you to buy Bitcoin & crypto in the United States.

It offers a free wallet, app, and is easy and quick to use for purchases.

Limited-time offer: Get $10 free once you trade $100 worth of cryptocurrency.

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. BuyBitcoinWorldwide.com is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB.

Visit eToro's Website

Pros
  • Trusted exchange with 25+ million users
  • Easy to use to buy
  • The interface is clean and many coins supported
Cons
  • You cannot deposit cryptocurrency, but you can deposit with other payment methods
ease icon
Ease of Use
Easy
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Low
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

UnchainedUnchained

Unchained offers a secure way to buy bitcoins, with human help.

They also offer Bitcoin IRAs and inheritance planning.

Visit Unchained's Website

Pros
  • Tax-advantaged Bitcoin savings
  • Can also setup secure storage
Cons
  • No simple wallet
ease icon
Ease of Use
Easy
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Fast
fees icon
Fees
High
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

KrakenKraken

Founded mid-2011, Kraken is the one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, and one of the largest in based on daily average trading volume. It is available in almost all countries.

Deposits can be made via bank wire, ACH and SWIFT. Users can buy bitcoin, ethereum, dogecoin and dozens of other coins. Visit Kraken's Website

Pros
  • Very low 0.25% taker fee, falling to 0.1% with sufficient trading volume
  • Very low maker fee, falling to 0% with sufficient trading volume
  • Highly-rated for security and data protection
Cons
  • Requires ID verification, so not private
ease icon
Ease of Use
Hard
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Low
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

UpholdUphold

Crypto exchange established in 2015. United States residents can buy bitcoin & crypto via wire transfer, credit card, debit card and ACH transfer.

Visit Uphold's Website

Pros
  • Ability to also buy gold and silver
Cons
  • Requires ID verification, so not private
ease icon
Ease of Use
Easy
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Low
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

GeminiGemini

Gemini is a New York-based Bitcoin exchange, open to residents of the United States, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Deposits can be made via wire transfer, SEPA or ACH transfer.

Get $20 of free BTC after trading $100 or more within 30 days.

Visit Gemini's Website

Pros
  • Trustworthy and regulated exchange
  • Instant deposit lets you buy coins quickly (but not withdraw them)
  • Some of the lowest fees in the US and Canada
Cons
  • Somewhat confusing to use for new buyers
ease icon
Ease of Use
Hard
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Slow
fees icon
Fees
Low
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

Bitcoin IRABitcoin IRA

Bitcoin IRA offers a tax-advantaged way to acquire Bitcoin via an IRA.

Visit Bitcoin IRA's Website

Pros
  • Tax-advantaged Bitcoin savings
  • Easy to set up an account
Cons
  • Cannot custody the Bitcoin yourself
ease icon
Ease of Use
Average
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Fast
fees icon
Fees
High
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

CoinbaseCoinbase

Coinbase is one of the largest exchanges, with over 100 million users.

USA users can buy bitcoins and crypto fast and easily using Coinbase's free app or on its website.

Coinbase also offers a free wallet for its users.

Eligible US residents (excluding Hawaii) who successfully create an account and purchase crypto will receive $5 in Bitcoin (BTC) added to their Coinbase portfolio. Visit Coinbase's Website

Pros
  • Trusted exchange with 100 million+ users
  • Based in the USA; with a free wallet included
  • App available on Apple App Store & Play Store
Cons
  • Easy to use but fees can be high
  • Coinbase may track how and where you spend your bitcoins
ease icon
Ease of Use
Easy
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Average
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

RiverRiver

River makes it easy to buy bitcoin. It has a clean interface, low fees and allows for automatic purchases.

It currently offers its services in all US states besides New York and Nevada.

Be sure to read our River Financial review. Visit River's Website

Pros
  • Very clean interface
  • Unique recurring buy feature
Cons
  • Bitcoin-only, no support for other coins
ease icon
Ease of Use
Easy
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Low
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

Coinbase Advanced TraderCoinbase Advanced Trader

Coinbase's exchange, Coinbase Advanced Trader (formerly called Coinbase Pro), is one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges in the United States. Users can fund their accounts via bank transfer, SEPA, or bank wire. Coinbase Advanced Trader offers good prices and low fees, but its confusing user interface may initially prove difficult to navigate. Visit Coinbase Advanced Trader's Website

Pros
  • Some of the lowest fees available for US and EU customers
  • Possible to buy bitcoins for 0% fees
Cons
  • The user interface is confusing for first-time buyers
ease icon
Ease of Use
Hard
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Low
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

Bitcoin ATMsBitcoin ATMs

You can use our Bitcoin ATM map to buy bitcoins with cash. Bitcoin ATMs can be a quick and easy way to buy bitcoins and they're also private. That convenience and privacy, however, comes with a price; most ATMs have fees of 5-10%. View Bitcoin ATMs

Pros
  • Our map makes it super easy to find a Bitcoin ATM near you
Cons
  • Bitcoin ATMs often have 5-10% fees per purchase

-

Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Trading in Connecticut


Connecticut is unique in the United States in that its money transmitter laws require all parties engaging in a transaction to obtain a money transmitter license. This even applies if you're just buying or selling Bitcoin with another individual.

Connecticut passed a bill in 2018 that defined "virtual currencies" and explicitly stated that Bitcoin and other virtual currencies fall under the existing money transmitter laws.

The Connecticut Department of Banking outlined its "no-action position" on Bitcoin transactions between parties that do not hold money transmitter licenses, as long as they meet certain requirements. This no-action position does not mean that these transactions are completely legal according to the letter of the law, it just means that the Department will not pursue action against the parties engaged.


connecticut map header

All this to say that the state of Connecticut does not have the most favorable view of Bitcoin in the nation.

Despite these regulations, it's still possible to buy Bitcoin in the Nutmeg State. Many larger exchanges have applied for and received the necessary licenses that allow them to provide virtual currency services. If you go through one of these exchanges - which are reviewed below - you won't need to obtain a license for yourself. This is the easiest way to buy Bitcoin in Connecticut.

Another option is to use LocalBitcoins, which is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can organize trades with other individuals who are looking to buy or sell Bitcoin. This means that you can use any payment method you on which you both agree. PayPal, bank transfers, and gift cards are some of the most common on the site. Be aware that you'll need a written agreement satisfying the requirements linked above if you want to ensure you're 100% in the clear.


connecticut map header
LocalBitcoins market for Connecticut

Bitcoin ATMs allow you to purchase Bitcoin using cash. There are dozens of Bitcoin ATMs in Connecticut, meaning you should be able to find one close to you. A Bitcoin ATM transaction is done in a matter of minutes, making it one of the quickest ways to turn your cold hard cash into cryptocurrency in your (virtual) wallet.

Regardless of how you obtain your Bitcoin, you'll need to store it securely. If you lose your funds, Bitcoin's trustless and decentralized nature there's no one you can turn to. This means that storing it safely in a wallet is of utmost importance. Read on to find out more about the Best Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets.


-

Hacks and Crypto Scams in Connecticut


Bitcoin and crypto scams are less about the technology and more about facilitating already criminal behavior, just like cash. While once criminals demanded ransoms in cash, many are now turning to crypto to help cover their tracks. This is the idea behind "ransomware," where hackers attack large institutions, encrypt their files, and demand payment before unlocking them.

A more personal form of extortion struck Connecticut a few years ago. Letters arrived at a number of households in Farmington, Ridgefield and Redding, demanding payment or else they or a family member would be killed. The letters included detailed instructions for purchasing Bitcoin and sending it to the perpetrators's address.

You do not know who we are, but we have been tracking you and your loved ones for a while now.We know your schedules. We know where you all live and spend your time. We also know how to kill any one of you without being caught. Now XXX, don’t panic. This isn’t personal. You did nothing to deserve this. You were just one of a handful of families unfortunate enough to draw our attention. However, nobody has to die. Allow us to explain.

You have until 12:00 PM on February 13, 2015 to pay us $2,000. If you do not comply with that simple demand, the following will happen: we will kill you, XXX, or someone else to whom you are close. Or you can simply pay us the $2,000. To make the payment do the following.

1. Open an account at any online Bitcoin exchange, such as Bitstamp.net or Coinbase.com

2. Deposit $2,000 into that account. Do not wait until the last minute to do this. It will likely take you about a week to open an account, get it verified, and process the transaction.

3. Use the entire $2,000, minus whatever small fee the exchange charges, to purchase Bitcoins on the exchange. If you are unsure about the process of buying Bitcoins, Google it.

4. Withdraw all Bitcoin you purchased to the following Bitcoin address: 19vcdWcV4J8bhH7j3igHZ5q4WGT2UX5V2S. Be sure to type all 34 characters of that Bitcoin address in EXACTLY. It is case sensitive. The first character is a number “one”, NOT a lowercase “L”.

You are finished. Breathe easy, and live your life in peace knowing you will never have to deal with us again.

Local police said that the letters were unusual in that they were posted via USPS, not email or another form of more anonymous communication. They were also well-written and contained personal information of the intended victims. Letters sent to Farmington were postmarked from as far away as Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida.

bitcoin red

Another attempt at extortion in Connecticut also had scammers using Bitcoin as their preferred method of payment. A South Windsor woman received a call which informed her that the federal government was looking for her. The man on the phone recited her complete Social Security number and said that it had been stolen and was being used by a woman in El Paso, Texas.

He then connected her to a woman who identified herself as a member of the Manchester Police Department. This woman advised the confused recipient of the original call to cooperate and do whatever was requested. The man then told her that he needed to confirm her identity, which she could do by withdrawing money from her bank account, using a Bitcoin ATM to purchase Bitcoin, then sending it to a specified address.

Luckily, the woman called the police (the real police) who assured her that "law enforcement agencies never accept money or Bitcoin in lieu of a surrender. As a reminder, any citizen can contact their local police department to confirm if they are wanted."

As always, it pays to be cautious with unsolicted callers asking you to transfer money for any reason. Until you can pay your taxes with Bitcoin, you won't have to worry about the government requesting payment in the cryptocurrency.


-

FAQ


Does Binance Work in Connecticut?

Binance homepage

As of March 2021, Binance is not available to any customers living in Connecticut.

If this ever changes, we will update this page to reflect that change.

Keep in mind that no one in the United States can ever use Binance.com.

Binance has a special website for US based customers at Binance.us

Due to US regulations, Binance US is more strict about handling KYC and AML of new customers.

This just means that verification may take a little longer than it would on regular Binance.

The biggest difference between Binance US and regular Binance is the coin support as well as some of the features available to users.

Because of this, you shouldn’t just look at the supported coins listed on binance.com and assume Binance US will sell it to you. It’s a good idea to make sure that the Binance US coin support list shows the coin you want to buy.

Does Coinbase Work in Connecticut?

coinbase homepage

Having obtained a money transmitter license, Coinbase is open for business in Connecticut.

Does Gemini Work in Connecticut?

gemini homepage

Gemini is available in Connecticut.

Does Coinmama Work in Connecticut?

coinmama homepage

Yes, Coinmama is available in Connecticut. Its services are provided by a third-party platform with a money transmitter license.

Does Kraken Work in Connecticut?

kraken homepage

Like Gemini and Coinbase, Kraken has obtained a money transmitter license and is open for business in Connecticut.

Where Can I Find a Bitcoin ATM in Connecticut?

The best way to find a Bitcoin ATM in Connecticut is to use our Bitcoin ATM finder tool.

Here, you can view the closest Bitcoin ATMs to you, and even view live prices for supported digital assets.

bitcoin atm map connecticut

About the Author

jordan tuwiner

Jordan Tuwiner is the founder of BuyBitcoinWorldwide.com. He studied computer science at Towson University. Jordan has been writing about Bitcoin since 2015. His work has been featured in The Guardian, International Business Times, Forbes, VentureBeat, CoinDesk and many other top Bitcoin media outlets.



bitbo
Get Bitcoin charts, data and stats with Bitbo.
bitbo.io