Buy Crypto & Bitcoin in South Carolina

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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
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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Limits
High

RobinhoodRobinhood

Robinhood is a popular US-based exchange regulated by FinCEN.

Users can buy Bitcoin using ACH transfers, bank accounts, and debit cards.

The platform offers commission-free trading of both Bitcoin and spot Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and FBTC.

Robinhood is trusted by millions of users and provides a free mobile app for iOS and Android. Visit Robinhood's Website

Pros
  • Commission-free crypto trading
  • Also offers spot Bitcoin ETFs
  • Regulated by FinCEN and SEC
  • User-friendly mobile app
Cons
  • Only available in the US
  • Requires ID verification
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Fast
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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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
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Ease of Use
Hard
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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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
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Ease of Use
Hard
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Slow
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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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
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Average
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Reputation
Trusted
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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
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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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
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Fast
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Fees
High
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Reputation
Trusted
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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
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

Coinbase AdvancedCoinbase Advanced

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'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
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Ease of Use
Hard
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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Limits
High

MoonPayMoonPay

MoonPay is a popular crypto payment platform available in over 150 countries. It offers a simple way to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and various payment methods. The platform supports 80+ cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins. While MoonPay excels at ease-of-use and global accessibility, it charges relatively high fees of 1-4.5% per transaction. The service is integrated with many major crypto wallets and exchanges as a payment solution. Visit MoonPay's Website

Pros
  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Supports 80+ cryptocurrencies
  • Multiple payment methods accepted
  • Available in 150+ countries
  • Integrated with major wallets and exchanges
Cons
  • High trading fees (1-4.5%)
  • No cryptocurrency swapping
  • No advanced trading tools
  • No mobile app
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Ease of Use
Easy
privacy icon
Privacy
Low
speed icon
Speed
Fast
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

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Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Trading in South Carolina


south carolina welcome

South Carolina has taken a forward-thinking approach to the roles that Bitcoin and cryptocurrency can play in both the economic and political spheres.

While the state's House Ethics Committee shot down an attempt to allow political candidates to receive donations in Bitcoin, the State Senate recently passed a bill recognizing the importance of blockchain technology. This piece of legislation highlights the urgent need to adopt the revolutionary technology throughout the state, and to transform South Carolina into the capital for the real-world application of the emerging technology of blockchain.

The passage of the bill - along with its unwieldy title “A Senate Resolution To Acknowledge The Importance Of Emerging Blockchain Technology And To Call Upon The Residents Of South Carolina To Join In Encouraging The Promotion Of Blockchain Technology In Our State” - on March 10, 2020 means South Carolina is well on its way to becoming the blockchain hub of the Southeast.

bitcoin with gavel

Bitcoin in South Carolina doesn't suffer from overregulation. The state's money tramsitter laws currently make no mention of Bitcoin, meaning those transacting in the digital currency need only comply with the applicable federal laws.

Q: Is the transmission of virtual currency regulated under the Act?


A: The Money Services Division views virtual currencies as lacking the characteristics necessary to be a medium of exchange. Therefore, it is the view of the Division that virtual currencies alone do not qualify as monetary value. However, to the extent that virtual currency transactions also involve the transfer of fiat currency, they may be subject to money transmission regulation under the Act. For more information, see the Division’s December 5, 2018 interpretation.


For situations in which an automated machine, or ATM, is involved with the transfer of virtual currency, please see Order MSD-19003 to assist in determining if a license would be required in South Carolina.

South Carolina Attorney General, Money Services Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to regulatory approval, there is strong private sector interest in Bitcoin in the Palmetto State.

PalmettoChain is a Charleston-based public-private consortium that describes its mission as "help[ing to] build South Carolina as a leader in sovereign run blockchain utilities and become the first digital state in the USA." By developing use cases, exploring market segments, and educating leadership figures as well as the public, PalmettoChain aims to raise awareness and usage of blockchain in the state.

close up physical bitcoin blue chart

If you're looking to invest, trade, or transact in Bitcoin, the best way to purchase it in South Carolina is through one of the many reputable exchanges open for business in the state. See below for our review of the best U.S.-based and international options.

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.

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 means there's no one you can turn to. This means that storing it safely in a wallet is important. Read on to find out more about the best Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets.


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Hacks and Crypto Scams in South Carolina


As with any new and often-misunderstood technology, unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of others' naivety when it comes to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

One recent scam cut right to the chase. A handful of residents of Mount Pleasant, SC, received the following letter in the mail. In it, the would-be extortionist warned that they "knew about the secret you are keeping from your wife and everyone else."

bitcoin scam letter

The letter went on to demand a $20,800 "confidentiality fee," payable in Bitcoin. It gave detailed instructions on how to purchase Bitcoin using LocalBitcoins and then send it to the scammer's wallet.

Police shared the letter publicly to raise awareness and warn anyone who received it not to send any money to the scammer.


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Bitcoin Mining in South Carolina


Despite taking an overall pro-crypto stance, South Carolinian legislators have not hesitated to enforce the law as it applies to blockchain businesses.

One example of this was the state's cease and desist order against Genesis Mining, one of the world's largest cloud mining services.

The South Carolina Attorney General's Office Securities Division alleged that Genesis Mining and its business partner Swiss Gold Global illegally entered into unregistered contracts with South Carolina residents.

14. At all times relevant to this Order, Respondent Genesis Mining continuously offered investment opportunities in Mining Contracts to South Carolina residents through its website.


15. At no time relevant to the events stated herein was Respondent Swiss Gold Global registered with the Divison as a broker-dealer, and no exemption from registration has been claimed by Respondent Swiss Gold Global.


16. At no time relevant to the events stated herein were the securities at issue registered with the Division or federal covered securities, and no exemption from registration has been claimed by the Respondents.

South Carolina Attorney General's Office Securities Division

The story has a happy ending, though.

Genesis Mining's Chief Compliance Officer Shah Hafizi - who previously worked in the same role at the multi-trillion dollar investment firm BlackRock - announced that the company had come to an agreement with the South Carolina Attorney General's office after five months of negotiations.

The Securities Division of the South Carolina Attorney General's office announced that after reviewing relevant information it had found "good reason to vacate the [cease and desist] order."


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FAQ


Does Binance Work in South Carolina?

Binance homepage

Yes, Binance is available for customers in South Carolina.

However, you cannot simply go to binance.com and sign up for an account.

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 South Carolina?

coinbase homepage

Yes, Coinbase is available to South Carolinian Bitcoin investors. You can buy, sell, and trade all available cryptocurrencies on the platform.

Does Gemini Work in South Carolina?

coinmama homepage

South Carolina residents can use Gemini to buy, sell, and store their crypto.

Does Coinmama Work in South Carolina?

coinmama homepage

Yes, Coinmama is available in South Carolina.

Does Kraken Work in South Carolina?

kraken homepage

Kraken's full suite of services is available in South Carolina.

Where Can I Find a Bitcoin ATM in South Carolina?

The best way to find a Bitcoin ATM in South Carolina is to check out the map below from our Bitcoin ATM locator.

You can also use a site like CoinATMRadar, which allows you to view the closest Bitcoin ATMs to you and even check see prices for supported digital assets.

bitcoin atm map south carolina


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