You don’t need thousands of dollars to get started in crypto. In fact, with just $100, you can begin your journey into the world of digital assets — learning the ropes, testing platforms, and building your portfolio over time.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to invest in crypto with $100, step by step.
💡 Why Start Small?
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Low risk, high learning: You gain experience without risking large sums.
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Market volatility: Crypto prices can change quickly — starting small lets you manage risk.
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Accessibility: Crypto lets anyone, anywhere invest — no bank minimums required.
Tip: Treat your first $100 as tuition — you're investing in knowledge just as much as assets.
🧭 Step 1: Choose a Reliable Exchange
Before you can invest, you need to buy crypto. Start by signing up for a trusted exchange:
| Exchange | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Coinbase | Easy to use, beginner-friendly UI |
| Binance | Low fees, wide selection of altcoins |
| Kraken | Strong security, good for long-term |
| Bitget/Bybit | Advanced tools for future traders |
✅ Security Tip: Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) as soon as you set up your account.
💳 Step 2: Fund Your Account
Deposit $100 using one of the following:
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Debit/credit card (instant, but fees may apply)
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Bank transfer (lower fees, slower)
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Peer-to-peer (P2P) for local transactions
Now you're ready to buy your first crypto!
🪙 Step 3: Choose What to Buy
Here are three ways to split your $100 — depending on your risk level:
🔰 Option A: Conservative Portfolio (Low Risk)
| Coin | Allocation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $50 | Most trusted and stable |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $30 | Smart contracts leader |
| USDC/DAI | $20 | Stablecoins for stability or DeFi |
⚖️ Option B: Balanced Portfolio (Medium Risk)
| Coin | Allocation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $40 | Strong foundation |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $30 | Ecosystem leader |
| Solana (SOL) | $15 | Fast-growing altcoin |
| Chainlink (LINK) | $15 | Oracle infrastructure play |
🚀 Option C: Aggressive Portfolio (High Risk/High Reward)
| Coin/Token | Allocation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ethereum (ETH) | $30 | Still a solid base |
| Injective (INJ) | $20 | DeFi powerhouse |
| Arbitrum (ARB) | $20 | L2 growth potential |
| Small-cap gems | $30 | For speculation (DYOR needed!) |
⚠️ Note: Avoid meme coins or “pump-and-dump” tokens unless you're fully aware of the risks.
🧊 Step 4: Store Your Crypto Safely
Option A: Keep it on the exchange
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Easy, convenient
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Risk: If the exchange is hacked, you could lose funds
Option B: Move it to a wallet
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Use software wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet
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For maximum security, consider hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor)
Pro Tip: Always back up your seed phrase and never share it.
📈 Step 5: Grow Your Investment
Once you’re holding crypto, here’s how to grow it:
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HODL (Hold on for dear life): Long-term holding of quality assets
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Staking: Earn passive income by locking ETH, ADA, or SOL
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DeFi Platforms: Explore yield farming and lending protocols (start small!)
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Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): Add $10–$50 each month over time
📚 Bonus: Keep Learning
Crypto is constantly evolving. Keep up by following:
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Crypto Info (your site!)
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Podcasts like Bankless, Unchained
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Twitter/X for real-time updates
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Reddit subs: r/CryptoCurrency, r/ethfinance
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Free courses: Coinbase Learn, Binance Academy
🧠 Final Thoughts
Investing $100 in crypto might not make you rich overnight — but it can give you a front-row seat to the future of finance. By starting small, you gain the experience and confidence to invest more wisely over time.
💬 Remember: In crypto, knowledge is the most valuable coin of all.