How to Start Crypto Investing with Just $100 (Even If You're a Total Beginner!)

If you’ve been curious about crypto but feel like you need thousands of dollars to get started, here’s some good news: you can start crypto investing with just $100. Yes, seriously.

Whether you’re a student, a side hustler, or just someone testing the waters, this guide will walk you through how to begin your crypto journey with only $100 in your pocket.

Let’s break it down ?

? First Things First: What Is Crypto, Really?

Crypto (short for cryptocurrency) is digital money that lives on the internet. It’s not controlled by any bank or government. The most well-known ones are Bitcoin and Ethereum, but there are thousands of others.

People use crypto to invest, trade, and even buy things online. And like any investment, the value can go up—or down. But the point is, you can get started small.

? Step 1: Choose the Right Crypto Exchange

This is where your crypto journey begins. Think of a crypto exchange as the app or website where you can buy, sell, or hold crypto. Some beginner-friendly platforms include:

Coinbase
Binance
Kraken
WazirX (for Indian users)
CoinDCX

Look for one that’s:

Easy to use
Trusted by users
Offers low fees
Allows small investments (like $1 or $10 minimum)

Pro Tip: Make sure to complete your KYC (identity verification) to access full features.

? Step 2: Deposit Your $100

Once your account is ready, it's time to fund your wallet. You can usually deposit using:

Debit card
UPI (in India)
Bank transfer
PayPal (on some platforms)

Even if it’s just $20 today, you can start small and build it up. No need to go all in at once.

? Step 3: Learn Before You Buy

Before hitting "Buy", take a minute to understand what you're investing in. Here’s a cheat sheet:

Coin	What it is
Bitcoin (BTC)	The first and biggest crypto – like digital gold
Ethereum (ETH)	Powers smart contracts – the backbone of DeFi NFTs
Solana (SOL)	A fast, low-cost blockchain alternative
Polygon (MATIC)	Helps Ethereum work faster cheaper

Start by investing in popular and less volatile coins, like BTC or ETH. They’re a safer bet for beginners.

? Step 4: Split Your $100 Like a Pro

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Here’s a sample way to invest your $100:

$40 in Bitcoin
$30 in Ethereum
$20 in a smaller altcoin (like Solana or MATIC)
$10 kept aside for future dips (buy the dip, remember?)

This way, you're not just relying on one coin. You’ve spread the risk!

? Step 5: Store It Safely

Once you buy crypto, you can either:

Keep it on the exchange (easy but slightly risky)
Move it to a crypto wallet (more secure)

For beginners, leaving it on a trusted exchange is fine. But as you invest more, consider moving your coins to a wallet like:

Trust Wallet (mobile)
MetaMask (browser/mobile)
Ledger Nano (hardware wallet)

? Step 6: Track Your Investments

Crypto prices go up and down daily. Don’t panic. Instead, use apps to track your portfolio:

CoinMarketCap
CoinGecko
Delta
Blockfolio

Check prices, set alerts, and stay updated with crypto news. But don’t check every 10 minutes—you’ll just stress yourself out ?.

? Real Talk: What NOT to Do

A few common mistakes newbies make (don’t be that person):

❌ Don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose
❌ Don’t fall for “guaranteed profit” scams
❌ Don’t buy just because a random influencer says it’s “going to the moon”
❌ Don’t panic sell when the market dips

Remember: Crypto is a long-term game.

? Bonus Tips to Grow That $100

Set a Monthly Budget: Even $10 or $20 a month adds up.
Use Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA): Buy small amounts regularly instead of waiting for the “perfect” time.
Join Communities: Follow crypto Twitter, Reddit (like r/CryptoCurrency), or YouTube channels to learn.
Try Crypto Earn/Staking: Some platforms offer interest on your crypto (but research first).