Bitcoin (BTC) is the world’s most popular virtual currency. As the first cryptocurrency to successfully enter the market (in 2009), Bitcoin immediately stood apart, since it doesn’t operate under mainstream finance controls. Instead, it uses a distributed and immutable public ledger powered by blockchain technology to manage and track all transactions. Bitcoin is used to facilitate fast and cheap peer-to-peer (P2P) payments across the globe. It has also risen as a store of value, with investors buying the asset to trade or hold for the future.

By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Bitcoin and how it’s the next revolution in the world of money. Over the years, Bitcoin has been tried and tested, making it one of the blue-chip cryptos that’s here to stay. Recently, there's been increased interest in Bitcoin, including on the part of institutional investors such as mutual fund issuers, major tech companies, and financial firms incorporating this groundbreaking digital currency as part of their portfolios.

As we’ve seen, there are numerous ways to buy Bitcoin. But as a beginner, you may still wonder where to start. Following is a simple four-step guide on how to invest in Bitcoin. Before you make your purchase, you’ll need a crypto wallet to store your digital assets. You can use two types of wallets to store your Bitcoin — hot and cold. They serve different purposes and come with specific advantages and disadvantages.