Unlike crypto, you usually download an app directly from a sanctioned financial institution or the central bank (e.g., the eRupee App by SBI in India or the e-CNY app in China).
Registration is strictly tied to your official bank account and national identity system.
Coinbase , Binance , and Kraken are popular for direct trading with lower fees.
You convert your existing bank balance directly into digital currency within the app. Beginner's Guide to Buying and Using Cryptocurrency
Robinhood and PayPal offer simpler interfaces but may have limited withdrawal options.
You must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. This typically requires: A government-issued ID (passport or driver's license). A selfie for biometric matching.
For long-term holdings, move funds to a cold wallet (offline hardware like Ledger or Trezor ) to prevent theft from online hacks. 2. Buying Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)