Buy cryptocurrency with Ledger — the secure, hardware-backed onramp

Purchase Bitcoin, Ethereum, and dozens of supported tokens using Ledger's curated onramp partners. Your private keys stay in your Ledger device: the app orchestrates the purchase and the hardware approves every signature. This page explains how it works, security best practices, partner options, fees, and a practical step-by-step buying flow.

Get started See partners Security overview

How Ledger's buying flow works (overview)

Ledger acts as a gateway: you choose a fiat payment method, select an asset, confirm pricing from a trusted partner, and approve the transactions on your device. Ledger Live or the web flow does not custody funds on your behalf — purchases are routed through partners and the resulting assets are received directly into addresses controlled by your Ledger device.

Choose asset & amount

Pick the token and enter the amount in fiat or crypto.

Select payment method

Credit/debit, bank transfer, or partner-specific onramps depending on region.

Review quote

Compare partner rates, fees, estimated delivery time, and minimums.

Open device and approve

Your Ledger device will show the exact destination address and amount — verify before approving.

Funds arrive

When the partner broadcasts the transaction the assets appear in your Ledger account; confirmations vary by chain.

Quick start — buy crypto in under 10 minutes

1. Install Ledger Live — Use the official Ledger download page and install the app on desktop or mobile. Always verify the download source.
2. Initialize or restore a Ledger device — Generate a new seed and write down the 24-word recovery phrase offline, or restore an existing seed.
3. Add accounts — In Ledger Live, add the account for the chain you want to receive assets on (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum).
4. Choose an onramp partner — From the buy menu, pick a curated partner that supports your country, payment method and desired asset.
5. Authorize the buy and confirm on-device — When prompted, open the appropriate app on your Ledger device and verify the address & amount before signing.
6. Track delivery — Monitor transaction progress in Ledger Live and on the chain explorer if needed.

Tip: For high-value purchases, consider sending a small test amount first to confirm address correctness and partner behavior.

Security — what stays on your device

Security is the defining advantage of buying crypto through a Ledger flow. Ledger devices store private keys in a certified Secure Element, a tamper-resistant chip that prevents export of secret material. The buy flow is designed so that sensitive approvals (the act of authorizing transfers to an address you control) happen only on-device. Ledger Live never transmits your private key to partners or servers.

Key protections

Secure Element

Hardware isolation for cryptographic operations.

PIN & Passphrase

Device-level access control and optional hidden wallets.

On-device verification

Displays address, amount, and contract data for manual confirmation.

Safety tips

Buy hardware devices only from official channels to avoid tampering.
Never enter your recovery phrase on a website or phone — keep it offline.
Check the destination address on your Ledger device before approving any purchase.
Use small test transactions for new partners or large transfers.

Partners & regional availability

Ledger works with a curated set of fiat-to-crypto partners and exchanges. Availability varies by country and payment method: some partners support instant card purchases, others support bank transfers that may take 1–3 business days. Always check the partner’s supported currencies, fees, and limits before initiating a buy.

Typical partner features

Instant card purchases for small amounts with higher fees.
Bank transfers or ACH for larger amounts and lower fees.
Local currency support and identity verification requirements.
EUR/GBP/USD and many local fiat currencies supported across partners.

Fees & pricing

Fees in the buy flow typically include partner fees (spread or flat fee), payment processor fees, and blockchain network fees (gas). Ledger surfaces the total cost during the quote step so you can compare partners. Tips:

Card payments are typically more expensive than bank transfers.
Network fees vary by chain and congestion — choose appropriate gas settings for the intended speed.
Some partners include dynamic spreads — compare quotes for best execution.

FAQ

Can I buy crypto without a Ledger device?: Yes, some partners allow purchases to a non-custodial software address, but to keep keys protected you should use a Ledger device for custody. The Ledger flow ensures keys remain on the device.
How long until funds arrive?: Delivery time depends on payment method and chain: card purchases are often instant (subject to partner processing), bank transfers can take 1–3 business days, and blockchain confirmations depend on network activity.
What happens if I send to the wrong address?: Blockchain transactions are irreversible. Always verify the address displayed on your Ledger device. If funds are sent to an incorrect address, recovery depends entirely on the recipient's cooperation.
Are there limits to how much I can buy?: Partners impose purchase limits based on regulatory rules and KYC tier levels. Check partner-specific limits and verification tiers before initiating large purchases.

Legal & risk notice

Cryptocurrency investments carry risk including price volatility and regulatory uncertainty. Buying via onramp partners involves contractual and personal data considerations. This page is a design mockup and does not substitute for legal or financial advice. Always consult official sources and partner terms before transacting.