.jpeg)
If you’re looking for an easy, intuitive way to get started in crypto, or your current crypto service is lacking, it’s time to begin your journey in the ShapeShift Platform. By reading this article you'll learn to set up a noncustodial cryptocurrency wallet, how to purchase bitcoin, and can begin to trade (without commissions) between dozens of digital assets.
Create Your Wallet
Before you can own crypto, you need a wallet to store it safely. Setting up a software wallet is free, simple, and takes a matter of seconds. Follow the steps below to create your wallet now.
1. Visit the ShapeShift Platform.
2. Select the software wallet option, Portis Wallet.
3. Click "Continue" on the popup modal.
4. Enter your email address and password.
5. Write down your password in a secure location.
Your password cannot be reset. If you lose it, your funds will be lost.
6. Click Register.
Easily Buy Crypto
Now that you've created a wallet, it's time to fund it by adding crypto. There are several ways to buy crypto using different exchanges, services, or marketplaces. More often than not, you will need to verify your account, and it can take several business days to receive your crypto. If you're looking for an instant solution, you can use a debit card in the same way that you buy most things online. This method allows you to receive your crypto almost instantly and is available in 20+ countries in the ShapeShift Platform. Our "buy crypto with debit card" feature has competitive rates, making it affordable and straightforward to use.
Buy BTC, ETH, and USDC with a debit card by following these steps:
1. Connect your new software wallet to the ShapeShift Platform or connect hardware wallet.
2. Click "Buy Crypto" at the top of your dashboard — no verification needed.
3. Choose "United States" or "International."
4. Click "Use Debit Card" and choose what cryptocurrency you want to buy.
5. Enter your debit card information.
6. Confirm your purchase and your crypto will be deposited within seconds.
Track Your Cryptocurrencies
Just like any asset, crypto's value can fluctuate, and you'll want to track your gains and losses easily. Visualize portfolio performance through your dashboard, sparklines, and real-time price movements — anytime, anywhere. ShapeShift leverages the powerful CoinCap.io API to deliver accurate, up-to-the-second market data and historical charting. Rather than have to check crypto prices on another site, you can effortlessly switch between viewing your portfolio holdings and watching cryptocurrency price changes.
Get 100 Free FOX Tokens
If you're interested in trading and viewing your balance without reconnecting your wallet, it's time to create a free ShapeShift account. Better yet, you'll earn 100 FOX Tokens once you've verified your account. And lucky you, FOX Tokens are used to eliminate fees and commissions from your trades! 100 FOX Tokens give you $1,000 of free trade volume every month. We're excited to lead the commission free charge in the crypto industry by offering free trading, just by holding our tokens in your wallet. To claim your tokens after verifying your account, visit the FOX tab in the ShapeShift Platform and click "Get my FOX," this will deposit your FOX into your wallet. Learn more about FOX Tokens here or read a blog from our CEO Erik Voorhees about this revolutionary move.
Trade Crypto for Free
Ready to diversify your portfolio? Now that you bought BTC, ETH, or USDC you can trade it for any of the altcoins supported on the ShapeShift Platform. The FOX Tokens you claimed above will remove the commissions and fees on $1,000 of free trades, every 30 days. Compare our rates to other top exchanges to see how much you can save! Trading one coin for another is simple and only takes a few clicks of a button, making it easier than ever to get the assets you want and take advantage of market movements.
Convert to USDC
Are the highs and lows of crypto prices getting to you? Now, you can use our Convert Button to quickly exchange any of your assets into the stablecoin, USDC, with the click of a button. A stablecoin is typically pegged to a stable asset, such as USD, allowing holders to hedge against market volatility. Learn more about stablecoins in our blog Stablecoins: Hedging Against Market Volatility.
We're Here to Help
Our team of expert support agents is available to help, 24/7 with any of your crypto needs. We also offer a comprehensive Help Center with all the resources you need to get started, wherever you are in your crypto journey.
Sign up today to get 100 FOX Tokens, commission free trading, and access a powerful platform that will fit any of your crypto needs.
