Bitcoin has gone from niche tech to something you’ll hear about on the news, in group chats, and in everyday investing conversations. If you’re in the UK and want a straightforward way to buy your first small amount of Bitcoin, Coinbase remains one of the simplest mainstream options.
That’s why I created this Coinbase tutorial. It explains how to buy Bitcoin with Coinbase UK, what to expect during verification, and how to avoid access issues if you travel abroad.
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There are many platforms where you can buy Bitcoin. I chose Coinbase for this guide because it is one of the most popular exchanges and easy for UK users to get started with small purchases. This article focuses on Coinbase UK only.
1. Set up your Coinbase account
In this Coinbase how to, I’ll assume you’re located in the UK and using Coinbase UK (official link).
Coinbase is not available everywhere yet, but it supports many regions including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.
If you travel abroad, use a VPN connected to a UK server when signing in to your Coinbase account. Some users have reported access issues when logging in from countries where Coinbase is restricted.
Best VPN for Coinbase Access (UK & Abroad)
If you use Coinbase in the UK and travel regularly, a reliable VPN helps keep your account access consistent when connecting from hotels, airports, or overseas networks.
My #1 recommendation for UK users is ExpressVPN.
Here’s why it fits this use case particularly well:
- Reliable UK servers that work consistently with UK-based services
- Stable access while travelling, reducing the risk of account flags when abroad
- Fast performance on public Wi-Fi networks in airports and hotels
- Strong compatibility with UK ISPs such as BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and EE
- Privacy-first infrastructure without interfering with normal account verification
ExpressVPN also accepts Bitcoin, which fits naturally if you are already using Coinbase.
You can try ExpressVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This guarantee is there for reassurance if it’s not the right fit.
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1.1. Sign up
Visit coinbase.com and click the Sign Up button in the top-right corner.
Fill in your name, email address, and password. Solve the captcha, accept the terms, and click Create Account.
Use a real email address you can access. If you want to use Coinbase properly, you will need to verify your identity. Bitcoin purchases on regulated exchanges are not anonymous.
1.2. Verify your email address
Coinbase will send you an email with a Verify Email Address button. Click it to confirm your email and access your Dashboard.
1.3. Add a payment method
From your Dashboard, open Settings and go to Payment Methods. Click Add Payment Method.
You can add:
- Bank account: lower fees and higher limits, but slower
- Credit or debit card: instant purchases, but higher fees
If you add a card, Coinbase may ask you to verify your identity using a government-issued ID and a live webcam check. Follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Buy Bitcoin with Coinbase UK
Before your first purchase, Coinbase may ask you to verify your phone number. Enter your mobile number, receive the SMS code, and confirm it.
Once verified, buying Bitcoin is straightforward:
- Enter the amount in BTC or GBP
- Select the wallet where your Bitcoin will be stored
- Choose your payment method
- Confirm the details and click Buy Bitcoin
Coinbase tutorial: Conclusion
This concludes my Coinbase tutorial for UK users. The setup and verification steps can feel slow, but they are part of standard KYC requirements.
Once you hold Bitcoin, you can store it long-term, move it to another wallet, or use it where accepted.
One practical use case relevant to this site: you can pay for a VPN with Bitcoin. For example, ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin as a payment option.
If your main reason for using a VPN is UK streaming access, start here:
→ Best VPN for Streaming in the UK
For current discounts and limited-time offers:
→ Best VPN Deals in the UK
→ Latest VPN Coupon Codes
Below is my ranking of VPN providers that accept Bitcoin payments:
