7 Exchanges to Buy Bitcoin in Texas with Low Fees
Compare fees, payment methods, and features to find the best way to buy Bitcoin in Texas.
River
Bitcoin-only exchange with 0% fees on recurring buys. Set up automatic purchases on a daily or weekly schedule, or make one-time buys with ACH.
Gemini
Regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services. Buy Bitcoin with PayPal, Apple Pay, or bank transfer — one of the few exchanges with this many deposit options.
Uphold
Trade Bitcoin alongside 250+ other assets including stocks and precious metals. Fund with ACH, wire transfer, or Apple Pay.
Kraken
Operating since 2011 with some of the lowest trading fees in the industry. Supports ACH, wire transfer, and Apple Pay deposits.
River Private Client
For Bitcoin purchases of $100k or more. Work directly with a dedicated advisor who handles execution, custody planning, and priority support.
Coinbase Advanced
Coinbase's pro trading interface — same account, lower fees. Use limit orders and advanced charts if you want more control over your buy price.
Swan Bitcoin
Bitcoin-only platform designed for long-term investors. Automate weekly or monthly purchases and stack sats with minimal effort.
Bitcoin ATMs
Buy Bitcoin with cash at ATMs across Texas — no bank account needed. Find locations in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and hundreds of other cities.
Table of Contents
Exchange Support
| Exchange Name | Support for Texas |
|---|---|
| Binance.us | No |
| Coinbase | Yes |
| Kraken | Yes |
| Kucoin | No |
| Fold | Yes |
| Gemini | Yes |
| Uphold | Yes |
| Luno | No |
| Crypto.com | Yes |
| Unchained | Yes |
| River | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What If You Bought Bitcoin?
See how much you would have made if you bought Bitcoin in the past.
Transaction Fees
A look at the transaction fees for each exchange, both spread and commission.
- Spread fee: Exchanges may charge a higher price than the actual price of Bitcoin.
- Fee: Exchange fee for the transaction.
- Total fees: The sum of the spread fee and the fee.
| Exchange | Spread Fee | Fee | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan Bitcoin |
0.3% | 0.99% | 1.29% |
| Kraken |
0.0% | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| River |
0.3% | 1.0% | 1.3% |
| Uphold |
1.5% | 0.0% | 1.5% |
| Gemini |
0.5% | 2.99% | 3.49% |
Actual fees may vary. Fees are subject to change. Fee estimates based on our research and testing. Some exchanges may charge less depending on volume.
Estimated Fees on $100
An estimate of the fees for buying $100 worth of Bitcoin using a bank account.
| Exchange | Total Cost on $100 |
|---|---|
| Swan Bitcoin |
$1.29 |
| Kraken |
$0.4 |
| River |
$1.3 |
| Uphold |
$1.5 |
| Gemini |
$3.49 |
History of Bitcoin in Texas
Texas has emerged as a major Bitcoin hub, particularly in the mining sector. The state's business-friendly environment, abundant energy resources, and supportive regulatory framework have attracted significant cryptocurrency investment. In 2021, Texas became one of the first states to legally recognize blockchain and cryptocurrency in its commercial law through House Bill 4474.
Texas has become a preferred destination for Bitcoin miners, especially after China's mining ban in 2021. Cities like Austin and Houston have developed thriving crypto communities, while rural areas have attracted large-scale mining operations due to access to cheap electricity and renewable energy sources.
Financial & Regulatory Licenses
| Exchange | Licenses & Regulation |
|---|---|
| River |
Registered MSB with FinCEN. |
| Gemini |
New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). |
| Uphold |
FinCEN (USA), FCA (UK), FINTRAC (Canada), FCIS (EU) |
| Kraken |
Registered money services business with FinCEN (USA). |
| River Private Client |
Registered MSB with FinCEN. |
| Coinbase Advanced |
Chartered by New York State Department of Financial Services for virtual currency. |
| Swan Bitcoin |
Swan connects users to licensed custodians Bakkt, BitGo, and Equity Trust, ensuring compliance with state laws. Bakkt is BitLicensed and FinCEN registered; BitGo and Equity Trust operate under their own regulations. |
| Bitcoin ATMs |
Bitcoin ATM regulations vary by state. Please check with individual ATM operators for their regulatory status. |
Deposit Fees
These are fees exchanges may charge for deposits. Fees are subject to change.
| Exchange | Deposit Fees |
|---|---|
| Coinbase Advanced |
ACH: Free Wire: $10 USD SEPA: €0.15 EUR SWIFT: Free |
| Gemini |
ACH: $0 Wire: $0 SEPA: $0 SWIFT: $0 |
| Kraken |
ACH: $0 Wire: $0 SEPA: $0 SWIFT: $3 |
| River Private Client |
ACH: $0 Wire: $0 |
| River |
ACH: $0 Wire: $0 |
| Uphold |
ACH: Free Wire: $0 - $20 SEPA: Free FPS: Free |
Bitcoin Scams in Texas
Texas has actively pursued cryptocurrency fraud through its State Securities Board (TSSB). In 2022, the TSSB investigated numerous crypto-related investment schemes, with total reported losses exceeding $10 million. A notable case involved the Houston-based Bitconnect promoter who was charged with operating a $2.4 billion Ponzi scheme.
The Texas State Securities Board has been particularly vigilant in protecting investors, issuing cease and desist orders against unauthorized crypto platforms and warning residents about crypto investment scams. Texas investors are advised to verify any crypto investment opportunity with the TSSB and to be particularly cautious of high-yield investment programs and mining schemes.
Mobile App Support
| Exchange | iOS App | Android App |
|---|---|---|
| River |
||
| Gemini |
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| Uphold |
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| Kraken |
||
| River Private Client |
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| Coinbase Advanced |
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| Swan Bitcoin |
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| Bitcoin ATMs |
Earn Interest & Rewards
The following table shows interest rates offered by exchanges.
| Exchange | Interest Rate & Details |
|---|---|
| River |
3.8%
Earn 3.8% interest on FDIC-insured cash, paid out in Bitcoin. No fees or minimums. Withdraws allowed anytime.
|
| Uphold |
2 - 4.65%
Earn up to 4.65% APY on USD balances of $1,000 or more, or 2% APY on balances below $1,000 in Uphold's USD Interest Account.
|
| Kraken |
0.15% - 6.5%
Available for BTC (0.15% bonded/0.1% flexible), USDT/USD/USDC (6.5% bonded/4.5% flexible), and EUR (4.45% bonded/3.5% flexible).
|
| River Private Client |
3.3%
Earn 3.3% interest on FDIC-insured cash, paid out in Bitcoin. No fees or minimums. Withdraw anytime.
|
| Coinbase Advanced |
4.70%
Earn 4.70% APY rewards by holding USDC on Coinbase. USDC is fully backed 1:1 by US dollars. Minimum $1.
|
Exchange snapshots
River
| River snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.9
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.6
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Bank Account, Wire Transfer |
| Review | Read our review |
Gemini
| Gemini snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.8
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.2
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Bank Account, Wire Transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
Uphold
| Uphold snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.6
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.7
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Bank Account, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, SEPA, Interac e-Transfer |
Kraken
| Kraken snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.7
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.3
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Bank Account, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, Interac e-Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal |
River Private Client
| River Private Client snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Wire Transfer, Bank Account |
Coinbase Advanced
| Coinbase Advanced snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.7
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.6
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Bank Account, PayPal, Apple Pay, iDEAL, SEPA, Interac e-Transfer, Instant Verification, Google Pay |
Swan Bitcoin
| Swan Bitcoin snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.8
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.3
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Bank Account, Wire Transfer |
Bitcoin ATMs
| Bitcoin ATMs snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | Each ATM will have a different minimum deposit amount. Typically $20-$50 minimum. |
| Deposit Methods | Cash |