Solana has grown as one of the major players in blockchain, with very high transaction rates and scalability. Seeking profit from this new technology will, therefore, be worthwhile for investors. If you wanna join, you should learn how to buy Solana.
The post will explain how to invest in Solana, including the possible alternatives and the necessary actions. We’ll also discuss some important things to consider before making a purchase.
Where to Buy Solana (SOL)
There are two methods to buy Solana: centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges. All of these alternatives have advantages and disadvantages.
Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)
CEXs are online marketplaces that allow cryptocurrency trading between buyers and sellers. They provide a straightforward user experience, along with intuitive UI and fiat currency compatibility, allowing users to purchase SOL using standard money such as USD or EUR.
Pros:
- Easy to use: Generally, CEXs are user-friendly and hence it is very easy for a beginner also to join their camp.
- Fiat currency support: You can buy SOL using traditional currencies.
- Security: The reputed CEXs have very strong measures that ensure the protection of the users’ funds.
Cons:
- Centralization: You give up control over your SOL tokens when you store them in the exchange’s wallet.
- Limited functionality: Some CEXs might not support advanced trading features.
- KYC requirements: This is a requirement by most CEXs that customers have to pass the Know Your Customer procedure by uploading personal identification documents.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)
DEXs are peer-to-peer platforms that allow users to exchange their cryptos with others directly without the intervention of a central authority. DEXs provide you more control over your tokens, mostly because they are stored in your wallet.
Pros:
- Decentralization: You are always in control of your SOL tokens.
- Security: DEXs are much more resistant to hacking attacks compared to centralized exchanges.
- Privacy: Some DEXs enable the ability to buy SOL anonymously.
Cons:
- Complexity: DEXs can be more difficult to use than CEXs, especially for beginners.
- Limited fiat support: Practically all DEXs require you to have a different cryptocurrency to buy SOL in exchange.
- Lower liquidity: Compared to CEX, DEX might have a lower liquidity, which might become one reason behind higher slippage. Slippage refers to when trading is at a price different from that quoted.
How to Buy SOL on a Centralized Exchange (CEX)
- Sign up: Navigate to the website of the CEX in question and sign up. This typically involves providing an email, creating a password, and completing KYC verification/uploading identification documents.
- Fund Account: After verifying your account, you must fund it. Most CEXs help in depositing through bank transfers or via a debit/credit card—it just depends on the location and, thus, the restrictions imposed by the respective platform.
- Find Solana: Using the platform search function, search for Solana.
- Place an Order: Enter the quantity of SOL you want to buy and choose the order type (market order for immediate execution or limit order to specify a price).
- Review and Confirm: Before finalizing the purchase, ensure that all order information, such as the quantity, price, and fees, are right.
Buying SOL on a Decentralized Exchange (DEX):
- Create a Wallet: DEXs require an appropriate cryptocurrency wallet that will store your tokens in SOL tokens. You can choose Phantom, SolFlare, and Solflare Wallet. In such wallets, you can interact with the Solana blockchain conveniently and store your SOL safely.
- Fund Your Wallet: Send some cryptocurrency to your wallet, which you can later swap for SOL on the DEX.
- Connect Your Wallet to the DEX: Most DEXes will request that you connect your wallet to the platform before you can trade.
- Find the SOL Trading Pair: Look for a pair in which you may trade your current cryptocurrency for SOL, for as ETH/SOL or USDC/SOL.
- Create a Swap Order: You will specify the amount of SOL you want to buy and then complete the trade. Some DEXs may demand slippage tolerance, which is defined as the maximum allowed price difference from the expected price upon execution.
Follow these steps and check the key factors above to help you buy Solana (SOL). Remember that investments in cryptocurrencies are hazardous, so approach with caution and always do your research.