Can you buy a fraction of a bitcoin?

With bitcoin trading in the tens of thousands of euros, many newcomers assume it is out of reach. It is not. Just as a euro divides into cents, a bitcoin divides into 100 million units called satoshis, named after Bitcoin's pseudonymous creator. A purchase of €50 gets you a small fraction of a coin that works exactly like a whole one: you can hold it, send it or sell it.

How buying a fraction works

On a licensed exchange you enter an amount in euros, not in bitcoin. The platform calculates how much BTC that buys after fees and credits it to your account, for example 0.00085 BTC. You can later sell or withdraw any part of it. The same applies to almost every coin we compare, from ether to Solana.

Is there a minimum?

Every platform sets one. In simple buy apps it is often a few euros. In trading screens the minimum is usually set per coin, in units of the coin itself; Kraken publishes its list. The exact figures vary and change from time to time. In the comparer you enter your own amount; if a platform drops out of the results at a very small amount, its minimum is the likely reason.

Why small purchases cost relatively more

Fees come as a percentage, a fixed charge or both. A fixed €1 fee is negligible on €1,000 but amounts to 5% of €20. Some payment methods also carry fixed costs; card charges are covered in buying crypto with a credit card. For large amounts, the picture flips: the spread and the depth of the order book weigh more heavily; see why crypto prices differ between exchanges.

Can you withdraw a small amount?

Yes, but exchanges usually charge a withdrawal fee, often a fixed amount in BTC, and the network itself charges a fee too; see what gas fees are. On a very small balance, that can take a large bite. Many people buy several times before withdrawing to their own wallet, or keep small amounts on a licensed exchange. Our wallet guide covers the self-custody options.

Does a low price per coin matter?

It says nothing about whether a coin is cheap. A coin trading at a fraction of a cent often just has a vast supply. Size is better judged by market capitalisation; see what market cap is. Whether and how much to buy is your decision, and the price of bitcoin can fall sharply. If you go ahead, buy bitcoin shows which licensed exchange gives you the most satoshis for your euros.