Is it legal for a minor to buy crypto?

Directly, it's generally not possible or legal. Most countries and all major cryptocurrency exchanges require users to be of the age of majority (18 or 19) to sign up and pass identity verification (KYC). Lying about your age is a violation of their terms of service and can result in a locked account.

What is a custodial account?

A custodial account is an investment account that an adult (the custodian, usually a parent) opens and manages on behalf of a minor (the beneficiary). The adult makes the trades, but the assets legally belong to the minor and are transferred to them when they reach the age of majority.

Are there ways to earn crypto without buying it?

Yes. Some platforms offer 'learn-to-earn' programs where you can earn small amounts of crypto for watching educational videos. Additionally, some online games (play-to-earn) reward players with cryptocurrency or NFTs, which can be a way to get started with parental supervision.

How to Buy Crypto Under 18: A Guide for Teens & Parents (2025)

If you're under 18, you've probably heard about the exciting world of cryptocurrency and want to get involved. It's a fascinating new technology, but trying to buy it as a minor can be tricky and risky. Most platforms have strict age restrictions for legal and security reasons.

This guide will explain the challenges and, more importantly, show you the safe and legal ways you can start your crypto journey with the help of a parent or guardian.

The Legal Hurdle: Why You Can't Just Sign Up

Virtually all major cryptocurrency exchanges (like Wealthsimple, Coinbase, Newton, etc.) require users to be the "age of majority" in their province or country, which is usually 18 or 19. They enforce this with a process called Know Your Customer (KYC), where you have to submit a government-issued ID.

Attempting to lie about your age is a bad idea. It violates the platform's terms of service and can lead to your account and any funds in it being frozen.

Method 1: The Custodial Account (The Best Way)

The safest and most legitimate way for a minor to own crypto is through a custodial account. Here's how it works:

A Parent or Guardian Signs Up: Your parent opens an account on a crypto exchange in their own name.
They Manage the Account: The parent is the legal owner of the account and is responsible for all transactions.
The Crypto is for You: The assets in the account are held in trust for you, the minor. It's a great way to learn about investing with adult supervision.
Ownership Transfer: When you reach the age of majority, the crypto assets can be legally transferred into your own name.

This method ensures everything is legal and allows you to learn about market movements and investment strategies in a controlled, safe environment.

Image Placeholder: Visual representing parental guidance in crypto investing.

Method 2: Using a Crypto-Enabled Stock Brokerage

Similar to the first method, a parent can open a custodial brokerage account with a service that offers crypto ETFs (like Questrade in Canada or Fidelity in the US). This doesn't give you ownership of the actual coins, but it allows you to invest in the price performance of Bitcoin or Ethereum within a traditional, highly regulated investment account.

Method 3: Focus on Learning and Earning

You don't need to invest money to get involved in crypto. Some of the best ways to start are free:

Learn-to-Earn Programs: Platforms like Coinbase Earn reward you with small amounts of free crypto for watching educational videos about different projects.
Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games: With parental supervision, you can explore blockchain-based games that reward players with NFTs or crypto tokens.
Educate Yourself: Use this time to learn everything you can. Read about how Bitcoin works, what smart contracts are, and the difference between various projects. By the time you're 18, you'll be a much smarter investor.

A Note for Parents

Cryptocurrency is a highly volatile and risky asset class. It's essential to have open conversations with your teen about the risks involved. Set clear rules, start with a small amount of money you are all comfortable losing, and treat this as an educational experience rather than a get-rich-quick scheme.