When I was 16, I stumbled across a Reddit post about someone making thousands off Dogecoin. At first, I thought it was just another internet meme turned joke—but then I saw how serious people were getting about crypto investing. Naturally, my interest was piqued.
So I dove headfirst into the world of crypto with big dreams and zero clue what I was doing. Along the way, I learned a ton—mostly by making mistakes, asking questions, and slowly figuring things out. If you’re a teenager curious about crypto investing, this article’s for you.
Let’s break down what you can do, what you should know, and how to approach crypto investing for teenagers in a smart, safe way.
Can Teenagers Legally Invest in Crypto?
Short Answer: Kind of… with help
Most crypto exchanges (like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken) require users to be 18 or older to create an account. This is mainly for legal and regulatory reasons. That means if you’re under 18, you can’t legally open an account on your own. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
Workaround: Custodial Accounts with Parents
Here’s what I did—I asked my dad to open an account in his name. We made a deal: I’d fund it with my money (from part-time jobs and birthday cash), and he’d let me manage the crypto under supervision.
Some parents are more open to this than others, but if you can get them involved, you’ll not only gain access to crypto investing—you’ll also probably learn a thing or two from their perspective.
Why I Wanted to Invest in Crypto as a Teen
I wasn’t trying to get rich quick (okay, maybe a little), but mostly I was fascinated by how different crypto is from traditional finance.
1. It Feels Like the Future
The idea of a decentralized currency not controlled by any bank or government? That sounded revolutionary. Even as a teenager, I felt like crypto was something big.
2. I Wanted to Learn by Doing
I could read all the articles in the world, but nothing taught me faster than actually putting $50 into Ethereum and watching how the market moved.
3. Access to Real Financial Tools
Crypto taught me about investing, risk, market volatility, and blockchain tech way faster than school ever could.
Tips for Teenagers Getting Into Crypto
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay, I want in!”—awesome. But let’s take it slow. Here’s what I wish I knew when I started.
Start with Education Before Money
Before even buying your first coin, learn the basics:
What is blockchain?
What’s the difference between Bitcoin and Ethereum?
How does a wallet work?
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