I was recently asking myself the same thing: do you really need thousands of dollars to get into crypto? The answer is no. I’m going to share how to start investing in cryptocurrencies with little money, based on what I’ve seen work in the market.

First, the context. Bitcoin was launched in 2009 with virtually no value and now hovers around $77K, with an all-time high close to $126K. Ethereum is at $2.11K. That’s no small feat. According to recent data, nearly 26% of millennials own Bitcoin. That shows that adoption is real.

Now, when we talk about how to start investing in cryptocurrencies with little money, you basically have five options. Some are simpler, others require more experience.

Direct purchase is the classic way. You go to an exchange, deposit what you have (some allow very small amounts), and buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or whatever you prefer. The control is yours, 24/7, no schedules. But here’s the important part: you need to learn about security. Use cold wallets for large amounts and hot wallets for daily trading. If you don’t know what that is, read up before you start.

Then there are CFDs. These are more for those who don’t want to deal with complicated wallets or exchanges. You speculate on the price without actually owning the crypto. You can use leverage (be careful with this) and trade with a regulated broker. Some allow deposits from $20 USD.

If you prefer less risk, ETFs are your option. Funds that track Bitcoin, Ethereum, or baskets of crypto companies. You buy them through your usual broker, like any stock. The volatility is lower, but so are your gains because it’s a diversified basket.

Futures are for more experienced people. You speculate on future prices without owning the asset. It works well for hedging, but the risk is high if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Finally, you can invest in stocks of crypto companies. Mining, exchanges, blockchain tech. It’s indirect, but less volatile than buying the crypto directly.

My personal advice: if you’re just starting out, forget the complicated stuff. Focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum first, as they are the most stable. Use the DCA method, meaning invest small amounts regularly. This way, you avoid the panic of putting everything in at a peak.

Also: compare fees across platforms. The difference between 0.1% and 1% is noticeable when you’re investing small amounts. Diversify, don’t put all your money into one crypto. And most importantly, only invest what you can afford to lose.

At Gate, for example, you have access to several of these options without complications. The key is understanding that how to start investing in cryptocurrencies with little money is not science fiction. Thousands of people do it every day with tight budgets. The key is to educate yourself first, choose the method that best fits your profile, and not get caught up in FOMO.

If you’re unsure where to start, begin with the simplest: open an account, verify your identity, deposit what you can, and buy a fraction of Bitcoin. Then see if you want to explore other methods. The crypto marathon has just begun for you.