Getting Started with Crypto Trading: A Beginner's Guide to Exchange Setup

If you're new to cryptocurrency and wondering how to get started with international exchanges, you're in the right place. This guide walks you through setting up accounts on major platforms where you can buy, trade, and transfer digital assets like USDT—the stable currency that powers most crypto transactions.

What Exactly Is a Crypto Exchange?

Think of a crypto exchange as the digital equivalent of a stock brokerage. It's where you buy and sell cryptocurrencies, just like you'd trade stocks through a traditional broker.

The three most popular international exchanges are:

• Bybit: One of the world's most widely used platforms with excellent Japanese language support

• Bitget: Known for its clean interface and trader-friendly features

• MEXC: Popular for airdrop campaigns and access to emerging tokens

All three are accessible from most countries and work seamlessly on mobile devices. While you can complete everything on your phone, starting the registration process on a web browser tends to be smoother.

Creating Your Exchange Account

The registration process is straightforward across all platforms. You'll need an email address or can use your Google account for quick sign-up.

For Bybit specifically, head to their official website and click "Sign Up." Using an email address is recommended since you'll receive a verification link to activate your account. The entire interface supports multiple languages, making navigation intuitive even for first-timers.

After registration, you'll want to complete identity verification (known as KYC). This step unlocks full functionality and often comes with welcome bonuses. If you're serious about crypto trading, platforms like 👉 Bybit offer comprehensive features for both beginners and experienced traders, making them a solid choice for your first exchange.

Bitget and MEXC follow similar registration flows—create your account, verify your email, and proceed to identity verification. MEXC is particularly worth having even if you don't trade actively, since they frequently run airdrop campaigns that reward registered users.

Completing Identity Verification

Before you can deposit funds or make trades, every exchange requires identity verification. This is standard practice for financial platforms and helps protect both you and the exchange.

What you'll need:

• A government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID card)

• A smartphone with a camera

The verification process is consistent across platforms:

1. Open your exchange app and navigate to your profile

2. Select "Identity Verification" or "KYC"

3. Take photos of your ID document

4. Complete the facial recognition scan

5. Wait for approval (usually 1-10 minutes, occasionally up to 24 hours)

Once verified, you can deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds without restrictions.

Funding Your Account

There are three main ways to get crypto into your exchange account:

Transfer from another exchange: If you already hold crypto elsewhere, this is usually the cheapest option. Transaction fees are minimal, especially with coins like XRP (Ripple).

Credit card purchase: The fastest method—your funds appear almost instantly. The downside is higher fees, typically 3-5% per transaction. For beginners unfamiliar with crypto transfers, this extra cost buys peace of mind.

P2P trading: Connects you directly with other users. Zero fees, but requires more experience to navigate safely.

Transferring from a Domestic Exchange

Many traders start by buying crypto on a local exchange and transferring it to international platforms. XRP is the preferred choice here—low transfer fees and widely accepted across exchanges.

Here's how it works using XRP as an example:

First, purchase XRP on your local exchange. Once you have it, you'll need to send it to your international exchange wallet.

On Bybit (or your chosen platform), tap "Deposit" and search for XRP. You'll see two important pieces of information:

• The wallet address (a long string of characters)

• A memo or tag (a shorter number)

Both are critical—missing the memo means your funds could be lost or significantly delayed. Copy both carefully.

Head to your local exchange's withdrawal section, paste the wallet address in the recipient field, and the memo in the tag field. Double-check everything before confirming. Most XRP transfers complete within minutes.

When navigating the crypto landscape, having reliable platforms makes all the difference. 👉 Bybit's user-friendly interface simplifies the entire process from deposits to trading, which is why many traders choose it as their primary exchange.

Converting to USDT

USDT (Tether) is the workhorse of crypto trading. It's a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, meaning 1 USDT equals $1. This stability makes it perfect for storing value between trades or paying for services in the Web3 ecosystem.

After your XRP arrives, converting it to USDT is simple:

1. Find the XRP/USDT trading pair using the search function

2. Select "Sell" (you're selling XRP to receive USDT)

3. Choose "Market Order" for instant execution at current prices

4. Enter the amount you want to convert

5. Confirm the transaction

Your USDT will appear in your account balance within seconds. This digital dollar equivalent is now ready to use for trading other cryptocurrencies, participating in DeFi protocols, or sending to external wallets.

What's Next?

With your exchange account funded and USDT in hand, you're ready to explore the crypto ecosystem. Whether you're interested in spot trading, futures contracts, or simply holding stable assets, you've completed the essential first steps.

The mobile apps for these exchanges offer excellent experiences with intuitive designs and real-time market data. While downloading apps in certain regions may require additional steps, the convenience they provide for on-the-go trading makes them worth setting up.

Remember to start small as you learn the ropes. Crypto markets move fast, and there's no substitute for hands-on experience. Keep your security credentials safe, enable two-factor authentication, and never share your login details with anyone.