Coinbase is pretty much the most simple means of buying and selling the following currencies; Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin cash. Link up a debit or credit card and deposit fiat currency to your chosen cryptocurrency account. Choose how much you want to buy, confirm. Once you have your crypto, you can either hold and wait, or transfer it to an exchange to trade. (See below for Exchange information).
Plus points: It is simple, safe and secure. The dashboard is clear and introduces you to charts in their most simple form.
Negatives: The fees are not great.
For a simple way in, sign up here for COINBASE
Similar to Coinbase it is not perfect, but in different ways, this is a more complex platform, and has annoying pop ups. Again, the process is the same, be prepared to upload your information for verification, this is normal - but as always online, be careful who you share your data with.
Plus points: It is host to a great range of coins you can buy with fiat.
Negatives: It is complex compared to others, not the ideal starting point for some less technical people.
Bitpanda is great in so many ways, but the verification process is what let it down for me. It took ages, I have opted for each type of verification and the video verification was by far the most creepy. Although I have had no issues, there is something disturbing about being on a web cam showing someone your driving license.
Plus points: Many different payment options, coins and a decent website.
Negatives: Verification process.
The premier and the future of finance tech, the Ethos wallet is about to be released and is currently in Beta testing with a strict, specially selected group of crypto adepts. The incredibly clean and simple mobile app wallet has the fiat gateway, the secure wallet storage built in and trading exchange access built in. It is truly the one stop shop for all things crypto and is going to revolutionise the whole financial way we interact. This product will be released soon, and the markets will swell with the $ once the masses gain simple phone based access. Although Coinbase has a phone app for IOS and Android, it is yet to achieve the direct Exchange access or provide a wallet in the same way that Ethos is about to deliver.
Plus points: Secure wallet, Exchange access and clean looking, simple mobile app.
Negatives: Not out yet!!!!!
There are now so many to mention, so I won't - here is a list of all currently active Markets. Please remember that these are still currently (May 2018) unregulated, more action is being taken by Governments and private law contractors when things go wrong, and they all ultimately operate on reputation, but things can still go wrong - be smart, buy your crypto and get it off an exchange.