For newcomers like Kamal, the complex process of buying cryptocurrency highlights the barriers that hinder widespread adoption.
The cryptocurrency industry has made significant progress over the past decade, but let’s be realistic – buying cryptocurrency for the first time can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's cube while blindfolded.
Despite all the advancements, first-time buyers often face a maze of confusing steps, technical jargon, and frustrating delays. This not only discourages potential cryptocurrency enthusiasts but also leads to lost revenue for businesses. Let’s explore how the ideal buying process should look and why simplifying this process is crucial for adoption.
The challenges of buying cryptocurrency: Kamal's journey
For many first-time cryptocurrency buyers, the excitement of entering the world of digital assets often turns into disappointment. Consider Kamal, a 25-year-old from Indonesia, who has heard about memecoins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu on TikTok and in chat groups.
Attracted by their viral success and excited by the hype surrounding them, he sets aside some money to make his first investment. Filled with enthusiasm, he is ready to buy his first token. But instead of a smooth experience, he encounters challenges at every turn, facing barrier after barrier.
The interface of this platform is cluttered and confusing. Kamal struggles to figure out where to start. After figuring out how to register, the next steps are still unclear. But Kamal is still determined to buy, so he selects $PEPE in the search box - and he gets lost in the selection, unsure of how the offers are ranked and what they contain.
Like many others in such situations, Kamal chooses the first option - he is lost, and definitely does not want to choose from other options without understanding the differences.
Strangely, it seems Kamal cannot buy this coin with the assets he has. First, he has to buy SOL on another platform to have it in his wallet. But how could he know about this mechanism? There are no clear steps, no guidance.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg in all the barriers caused by poor integration processes. The KYC process requires users to upload ID and selfies, making them wait hours for approval, uncertain if they have done everything correctly. At the payment step after approval, the preferred method may not be available. Frustrated, people choose an alternative, only to encounter hidden fees and unfriendly exchange rates. And by the time our hero is ready to confirm the transaction, he has lost confidence. Blockchain confirmation takes longer than expected, and his memecoin does not appear in his wallet immediately.
This experience highlights the frustrating reality of buying cryptocurrency on many platforms today. The lack of transparency, slow processes, and limited options create a tiring journey for users like Kamal, often leading them to abandon the process altogether.
This story is not unique. Reports show that 50% of fiat-to-crypto transactions fail, even after users complete the KYC process. Furthermore, the transaction cancellation rate during the purchasing process can reach up to 90% due to its complexity.
The disjointed and cumbersome nature of such systems amplifies user frustration, turning an exciting project into a challenge. Entry barriers are real and are hindering mass adoption of cryptocurrency. For users like Kamal, these barriers often lead to completely abandoning the process, highlighting the need for simple, transparent solutions to encourage first-time buyers.
What should an ideal purchasing process look like
The perfect purchasing process eliminates unnecessary hurdles while maintaining security and compliance. To start, integration should be as simple as registering for a social media account. Automated tools can streamline the verification process and ensure speed without compromising security. Users must be clearly guided through each step, removing the confusion often associated with uploading personal documents or completing KYC procedures.
Transparency is another crucial factor. Hidden fees and surprise charges drive users away. Instead, platforms must clearly display all costs from the outset, ensuring users know exactly how much they will have to pay before confirming the transaction. What is essential to retain first-time buyers, if not such a level of trust?
An ideal UX should closely resemble Web2 processes like online shopping or digital banking. A familiar interface can help reduce the threat factor for newcomers, making the transition to cryptocurrency easier and more accessible.
Ultimately, speed is non-negotiable. Transactions must be processed in real-time, with clear progress updates throughout the journey. Delays, whether in payment processing or blockchain confirmation, erode trust and hinder future usage.
Creating a great user experience does not just stop at appealing visuals or best practices in user interface design. It involves meeting the specific needs and expectations of users – especially those who are not early adopters and prioritize usability and practical solutions.
Making cryptocurrency accessible: A vision for the future
Kamal's story reflects the story of millions of people around the world. In 2025, interest in cryptocurrency is surging, driven by the development of the TON ecosystem and platforms like Telegram integrating blockchain features. However, the complexity of buying cryptocurrency remains a major barrier. Simplifying the process is the top priority for cryptocurrency projects aiming to attract the next billion users.
After the first quarter of 2025, the goal is very clear: to make buying cryptocurrency as easy as sending a message. With advancements in technology, platforms can create experiences that are on par with - or even superior to - the convenience of Web2. Transparent fees, localized payment methods, and intuitive interfaces will become the norm rather than the exception.
The future of cryptocurrency depends on accessibility. Only by addressing the current pain points and prioritizing user experience can we turn curiosity into action and convert millions of hesitant newcomers into confident cryptocurrency adopters.
