Bitcoin Ownership in Australia Surges 41.3% in 2025

Bitcoin is legal in Australia and is regulated by AUSTRAC and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is not considered a legal tender, but it is treated as property. Any profit made from Bitcoin is subject to capital gains tax (CGT), and AUSTRAC ensures compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism-financing (CTF) regulations. In 2025, major crypto platforms are required to obtain an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) for enhanced consumer protection.

Bitcoin adoption in Australia has been growing, with ownership rising from 23% in 2023 to 32.5% in 2025, an impressive 41.3% increase. This growth is driven by the availability of various platforms to buy Bitcoin, including centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), P2P platforms, and Bitcoin ATMs. Payment options are diverse, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and fiat cash deposits at ATMs.

Before buying Bitcoin, it is essential to understand the legal landscape and choose a reliable platform. Some popular exchanges in Australia include CoinSpot, Swyftx, and Binance. It is also recommended to set up a non-custodial wallet for self-custody and to use secure payment methods. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and backing up private keys regularly can enhance security.

To buy Bitcoin on a centralized exchange like CoinSpot, users need to create an account, add a payment method, navigate to the Bitcoin purchase section, enter the amount, check the transaction details, and confirm the purchase. The Bitcoin will appear immediately in the user's CoinSpot wallet. For added security, users can transfer their BTC to a non-custodial wallet like Exodus after purchase.

Non-custodial wallets like Trust Wallet give users full control over their Bitcoin. To buy Bitcoin with Trust Wallet, users need to set up the wallet, link a payment method, select Bitcoin and start the purchase, and confirm the transaction. The Bitcoin will appear in the user's Trust Wallet as soon as it is finalized.

Buying Bitcoin on a decentralized exchange (DEX) like Uniswap gives users complete freedom over managing their assets. Users need to set up a crypto wallet like MetaMask, connect to the DEX, select Bitcoin to buy, review and approve the transaction, and confirm the purchase. The WBTC will appear in the user's MetaMask wallet.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms like Binance P2P allow users to buy Bitcoin directly from other users. Users need to create an account, search for Bitcoin offers, start a trade, make the payment, and receive their Bitcoin. For maximum security, users can immediately transfer their BTC to a non-custodial wallet like Trust Wallet or a hardware wallet like Ledger.

Bitcoin ATMs provide a quick and easy way to buy Bitcoin. Users need to find a Bitcoin ATM, verify their identity, start the transaction, enter their wallet address, deposit the money, and confirm the purchase. The Bitcoin will arrive in the user's wallet after processing.

Buying Bitcoin ETFs in Australia is straightforward. Users need to choose a brokerage platform, complete KYC verification, deposit funds, search for Bitcoin ETFs, place their order, and confirm the purchase. The ETF units will be added to the user's portfolio after the transaction has been completed.

Best practices for buying Bitcoin in Australia include storing Bitcoin securely, choosing cost-effective payment methods, moving Bitcoin to an unsecured wallet, using a cold wallet for maximum security, and staying up to date on market trends, tax obligations, and changes in regulations. The crypto landscape evolves rapidly, and keeping up to date will help users make better investment decisions while ensuring compliance with Australian laws.