Bitcoin exchange platforms match buyers with sellers. Like a traditional stock exchange, traders can opt to buy and sell bitcoin by inputting either a market order or a limit order. When a market order is selected, the trader is authorizing the exchange to trade the coins for the best available price in the online marketplace. With a limit order set, the trader directs the exchange to trade coins for a price below the current ask or above the current bid, depending on whether they are buying or selling.
To transact in bitcoin on an exchange, a user has to register with the exchange and go through a series of verification processes to authenticate their identity. Once the authentication is successful, an account is opened for the user who then has to transfer funds into this account before they can buy coins.
Different exchanges have different payment methods that can be used for depositing funds including bank wires, direct bank transfers, credit or debit cards, bank drafts, money orders and even gift cards. A trader who would like to withdraw money from the account could do so using the options provided by their exchange, which could include a bank transfer, PayPal transfer, check mailing, cash delivery, bank wire, or credit card transfer.