How to Buy Meme Coins in February 2025 – Full Guide
Meme coins have historically provided huge returns to early investors. From Dogecoin and Shiba Inu in the past to Pepe and Dogwifhat more recently. These tokens offer reward opportunities; however, significant risks are associated with them due to market volatility.
The latest meme coin frenzy kicked off in November 2024 following the U.S. Election and grew even stronger after the Inauguration on January 20, 2025. Meme coins are being talked about more than ever before, and new coins launch every day.
Now, are you still interested in diving into the world of meme coins but not sure where to start? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know and detail how to buy meme coins with ease and confidence.
How to Buy Meme Coins: A 3 Step Checklist
Before we delve into the various ways to buy meme coins, here are 3 important steps you need to complete to ensure everything goes smoothly:
1) Choose a Compatible Wallet and The Right Network
- Identify which network the meme coin you want to buy is on (e.g Ethereum, Solana, Base Chain)
- Use a wallet that is compatible with that chain and ensure the correct network is selected.
2) Ensure You Have Crypto to Cover Gas Fees
- Depending on the network you are using, you will need some of the native cryptocurrency to be able to send a transaction.
- For example, you will need ETH on the Ethereum network and SOL to use the Solana network.
3) Add The Custom Token to Your Wallet
- You can make sure that the tokens will show up in your wallet straight away by adding a ‘custom’ token in advance
- Find the cryptocurrency’s official contract address and paste it in the relevant field in your wallet
3 Best Ways to Buy Meme Coins
When it comes to buying meme coins, there are three primary avenues you can explore to do this. These include early launches via presales and initial coin offerings (ICOs), centralized exchanges (CEXs), and decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
The steps required can sometimes be different, so to simplify, we’ve broken down the process for you. Before we get to that, let’s look at the three best ways to buy meme coins.
- Centralized Exchanges (CEX): You can also buy established meme coins on centralized exchanges, which offer liquidity and ease of access. Once a meme coin gains popularity, platforms like Coinbase, MEXC, or Binance will offer them to clients.
- Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): Alternatively, you may trade meme coins directly on decentralized platforms like Uniswap, leveraging the benefits of blockchain technology. DEX platforms are usually where meme coins become available following or during presales.
- Presales and ICOs: One of the earliest ways to buy a meme coin is by participating in presales and initial coin offerings (ICOs). Here, you can acquire new meme coins at a presale price before they hit the public markets.
How to Buy Meme Coins on a CEX
Should you want to avoid the risk of buying tokens at the presale stage, centralized exchanges provide a user-friendly alternative for quickly buying and selling meme coins. Let’s walk through the process of purchasing meme coins like Dogecoin on a CEX.
1) Choose a CEX
Start by choosing a reputable CEX that supports the meme coin you want to buy. However, it can be hard to know where to buy meme coins since many exchanges are available nowadays. Each platform offers specific features to meet different needs, such as advanced trading tools, low fees, or more complete meme coin listings.
To start off your research regarding the best CEXs, below is a table with the top exchanges for trading meme coins currently:
| Exchange | Key Features | Meme Coin Listings | Security Rating | Trading Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | Beginner-friendly, regulated in many regions | Moderate | High | Medium |
| Binance | Wide range of crypto assets, low fees | High | Very High | Very Low |
| KuCoin | Advanced trading tools, high leverage options | High | High | Low |
| Bitget | Focus on meme coins, active community support | Very High | High | Low |
| Kraken | High security, strong customer support | Moderate | Very High | Low |
For this example, we’ll focus on Coinbase, a global crypto exchange known for its beginner-friendly interface and strong regulatory compliance. Start the process by visiting its official website and clicking “Open a free account.”
2) Create an Account and Complete KYC
In the next step, you can choose how you prefer to log in. You can link your Apple or Google account or create an independent one. After choosing your email and password, you will be requested to submit some KYC (Know Your Customer) information, such as your name and phone number. Lastly, according to the website’s regulations, you will have to provide some financial and personal details and confirm your identity by providing ID photos.
3) Deposit Funds
With your account opened and verified, it’s time to add funds. Connect your preferred payment methods and deposit funds into your account.
4) Search for Meme Coin
Use the exchange’s search function to locate the meme coin you wish to purchase. In this example, we want to buy Dogecoin. Search for the token, and then go to the price page.
5) Place Order
Finish by entering the amount of dogecoin you want to buy and place your order. Once filled, the meme coins will be credited to your exchange wallet.
How to Buy Meme Coins on a DEX
Another way for those wondering how to trade meme coins is using a DEX. Decentralized exchanges (DEX) offer a convenient way to trade directly from your wallet without relying on a centralized intermediary. One of the most popular DEX platforms is Uniswap, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive selection of tokens.
1) Select a DEX
Choosing the right DEX depends on the blockchain network you’re using. Uniswap is the go-to option for Ethereum-based meme coins, offering a seamless trading experience. Platforms like Jupiter or Raydium are excellent choices for Solana-based meme coins.
Each DEX has unique features and supported tokens, so it’s crucial to research and select the one that best suits your needs. For this example, let’s go with Uniswap. Visit the platform, and you will be guided to connect it to a wallet.
2) Connect Your Wallet
Before you can start trading on Uniswap, you’ll need to connect your cryptocurrency wallet. Uniswap supports various wallets, including MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Ledger Nano S. However, Best Wallet is the best option for a seamless trading experience. By connecting Best Wallet, you gain direct access to your funds and maintain complete control over your assets throughout the trading process.
3) Select the Meme Coin
Once your wallet is connected, navigate to the token selection menu on the DEX platform. Here, you can browse the available meme coins and select the one you wish to purchase. Uniswap offers a vast array of tokens, including many popular meme coins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe.
4) Swap Tokens
After selecting the desired meme coin, specify the amount you want to buy or trade. Uniswap employs an automated market maker (AMM) model, allowing users to swap tokens directly without needing traditional order books. Simply input the amount of cryptocurrency you’re willing to exchange, and Uniswap will automatically place the trade at the current market rate.
5) Confirm Transaction
Once you’ve entered the transaction details, review the information carefully and confirm the trade. Be mindful of The gas fees for Ethereum-based transactions, which fluctuate depending on network congestion. After confirming the transaction, the meme coins will be deposited directly into your wallet, ready for you to hold or trade as you see fit.
Gas Fees on DEXs
Although DEXs can offer an anonymous and direct way of buying meme coins, the fees can vary hugely due to gas fees.
CEXs often facilitate your trade with their funds, so you don’t need to pay gas fees. During high network congestion, trading on a DEX can become costly. Gas fees on ETH transactions on Uniswap hit a 12-month high in 2023, fuelled by demand for the Pepe meme coin.
Which Networks Can You Buy Meme Coins on?
Meme coins, known for their viral nature and speculative appeal, are available across various blockchain networks. Understanding the most popular networks for meme coins is essential for investors looking to diversify their portfolios or participate in meme coin trading.
So, if you want to know more about where to trade meme coins, let’s explore the primary networks that currently house them.
Ethereum Meme Coins
The Ethereum network is the epicenter of meme coin activity, offering a robust platform for the creation and trading of decentralized tokens. Many Ethereum meme coins leverage the network’s smart contract functionality to implement unique features and tokenomics. Some of the most popular meme coins on the Ethereum network include Shiba Inu and Pepe.
Shiba Inu (SHIB): Inspired by Dogecoin, Shiba Inu gained popularity for its meme-centric branding and innovative tokenomics, including decentralized exchange (DEX) listings and a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) structure. Currently, SHIB is the second largest meme coin behind Dogecoin and has a market capitalization of $9.44B.
Pepe (PEPE): Inspired by the internet meme Pepe the Frog, PepeCoin aims to create a decentralized meme economy where users can create, trade, and monetize digital assets based on the Pepe character. Since launching as an ERC-20 token in May 2023, Pepe has been one of the biggest gainers in the entire crypto ecosystem. It has changed around Coin data not available in the last month, securing a $4.32B market cap in the process.
Solana Meme Coins
Solana, known for its high throughput and low transaction fees, has emerged as a popular blockchain network for meme coin projects. Meme coins on Solana benefit from fast transaction speeds and reduced gas fees compared to Ethereum-based alternatives. Bonk and Dogwifhat are some notable meme coins on the Solana network.
Bonk (BONK): Bonk is a meme-inspired token on the Solana network that combines decentralized finance (DeFi) features with engaging community initiatives, such as yield farming and liquidity mining. It is currently a top 90 cryptocurrency with a market cap of Coin data not available.
Dogwifhat (DOGWIFHAT): Leveraging Solana’s scalable infrastructure, Dogwifhat offers a meme-centric token with fast transaction speeds and low fees. This attracts users interested in meme coin trading and decentralized applications (dApps). This has been one of the more viral meme coins in recent years, making huge returns for early investors.
Meme Coins With Their Own Network
Some meme coins have transcended traditional blockchain networks and established their dedicated platforms. These projects offer unique features and governance structures tailored to their specific communities. The most prominent example of a meme coin with its network is dogecoin.
Dogecoin (DOGE): Created as a joke, Dogecoin has evolved into a widely traded digital currency with a passionate community and notable endorsements from figures like Elon Musk. After acquiring the social media platform, Musk famously changed the Twitter logo to the Dogecoin symbol. Dogecoin is the largest meme coin in the world, and as of writing, it has a market cap of $39.36B.
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Conclusion
This guide has covered where to buy meme coins and the detailed steps to take. In conclusion, meme coins offer investors a unique opportunity to participate in the speculative and often entertaining world of cryptocurrency trading. Understanding the networks where meme coins operate is crucial for navigating this dynamic market and identifying promising investment opportunities.
Whether you invest in presales or via centralized or decentralized exchanges, it is important to research the tokens and the associated projects behind them entirely. Pepe Unchained has been one of the most significant investments you can make so far, so be sure to check the complete information and see it for yourself.
References
FAQs
Where can I buy meme coins?
Meme coins can be bought on centralized exchanges (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX). Popular platforms like Coinbase and Uniswap offer a wide selection of meme coins for trading.
Which exchange is best for buying meme coins?
Coinbase is the best centralized exchange for buying meme coins. It offers traders security, simplicity, and a range of social trading features that are great for beginners.
How do you buy meme coins before listing?
Investors can participate in meme coin presales or initial coin offerings (ICOs) to acquire tokens before they are listed on public exchanges. However, these investments carry risks and require thorough research to avoid scams.
Does Coinbase list meme coins?
Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, lists meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.
Is it safe to invest in meme coins?
Investing in meme coins carries inherent risks due to their speculative nature and volatile price movements. While some meme coins may experience rapid growth and generate substantial returns, they can also lead to significant losses.
Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
Source: cryptonews.com
