How to Send Crypto in the UK (2025) – For Dummies
As easy as sending money to a friend on PayPal or transferring cash at the bank.
🧰 What You’ll Need Before You Start
Think of it like baking a cake — you need all your ingredients ready first.
✅ A smartphone, tablet, or computer (with internet)
✅ A crypto wallet (like a digital purse for your crypto)
✅ Some cryptocurrency in your wallet (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
✅ The wallet address of the person you want to send crypto to (like their bank account number)
Optional but helpful:
✅ A pen and paper to write things down — there are lots of weird numbers and codes.
🛍️ Choosing a Crypto Wallet (Like Picking a Bank or a Purse)
You need a crypto wallet to hold your cryptocurrency. There are two main types:
| Wallet Type | What It’s Like | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| App Wallet | Like a banking app on your phone | Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, Kraken App |
| Hardware Wallet | Like a USB stick you keep at home | Ledger, Trezor |
Beginners Tip: Use an app wallet — it’s easier to start with. Think of it like using the Monzo or Revolut app.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Send Crypto
Let’s imagine you want to send someone £20 worth of crypto.
Step 1: Get a Wallet App
Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
Search for a wallet like Coinbase Wallet or Trust Wallet.
Download and open the app.
Follow the instructions to create a new wallet.
You’ll be given a 12 or 24-word recovery phrase.
Write it down and keep it safe! This is like your PIN and security questions all in one.
Never share it with anyone.
📌 Comparison: Think of this like setting up online banking — you need to write down your login info and PIN.
Step 2: Add Crypto to Your Wallet
You now need to get some crypto into your wallet.
You have two options:
Buy crypto directly in the wallet app using a debit card (some apps allow this).
Send crypto to your wallet from another app like Coinbase or Binance.
You’ll be given a wallet address (a long code like this: 0x6B...5e9). This is like your sort code and account number.
Step 3: Get the Receiver’s Wallet Address
Ask the person you want to send money to for their wallet address.
⚠️ Double-check the address. If you send it to the wrong one, it’s gone forever — like putting cash in the wrong letterbox.
📌 Comparison: Like entering someone’s bank account number — but there’s no way to undo it if you make a mistake.
Step 4: Send the Crypto
Open your wallet app.
Tap “Send”.
Choose which crypto (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Paste in the receiver’s wallet address.
Type the amount you want to send (e.g. £20 worth of crypto).
Tap “Next” or “Send”.
⏳ It may take a few minutes to go through. Don’t panic.
Step 5: Confirm It Was Sent
After a few minutes, your app should show the transaction as “Sent” or “Complete.”
You can even tap it to see the receipt or transaction ID — like checking your bank statement after a payment.
🔐 Safety Tips (Very Important!)
NEVER share your recovery phrase with anyone. That’s like handing over your entire wallet.
Always double-check addresses before sending.
Only send small amounts at first until you get the hang of it.
Use apps that are well-known and have good reviews.
🧠 Final Comparison Table
| Crypto Thing | Real-Life Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Wallet app | Online banking app |
| Wallet address | Bank account number |
| Sending crypto | Sending bank transfer |
| Recovery phrase (12 words) | PIN + security questions |
| Bitcoin, Ethereum | Pounds or Dollars (currency) |
✅ Recap: Quick Checklist
✔️ Download wallet app
✔️ Set up wallet and save recovery phrase
✔️ Add crypto to wallet
✔️ Get receiver’s wallet address
✔️ Send crypto
✔️ Double-check everything
