The idea of investing in crypto appeals, but the step remains high. According to the Crypto Trust Index carried out by Pollfish for the neobank bunq in April 2026, 32% of French people have already invested in cryptocurrencies, whileone in five French people would like to get started without knowing where to start. And when asked about trusted third parties, it is the banks that come out on top: 34% consider them more reliable as exchange platforms for investing.
“The very first step is simply to choose a platform, and I advise choosing one that you already know and trust.”summarizes Joe Wilson, Chief Evangelist at bunq. Still, testing crypto with 100 euros requires, beyond choosing the tool, carrying out a series of steps in the right order. Here they are.
Step 1: choose a regulated platform — and check it
It is the most structuring decision, and the moment is particularly sensitive. Since the entry into force of the European regulation Micathe French PSAN status gives way to the European approval of crypto-asset service provider (PSCA). Above all, the transitional period ends on July 1, 20 : after this date, only approved platforms will be able to serve French customers, and the AMF has warned that around half of the players will cease their activity this summer. Practicing without approval now carries a risk of two years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros.
Concretely, before depositing a single euro, it is better to check that the platform is indeed authorized. Two sources are authentic: the PSCA register maintained by ESMA (the European authority, which publishes the list country by country) and the AMF white and black listsin the savers space. Among the players already authorized in France are major international and national exchanges. To this regulation, some prefer to add the comfort of a familiar environment: “34% of French people feel more secure taking their first steps through their bank”underlines Joe Wilson — an option, among others, for those who want to stay on familiar ground
Step 2: open the account and validate your identity
Once the platform has been chosen, registration follows a now standardized process. Like any regulated actor, the service provider applies a procedure of identity verification (KYC) : ID, sometimes a selfie or short video, and confirmation of email address or phone number. The complete absence of KYC procedure constitutes a major red flag.
The operation is quick. “It only takes about ten minutes: five to open the account, five to validate your identity.”indicates the director of bunq. A delay representative of general public applications, even if validation can, depending on the platformsrequire a few hours of treatment.
Step 3: choose your first asset and place the order
Now comes the question that torments every beginner: what to buy? Asked about the Bitcoin versus Ethereum match, Joe Wilson refuses to decide. “Rather than highlighting a particular asset, the best approach is to empower users to choose what suits their goals.”he believes, inviting “test the waters at a pace chosen by oneself”. In practice, Bitcoin and Ethereum remain the two most capitalized and most liquid assets, those to which beginners most often turn – when caution remains required on altcoins confidential, very volatile and sometimes difficult to resell.
The purchase itself is a matter of just a few clicks: go to the tab dedicated to cryptocurrenciesselect the asset, enter the amount (100 euros, or less), check the total cost displayed before validating, then confirm. “You’ll have your first cryptocurrency in your wallet before you’ve even finished your coffee.”slips Joe Wilson. One piece of advice, however: check the net amount actually debited, including fees and spread, before pressing “Confirm”.
Step 4: decide where to store your cryptos
Once the purchase is made, two schools compete. THE external wallet “non-custodial” (Ledger or MetaMask type) gives total control, but places all responsibility – and the risk of losing keys – on the user. Custodial custody, where the platform keeps the assets for you, removes this risk at the cost of delegating custody. For a first step with 100 euros, Joe Wilson pleads simplicity: “Moving your assets from one place to another just adds unnecessary hassle. It is best to keep them on a secure and regulated platform.”
Serious applications indeed embed solid protections – two-factor authentication, or even in-house devices like the Safety Shield from bunq, which puts unusual transactions on hold for twenty-four hours. To keep in mind all the same: leave your cryptos on a foreign platform creates a reportable account (see step 5), where a wallet personnel whose keys you hold are not subject to this obligation.
Step 5: anticipate taxation from the first euro
Last reflex, and not the least: think about taxes when purchasing, even for 100 euros. “The golden rule is to keep a clear record of your transactions from day one”insists Joe Wilson. Because if simple holding is not taxed, resale is: an individual’s capital gains are subject to tax. flat tax, increased to 31.4% since January 1, 2026. Good news for small amounts, transfers remain exempt under 305 euros of cumulative sales over the year, and a crypto-for-crypto exchange does not trigger any taxation.
The obligation not to be forgotten is declarative: any account opened on a foreign platform must be reported annually via the form 3916-bisunder penalty of fine of 750 euros per account, increased to 1,500 euros for assets exceeding 50,000 euros. Keeping an exportable history of your operations from the start avoids transforming the following year’s declaration into a headache – and falling, through simple negligence, into irregularity.
The tax rates, thresholds and obligations mentioned are those in force in 2026 and may change; the option for the progressive income tax scale may prove more advantageous depending on the situation. Crypto-assets present a high risk of capital loss and do not benefit from the protections attached to traditional regulated investments. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice.
