How to buy Upbit's platform currency?

Upbit, a leading South Korean crypto exchange, uses UP as its platform currency for fee discounts and staking; here's how to buy it.

Apr 18, 2025 at 12:15 pm

Introduction to Upbit and Its Platform Currency

Upbit is one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea, known for its wide range of trading pairs and robust security features. The platform currency of Upbit is called UP, which serves various functions within the ecosystem, such as fee discounts and staking rewards. If you're interested in purchasing UP, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Setting Up an Upbit Account

Before you can buy UP, you need to set up an account on the Upbit platform. Here's how to do it:

• Visit the Upbit Website: Go to the official Upbit website.
• Click on 'Sign Up': You'll find this option in the top right corner of the homepage.
• Fill in Your Details: Enter your email address, create a password, and complete any required verification steps, such as phone number verification.
• Complete KYC (Know Your Customer) Process: Upbit requires users to go through a KYC process for security and regulatory compliance. You'll need to submit identification documents, such as a passport or driver's license, and possibly a selfie.
• Wait for Approval: Once you submit your KYC documents, you'll need to wait for approval. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Depositing Funds into Your Upbit Account

After your account is set up and verified, the next step is to deposit funds. Upbit supports multiple deposit methods, including bank transfers and cryptocurrency deposits.

• Log into Your Account: Use your email and password to access your Upbit account.
• Navigate to 'Deposit': This option is usually found in the 'Wallet' or 'Funds' section of the platform.
• Choose Your Deposit Method: Decide whether you want to deposit via bank transfer or cryptocurrency.
  • Bank Transfer: Select your local currency, such as KRW (South Korean Won), and follow the instructions to initiate a bank transfer. You'll need to provide the bank account details provided by Upbit.
  • Cryptocurrency: Choose the cryptocurrency you want to deposit, generate a deposit address, and send the funds from your external wallet to this address.

Buying UP on Upbit

Now that you have funds in your Upbit account, you can proceed to buy UP. Here's how to do it:

• Navigate to the Trading Section: This is usually found under a tab labeled 'Trade' or 'Exchange'.
• Search for UP: Use the search bar to find the UP trading pair. You can trade UP against various cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies, depending on what's available on Upbit.
• Select a Trading Pair: Choose the trading pair that suits your needs. For example, if you deposited KRW, you might select the UP/KRW pair.
• Place an Order: Decide whether you want to place a market order or a limit order.
  • Market Order: This will buy UP at the current market price. Simply enter the amount of UP you want to buy and confirm the order.
  • Limit Order: This allows you to set a specific price at which you want to buy UP. Enter the price and the amount of UP you want to buy, then confirm the order.

Managing Your UP Holdings

Once you've successfully purchased UP, it's important to know how to manage your holdings effectively.

• View Your Holdings: Navigate to the 'Wallet' or 'Assets' section of your Upbit account to see your UP balance.
• Withdrawing UP: If you want to move your UP to an external wallet, go to the 'Withdraw' section, enter the amount you want to withdraw, and provide the recipient's wallet address.
• Staking UP: Upbit may offer staking options for UP, allowing you to earn rewards. Check the 'Staking' or 'Earn' section of the platform for available options.

Security Tips for Your Upbit Account

Security is paramount when dealing with cryptocurrencies. Here are some tips to keep your Upbit account safe:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your account. You can enable 2FA in the 'Security' settings of your Upbit account.
• Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your password is complex and unique. Avoid using easily guessable information.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Always double-check the URL of the Upbit website and never share your login details with anyone.
• Regularly Update Your Software: Keep your computer and any devices you use to access Upbit up to date with the latest security patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I buy UP with other cryptocurrencies on Upbit?

A: Yes, Upbit supports trading UP against various cryptocurrencies. You can deposit other cryptocurrencies into your Upbit account and use them to buy UP.

Q: Are there any fees associated with buying UP on Upbit?

A: Yes, Upbit charges trading fees, which can vary depending on your trading volume and whether you're using a maker or taker order. Additionally, there may be withdrawal fees if you decide to move your UP to an external wallet.

Q: How long does it take to buy UP on Upbit?

A: The time it takes to buy UP can vary. Depositing funds via bank transfer can take a few days, while cryptocurrency deposits are usually faster. Once your funds are in your Upbit account, buying UP is almost instantaneous.

Q: Can I use UP to pay for transaction fees on Upbit?

A: Yes, Upbit allows users to use UP to pay for transaction fees, which can result in discounts depending on the amount of UP you hold.