Ethereum is one of the best cryptocurrency platforms out there that issues smart contracts. Ethereum is an open source decentralized platform that allows developers to create or build applications on it. Ethereum can be used to build decentralized autonomous applications and can also be used to eliminate the centralized structure found in organizations. It can be used to trade, receive and send anything of value. 

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The increasing popularity of this cryptocurrency has made more people interested in investing in it. To do this they have to first of all purchase Ether. To buy Ethereum, you have to: 

**Select an Ethereum Wallet** 

This is the first thing you should do. You have to choose a secure and fast wallet. There are good wallets that you can choose from to ensure that your Ether is safe. Some of these wallets include: 
- Hardware wallet: these are the best type of wallets that you can choose to store your Ether. Some of the recommended hardware wallets include; Nano S Ledger and Trezor. 
- Electrum wallets: these wallets are called software wallets. It is recommended for users who do not have enough money to purchase hardware wallets. These wallets are free to use. Some of the recommended include: Jaxx, MyEtherWallet, and Exodus. 

**Select an Exchange** 

The most common way to purchase Ether is through an exchange. It is important that as a first timer you know the difference between Ethereum supported exchanges and other platforms (eToro) that just allow you to only speculate the value of Ether. 
There are some secure, fast and trustworthy exchanges that you can buy Ethereum from. Some of them include CoinBase, CoinMama, CEX.io, Changelly, and Bitfinex. 

**Select a Payment Method**

After you must have selected an exchange, you have to select a payment method. Some of these payment methods include the use of credit cards, direct bank transfers and buying Ethereum with another cryptocurrency. 
If you decide to use the CoinBase exchange, all you have to is: 
- Set up or create an account with CoinBase
- Choose a payment method. This exchange supports the use of credit cards and bank transfers. 
- Click on the "Buy and Sell" option, then select the total amount of Ether you want to buy. 
- Finally, tap the "Buy" option. 
CoinBase charges about 1.49 to about 3.99% of all Ethers bought. The fee depends on the payment method used. Using credit cards attracts more fees compared to bank transfers. 

**Buying Ether with Cash on LocalEthereum**

LocalEthereum has been referred to as a marketplace that lets users connect and meet with other users who are willing and ready either to sell or buy Ether. 

**Withdraw Purchased Ether to your Personal Wallet Address**

After you must have bought Ether it is important that you transfer them to your wallet address. This is necessary especially for users who bought Ether from an exchange. The recent number of exchange hacks is the main reason why it is advised that you transfer your Ether to your wallet immediately after purchase. 

**Conclusion**
Users who want to purchase Ether as quick as possible, credit card payment system is advised. For users who want to purchase a large amount of Ether, it is advised that they use direct bank transfers.