How and Where to Buy Meme Coins in 2025

This guide will walk you through the most popular ways to purchase meme coins, including Centralized Exchanges (CEX), Decentralized Exchanges (DEX), Launchpads, and Presales.

Additionally, you’ll learn what meme coins are, how they emerged, which are the most popular, and how to store them securely.

What are meme coins and meme culture?

Meme coins are a category of cryptocurrencies that originate from internet memes, social media trends, or humorous narratives rather than from having intrinsic utility or technological innovation. They often start as gags or parodies but may evolve into significant digital assets with active communities and real-world applications.

The concept dates back to DOGE $0.16 24h volatility: 2.7% Market cap: $24.03 B Vol. 24h: $1.17 B , the first meme coin. Created in 2013 by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, Dogecoin was intended as a lighthearted response to the growing number of cryptocurrencies. Inspired by the popular “Doge” internet meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog, DOGE quickly gained attention within online communities. Despite its humorous origins, Dogecoin developed a loyal following and has been widely used for tipping content creators, charity donations, and microtransactions.

Photo: Dogecoin Official Website.

Launched in 2020, SHIB $0.000012 24h volatility: 1.6% Market cap: $7.14 B Vol. 24h: $199.11 M was introduced as a competitor to Dogecoin. Dubbed the “Dogecoin Killer,” SHIB gained massive popularity through aggressive promotion and social media campaigns. Unlike Dogecoin, Shiba Inu launched a broader ecosystem, including DEX ShibaSwap and other utility features to improve future performance. SHIB’s strong community, known as the “SHIB Army,” played a crucial role in driving its popularity and maintaining its presence in the crypto market.

Photo: Shiba Inu Official Website.

In 2023, PEPE $0.000007 24h volatility: 6.1% Market cap: $2.83 B Vol. 24h: $894.23 M emerged as another popular meme token, capitalizing on the popularity of the “Pepe the Frog” meme. Although PEPE lacks the extensive ecosystem of SHIB or DOGE, it gained rapid traction through advertising campaigns and community-driven hype. PEPE’s success reflects the growing influence of internet culture in the cryptocurrency space.

Photo: Pepe Coin Official Website.

Meme coins thrive on community engagement, social media buzz, and influencer support. Their low entry price appeals to retail investors chasing viral trends. While many lack strong fundamentals, their rapid growth attracts speculative traders seeking quick returns.

Though meme cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and PEPE have gained traction, they remain highly volatile and often lose value when the hype fades. As new meme tokens enter the cryptocurrency space, investors must thoroughly research and understand the risks.

Where to Buy Meme Coins?

Memecoins have gained massive popularity in the cryptocurrency market, and investors seeking to capitalize on this trend have several options for purchasing these digital assets. The most common methods include Centralized Exchanges (CEX), Decentralized Exchanges (DEX), Launchpads, and Presales. Each method has its unique features, advantages, and risks.

CEX

CEX are traditional cryptocurrency platforms that facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of digital assets. These platforms are managed by centralized entities that oversee transactions, provide customer support, and ensure platform security.

Popular Platforms:

• Binance
• Coinbase
• Kraken
• OKX

Pros:

• User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
• High liquidity and fast transactions
• Strong security features and customer support
• Easy fiat-to-crypto conversion

Cons:

• Requires account registration and KYC verification
• Centralized control raises concerns about censorship and platform risk

DEXs

DEX are blockchain-based platforms that enable peer-to-peer trading without intermediaries. Users trade directly from their crypto wallets, ensuring greater control over their funds.

Popular Platforms:

• Uniswap
• PancakeSwap
• SushiSwap

Pros:

• No account registration or KYC required
• Users retain full control over their funds
• A wide range of meme cryptocurrencies, including newly launched projects

Cons:

• Lower liquidity compared to major CEXs
• Requires knowledge of crypto wallets and decentralized protocols
• Higher risk of encountering scam tokens or fake liquidity pools

Launchpads

Launchpads are platforms that help new cryptocurrency projects raise funds and attract early investors. They often vet projects, providing some level of credibility and security.

Popular Platforms:

• Binance Launchpad
• DAO Maker
• TrustPad

Pros:

• Opportunity to invest early in promising memecoins
• Projects are often reviewed for authenticity and viability
• Potential for high returns if the token gains traction

Cons:

• Investing in early-stage projects carries higher risks
• Tokens may experience extreme volatility after listing
• Limited availability for high-demand presales

Presales

Presales allow to buy tokens directly from developers before they are listed on exchanges. These early-stage sales often offer discounted prices, making them attractive to risk-tolerant investors.

Popular Platforms:

• Project-specific websites
• Social media channels (Twitter, Telegram, Discord)
• Crypto fundraising platforms

Pros:

• Potential to purchase tokens at the lowest price
• Early investors may enjoy significant returns if the project succeeds

Cons:

• High risk of scams or fraudulent projects
• Lack of liquidity until the token is listed on an exchange
• Presale tokens often come with lock-up periods or vesting schedules

How to Buy MemeCoin via CEX

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you purchase meme coins through CEX easily and safely.

Step 1: Select a Reputable Exchange

Start by choosing a trusted exchange that supports meme coins, such as Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, or OKX. These platforms are known for their security, liquidity, and user-friendly interfaces. Before committing, check if your desired meme coin is listed and review the platform’s fees and security features.

Step 2: Create and Verify an Account

Sign up for an account by providing your email or phone number and creating a strong password. For added security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Most reputable CEXs also require KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, which involves submitting identification documents like a passport or driver’s license.

Step 3: Deposit Funds

Once your account is verified, deposit funds using a preferred payment method. Most exchanges accept bank transfers, credit or debit cards, and crypto deposits. Follow the platform’s instructions to complete the transfer.

Step 4: Purchase Meme Coins

Navigate to the “Markets” or “Trade” section on the platform. Search for your desired meme coin (e.g., DOGE, SHIB, or PEPE) and select the appropriate trading pair (e.g., USDT/DOGE or BTC/SHIB). Enter the amount you wish to purchase and confirm the transaction.

Step 5: Secure Your Tokens

For added security, consider transferring your newly purchased meme coins to a personal crypto wallet like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or a hardware wallet. While exchanges offer secure storage, self-custody wallets provide greater protection against potential hacking risks.

Following these steps, you can efficiently and safely invest in meme coins through a CEX. Conduct thorough research and stay informed about market trends before making investment decisions.

How to Purchase Memecoins via DEX: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can buy memecoins via a DEX.

Step 1: Set Up a Crypto Wallet

You’ll need a non-custodial crypto wallet that supports the relevant blockchain to use a DEX. Popular options include MetaMask (Ethereum), Trust Wallet (multi-chain support), and Phantom (Solana).

Download the wallet app or browser extension from the official website, follow the setup instructions, and securely store your seed phrase. This 12-24 word recovery phrase is vital for accessing your wallet — never share it with anyone.

Step 2: Fund Your Wallet

Once your wallet is ready, deposit cryptocurrency to cover your meme coin purchase and network gas fees. You can either:

• Buy crypto on a CEX (like Binance or Coinbase) and transfer it to your wallet.
• Use fiat on-ramp services that allow direct crypto purchases within your wallet.

Ensure your wallet holds sufficient funds in tokens like ETH, BNB, or USDT, which are commonly used for meme coin trades.

Step 3: Connect to a DEX

Go to the official website of a trusted DEX, such as Uniswap, PancakeSwap, or SushiSwap. Click “Connect Wallet”, select your wallet, and authorize the connection to start trading.

Step 4: Swap Tokens for Meme Coins

In the DEX interface, choose the cryptocurrency you want to trade (e.g., ETH or BNB) and select your desired meme coin in the output field. If your meme coin isn’t listed, paste its contract address to ensure you buy the correct token.

Enter the amount you want to swap, confirm the transaction, and review the gas fee to ensure you have enough funds. Once confirmed, wait for the blockchain to process your transaction.

Step 5: Verify Your Tokens

After completing the swap, your meme coins may not appear in your wallet by default. In this case, manually add the token by selecting “Add Custom Token” in your wallet and entering the token’s contract address.

Where to Store Meme Coins?

Properly storing meme coins protects your investments from theft, hacks, or loss. Two primary types of crypto wallets are to consider: hot wallets and cold wallets.

Hot wallets are connected to the internet, making them convenient for frequent trading but more vulnerable to security risks. Popular options include MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Phantom. These wallets are ideal for active traders but require extra caution, such as enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and strong passwords.

On the other hand, cold wallets are offline devices that provide enhanced security by keeping your private keys disconnected from the internet. Leading cold wallet brands include Ledger and Trezor, both offering robust protection for long-term storage.

For maximum security, consider storing large meme coin holdings in a cold wallet while keeping a smaller amount in a hot wallet for active trading. Always back up your seed phrase securely and avoid sharing it with anyone.

Are Meme Coins a Good Investment in 2025?

Meme coins have gained considerable attention in recent years, and their potential as an investment in 2025 depends on several key factors.

Market trends play a significant role in meme coin performance. As cryptocurrency evolves, meme coins often thrive during bullish markets when retail investors show increased interest. Coins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) have previously seen rapid price surges during market upswings, largely fueled by social media hype and influencer endorsements. Community support is also crucial, as meme coins often rely on active online communities that drive engagement and adoption.

Established meme coins typically offer higher liquidity and trading volume, making it easier for investors to enter and exit positions. However, newer or less popular tokens may suffer from low trading volume, increasing the risk of price manipulation.

Security is another critical factor. While reputable meme coins are generally safe on major exchanges, the meme coin space is notorious for scams and rug pulls. Investors should conduct thorough research, verify contract addresses, and prioritize coins with transparent development teams.

In 2025, meme coins could present lucrative opportunities, but their success will heavily depend on market sentiment, crypto community strength, and investor caution. Balancing risk with careful research is essential before adding meme coins to your portfolio.

Conclusion

Meme coins blend internet culture with speculation and have gained popularity thanks to viral marketing and strong community support. Tokens like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe Coin started as jokes but now attract attention in bullish phases of the crypto market. Despite their appeal, meme coins are highly volatile and depend heavily on hype, making them risky investments.

To buy meme coins, choose a trusted platform. CEXs are user-friendly, while DEXs offer access to newer projects. Always store tokens securely — cold wallets are suitable for long-term holding, and hot wallets are better for active trading. Success with meme coins requires research, smart strategy, and a clear understanding of their speculative nature.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Meme coins are highly speculative assets and may not be suitable for all investors. Due to the extreme price volatility associated with these tokens, you should carefully assess your risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Always do your own research (DYOR), especially when considering new meme coins, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.