How to buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH) in Australia

If you're new to cryptocurrency and want to know more about Bitcoin Cash (BCH), you've come to the right place. As a fork of Bitcoin designed for faster and cheaper transactions, Bitcoin Cash aims to serve as practical digital cash for everyday use. This beginner's investing guide will explain what Bitcoin Cash is, how Bitcoin Cash works, its key benefits, various investment options, and the steps to get started with CMC Invest. 

What is Bitcoin Cash? 

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency created as a fork of Bitcoin in August 2017 through a hard fork due to disagreements about Bitcoin's scalability. A hard fork occurs when an existing blockchain splits into two, effectively creating a new blockchain, network and cryptocurrency. Bitcoin Cash’s native token (BCH) functions as digital cash for everyday transactions. As one of the earliest major Bitcoin forks, Bitcoin Cash holds a position in the crypto market with a market capitalisation of around $11.8 billion and ranking approximately #15 as of January 2026. Bitcoin Cash’s core philosophy is to be a fast, low-cost payment system for everyday use. 

How does Bitcoin Cash work? 

Bitcoin Cash operates on a blockchain similar to Bitcoin, using proof-of-work (PoW) consensus, where crypto miners validate transactions and add blocks. The key difference is larger block sizes. A block is a container that stores verified crypto transaction data. Bitcoin Cash blocks go up to 32MB versus Bitcoin's 1MB. This increase in size enables more transactions per block, which results in lower fees and faster confirmations.  

With a total supply capped at 21 million coins (like Bitcoin), halvings occur every four years to control issuance. In 2026, ongoing upgrades like adaptive block sizes and CashFusion for privacy enhance its efficiency for payments. 

Bitcoin Cash shares many functions with Litecoin, which was originally created to be a lighter, faster alternative to Bitcoin that could be used to make payments rather than just hold for value.  

Key functions 

Bitcoin Cash's core strength lies in its utility as digital cash. Key functions include: 

• Peer-to-peer transactions: Enable fast, low-fee transfers without intermediaries, ideal for remittances and daily payments. 

• Merchant payments: Accepted by various processors for goods/services, with quick settlements. 

• Mining and security: Miners secure the network via PoW, rewarding participants while maintaining decentralisation. 

• Scalability features: Larger block sizes allow more transactions to be processed per block, which may support higher transaction throughput compared with Bitcoin. 

Why invest in Bitcoin Cash? 

When discussing Bitcoin Cash, market participants often highlight certain characteristics and use cases as potential reasons for interest, while also acknowledging the risks and uncertainties involved:

• Low-cost payment utility: Practical use case for everyday transactions, remittances, and merchant payments with fees often under a cent. This makes it viable for real-world adoption, potentially driving demand as global payments shift digital. 

• Bitcoin brand recognition: May benefit from association with Bitcoin's name and awareness, attracting users familiar with BTC. This shared history provides a sense of legitimacy in a crowded market. 

• Established track record: Operating since 2017 with proven security and network stability through multiple cycles. Its resilience builds confidence for long-term holders. 

• Strong network security: Substantial hash rate protects the blockchain against attacks. Decentralised mining ensures robustness similar to Bitcoin. 

• Payment adoption: Accepted by some merchants and payment processors globally, fostering utility. Growing integrations could enhance its value as adoption increases. 

Different ways to invest in Bitcoin Cash 

There are several approaches to investing in Bitcoin Cash, each with pros and cons regarding ownership, fees and complexity. Here's a brief comparison of three key methods: 

• Buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH) directly: One way to gain exposure to Bitcoin Cash is by purchasing BCH through platforms such as CMC Invest. A flat brokerage fee of 0.9% applies to cryptocurrency transactions, and because cryptocurrencies are transacted in USD, an FX spread will also apply. 

• Buy a Bitcoin Cash ETF or trust: Gain direct exposure through investment products that may track Bitcoin Cash or broader cryptocurrency indices. These products are not broadly available at present and are subject to regulatory approval, product structure and jurisdictional rules. 

• Crypto-related equities: Another way to invest in Bitcoin Cash indirectly is by buying shares in companies that hold cryptocurrency or are involved in the cryptocurrency industry, such as Bitcoin mining companies. However, this strategy could expose you to further company-specific risks that might not be directly tied to the price of Bitcoin Cash. 

How to buy Bitcoin Cash with CMC Invest  

If you’re an investor in Australia looking to buy cryptocurrency, CMC Invest offers access to Bitcoin Cash and a selection of other coins through its integrated investing platform, providing an accessible way to start investing. Below is a step-by-step guide for new and existing CMC Invest customers on how to invest in Bitcoin Cash: 

1. Open a CMC Invest account 

Get started by opening a CMC Invest account. You’ll get access to a wide range of investment products, including unregulated Litecoin and other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, as well as traditional asset types. 

2. Opt-in for cryptocurrency investing  

Once your account is set up, you’ll have access to over 40,000 stocks and ETFs as standard. If Bitcoin Cash or other crypto interests you, you’ll need to opt in to access unregulated blockchain assets like Bitcoin Cash. 

3. Research Bitcoin Cash 

Before investing, you’ll want to give yourself a solid base of understanding of Bitcoin Cash’s fundamentals and general market trends. CMC Invest has a range of educational resources and powerful charting tools to help investors make the best decisions for their portfolios. 

4. Start investing in Bitcoin Cash 

Once you’ve opted in, you can start buying Bitcoin Cash directly from the CMC Invest platform via the mobile app or desktop version. 

Risks of investing in Bitcoin Cash  

While investing in Bitcoin Cash carries significant potential, like any cryptocurrency, it comes with substantial risks that can lead to partial or total loss of capital. Here are six key risks to consider carefully before proceeding: 

• Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate dramatically; BCH has experienced significant price swings since launch, such as recent daily movements aligning with broader market corrections. This can result in rapid losses, especially in bearish phases. 

• Bitcoin competition: Ongoing debate about which version (BTC vs. BCH) represents "real Bitcoin"; BTC has dominated mindshare and adoption. This rivalry could limit BCH's growth if BTC continues to overshadow it. 

• Market confusion: Name similarity to Bitcoin can confuse newcomers; controversy around fork origins persists. This may deter potential users or investors unfamiliar with the differences. 

• Declining market position: BCH market cap and ranking have fallen relative to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies since 2017. Continued erosion could reduce liquidity and relevance. 

• Merchant adoption uncertainty: Unclear if payment-focused cryptocurrencies will achieve mainstream retail adoption; BCH's utility depends on this. Slow progress could limit real-world use and value. 

• Regulatory uncertainty: Evolving crypto regulations in Australia and globally may impact trading or classification.  

Conclusion  

Bitcoin Cash remains a contender for scalable digital cash, offering low fees and fast transactions rooted in Bitcoin's legacy. By understanding how to invest in Bitcoin Cash through platforms like CMC Invest, you can navigate this space with more confidence. 

If you’re ready to begin investing in Bitcoin Cash, sign up for a CMC Invest account and start exploring how this popular cryptocurrency could broaden your portfolio.  

Disclaimer: CMC Markets is an execution-only service provider. The material (whether or not it states any opinions) is for general information and education purposes only, and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, tax or other advice on which reliance should be placed and is warranted to be complete, accurate, or timely. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by CMC Markets or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.   

Investing in cryptocurrencies carries significant risks and is not suitable for all investors. You may lose all your money you paid. Consequently, you should consider the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs and do your own research. It’s important for you to consider the relevant Digital Assets Terms of Service and other associated disclosure documents on the CMC Markets Invest website before you decide whether or not to acquire any of the Cryptocurrencies. Please also note that you are not currently able to send Cryptocurrencies to or from your trading account, or use Cryptocurrencies purchased on CMC Markets’ Platform to pay for goods or services.    

The provision of cryptocurrency services and products will not be treated similarly to the provision of regulated financial services or products and you are not afforded the same client protection provisions offered by the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) as you would trading regulated financial products or receiving regulated financial services. Cryptocurrencies are held with a sub-custodian.