# Purchasing $IP

To transact on the Story blockchain, the Layer 1 network that powers Aria Protocol, you’ll need $IP to cover gas fees. These fees are small payments required to process transactions and help maintain the stability and security of the Story network.

How much you should purchase depends on the amount of transactions you will do, but transactions are generally cheap. In general, most users won't need more than one $IP, unless they are making lots of transactions. For a more in depth look, we have an entry in our FAQ detailing how much transactions cost [FAQ](/faq.md#how-much-usdip-should-i-buy)

## Centralized Exchange

One of the easiest ways to purchase $IP is from a Centralized Exchange. It allows you to easily purchase cryptocurrency with a debit card or bank account. However, in order to make these transactions, they generally require **KYC verification**. This is where you must prove your identity to the exchange before making transactions, similar to how you must prove your identity to open a bank account.

One of the exchanges that offers the ability to purchase $IP is \*\*Coinbase\*\*. You can find the $IP token [on Coinbase at this link](https://www.coinbase.com/price/ip).

<figure><img src="/files/QLu0tEdeUsVoSDrgOwqt" alt=""><figcaption><p>Purchasing the $IP from Coinbase</p></figcaption></figure>

You can simply link a debit card, and place an order to buy $IP. Once your order goes through, you will be able to send the $IP you purchased off of Coinbase, and into your wallet. For MetaMask, you will click on the "Receive" button in order to get the address of your wallet.

<figure><img src="/files/XLxmQlKhyjcqMgOFk6TY" alt=""><figcaption><p>Getting the address to your wallet</p></figcaption></figure>

You will then see a screen like this, which shows you the address of your wallet. This is how your wallet is identified on the blockchain, and how Coinbase will know where to send the funds.

<figure><img src="/files/1DcXyA8vmoOFEtkSGrQq" alt=""><figcaption><p>Copying your wallet address</p></figcaption></figure>

Once you have your address, you will want to copy it so you can paste it into Coinbase later.

<figure><img src="/files/RB71sbfLrNlx3XyDShng" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Back in Coinbase, you will want to click the send button in order to send your newly purchased $IP to your wallet. Upon clicking it, you will see a screen asking for the wallet to send to.

<figure><img src="/files/gBWK075ROVxP7YuwOEwj" alt=""><figcaption><p>Choosing the wallet to send to</p></figcaption></figure>

From here, you will paste in your wallet address from earlier, and press send.

<figure><img src="/files/xkF9Xp7GUcmL6Xrd67oa" alt=""><figcaption><p>Sending to the wallet</p></figcaption></figure>

After a short while, you will see your funds appear in your wallet!

<figure><img src="/files/j0NXmdCSgWprMq5G3xYN" alt=""><figcaption><p>Funds have arrived!</p></figcaption></figure>

You now have $IP in your wallet that is connected to Aria Protocol, and will be able to pay gas fees.&#x20;


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