Bitcoin Crash History
Bitcoin has seen dramatic price drops over the years. This guide breaks down the biggest crashes, what caused them, and how BTC bounced back.
Major Bitcoin Crashes (2011–2025)
- 2011: Mt. Gox hack — BTC fell from $32 to $2
- 2013: China bans banks from crypto — BTC drops 50%
- 2018: ICO bubble bursts — BTC falls from $20k to $3k
- 2020: COVID panic — BTC dips below $5k
- 2022: Terra/Luna collapse — BTC drops from $48k to $17k
- 2024: Post-halving volatility — BTC retraces 30%
Why Bitcoin Crashes
Bitcoin dips are often triggered by:
- 📉 Regulatory crackdowns
- 💥 Exchange hacks or failures
- 📊 Market bubbles and corrections
- 🛑 Global economic shocks
- 📉 Over-leveraged trading positions
Has Bitcoin Always Recovered?
Yes — historically, Bitcoin has rebounded from every major crash, often reaching new highs within 12–24 months. Past performance isn’t a guarantee, but it shows resilience.
Where to Buy Bitcoin Safely
Use trusted, AUSTRAC-registered exchanges to buy and hold Bitcoin securely:
- Digital Surge — Fast onboarding, low fees
- Coinstash — Easy interface for beginners
- Swyftx — Demo mode, instant AUD deposits
- CoinSpot — Secure wallet options
- CoinJar — Longest-running Aussie exchange