If you are looking to Buy bitcoin with fiat, then the methods available will differ based on a few factors:
Where are you located (country)?
How much are you looking to buy?
What payment methods do you have available?
How soon do you need access to the proceeds?
Is financial privacy important?
With a P2P exchange, you can create a Buy offer and set your own price (e.g., 4% below spot). You are competing with other Buyers, so if you want to find a Seller you'll have to offer a competitive price. But most trades there that happen from a Seller Taking a BUY offer result in the Buyer (i.e., you) paying below spot. That's sometimes referred to as "negative fees'.
If you are needing your coins sooner, you can always Take a Seller's trade offer, but in that instance you are the one paying the premium, and the Seller benefits from "negative fees".
tl;dr: For the best price, be an offer maker, not an offer taker.
If you are looking to Buy bitcoin with fiat, then the methods available will differ based on a few factors:
With a P2P exchange, you can create a Buy offer and set your own price (e.g., 4% below spot). You are competing with other Buyers, so if you want to find a Seller you'll have to offer a competitive price. But most trades there that happen from a Seller Taking a BUY offer result in the Buyer (i.e., you) paying below spot. That's sometimes referred to as "negative fees'.
If you are needing your coins sooner, you can always Take a Seller's trade offer, but in that instance you are the one paying the premium, and the Seller benefits from "negative fees".
tl;dr: For the best price, be an offer maker, not an offer taker.