Crypto is digital money that works without a bank or financial institution to verify transactions and record assets and trades. It’s built on a technology called blockchain, which allows anyone to transfer value online globally, near-instantly and 24/7, for low fees. It’s also an investment, with its value based on supply and demand. You can buy cryptocurrencies on exchanges or trading apps, then use them like any other currency.
There are thousands of different cryptocurrencies to choose from. Each one has its own features, but most share some core values:
Transparency
All cryptocurrency transactions are recorded on a public ledger known as the blockchain. The blockchain is a breakthrough in computer science that allows for secure, unalterable information to be transferred between parties. That means you can trust that your bitcoin purchases and investments are exactly as you expect them to be.
Portability
Because your crypto holdings aren’t tied to a bank or other financial institution, you can take them with you wherever you go in the world. This means you can shop, pay your bills and invest in the things you want, no matter where you are or what happens to the global finance system’s major intermediaries.
Security
Most cryptocurrencies are secure because they’re designed to be free from government or financial institution control. They’re managed by a network of computers running open-source software. This means no one central authority can control or manipulate them, and the crypto community works together to protect against fraud.
Irreversibility
Cryptocurrency payments aren’t subject to the same kinds of chargebacks that credit card users are, which makes them more secure for everyone involved. This is a big part of the reason why some merchants prefer to accept them.
Give yourself a home upgrade
Turn your crypto into gift cards for furniture and home goods at stores like Wayfair, Pottery Barn, Lowe’s and Home Depot. You can even use them to buy new devices for your home, like cell phones and headphones from Newegg. Just download the BitPay app or extension and start shopping with crypto!
Investing
Crypto can be a valuable asset in your portfolio, but it’s important to remember that it’s risky. The value of most cryptocurrencies can change dramatically over time, so it’s best to keep them as part of a diversified investment strategy that you manage carefully.
The New Economy
Whether you’re buying, selling or using crypto, it’s a chance to support an emerging economic system that’s decentralized, transparent and designed to give people more control over their own finances. This can be especially powerful in parts of the world where government controls over citizens’ savings and spending are tight.
The most common way to invest in crypto is by purchasing the largest, most popular ones — like Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, there are also many other cryptocurrencies to choose from that offer unique benefits, such as security or speed. When choosing a specific cryptocurrency, it’s worth researching its supply, demand, market volatility and other factors before making a decision.