What is Cryptocurrency and How Does it Work?

So, you probably heard the word “cryptocurrency” all over the internet, right? It’s kinda a big market now, and according to CMC, the whole cryptocurrency market is worth about $2.8 trillion. But, what is cryptocurrency, really? Why is everyone talking about it like it’s the next big thing in money?

In this guide, you’ll learn what makes cryptocurrency different, how it works, and how to buy and sell these crypto assets on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Key Takeaways:

• Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security, making it decentralized and difficult to counterfeit.
• There are various types of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Tether, USD Coin, and Litecoin, each with unique features and uses.
• To buy cryptocurrency, you need to set up an account on a crypto exchange, link traditional payment methods like bank or credit card, deposit funds, and choose your preferred digital asset to purchase.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital money that only exists online. Unlike cash you can hold, cryptocurrency works on the internet. Bitcoin and Ethereum are two of the most famous examples, but there are over 10,000 legit cryptocurrencies out there today. What makes these digital currencies unique is that they don’t rely on financial institutions or the government. 

Instead, they work on “blockchain”, a type of public database that record transaction (like a receipt) to keep track of who owns what. This way, crypto transactions can happen directly between traders without any middleman.

How does cryptocurrency work?

The core of how cryptocurrency works is through the blockchain and cryptography. Cryptography is a type of coding that secures each transaction. When you send cryptocurrency, a complex code is created to lock that transaction so only the person who has the “private key” can unlock and access the funds.

Cryptocurrency transactions are verified by “miners”, who are people (or computers) solving tough math problems to confirm that each transaction is legit. For their work, miners are rewarded with new cryptocurrency coins. This process is called “cryptocurrency mining”. It’s a bit like how people get rewarded for finding gold in real life – except these miners are using computer power to find virtual coins. You can also read our guide on how to mine Bitcoin.

Types of Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin is the first and most popular cryptocurrency. It was created in 2009 by a person or group called Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is a digital cash that you can send over the internet to anyone, anywhere in the world. 

People like BTC because it’s decentralized, meaning no single company or government controls it. Instead, it uses blockchain technology. The total number of Bitcoins is limited to 21 million, so there will never be more than that. 

Because of this limit, investors often think Bitcoin is like “digital gold” and believe its value might go up over time as demand increases and supply stays the same. Bitcoin transactions can be slow and expensive sometimes, but people still like it for its security and the fact that it was the first of its kind.

Utility Tokens

Utility tokens are a type of cryptocurrency used to pay for services or products on specific platforms. These tokens are not meant to be an investment like Bitcoin, but instead, they let you do certain things on the platform that created them. 

For example, Ethereum is one of the most popular platforms with its own utility token called Ether (ETH). People use Ether to pay for transactions or run applications on the Ethereum network. Another example is Binance Coin (BNB), which is used to pay for transaction fees on the Binance exchange, giving users discounts. 

Utility tokens usually have a purpose within their own platform or ecosystem, so they are valuable to people who want to use that platform’s services.

Governance Tokens

Governance tokens are cryptocurrencies that give people a voice in how a platform or project is run. If you own a governance token, you can vote on important decisions, like updates or changes to the project. 

These tokens are usually linked to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, where there is no central authority making decisions. Instead, the people who own governance tokens help make those choices. 

An example of a governance token is Maker (MKR), which lets holders vote on changes to the MakerDAO platform. Another example is Uniswap (UNI), a token that lets people vote on how the Uniswap decentralized exchange works.

Metaverse Tokens

The metaverse is like an online universe where people can work, play, and socialize in 3D spaces. Metaverse tokens allow people to buy land, avatars, and other digital items within these virtual worlds. 

Some popular metaverse tokens include Decentraland’s MANA and The Sandbox’s SAND. In Decentraland, people can use MANA to buy digital land, build on it, and interact with other users. The idea behind metaverse tokens is to create a new kind of economy within virtual worlds.

GameFi

GameFi, or “game finance”, is a new concept that combines gaming with finance. In GameFi, people can earn cryptocurrency by playing video games. These games usually use blockchain technology, which allows players to truly own in-game items like characters, weapons, or land. 

In GameFi, items won or bought by players are stored on the blockchain, so players can trade or sell them, even outside the game. An example of a GameFi project is Axie Infinity, a game where players collect and battle creatures called Axies. 

The Axies are NFTs, so each one is unique, and players can sell them on the marketplace. The tokens in these games, like Axie Infinity’s AXS and SLP, have real value, and people can trade or sell them just like any other cryptocurrency.

Decentralized Storage

Unlike traditional cloud storage, where companies like Google or Amazon control the data, decentralized storage spreads data across a network of computers, called nodes.

One popular decentralized storage project is Filecoin, where people can earn FIL crypto tokens by offering up their computer’s storage space. Another project is Storj, which works similarly, letting people rent out their extra storage space in exchange for tokens.

How to buy cryptocurrency?

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to buy cryptocurrency.

1. Pick a Crypto Exchange: To buy cryptocurrency, start by choosing a reliable exchange, which is an online crypto trading platform where you can buy, sell, and hold crypto. The best crypto exchanges include MEXC, Binance, and KuCoin. These crypto exchanges are well-known for being secure and user-friendly, especially for beginners.
2. Create an Account: Once you’ve chosen an exchange, you need to create an account. Sign up by providing an email address and setting a password. Most exchanges require you to verify your identity by uploading a photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) and sometimes additional proof of address, like a utility bill. This verification can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days depending on the platform.
3. Link Your Payment Method: After your account is verified, connect a payment method. Most exchanges let you pay with bank transfers, debit or credit cards, and sometimes even mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Check with your bank for any additional fees, as some banks charge extra fees for crypto transactions.
4. Choose a Cryptocurrency to Buy: Go to the “Buy” section of your exchange. You’ll see a list of available cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin. Select the one you’re interested in buying. You don’t need to buy a whole coin; most platforms allow you to purchase fractions, so you could start with as little as $10 or $20.
5. Enter the Amount and Review Fees: After choosing your cryptocurrency, enter the amount you want to buy. Be aware of any transaction fees—these vary by exchange and payment method. Some platforms may charge extra for credit card purchases. The standard fee for most crypto exchanges is 0.1% maker/taker.
6. Confirm and Buy: Once you’re ready, click “Buy” or “Confirm Purchase”. This will complete the transaction, and you’ll now own your selected cryptocurrency. The coins will appear in your account’s wallet, a secure area on the exchange that holds your crypto for easy access.

How to store cryptocurrency?

Storing cryptocurrency safely is super important if you don’t want your digital currency to get stolen or lost. There are several ways to keep your crypto safe, and each way has pros and cons.

1. Hot Wallets

A hot wallet is a digital wallet that’s always online. It can be on your computer, phone, or even an app. Hot wallets are quick to set up, easy to use, and perfect for people who need to access their crypto regularly, like for trading or buying digital assets online. But since they’re connected to the internet, they’re not the safest option because they’re vulnerable to hacking.

Examples of hot wallets to store cryptocurrencies:

1. Trust Wallet: It’s free and supports thousands of cryptocurrencies on 100+ blockchains. It also lets you trade crypto right inside the app.
2. Mycelium: This mobile wallet has been around for a long time, especially for Bitcoin, and is known for being user-friendly.

Pros: Easy to access and use, great for daily transactions.

Cons: Higher risk of hacks since it’s online.

Check out our detailed guide on the best crypto wallets to store digital currencies.

2. Cold Wallets

Cold wallets keep your cryptocurrency offline, which makes them way safer from online hackers. These wallets are usually used by people who want to hold onto their crypto for a long time without touching it often. Since cold wallets are not connected to the internet, hackers can’t access them unless they physically get ahold of the wallet.

Types of cold wallets to store crypto coins:

• Hardware Wallets: These are physical devices like USBs where you store your crypto offline. When you want to make a transaction, you plug it in and enter your code. The best crypto hardware wallets are Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T. They cost around $50 to $200, but they’re super secure.
• Paper Wallets: A paper wallet is basically a printed piece of paper with your crypto’s public and private keys on it. You keep this paper somewhere safe, like a locked drawer. But if you lose it or it gets damaged, you could lose all your funds, so it’s risky.

Pros: Very secure and good for storing large amounts of crypto long-term.

Cons: Hardware wallets can be expensive, and paper wallets can be easily damaged or lost.

3. Custodial Wallets

With custodial wallets, a third party (like a crypto exchange) holds your crypto for you. You don’t control the private keys directly; the platform does. This setup is similar to a central bank, where they keep your money safe and handle the security. 

These wallets are handy if you don’t want to worry about losing your private keys, but if the exchange gets hacked or goes insolvent, your funds could be at risk.

As discussed above, some of the best crypto exchanges are Binance, Bybit, KuCoin, MEXC, OKX, and Coinbase.

Pros: Good for beginners who aren’t confident in handling security.

Cons: You have less control over your crypto; relies on the exchange’s security.

Risk of Investing in Cryptocurrency

Investing in cryptocurrency can be super exciting because prices can rise fast, but it’s also really risky. If you’re thinking about crypto, here are some big risks to consider:

• Price Volatility: Crypto prices are extremely unpredictable. They can jump up quickly or drop even faster. For example, when Elon Musk tweeted about Bitcoin, its price either shot up or plunged within hours. Because there’s no fixed value or steady income tied to crypto, it’s common to see big gains but also huge losses in short periods.
• Lack of Regulation: Unlike banks or the stock market, crypto exchanges don’t have strict rules. So, if something goes wrong – like an exchange shutting down or hacking incidents – there may be no way to get your money back. Some exchanges, like Coinbase, have even paused trading during market crashes, which prevented people from selling when they wanted to.
• Security and Scams: Cryptocurrencies rely on digital wallets, which are secure if used correctly. But scammers are always looking for ways to steal crypto, whether by fake wallet apps, phishing links, or hacking attempts. Also, if someone gets access to your private key (like a password for your wallet), they can drain all your crypto, and it’s almost impossible to recover.
• Liquidity Issues: Some smaller or newer cryptocurrencies might not be easy to sell when you want to. If too many people try to sell at once, the value can drop fast, or there might not even be buyers at the price you want, meaning you could lose out on cashing in​.
• Leveraged Trading Risks: Some exchanges offer “leverage”, where you can invest more than you have by borrowing. While it seems like a great way to make more money if the price goes up, the downside is severe. If prices drop even a bit, you could lose more than you invested because you still owe the exchange the money you borrowed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cryptocurrency is digital money that works without banks or governments controlling it. It’s built on blockchain, which is like a secure online ledger that records every transaction. 

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, and many others can be used to buy things, send money, or even invest. For others, though, it’s an exciting new way to handle money. As more people start using crypto, its future is still being shaped. Cryptocurrency might become more common or stay something unique. Only time will tell.

FAQs

Is Cryptocurrency a good investment?

Yes, cryptocurrency is a good investment, but it’s also risky. Some people have made big profits with crypto because the value of certain coins, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, has gone up a lot over the years. 

For example, Bitcoin’s price was just a few dollars in 2010, and it hit over $80,000 today. That’s a huge gain if you bought it early. But crypto prices can also drop fast. In 2022, many cryptos lost a lot of their value, so people who bought at the top lost money. Crypto is also unpredictable because it’s not controlled by any government, and its prices are influenced by supply, demand, and news.

Are cryptocurrency securities?

Cryptocurrencies are tricky to label as “securities”. In traditional finance, a security is like a stock or bond – an investment you buy with the hope it grows in value. Some people think certain cryptos are like stocks because they’re also bought for profit. 

But, not all cryptos work this way. Coins like BTC and ETH are mainly used like digital money, not investments, so they’re usually not considered securities.

But some new crypto projects or tokens do act like stocks because they raise money from investors to build a company or project. The U.S. government has been questioning if these types should be securities to protect investors, but there isn’t a clear rule yet. This legal confusion makes some crypto projects riskier since they could be shut down if they’re declared securities in the future.

How to earn passive income with cryptocurrency?

There are a few ways to earn passive income with crypto, which means making money without much work. One popular way is called “staking”. With staking, you lock up your crypto on certain networks (like Ethereum) to help process transactions, and in return, you earn rewards.

Another option is “yield farming”, where you lend your crypto to others through apps like Aave or Compound and get interest back, similar to a bank. “Mining” is another option, where people use computers to solve puzzles to confirm crypto transactions. If you have the right equipment, like powerful computers or mining rigs, you can earn crypto, though it uses a lot of electricity and can be expensive to start.

Finally, some companies offer “crypto savings accounts”. You deposit your coins, and they pay you back in crypto, almost like a bank but with higher interest. This can be risky if the company isn’t secure, but it’s another way people earn without doing much.

What can you buy with cryptocurrency?

You can buy a surprising number of things with crypto now. Some companies accept Bitcoin and other cryptos for payment. For example, you can buy a car or pay for travel if they accept crypto. 

A lot of people also use Bitcoin to buy gift cards for stores like Amazon, so even if the store itself doesn’t take crypto, you can still buy almost anything through these gift cards.

There are also certain apps and marketplaces where you can buy goods directly using crypto, like electronics, clothes, and even food. Some people are even buying real estate with Bitcoin. However, because crypto prices change a lot, people don’t use it every day for purchases. Some see it as “digital gold” and save it as an investment rather than spend it.

Is crypto real money?

Crypto is real money, but it works differently than dollars or other currencies we’re used to. Unlike regular money, which is controlled by banks and governments, crypto is digital and managed by a network of computers. People can use crypto to buy things, just like real money, if the seller accepts it. 

Some countries, like El Salvador, even made Bitcoin an official currency. But in most places, people still rely on their country’s currency because it’s more stable. So, yes, crypto is real money, but it’s still a new and different type of money.