What is a cryptocurrency & how does it work?

A cryptocurrency is a digital, encrypted, and decentralized medium of exchange. Unlike the U.S. Dollar or the Euro, there is no central authority that manages and maintains the value of a cryptocurrency. Instead, these tasks are broadly distributed among a cryptocurrency’s users via the internet.

What are cryptocurrencies & crypto tokens?

Both cryptocurrencies and crypto tokens fall under this category. Cryptocurrency: These crypto assets are also called crypto coins and are those native to blockchains. So for instance, bitcoin (BTC) is the native cryptocurrency of the Bitcoin blockchain and ether (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain.

Where can I buy and sell crypto?

There are many specific cryptocurrency exchanges, such as Coinbase, but users can also buy, sell, and store crypto through financial services outlets, such as PayPal. You can purchase crypto with traditional currencies, like the US dollar, and increasingly with ACH (automated clearing house) transfers directly from a bank.

What is a centralized cryptocurrency?

When a cryptocurrency is minted, or created prior to issuance, or issued by a single issuer, it is generally considered centralized. When implemented with decentralized control, each cryptocurrency works through distributed ledger technology, typically a blockchain, that serves as a public financial transaction database.