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What is cryptocurrency? A beginner’s guide to investing in the digital currency

Cryptocurrency is a topic of conversation that is gaining a lot of attention these days. As a result of its rising popularity, turning your eyes in its direction has become simpler. As cryptocurrencies grow in popularity and acceptance, they become an investment component.

It’s essential to understand what cryptocurrency or crypto is and how to invest in it despite the allure and excitement of investing in them. If you’re unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies, you’ve come to the right place.

In today’s post will provide a brief overview of the cryptocurrency guide for beginners. Let’s dive in.

1. What is Cryptocurrency?

You can think of cryptocurrency as a form of a digital asset. As every transaction is highly encrypted, the name derives from how safe the trades are. No central authority regulates or governs this currency, unlike traditional currencies.

Mining is a process where powerful computers solve complex problems to create a cryptocurrency as a reward for successful crypto transactions. Therefore, new cryptocurrencies are usually introduced into the world by exchanging existing ones.

Several cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology to track and manage transactions. The fact that multiple entities keep identical transaction records makes it incredibly secure.

By now, you should have a basic understanding of cryptocurrency. Now let’s take a look at how to make investments in it.

2. How to Invest in Cryptocurrency

Investing in cryptocurrencies is becoming easier every day. Several exchanges operate like conventional investments. You only have to spend a few minutes creating an account.

However, before investing in a particular currency, it’s a good idea to research it. For first-timers, these four steps will help you learn how to invest in cryptocurrencies.

2.1-Choose a Cryptocurrency to Invest In

Before purchasing a cryptocurrency, you should understand and assess its many distinctive properties, just as you would review a company’s financial stability before investing.

You can invest in a single cryptocurrency or a variety of them if you wish. There are usually a few cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

2.2-Pick a Cryptocurrency Exchange

You need to choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange service after deciding what cryptocurrency to invest in. Consider security, fees, trading volume, minimal investment requirements, and the kinds of cryptocurrencies you can buy when choosing an exchange.

Create an account with the exchange you choose after you start trading cryptocurrencies. The most well-known cryptocurrency exchanges are Coinbase, CoinSwitch Kuber, Binance, Gemini, Bitfinex, etc.

2.3-Consider Digital Wallets and Storage

Your wallet will contain a unit of cryptocurrency once you pay for it. When you open an account with an exchange, you’ll get a virtual wallet. In the wallet, you will store all your cryptocurrency codes.

The two types of wallets are hardware wallets and software wallets. Simply put, a software wallet stores your cryptocurrency on the software program. When you open an account with an exchange, you get one, and you need it to start trading.

Hardware wallets store cryptocurrency on physical devices. Unless you buy a lot of cryptocurrencies, it’s not necessary. In comparison to a software wallet, it is much more secure and looks like a USB drive.

2.4-Budget your Investment

The amount you choose to invest in cryptocurrencies depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and investing plan. Keep in mind that crypto exchanges charge different transaction fees and minimum investments.

It is not about how many coins you wish to purchase but how much money you want to invest.

These steps will assist you in making an informed investment in cryptocurrency.

3.Investing in Cryptocurrencies: Risks You Should Know

Do you plan to invest in cryptocurrencies? Following are some risks you need to be aware of.

3.1-Volatility

Cryptocurrencies are among the most volatile investment options, and volatility is a significant indicator of the health of an asset. The price of the cryptocurrency shot up and down because of wild speculation about its future.

Speculation drives the cryptocurrency market, and some investors immediately sell their holdings whenever prices decline. Unfavourable news or tweets can quickly reduce the value of cryptocurrencies.

3.2-Hacks and Cybercrime

Digital wallets store cryptos and let you exchange them for other currencies. Cybercriminals are especially attracted to cryptocurrencies because they’re anonymous and rely on the internet.

Phishing is one of the ways criminals get access to cryptocurrency wallets and trading sites. Investors in cryptocurrencies must follow strict internet security standards to protect their investments.

3.3-Peer-to-peer Transaction Risks

P2P (peer-to-peer) platforms connect buyers and sellers of cryptocurrencies directly. Cryptocurrency transactions on P2P exchanges are settled directly between the parties.

Through these exchanges, you can convert cryptocurrency into fiat money. Errors or carelessness on the human side can result in the loss of your asset. Furthermore, there’s always a risk of fraud, like when a buyer doesn’t pay for cryptocurrency or a seller doesn’t deliver tokens.

3.4-Decentralization

One of the fascinating things about cryptocurrencies is their lack of central authority.

There are cons to this absence, especially when things go wrong. In most online financial transactions, a financial institution facilitates electronic money transfers. Therefore, you can quickly contact them throughout the transaction if issues arise.

Cryptocurrency transactions don’t allow this. It’s hard to find the right person to file a dispute since it’s decentralized. Therefore, most crypto investors should trade through trustworthy exchanges.

3.5-Regional Regulation

Regulation is one of the biggest obstacles to cryptocurrency development. Governments have passed laws around the world restricting cryptocurrency use. Many governments see cryptos as a way to get around banking restrictions and money laundering.

See : Cryptocurrency and crime

4. Is Cryptocurrency a Good Investment?

The market for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology is growing despite the risks. Institutional-grade custodial services are becoming more accessible to investors, and financial infrastructure is being built.

Professionals and everyday investors are getting more access to the resources they need to manage and protect their cryptocurrency investments.

The cryptocurrency industry is experiencing first-hand growth, and future markets are emerging. Block and PayPal, two financial behemoths, facilitate the purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies.

Besides Block, other businesses have invested hundreds of millions in Bitcoin. In early 2021, Tesla bought Bitcoin for $1.5 billion; in February 2022, it claimed to have $2 billion in crypto.

Despite other factors affecting cryptocurrency risk, adoption rates are picking up as the market evolves. Investors and businesses are seeking ways to invest large sums in cryptocurrencies directly.

The Takeaway

That’s all for our cryptocurrency guide for beginners today. The cryptocurrency industry has advanced at lightspeed over the last few years. We covered the basics of cryptocurrency for beginners in the article above.

This guide will help you learn more about cryptocurrency fundamentals and make an informed decision about investing in cryptocurrency.

Disclaimer : Crypto products and [non-fungible tokens] are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. “Indian Creative Factory” takes no responsibility of the result of any action taken by any reader under any circumstances. 

Advisory

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Innovative Content Factory (ICF). ICF does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. Readers are advised to verify the information contained in this article and seek professional advice before taking any action based on the information provided.

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