Start here · 5-minute read
Crypto in 5 minutes
No jargon. Just the things you really need to know.
1What is crypto?
Crypto is money that lives on the internet. No bank holds it. Instead, thousands of computers around the world keep a shared record of who owns what. That record is called a blockchain.
Bitcoin was the first one (2009). Today there are thousands. Most are small and risky.
2Why do prices move so much?
A coin's price is simply what people are paying for it right now. When more people want to buy, the price goes up. When more want to sell, it goes down. Crypto prices can move 5% to 20% in one day. That is normal for crypto, and it is why it is risky.
Right now, 1 Bitcoin costs $73,985.98. You don't have to buy a whole one. You can buy $10 worth.
On every coin page we show "Is today normal?" so you can tell a regular day from a really unusual one.
3Big coins vs. small coins
- Big coins (like Bitcoin and Ethereum) are worth hundreds of billions of dollars. They still move a lot, but less than small ones.
- Small coins can jump 100% and then crash 90%. Many go to zero.
- Stablecoins (like USDC) are built to stay at $1. People use them to park money. See our stablecoin check.
Use our safety check to see how risky any coin is, in plain words.
4How to buy (in the US)
- Pick a well-known app, like Coinbase, Kraken or Gemini.
- Sign up and verify your ID (the law requires it).
- Add money from your bank.
- Buy a small amount first. Even $10 is fine.
Full step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin →
5The 5 mistakes to avoid
- Don't put in money you need for rent, bills or emergencies.
- Never share your password or "recovery phrase". Anyone who asks is a scammer.
- Ignore "guaranteed returns". Nobody can guarantee crypto profits. It is always a scam.
- Don't buy because of hype on social media. Check our safety check first.
- Remember taxes. In the US, selling crypto for a profit is taxed. Simple US tax guide.
What next?
This is general information, not financial advice.