What is crypto & how does it work?

Crypto are digital assets —they have no tangible form. Cryptocurrencies exist and operate on a public ledger called a blockchain, which records all crypto transactions. Blockchain encryption is designed to make all transactions immutable and secure from tampering, counterfeit, and other forms of fraudulent transactions.

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 are the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization?

Among the 18,000-plus cryptocurrencies in existence, Bitcoin and Ethereum are the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Bitcoin, the original and largest cryptocurrency, was developed in 2009 as an alternative monetary asset. It was meant to be an alternative to the U.S. dollar and other fiat currencies.