What is cryptocurrency & how does it work?

Bitcoin is the world's first widely adopted cryptocurrency — it allows for secure and seamless peer-to-peer transactions on the internet. What is cryptocurrency? Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto are revolutionizing how we invest, bank, and use money. Learn more in this beginner's guide. What is Ethereum?

What is crypto & why should you invest in it?

Here’s the short answer: Cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency that you can use to pay for things online. You can also invest in crypto in a portfolio. It goes by different names, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and yes, Dogecoin.

Are cryptocurrencies governed by a central bank?

Cryptocurrencies (or “crypto” for short) are decentralized currencies, meaning they’re neither issued nor governed by a central bank. Some cryptocurrencies are issued by their developers, while others are generated by their respective network algorithms. Crypto are digital assets —they have no tangible form.

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.