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Crypto Basics

New to crypto? These beginner guides explain what cryptocurrency is, how it works and how to get, send and store it, in plain English.

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The title What is crypto banking over a dark vault scene with a steel safe door, blank metal coins and lime green light.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerCrypto banking: what it is and how it worksCrypto banking offers bank-like services for crypto holders, but your coin balance is not an FDIC-insured deposit. US taxes apply to interest and rewards.

Vahe Hakobyan3 min readRead guide

All Crypto Basics guides

Every guide in this topic, labelled by level.

What is cryptocurrency title over glowing glass blocks linked by light on a dark navy background.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhat is cryptocurrency and how does it work?Cryptocurrency is digital money on a blockchain without a central bank. In the US, the IRS treats it as property, and the FDIC does not insure it.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title How Does Cryptocurrency Work over a dark navy background with glowing glass blocks joined by lime green light on the right.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow does cryptocurrency work? A beginner’s walkthroughA wallet holds the private keys that control your cryptocurrency. Sending it signs a transaction that the network verifies and records in a block.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

How to make a cryptocurrency title over a dark desk with a glowing glass block and blank plates

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to Make a Cryptocurrency: Steps and Legal RulesMake a cryptocurrency by issuing a token on an existing chain: pick a standard, deploy a tested contract, then meet US securities, tax, and record rules.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The guide title over a dark navy scene with a hardware wallet, steel plate, and padlock lit by lime green accents.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to get cryptocurrency in the US: a beginner’s stepsYou can get cryptocurrency by buying on an exchange, receiving a transfer, or earning it, then moving it to a wallet you control. US rules apply.4 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title When did cryptocurrency start? over a dark navy background with a glowing lime green chain of glass blocks on the right.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhen did cryptocurrency start? A plain timelineCryptocurrency began with Bitcoin's network in January 2009, after a 2008 whitepaper. Each coin has its own launch date and a genesis block.3 min read · Updated Oct 6, 2026

The title What was the first cryptocurrency? over a dark navy background with a glowing lime green chain of glass blocks on the right.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhat was the first cryptocurrency? Bitcoin explainedBitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, released in January 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, and it still runs on a public blockchain.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title Why cryptocurrency is bad? over a dark navy background with a broken glass chain, a cracked padlock and scattered blank coins on the right.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhy cryptocurrency is bad: main risks and limitsCryptocurrency is bad in several ways: sharp price swings, irreversible payments, no FDIC insurance, criminal use, and mining energy. US rules are limited.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

A dark desk with a glowing phone, a hardware wallet and blank payment cards, under the title How to pay with cryptocurrency.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to pay with cryptocurrency: steps and safety checksTo pay with cryptocurrency, send coins from your wallet to the merchant's address on the named network. Check the coin and network first. Save the receipt.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

A dark navy desk with blank glass study cards, a plain notebook and lime green light lines on the right side.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to learn about cryptocurrency without buying anyYou can learn cryptocurrency for free from regulator pages and official documentation, then check platform registration before you open an account.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The guide title over a dark navy desk with a phone, a steel wallet plate, a cable and blank metal discs on the right.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow do you use cryptocurrency? A beginner’s walkthroughYou use cryptocurrency by holding it in a wallet and sending or receiving it. You need a backup of the recovery phrase and a way to get crypto.3 min read · Updated Oct 6, 2026

The title How to Earn Cryptocurrency over a dark desk with a glowing monitor and blank keyboard.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to earn cryptocurrency: realistic ways to startYou can earn cryptocurrency by working, staking, mining, rewards, referrals, or learning programs, and you record each reward's date and value for the IRS.3 min read · Updated Oct 6, 2026

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Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhat Backs Cryptocurrency? Code, Demand, and ReservesMost cryptocurrency is not backed by gold or a government. Its value comes from agreement, network rules, and demand, and many stablecoins hold reserves.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The guide's title over a dark navy background with blank coins and a banknote on the right and empty space on the left.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerCryptocurrency vs government-issued currency: how they differCrypto is digital money no government issues or backs; government currency is legal tender backed by a state. The IRS treats crypto as property.3 min read · Updated Oct 6, 2026

How to donate cryptocurrency title over a dark navy scene with a glass jar of coins, receipt paper and padlock in lime green light.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to donate cryptocurrency safelyYou donate cryptocurrency by sending coins from your wallet to a charity's published address, then you keep the transaction hash and receipt for US taxes.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title Where is cryptocurrency stored sits over a dark navy background with glowing glass blocks joined by lime green light.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhere is cryptocurrency stored? Keys, wallets and blockchainsCryptocurrency sits on a blockchain, while a wallet holds the keys that control it. Custody and seed backups decide who can reach the funds safely.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

How to accept cryptocurrency title over a dark desk with a blank terminal, a hardware wallet and coins in lime green light.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to accept cryptocurrency: a US business setup guideAccept cryptocurrency by setting up a wallet or processor, then record each payment's USD value for taxes. Check state rules and secure your account.4 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title Can cryptocurrency be traced? over a dark navy background with glass blocks linked by glowing lime green lines and a padlock.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerCan cryptocurrency be traced? What the public record showsYes, most crypto transactions can be traced because public blockchains keep a permanent record. Exchange records and analysis link an address to a person.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title sits over a dark navy scene with a steel and glass scale, a glowing lime cube and blank tokens on the right.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhat gives cryptocurrency value? Supply, demand and trustCrypto value comes from what buyers will pay. Supply, demand, utility, trust and reserves move prices, and no earnings or government backstop sets a floor.4 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The guide title over a dark desk with a glowing laptop, a blank hardware wallet and a glass block linked by light.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to understand cryptocurrency: a beginner’s mapYou can understand cryptocurrency without buying any: start with one network, follow a payment, and see how the IRS treats it as property in the US.3 min read · Updated Oct 6, 2026

The title How to get into cryptocurrency over a dark desk with a laptop, phone and blank cards, lit by a lime green glow.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to get into cryptocurrency: a beginner’s stepsTo get into cryptocurrency, open a verified exchange account, fund it, buy, then move coins to a wallet you control. Compare fees and limits first.4 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title How many types of cryptocurrency are there? over a dark background with glowing glass blocks and abstract data bars on the right.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow Many Types of Cryptocurrency Are There?Cryptocurrency types have no official count; new ones launch as others stop trading, and trackers group them by use case, such as payments, stablecoins.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title What is the purpose of cryptocurrency? over a dark navy background with glowing lime green glass blocks and light lines on the right.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhat Is the Purpose of Cryptocurrency?Cryptocurrency is digital money for sending value online without a bank. A public blockchain records ownership, and confirmed transfers are final.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

A dark guide cover titled How to Stake Cryptocurrency over rows of glowing server racks in lime green and navy.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to stake cryptocurrency: a step-by-step guideStake crypto by locking a coin through a wallet, exchange or pool on a proof-of-stake chain. Rewards pay for validating, and lockups delay exits.4 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title How to Make a Cryptocurrency for Free over a dark navy desk with a blank laptop, hardware wallet, and padlock lit by lime green.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to make a cryptocurrency for free without codeMake a cryptocurrency for free by issuing a token on an existing blockchain with a no-code tool. You pay the network fee, and US tax rules can apply.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

A dark navy background with a hardware wallet, padlock and shield on the right lit by lime green glow, left side empty, with the guide title over it.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow to recover lost cryptocurrency: what you can doMost lost crypto stays lost, but you can contact support, check the blockchain, and report theft to the FTC and FBI IC3. Keep written records.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title Is cryptocurrency real money appears over a dark navy scene with a glass block, steel plate and lime green light trails.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerIs Cryptocurrency Real Money? What It Is and How It WorksCryptocurrency is not US legal tender, but it is a real digital asset in the US. The IRS treats it as property, so spending can trigger capital gains tax.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

Can cryptocurrency be converted to cash? title over a dark desk with a glowing terminal and blank coins.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerCan cryptocurrency be converted to cash?You can convert cryptocurrency to cash by selling it on an exchange and withdrawing dollars. The sale is taxable, and fees and withdrawal limits apply.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The title How long has cryptocurrency been around? over a background of dark glass blocks linked by glowing lime green lines.

Crypto BasicsBeginnerHow Long Has Cryptocurrency Been Around?Cryptocurrency has been around since January 2009, when Bitcoin's network launched. Its 2008 whitepaper described the design before that network existed.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

The guide title over a dark navy background with a glowing lime green lattice of glass panels and light lines on the right

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWho owns cryptocurrency? Keys, holders and controlNo single person, company or government owns Bitcoin or most public cryptocurrency networks. Control depends on private keys, not names on the ledger.2 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

A dark desk with a card terminal, blank cards and a lockbox under lime green light, with the title What stores take cryptocurrency?

Crypto BasicsBeginnerWhat Stores Take Cryptocurrency? Paying in PersonMost US stores do not take cryptocurrency directly; you usually pay with a crypto debit card or wallet app that converts your balance to dollars.3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

Questions

Short answers to what people ask most.

Digital money recorded on a blockchain and run without a central bank. In the US the IRS treats it as property, and the FDIC does not insure it.

A wallet holds the private keys that control your coins. Sending them signs a transaction that the network checks and records in a block.

Buy it on an exchange, receive a transfer from someone or earn it, then move it to a wallet you control.

Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, was released in January 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It still runs on a public blockchain.

Most new coins are tokens issued on an existing chain: pick a token standard, deploy a tested contract, then check US securities, tax and record-keeping rules.

The common objections are sharp price swings, payments that cannot be reversed, no FDIC insurance, use in crime and the energy that mining consumes.