What is crypto and how does it work?

What is Crypto? Cryptocurrencies are digital tokens that use cryptography for their creation and security. Bitcoin was the first, but thousands more have come. In the past few years, thousands of new cryptocurrencies have appeared, all claiming to offer something a little different.

What is a semi-anonymous cryptocurrency?

They're semi-anonymous. Cryptocurrencies can be designed so that no one can see who you are or what you're spending your crypto on—though the transactions associated with a wallet address are publicly viewable. They're not controlled by a government.

Is cryptocurrency a form of payment?

Although cryptocurrency is defined as a form of “digital currency”—implying it’s a kind of money—most businesses and consumers have not adopted it as a common medium of exchange. In other words, most stores will not accept crypto as a form of payment.

What was the first cryptocurrency?

Bitcoin was the first, but thousands more have come. In the past few years, thousands of new cryptocurrencies have appeared, all claiming to offer something a little different. Bitcoin was the first, and its value famously rose to around $20,000 in late 2017, then crashed more than 60% in early 2018.