Cryptocurrency is a general name referring to all encrypted decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin.

Cryptocurrency uses cryptography to create coins and secure transactions. Typically cryptocurrencies are open source with pubic, but encrypted, ledgers of all transactions based on blockchain technology.

There are a number of cryptocurrencies traded on cryptocurrency exchanges, and the growing popularity of cryptocurrency means that despite volatile prices, market caps and values are growing every year.

Popular cryptocurrencies include the original Bitcoin, Ethereum’s Ether, and Litecoin.

Cryptocurrency is legal and taxable in the US, but it isn’t legal tender (you can’t pay your taxes in Bitcoin, it is considered investment property). With that said, due to its infancy and history so far, cryptocurrencies should be invested in and used with their historical volatility in mind.

Click on any of the pages below to learn more about cryptocurrency.

TIP: If you are new to cryptocurrency, check out our guide to cryptocurrency for beginners.

What are “Trading Pairs” in Cryptocurrency?


In cryptocurrency, the term “trading pairs” describes the asset pair being traded (typically one cryptocurrency for another). For example, the “trading pair” ETH/BTC.

Proof of Stake (PoS)


Proof of Stake (PoS) is an alternative to Proof of Work (PoW) where mining power is based on how many coins a person holds. Essentially, new coins are created as interest paid on existing coins.

Cryptocurrency Resources


Here are some cryptocurrency resources for those getting started with cryptocurrency.

Penny Cryptos


Bitcoin can cost upwards of $20k, but many cryptocurrencies cost only a fraction of a dollar (or a few satoshis). These are “penny cryptos” (like penny stocks).

How to Get Bitcoins


To get Bitcoins you’ll need a Bitcoin wallet and a place to buy Bitcoins. One all-in-one solution is Coinbase, but there are many options to choose from.