If you're looking to buy Bityuan (BTY), you've come to the right place. BTY is a Layer 1 blockchain project with its own platform ecosystem, and it's currently available to purchase on MEXC. Whether...
Buy Bityuan (BTY) — A simple guide
read more
Layer 1
A Layer 1 is a base blockchain with its own rules for recording transactions and deciding which version of the ledger is valid. Bitcoin and Ethereum are familiar examples, but base networks can make very different choices about consensus, programmability and who can run a validator.
Browse the buying guides
All buying guidesBuy Electroneum (ETN) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Electroneum (ETN), you've come to the right place. ETN is a fast-growing Layer 1 blockchain project with over 4 million users and a real-world freelance ecosystem behind it....
Buy BXN (BXN) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy BXN, the native token of the BlackFort blockchain ecosystem, you've come to the right place. BXN powers a high-performance Layer 1 network built to bridge decentralized...
Buy Pepecoin (PEP) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Pepecoin (PEP), you've come to the right place. PEP is a community-driven, meme-inspired layer 1 cryptocurrency with roots going back to the early days of Dogecoin — and...
Buy Particle Network (PARTI) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Particle Network (PARTI), you've come to the right place. PARTI is the native token of Particle Network, a Layer-1 blockchain designed to unify accounts and liquidity across...
Buy Hippo Protocol (HP) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Hippo Protocol (HP), you've come to the right place. Hippo Protocol is a Layer 1 blockchain project focused on transforming how healthcare data and services operate through...
Buy Secret (SCRT) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Secret (SCRT), you've come to the right place. Secret is a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain that enables encrypted smart contracts — a genuinely unique approach in the...
Buy Apertum (APTM) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Apertum (APTM), you've come to the right place. Apertum is a Layer 1 blockchain built as a Subnet on Avalanche, combining high-speed transactions with Ethereum compatibility...
Buy Ontology Gas (ONG) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Ontology Gas (ONG), you've come to the right place. ONG is the utility token powering the Ontology blockchain, used to pay for on-chain services and smart contract...
Buy APEX (AP3X) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy APEX (AP3X), you've come to the right place. APEX is the native token of Apex Fusion, a Layer 1 project tackling one of crypto's most persistent challenges — getting...
Buy QANplatform (QANX) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy QANplatform (QANX), you've come to the right place. QANX is the native token of a quantum-resistant Layer 1 blockchain designed for developers and enterprises building...
Buy WAX (WAXP) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy WAX (WAXP), you've landed in the right place. WAX is a blockchain built specifically for NFTs, gaming, and digital collectibles — and it's carved out a real niche in the...
What are Layer 1 cryptocurrencies?
Browse the buying guidesTheir native coins belong to the network itself; application tokens issued on top of a chain are a different kind of asset.
How it works
Native coins may pay transaction fees, reward miners or validators, and secure proof-of-stake networks through staking. A busy blockchain does not automatically make every associated token valuable: issuance, fee design and token ownership also matter. Compare actual network use with token supply, validator concentration and the costs of running the network. Layer 2 networks build on a base chain, while bridges introduce a separate mechanism for moving assets between networks.
Explore the foundations
Blockchain Explained: Follow a Transaction from Wallet to Confirmation↗
Bitcoin Explained: Send, Verify and Understand a BTC Transaction↗
Blockchain explorers: trace a transfer step by step↗
Sources and further reading
A little groundwork goes a long way
Before your next purchase or transfer, understand who controls access, where your crypto is going and what the trade will actually cost.
Protect access to your crypto
An exchange account and a self-custody wallet need different safeguards. Protect exchange logins with a unique password and strong two-factor authentication. For self-custody, your recovery backup is what lets you restore access.
Keep recovery words offline and private. A support agent or website asking for them is a reason to stop.
See a recovery example
Your phone breaks. An exchange may help you recover your account after identity checks. A self-custody wallet cannot reset your recovery phrase. Check your wallet’s official backup instructions before relying on it.
Choose the right transfer network
The asset, token version and network must be supported at the destination. A familiar ticker or a matching address format is not enough. Read the receiving platform’s deposit instructions before selecting a withdrawal network.
Check the address, any required memo or tag, fees and minimums. Consider a small test transfer first.
See a network example
Your destination accepts USDC on Ethereum. Selecting a cheaper network at the sending exchange does not make it an Ethereum transfer. Use a network both ends support; an ordinary withdrawal does not bridge tokens.
Understand the price you pay
Trading fees are only part of the cost. The spread, available liquidity and withdrawal charges also matter. A market order prioritizes execution; a limit order controls the price but may remain unfilled or fill only partly.
Check the order preview and the amount you will receive, then compare the full cost of your intended purchase and withdrawal.
Work through a cost example
Hypothetical example: a $200 trade with a 0.1% trading fee costs $0.20 in trading fees. A separate $5 withdrawal fee brings those charges to $5.20. Spread or slippage may add more; these are not quoted exchange rates.
