If you're looking to buy Ergo (ERG), you've come to the right place. Ergo is a proof-of-work blockchain built for secure, flexible financial contracts and decentralized applications — combining...
Buy Ergo (ERG) — A simple guide
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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 Radix (XRD) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Radix (XRD), you've come to the right place. Radix is a Layer 1 smart contract platform built with a specific focus on making DeFi applications more secure and scalable — a...
Buy peaq (PEAQ) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy peaq (PEAQ), the layer-1 blockchain built to power the Machine Economy and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks, you've come to the right place. PEAQ sits at an...
Buy CROSS (CROSS) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy CROSS (CROSS), a blockchain built specifically for the demands of on-chain gaming, you've come to the right place. CROSS is a Layer 1 network with full EVM compatibility,...
Buy Mango Network (MGO) — A simple guide
If you've been looking for a straightforward guide on how to buy Mango Network (MGO), you've come to the right place. Mango Network is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to support multiple virtual...
Buy Somnia (SOMI) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Somnia (SOMI), you've come to the right place. Somnia is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain built for real-time applications in gaming, metaverse, and social ecosystems —...
Buy Hive (HIVE) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Hive (HIVE), you've come to the right place. Hive is a fast, feeless Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for social applications, gaming, and decentralized content —...
Buy ARK (ARK) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy ARK (ARK), you've come to the right place. ARK is a Layer 1 blockchain platform built to connect multiple blockchains and make decentralized technology accessible to...
Buy Harmony (ONE) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Harmony (ONE), you've come to the right place. Harmony is a layer-1 blockchain designed for fast, low-cost transactions and scalable decentralized applications. Whether...
Buy Enjin Coin (ENJ) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Enjin Coin (ENJ), you've come to the right place. ENJ is the native token powering one of the most established blockchain gaming ecosystems in the crypto space, and it's...
Buy SKALE (SKL) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy SKALE (SKL), you've come to the right place. SKALE is a gas-free, high-performance blockchain network that's quietly building real traction across gaming, AI, and...
Buy Irys (IRYS) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Irys (IRYS), you've come to the right place. Irys is a Layer 1 datachain that combines onchain data storage with smart contract execution — a combination that sets it apart...
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.
