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.

Layer 1 blockchain illustrated with connected blocks on a secure foundation

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Buy Quai Network (QUAI) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Quai Network (QUAI), you've come to the right place. QUAI is the native token of a next-generation blockchain network built to scale without sacrificing decentralization — a...

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Buy Unipoly (UNP) — A simple guide

If you're looking to pick up some Unipoly (UNP), you've come to the right place. Unipoly is carving out an interesting niche at the intersection of blockchain gaming and decentralized social...

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Buy Vana (VANA) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Vana (VANA), you've come to the right place. Vana is a Layer 1 blockchain that lets people turn their personal data into a financial asset — a genuinely novel concept at the...

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Buy DUSK (DUSK) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy DUSK (DUSK), you've come to the right place. Dusk is a Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for regulated financial markets, making it one of the more distinct projects in...

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Buy Gunz (GUN) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Gunz (GUN), you've landed in the right place. Gunz is a gaming-focused blockchain built to power next-generation play-to-earn and action shooter experiences, with serious...

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Buy Chia (XCH) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Chia (XCH), you've come to the right place. Chia is a unique blockchain project founded by Bram Cohen — the inventor of BitTorrent — that takes a fundamentally different...

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Buy Plume (PLUME) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Plume (PLUME), you've landed in the right place. Plume is a Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for real-world asset finance, bringing a crypto-native twist to one of the...

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Buy ZIGChain (ZIG) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy ZIGChain (ZIG), you've come to the right place. ZIGChain is a Layer 1 blockchain built specifically around wealth generation, letting everyday users co-invest alongside...

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Buy TX (TX) — A simple guide

If you've been looking for a straightforward guide on how to buy TX (TX), you've landed in the right place. TX is currently available on MEXC, one of the more accessible global crypto exchanges with...

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Buy Kava (KAVA) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Kava (KAVA), you've come to the right place. Kava is a cross-chain DeFi platform that brings decentralized financial services — like loans, stablecoins, and interest-earning...

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What are Layer 1 cryptocurrencies?

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Their 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.

Blockchain explained: connected blocks in a blockchain network
Cryptocurrency wallet and keys illustrating secure access and recovery

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.