If you're looking to buy Polymesh (POLYX), you've come to the right place. Polymesh is a purpose-built blockchain designed specifically for regulated financial assets — a niche that's attracting...
Buy Polymesh (POLYX) — 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 VeThor (VTHO) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy VeThor (VTHO), you've come to the right place. VTHO is the utility token that powers transactions on the VeChain blockchain, and it plays a unique role in one of the most...
Buy Qubic (QUBIC) — A simple guide
If you've been looking into AI-focused blockchain projects, Qubic (QUBIC) is one worth understanding — it takes a genuinely different approach to how a Layer 1 network can work. Whether you're new...
Buy Astar (ASTR) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Astar (ASTR), you've come to the right place. Astar is a multi-chain Web3 ecosystem built to bring real users onchain through smart contracts, governance, and a growing...
Buy Flow (FLOW) — A simple guide
Looking to buy Flow (FLOW)? You've landed in the right place. Flow is a layer-one blockchain built specifically for consumer apps, NFTs, and digital assets — and it's gained real traction with major...
Buy aelf (ELF) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy aelf (ELF), you've come to the right place. aelf is an AI-enhanced Layer 1 blockchain built for scalability and developer accessibility — and it's generating real interest...
Buy UCHAIN (UCN) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy UCHAIN (UCN), you've come to the right place. UCHAIN is a Layer 1 blockchain project designed for high-speed, scalable decentralized applications — and getting your hands on...
Buy ZetaChain (ZETA) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy ZetaChain (ZETA), you've come to the right place. ZetaChain is a Layer 1 blockchain built for cross-chain and AI interoperability — and it's been gaining attention from...
Buy Nexpace (NXPC) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Nexpace (NXPC), you've come to the right place. NXPC is gaining attention as a Layer 1 blockchain built around gaming, NFTs, and smart contracts — a combination that's...
Buy Nano (XNO) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Nano (XNO), you've come to the right place. Nano is a feeless, near-instant cryptocurrency designed specifically for everyday payments — no gas fees, no waiting, just fast...
Buy ALEO (ALEO) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy ALEO (ALEO), a privacy-first blockchain built on zero-knowledge cryptography, you've come to the right place. ALEO stands out in the crypto space by making private...
Buy MANTRA (MANTRA) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy MANTRA (OM), you've landed in the right place. MANTRA is one of the most talked-about projects in the Real World Asset (RWA) space, building a Layer 1 blockchain designed to...
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.
