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 Fogo (FOGO) — A simple guide

If you've been looking to get your hands on Fogo (FOGO), a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain designed to power the next generation of on-chain trading, you're in the right place. FOGO has quickly...

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Buy Arweave (AR) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Arweave (AR), you've come to the right place. Arweave is one of the most technically distinctive projects in the crypto space, built around a bold idea: permanent,...

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Buy Ozone Chain (OZO) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Ozone Chain (OZO), you've come to the right place. Ozone Chain is making waves as the world's first quantum-resistant blockchain, designed to tackle one of the most serious...

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Buy Keeta (KTA) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Keeta (KTA), you've come to the right place. Keeta is a high-performance layer-1 blockchain built to make cross-chain and cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more...

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Buy MultiversX (EGLD) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy MultiversX (EGLD), you've landed in the right place. MultiversX is a high-performance blockchain built for real-world scale, and interest in the project has grown steadily...

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Buy Berachain (BERA) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Berachain (BERA), you've come to the right place. BERA is the native gas token powering Berachain, a proof-of-liquidity Layer 1 blockchain that's been generating real buzz...

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Buy 0G (0G) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy 0G (0G), you've come to the right place. 0G is one of the more ambitious infrastructure projects in the AI and Web3 space, positioning itself as a decentralized AI operating...

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Buy WEMIX (WEMIX) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy WEMIX (WEMIX), the native token of one of the most ambitious blockchain gaming ecosystems in the world, you've come to the right place. WEMIX powers a growing platform of...

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Buy THORChain (RUNE) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy THORChain (RUNE), you've come to the right place. RUNE is the native token powering THORChain, one of the most technically ambitious projects in decentralized finance — a...

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Buy eCash (XEC) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy eCash (XEC), you're already ahead of most people who've never heard of it — and that's exactly what makes early research worthwhile. eCash is a Layer-1 digital cash network...

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Buy GALA (GALA) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy GALA (GALA), the native token powering one of the most recognized blockchain gaming ecosystems in crypto, you've come to the right place. GALA sits at the center of Gala...

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Buy Onyxcoin (XCN) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Onyxcoin (XCN), you've come to the right place. XCN is the native token of the Onyx blockchain ecosystem — a project focused on building secure, scalable infrastructure for...

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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.