If you're looking to buy XDAG (XDAG), you've come to the right place. XDAG is a unique cryptocurrency that combines Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technology with Proof of Work mining — a rare...
Buy XDAG (XDAG) — 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 Hydra (HYDRA) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Hydra (HYDRA), you've come to the right place. Hydra is a proof-of-stake blockchain that blends the best elements of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Qtum into a single smart contract...
Buy Dione (DIONE) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Dione (DIONE), you've come to the right place. Dione is a Layer 1 smart contract platform with a unique focus on renewable energy and making decentralized finance more...
Buy Saito (SAITO) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Saito (SAITO), you've come to the right place. Saito is a Web3 infrastructure project tackling one of blockchain's most overlooked problems — who actually pays to keep the...
Buy Salvium (SAL) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Salvium (SAL), you're in the right place. Salvium is a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain that's caught the attention of users interested in the intersection of private...
Buy Bifrost (BNC) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Bifrost (BNC), you've come to the right place. Bifrost is a multi-chain liquid staking infrastructure project that's building yield layers for stablecoins, real-world...
Buy Liberland LLD (LLD) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Liberland LLD (LLD), the native token of a genuinely unique blockchain project tied to the world's newest micronation, you've come to the right place. LLD powers a real...
Buy GraphLinq Chain (GLQ) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy GraphLinq Chain (GLQ), you've come to the right place. GLQ is a Layer 1 blockchain project sitting at the intersection of artificial intelligence, smart contract...
Buy Massa (MAS) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Massa (MAS), you've come to the right place. Massa is a Layer 1 blockchain built around genuine decentralization and high-speed transaction processing — two goals most...
Buy Phantasma Phoenix (SOUL) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Phantasma Phoenix (SOUL), you've come to the right place. SOUL powers a Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for Web3 gaming, NFTs, and the creator economy — making it one...
Buy XL1 (XL1) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy XL1 (XL1), the native utility token powering XYO's Layer One blockchain, you've come to the right place. XL1 sits at the heart of a data-focused infrastructure network...
Buy Luckycoin (LKY) — A simple guide
Looking to buy Luckycoin (LKY)? You've come to the right place. Luckycoin is a proof-of-work cryptocurrency with a fun twist — its 'lucky blocks' mechanic can multiply mining rewards significantly,...
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.
