If you're looking to buy OPEN GPU (OGPU), you've come to the right place. OGPU is the native token of the OPEN GPU Network, a blockchain project building decentralized GPU computing infrastructure...
Buy OPEN GPU (OGPU) — 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 Cypherium (CPH) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Cypherium (CPH), you've come to the right place. CPH is the native token of the Cypherium blockchain, a Layer 1 smart contract platform built to bridge the gap between...
Buy Helios Blockchain (HLS) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Helios Blockchain (HLS), you've come to the right place. Helios is a Layer 1 blockchain built around a genuinely novel idea — bringing ETF-style portfolio management...
Buy Aleph Zero (AZERO) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Aleph Zero (AZERO), you've come to the right place. Aleph Zero is a privacy-focused, high-performance Layer 1 blockchain that's been turning heads for its peer-reviewed...
Buy XX Network (XX) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy XX Network (XX), you've come to the right place. XX Network is a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain built by one of cryptography's most respected pioneers, offering...
Buy Vexanium (VEX) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Vexanium (VEX), you've come to the right place. VEX is a Layer 1 blockchain token designed to power decentralized applications and bring blockchain technology to everyday...
Buy XEN Crypto (XEN) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy XEN Crypto (XEN), you've come to the right place. XEN is a unique Ethereum-based token built around the core principles of decentralization and self-custody, with no admin...
Buy Xelis (XEL) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Xelis (XEL), you've come to the right place. Xelis is a privacy-focused Layer-1 blockchain built from the ground up with some genuinely interesting technology under the...
Buy Dill (DL) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Dill (DL), you've come to the right place. Dill is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain built on a modular, sharded architecture designed to push scalability far beyond what...
Buy XDB CHAIN (XDB) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy XDB CHAIN (XDB), you've come to the right place. XDB CHAIN is a Layer 1 blockchain protocol focused on bringing crypto into everyday consumer apps and real-world use cases —...
Buy Kadena (KDA) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Kadena (KDA), you've come to the right place. Kadena is one of the few proof-of-work blockchains built from the ground up to handle real-world scale — combining security...
Buy Komodo (KMD) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Komodo (KMD), you've come to the right place. Komodo is a unique blockchain infrastructure project that takes a different approach to how decentralized applications and...
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.
