If you're looking to buy Stratos (STOS), a decentralized infrastructure project built to solve real data storage and processing challenges on the blockchain, you've come to the right place. STOS is...
Buy Stratos (STOS) — 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 LeisureMeta (LM) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy LeisureMeta (LM), you've come to the right place. LM is the native utility token powering the LeisureMetaverse platform — a blockchain-based ecosystem built around NFT...
Buy BitShares (BTS) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy BitShares (BTS), you've come to the right place. BitShares is a blockchain-based platform built around decentralized finance and smart contract functionality, and it's been...
Buy Camino Network (CAM) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Camino Network (CAM), you've come to the right place. Camino Network is a Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for the travel industry, and it's generating real interest...
Buy Bellscoin (BELLS) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Bellscoin (BELLS), you've landed in the right place. BELLS has a genuinely unusual backstory — it was created by Billy Markus, the same developer behind Dogecoin, and...
Buy Dynex (DNX) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Dynex (DNX), you've come to the right place. Dynex is one of the more technically ambitious projects in the crypto space, blending quantum computing concepts with a...
Buy Hathor (HTR) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Hathor (HTR), you've come to the right place. Hathor is a unique Layer 1 blockchain that combines the security of Proof of Work with the scalability of a Directed Acyclic...
Buy Collaterize (COLLAT) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Collaterize (COLLAT), you've come to the right place. COLLAT is a Solana-based token tied to a real-world asset tokenization platform that's drawing attention from both...
Buy Tectum (TET) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Tectum (TET), you've come to the right place. Tectum is a high-speed blockchain project built around making Bitcoin payments faster, cheaper, and more accessible — including...
Buy Nibiru (NIBI) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Nibiru (NIBI), you've come to the right place. Nibiru is a Layer 1 blockchain built for speed, security, and developer-friendly smart contract deployment — and it's been...
Buy Agoric (BLD) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Agoric (BLD), you've come to the right place. Agoric is a smart contract platform built for the JavaScript developer community, aiming to make blockchain development more...
Buy Partisia Blockchain (MPC) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Partisia Blockchain (MPC), you've come to the right place. MPC is the native token of a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain that brings confidential computing and multiparty...
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.
