If you're looking to buy Reef (REEF), you've come to the right place. Reef is a layer 1 blockchain built specifically for tokenizing real-world assets like real estate and sports equity, making it a...
Buy Reef (REEF) — 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 Electra Protocol (XEP) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Electra Protocol (XEP), you've come to the right place. XEP is a community-driven, proof-of-stake cryptocurrency built for fast, near-zero fee transactions — making it a...
Buy MEZO (MEZO) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy MEZO (MEZO), the governance and utility token behind one of the most ambitious Bitcoin-native DeFi platforms out there, you've come to the right place. Mezo is building a...
Buy Zenrock (ROCK) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Zenrock (ROCK), you've come to the right place. Zenrock is a decentralized custody network built around zenBTC, a yield-bearing wrapped Bitcoin designed for DeFi's...
Buy Trac Network (TNK) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Trac Network (TNK), you've landed in the right place. Trac Network is a Layer 1 blockchain built for real peer-to-peer applications, and it's gaining attention from...
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If you're looking to buy OctaSpace (OCTA), you've come to the right place. OctaSpace is a decentralized cloud computing platform that lets everyday users contribute hardware in exchange for rewards...
Buy Minima (MINIMA) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Minima (MINIMA), you've come to the right place. Minima is a unique Layer 1 blockchain built to run a full node on virtually any device — from smartphones to IoT hardware —...
Buy Axiome (AXM) — A simple guide
Looking to buy Axiome (AXM)? You've come to the right place. AXM is the native token of the Axiome ecosystem — a Layer-1 blockchain project combining DeFi tools, staking rewards, and a unique...
Buy Qubetics (TICS) — A simple guide
If you're looking to buy Qubetics (TICS), you've come to the right place. Qubetics is one of the more technically ambitious blockchain projects to emerge recently, positioning itself as the world's...
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If you're looking to buy PAW (PAW), you've come to the right place. PAW is the native token of PAW Chain, a Layer 3-focused blockchain designed to bring high-speed, low-cost transactions and...
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If you're looking to buy MinoTari (XTM), you've come to the right place. Tari is a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain built in Rust, designed to onboard millions of real users through a native app...
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If you're looking to buy DevvE (DEVVE), you've landed in the right place. DevvE is the native token powering the DevvX blockchain — a Layer 1 network designed for real-world asset trading 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.
