How to Start in the Crypto Market
- Abdinur M Odowa
- Sep 20
- 7 min read
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is digital money secured by cryptography and built on blockchain technology. It works without a central bank – transactions are recorded on a distributed ledger (the blockchain) across many computers[1][2]. In simple terms, cryptocurrency is like internet cash: you can send it to anyone in the world quickly, and it’s verified by math instead of a bank. For example, Bitcoin (BTC) – created in 2009 by the pseudonymous “Satoshi Nakamoto” – was the first crypto and remains the largest[3]. Today, hundreds of millions of people globally hold crypto: over 560 million worldwide as of 2025[4]. These users buy crypto coins (like Bitcoin or Ethereum) on exchanges, store them in secure digital wallets, and use them for payments, investment, or to interact with decentralized apps (DeFi, NFTs, etc).
Cryptocurrency transactions are made on decentralized networks, so no single authority controls them[2][1]. Instead, each transaction (“block”) is linked to the previous one, forming an immutable chain of blocks. This means nobody can secretly reverse or counterfeit transactions. Because of this design, crypto is sometimes called a non-fiat digital asset – its value comes from supply, demand, and the underlying technology, not government backing[5][3]. Newcomers should also know terms like smart contracts (self-executing code on chains like Ethereum) and digital wallets (apps or devices that hold your crypto keys). In fact, to use cryptocurrencies you typically install a digital wallet (software or hardware) that stores your private keys. Hardware/paper wallets (offline “cold wallets”) are considered very secure[6].
Beginner-Friendly Crypto Platforms
Choosing a user-friendly crypto exchange is key. Some of the most popular, beginner-friendly platforms in 2025 are:
· Coinbase (USA, global): Widely used in the U.S. and beyond, Coinbase has over 108 million customers by 2024[7]. It’s known for a simple interface, strong regulatory compliance, and easy fiat on-ramps (USD, EUR, etc.)[8][7]. Coinbase is publicly traded and follows U.S. financial rules, making it a safe starting point for beginners.
· Binance (Global, Asia-heavy): The world’s largest exchange by volume, available in 175+ countries[9]. Binance offers very low trading fees and hundreds of coins. It’s especially popular in Asia and other regions. Binance’s ecosystem (Binance Coin BNB, its own chain, and many services) gives users advanced tools, but note that its U.S. arm (Binance.US) has some restrictions[9][10].
· Kraken (US/EU): Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the oldest exchanges[11]. Based in the U.S. (Wyoming) and licensed in Europe, Kraken is security-focused – it’s famously never been hacked for customer losses[12]. Kraken supports 450+ cryptocurrencies and staking on many assets, allowing you to earn rewards on your holdings[12][13]. It offers both easy and advanced trading interfaces.
· Gemini (USA): A U.S.-regulated exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins. Gemini operates in 70+ countries[14] and is known for strong security and compliance. It offers a beginner-friendly “Basic” platform as well as an advanced “ActiveTrader”. Gemini holds users’ crypto in insured cold storage and emphasizes transparent operations[14].
· Others (regional): There are many other options. For example, Crypto.com (Singapore-based) is popular in Asia with a wide range of coins, and Bitstamp (Europe) or Bitpanda (Austria) are notable in Europe. In each region, local apps (like India’s WazirX or Japan’s bitFlyer) may cater to local users with local-currency deposits. Always check an exchange’s fees, security, and whether it’s legal in your country before signing up.
Each exchange has its pros and cons (security, fees, coin selection, support). For beginners, it’s wise to start with a major, well-regulated platform in your region.
Trending Cryptocurrencies in 2025 (by Region)
While Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate globally (together they make up about 75% of total crypto market cap[15]), different regions show interest in various coins and sectors:
· North America (U.S., Canada): Bitcoin (BTC) remains the top “digital gold” due to its scarcity and institutional backing. Ethereum (ETH) is also key, as it runs most smart contracts, DeFi (decentralized finance) projects and NFTs[16]. U.S. investors often hold major stablecoins like Tether (USDT) or USD Coin (USDC) for trading. Other popular picks include Chainlink (LINK) (oracle network for DeFi) and meme or community coins (e.g. Dogecoin) that attract retail interest.
· Asia (Asia-Pacific): Along with BTC/ETH, Asia sees huge demand for Binance Coin (BNB) (tied to Binance’s ecosystem)[9]. Fast blockchains like Solana (SOL) (known for low fees and speed) are trending[17]. Tron (TRX) (a blockchain project founded in Asia) and Avalanche (AVAX) are also widely used for apps and DeFi. Many Asian countries are exploring blockchain tech, so utility tokens (even local stablecoins) gain attention.
· Europe: Bitcoin and Ethereum adoption is strong here as well. European developers led projects like Cardano (ADA) and Polkadot (DOT), which have loyal followings in Europe. Ripple’s XRP garners interest due to international payment uses, and Euro-based stablecoins are emerging under new EU regulations (MiCA).
In short, most regions share interest in big names like BTC/ETH, but local preferences vary. For example, Money.com lists Solana (SOL) and XRP (Ripple) among 2025’s fastest-growing coins[17][18], while also noting emerging platforms like Hedera (HBAR) and Sui (SUI) on cutting-edge blockchains[19][20]. When choosing coins, look at their technology (smart contracts, scalability, use-case) and adoption. Popular 2025 topics include DeFi protocols, AI-related tokens, NFT/metaverse tokens, and Layer-2 scaling coins.
How to Get Started: Step-by-Step
1. Learn the basics. Before investing, understand key crypto terms (blockchain, wallet, private key, etc.) and risks. Use reputable sources or beginner guides.
2. Pick a crypto exchange or app. Sign up on a trusted platform from above. Download its app or use its website. You’ll need to register with your name and email, then go through identity verification (upload ID and documents) to comply with KYC (know-your-customer) rules. This process can take a few minutes to a few days.
3. Secure your account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) immediately. Choose a strong, unique password. Consider setting up a hardware wallet (a USB device) for storing large amounts of crypto offline[6].
4. Deposit funds. Link your bank account or credit card to the exchange and deposit fiat currency (USD, EUR, etc.) or even another cryptocurrency if you already have some. Many exchanges also accept PayPal or other local payment methods. Check the deposit fees and minimums.
5. Buy your first crypto. Use your deposited funds to purchase crypto. A simple way is a “market order” which buys at the current price. Many beginners start with Bitcoin or Ethereum, as they are widely supported. Confirm the transaction details and execute the buy. The crypto will appear in your exchange wallet. This is essentially swapping dollars for crypto[21].
6. Move crypto to a secure wallet (optional but recommended). While you can leave crypto on the exchange, for long-term security it’s safer to withdraw it to your own wallet. Copy your wallet address from a trusted software or hardware wallet, and send the crypto from the exchange to that address. Keep your private keys/seed phrase offline and secret. Remember: if you lose access to your wallet and have no backup, your crypto is gone[6].
7. Explore and learn. Once set up, experiment with basic crypto activities: check live prices on your mobile app, consider small additional buys, or try staking (earning interest) on some platforms. Stay updated: crypto markets are volatile, so monitor news (e.g. Bitcoin halving events, new regulations, or big tech adoptions) and trends like NFTs or DeFi staking.
Safety tips: Always double-check URLs (to avoid phishing). Use only reputable exchanges and wallets. Beware of “too good to be true” offers – scams and hacks are common. Invest only what you can afford to lose.
By following these steps, beginners can confidently enter the crypto market. Remember, crypto investing carries risk and high volatility. Do your own research (DYOR) and consider a small initial investment to learn the ropes. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable with terms like staking, smart contracts, and blockchain security. The crypto ecosystem in 2025 is maturing rapidly – staying informed will help you navigate it safely.
Key Takeaways: Cryptocurrencies are digital assets on a blockchain, independent of banks[2][1]. To start, choose a beginner-friendly exchange (Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, etc.) appropriate for your region[9][8], verify your identity, and buy your first crypto (often Bitcoin or Ethereum)[21]. Secure your holdings in a private digital wallet[6]. Popular coins in 2025 include BTC, ETH and other trending tokens like SOL, XRP, LINK, each with different uses[22][17]. Finally, always exercise caution, keep learning, and use strong security practices in this exciting, fast-moving market.
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Sources: Authoritative crypto guides and market reports were used, including Charles Schwab (2025)[2][1][6] and industry analyses[9][12][4][22]. These validate the definitions, platform overviews, and coin trends described above.
[10] Binance vs Coinbase: Which Exchange is Right for You In 2025?
[14] Gemini Review 2025 | Features, Fees, and Performance
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