Cryptocurrency Trading

In this guide, we are going to walk you through the basics of blockchain and cryptocurrency trading, giving you a detailed step-by-step instruction on how you can start trading crypto, and warn you what you should beware of in this highly innovative and volatile market.

Introduction to cryptocurrency trading

Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that work as a medium of exchange using blockchain technology that controls the creation of new coins and secures all operations. It serves as a public ledger, a computerized database in which transactions are verified and recorded by a system of computers. The information about transactions is collected in the interconnected blocks with a certain storage capacity.

An anonymous group of developers named Satoshi Nakamoto is famous for the creation and implementation of the first blockchain and the first decentralized digital currency Bitcoin. In October 2008, they published the original Bitcoin whitepaper, and on January 3, 2009 block 0 known as “genesis block” was created.

According to its whitepaper, the first cryptocurrency Bitcoin was invented as a peer-to-peer (P2P) electronic cash system, an alternative to traditional means of payment aiming to exclude any third parties like centralized authorities or payment systems from the process.

 

Cryptocurrency trading vs traditional financial tools

Thanks to Bitcoin’s open code, its release initiated the creation of thousands of other cryptocurrencies, each one either solving specific issues. They can be used for purchasing products and services online, storing and transferring value, getting profits by depositing, trading, or staking just like any fiat currency. However, there are some distinctive features that set them apart from traditional finance:

• Fiat money is represented by banknotes and coins while cryptocurrencies are purely digital. Crypto wallets are designed for storing 1 private and 1 public piece of code called keys that provide their users with access to their funds.
• Fiat assets belong to a specific country or a range of countries (like the euro, for example) while cryptocurrencies are global and accessible anywhere in the world.
• Traditional currencies have unlimited supply as they are produced by governments when needed. The digital money supply is typically limited with a predefined maximum.
• Fiat money is centralized being issued and controlled by governments, law, central banks, and financial institutions. Cryptocurrencies are produced by computer networks, and transactions are validated by users. They are decentralized and not controlled by any entity bringing enthusiasts financial freedom and independence.
• The fiat currency value is determined by the market and regulations suffering from inflation and interest rate influence. The crypto value depends on supply and demand.

It’s worth adding to everything mentioned above that cryptocurrency trading transaction commissions are lower and while their technical background allows them to function 24/7. The underlying blockchain technology makes it possible thanks to such features as decentralization, transparency, and immutability.

 

Key characteristics of blockchain

Decentralization

Blockchain is supported by hundreds of nodes in different parts of the planet that keep the network in a decentralized form. This has a beneficial effect on its security, prevents fraud and double-spending, increases transaction time, and eliminates the need for financial intermediaries.

Instead of relying on a centralized institution, blockchain enables users to deal directly with each other so they have full control over their funds. It also cuts out costs associated with banks making transactions less expensive. Such an approach has its disadvantages as well. Thus, there is no way to reverse transactions or restore the account if the private keys are lost.

Transparency

Blockchain represents a public ledger that provides transparency of all information stored in its registry. Each node that verifies transactions has its own copy of the constantly updated data chain enabling anyone to look through the history of all transactions via online explorers. This information can be used to trace coins, define their location, and find out where stolen coins are sent.

Unlike centralized banks with their totally opaque structure, blockchain allows its participants to conduct transactions in a fully transparent manner which removes the necessity of trust.

Immutability

Another key feature of blockchain technology is immutability or unchangeability, which means that the data registered in the blocks is irreversible. Once the transaction is completed it is impossible to alter the data stored in the blockchain. In order to do that, an attacker would have to gain access over the majority of nodes which is possible in theory, but economically inefficient in practice. Along with decentralization, this characteristic contributes to blockchain security.

Cryptocurrency trading volatility

The lack of centralized governance results in one more key aspect of blockchain-based assets. Cryptocurrencies refer to highly volatile types of investments, as their prices may move up and down quickly on a daily basis. Price fluctuations are driven by such factors as a lack of liquidity, news and rumors, geopolitical events, large transactions, and security breaches.

Extreme volatility prevents crypto assets from mass adoption. On the other hand, this aspect gives users an opportunity to make good profits by trading the right coins at the right time.

 

How cryptocurrency trading works

The high volatility experienced when cryptocurrency trading can enable high profits, especially compared to traditional stocks and bonds. By analyzing the market movements and making correct predictions, one can make profits by exchanging cryptocurrencies. However, cryptocurrency trading is a business of high risks as well, and before diving into it, ensure you have done your own market research and studied all opportunities and possible obstacles.

Unlike traditional stock markets, cryptocurrencies operate 24/7 so users from all over the world can take part in the process independently. To be able to trade you will need some basic tools, such as:

• An exchange
• A wallet
• A trading platform

In this chapter, we are going to give a step-by-step guide on cryptocurrency trading for beginners:

Step 1. Select the platform to buy bitcoins

As a newbie you probably don’t have crypto to trade, so you will need to buy some coins first. Most trading platforms provide exchange services as well, however, not all tokens can be bought for regular fiat currencies. You’ll need to start with purchasing entry coins, most commonly Bitcoin, that you can later exchange for your preferred asset.

Key aspects to consider when choosing an exchange

Cryptocurrency trading can be really frightening at first as there is a constant flow of news about cryptocurrency scams and people losing money in this market. Moreover, when some of the big exchanges get hacked, the attention-grabbing headings can make the whole market plummet and lead to big money losses. E.g. when an ill-fortune DAO was hacked in June 2016, Bitcoin price dropped by 18% in a matter of a few days.

Therefore, choosing the right platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. When you know what aspects to pay attention to and do some research you’ll be able to choose the exchange according to your needs.

Below we’ve provided some of the key factors to consider:

• Geographical limitations. The first thing you need to find out is whether the platform operates in your region because not all of them work globally due to legal restrictions.
• Security. Find out what measures the exchange is taking to protect user accounts and funds, how long it takes to fix bugs. Choose a platform that asks for ID verification, as it will be safer than anonymous exchanges. Check if it has ever been hacked and if the platform returned the money to the victims.
• Supported currencies. The majority of trading platforms offer only the most popular coins, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, or Dogecoin. If you want to trade something more exotic, don’t forget to check available trading pairings and make sure that the crypto you want to trade is supported.
• Trading platforms collect different types of commissions such as maker and taker fees, deposit and withdrawal fees, exchange fees, and fees for using bank cards. Check how much you will be charged for every transaction as slight differences in rates can seriously influence your profits. Try to find out if there are hidden payments by reading users’ reviews.
• Every exchange has different limits on daily trading or withdrawal amounts. Some of them have payment method limits as they don’t allow credit cards. Learn beforehand what are the limitations of the selected platform.
• Minimum deposit and withdrawal. It is necessary to check if a minimum investment accepted by the trading platform suits your budget. Some platforms oriented on bigger players require higher deposits.
• Customer support. Choose an exchange that offers various communication types and provides 24/7 customer support.
• Demo account. Some exchanges offer an opportunity to trade with ‘fake’ money using a demo account before depositing real funds. This allows to trial the exchange and software first and makes the process of choosing a suitable platform easier.

Having studied all these aspects, you will be able to find the platform to fit your requirements best.

Best cryptocurrency trading exchanges

While the distribution of cryptocurrencies has grown, many people still consider them too technologically advanced. Trading platforms are changing this perception making buying, holding, and exchanging cryptocurrencies easier. Below we have listed some of the top cryptocurrency trading exchanges and their key peculiarities:

• Coinbase. This is one of the most trusted platforms providing such services as an exchange interface, a wallet, a Coinbase Card, margin trading, and many others. It allows the purchase and storage of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and 30+ other assets without leaving the platform. The exchange secures 98% of digital assets offline, and fiat funds are covered by FDIC insurance. Although it serves 100+ countries, buying and selling are available only in 41 of them including the US. Be aware of the fact that trading on Coinbaise is not anonymous as a user’s name is attached to the account.
• Binance. This is one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges with the highest trading volumes supporting 150+ different coins and being the best for altcoin lovers. Verified users can buy crypto for USD, EUR, GBP, and a number of local fiat currencies such as the Japanese Yen and Turkish Lira. Among its payment methods are PayPal and Western Union. The company works across the world including the US. Binance offers a wide range of services: Binance Pool, interest on deposited funds, Binance Visa Card, Crypto Loans, Ethereum 2.0 staking, and yield farming. However, demo trading is not possible. It is worth noting that the company was hacked in 2019 but no successful attack has been conducted since then.
• Coinmama. Coinmama is considered to be a medium-size exchange catering more to big spenders and offering a limited number of assets. In addition to Bitcoin and Ethereum, users can purchase Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Litecoin, Ethereum Classic, Ripple, and Tezos. All of these coins can be exchanged for US dollars, Euros, GBP, AUD, and Japanese Yen. The fees may not be the best, though. Coins can be bought using bank cards, a bank transfer, or Apple Pay. Coinmama accepts traders from many countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom. Users mostly complain about the Coinmama identity verification, which is slow and can be rejected without explanations.

• Kraken. This is a top-rated cryptocurrency trading platform suitable for beginners as well as experienced traders. It offers a choice of 50+ cryptocurrencies, fiat currency trading, and competitive fees. The payment methods include bank cards, Google Pay, and wire transfers. Probably the best thing about Kraken is that it has never been hacked and follows all safety measures. Kraken works with traders from Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and many other regions. Among its disadvantages are high minimum deposits on some cryptos and slow Pro verification.

• Etoro. The platform is more suitable for beginner traders. Initially targeting the UK and Europe, it is now allowing traders from the US as well. It offers 50+ assets to buy and sell, a practice trading account, a copy trades feature, investor competitions, and a multi-crypto on-chain wallet. Users can fund their accounts through multiple payment methods which include credit cards, PayPal, China UnionPay, Scrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Yandex, and a bank wire transfer. The platform operates 24/7 but markets are only available when the main markets for that asset are open.
• Prime XBT. This platform for margin trading is suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. It supports only five cryptocurrencies, though, which are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and EOS, but gives the opportunity to trade major commodities like oil, gold, or natural gas. PrimeXBT operates in more than 200 countries but is restricted in the United States, Canada, and Japan. It is legit but not regulated for now.

The exchange does not provide an option of a demo account, however, it allows opening a live trading account and practice on the platform itself. It offers direct crypto deposits as well as alternative deposits via credit card, bank, and SEPA transfers. All withdrawals are in Bitcoin. KYC verification is not required.

The list of cryptocurrency trading exchanges goes far beyond those that we have listed in this section. You may choose one of the offered options or make your own research based on the aspects discussed in the previous part.

 

Step 2. Sign up and pass verification

After choosing the exchange, you need to sign up and go through the verification process. Registering is typically a very simple process: just input your first name, last name, password, and email, and agree to their Terms and Conditions. You may also have to choose between an individual or a business account. After that, you’ll get an email with a one-time password to confirm your registration.

Due to regulations, to be able to deposit and withdraw funds traders need to verify their accounts with different levels of verification for different types of accounts. Usually, it is necessary to submit your identity proof as registered platforms are subject to Know Your Customer (KYC) identity checks. Therefore, you’ll need to provide your ID and a photo of the required quality.

Additional verification details may include your address, phone number, and your selfie with the ID in your hand. To create a business account, you must apply with your corporate documents.

 

Step 3. Ensure the security of your account

The next important thing to do is increase your account security by taking these simple precautions:

• Use a long complex password and change it regularly
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• Use Google Authenticator
• Create different passwords for each exchange account
• Use a unique email address for each account you register
• Stay alert for phishing
• Define the devices authorized to access your account.

Also, remember that exchanges are susceptible to hacking attacks, therefore, it’s recommended to store just a tiny portion of your coins there which should be sufficient for trading activities.

 

Step 4. Select your cryptocurrency trading wallet

Once you’ve registered on an exchange and purchased some crypto, you must think of secure storage for your crypto assets. Coins can be stored in a cryptocurrency wallet, a tool for interacting with the blockchain network, which keeps your private key and public address. Wallets can be classified as hot and cold ones depending on their working mechanisms.

Hot wallets

A hot wallet represents a piece of software that helps you manage your investments. It is connected to the internet and provides you with access to your funds regardless of your location.

The most common options include exchange, desktop, and mobile wallets. Desktop wallets are quite easy to acquire as the only thing you need to do is download and install the client. Web wallets and those provided by exchange platforms let you access your cryptocurrencies online. MultiBit and MyCelium are popular mobile wallets while Metamask, Exodus, and Coinbase are some examples of hot wallet providers.

However, the convenience comes at its own cost as it is not recommended to keep all your funds in hot wallets for security reasons. Since funds are stored online, they can become an easy target to hackers.

If you look for higher security and are still inclined on using hot storage, Multisignature wallets like BitGo would be a better option. They issue 3 private keys: one for the company, the other for the user, and the last one as a backup. Every transaction must be signed by at least 2 keys out of 3 which makes it more difficult to hack.

With all said above, hot wallets come with the following pros and cons.

Pros

• Quick access to your funds. With mobile wallets, you can open your wallet on-the-go wherever you are located. Desktop and browser wallets also enable quick and easy access on your PC or laptop.
• An ideal option for beginners. The simplicity of setup and the convenience of usage remove the obstacles for newcomers and facilitate the onboarding process for them.
• A perfect option for everyday use. Hot wallets are recommended for those who prefer paying in crypto or performing trading activities on a daily basis instead.

 

Cons

• Vulnerable to viruses and attacks. For this reason, storing big amounts of crypto in hot wallets in the long-term run is not recommended.
• If the device is damaged the wallet can be damaged as well. This downside can be neutralized by a proper backup of your private keys. Make sure that you don’t thore the reserve version on the same device, though.
• The device with your hot wallet can be stolen. Thus, your funds will also be gone for good. Backing up your private keys can also serve as a solution here.

All-in-all, hot wallets are a good option for daily usage of crypto and not the best solution for long-term investment, especially when it comes to big amounts of money. If you are planning to get involved in day-trading, hot wallets would be your best choice.

Cold wallets

Cold wallets represent a much more secure option compared to their hot alternatives as they have no access to the internet and store the keys offline. Thanks to the high-security standards, they are regarded as most suitable for long-term investors. Examples of cold storage are hardware and paper wallets.

Wallets printed on paper are rarely used today as they are outdated. Hardware wallets are a better alternative as they come in a form of physical devices which can be bought online from their producers. They also have their pros and cons, which we are indicating below.

Pros

• A cold wallet is resistant to hackers and viruses. There have been no widely known cases when funds were stolen from a hardware wallet yet.
• It is suitable for storing coins in the long-term run. The high level of security makes it the best option for serious investors.
• It is easy to take along. You can carry a cold wallet with you wherever you go and still be sure of its security even if it gets stolen.
• It is possible to trade directly from your hardware wallet. Although the hardware wallets are fit for long-term storage better, it is still possible to use them for day-trading, though the process is more complicated than with the hot wallets.
• It is able to remember multiple addresses to send your funds. You won’t need to type your favourite destinations every time you want to make a transaction which facilitates the process.
• The wallet is protected by the pin code. In case of loss, nobody will be able to access your funds.

 

Cons

• It is impractical for daily use. The complexity of the interface makes it unsuitable for this purpose.
• It is not suitable for beginners. Once again, the complexity may scare off newbies.
• Since cold wallets are physical objects, they can be lost, stolen or get damaged. The cold wallet cannot protect you in case you lose your private keys along with their backup.
• There can be a flaw in the design, which can make the wallet vulnerable. The good news is that such cases are pretty rare and your chances to get one are very low.
• It costs money to purchase. The price typically varies between $60 and $500.

To summarize all the information above we recommend acquiring a cold wallet as soon as you have medium or long-term investments in your portfolio to keep most of your funds in it. The most popular options include Ledger and Trezor.

A cold crypto wallet allows you not only to store digital currencies. Once you’ve chosen an exchange, you can trade digital assets directly from your wallet as well, though the procedure would not be as convenient as with the hot option. To complete a transaction you need to plug in the wallet and follow the instructions.

 

Step 5. Define your cryptocurrency trading strategy

Now that you have a trading platform account and a wallet, it’s time to make a decision upon your strategy. You have to choose if you want to become a short-term trader or a long-term investor.

Investment is simple as all you need to do is to make a thorough analysis, buy the selected coins and hold them until their price grows. As for day-trading, this type of activity is considered to be much more complex and risky. More detail about associated risks will be given below.

 

Step 6. Learn to read candlestick graphs

The graphs of price movements contain all the information you need to make the right decision. Learn how to read candlestick graphs and to spot signals and trends so as to predict the price movements. Since the signals are aplenty, it worth devoting a separate guide.

 

You may follow the prices of cryptocurrencies via candlestick graphs provided by the cryptocurrency trading platforms.

Risks of cryptocurrency trading

For investors and traders, understanding risk is an integral part of their activities. Below we set out the most important issues that investors should be cognisant of.

Volatility

The Bitcoin market is constantly fluctuating. Altcoins and some other assets copy its trend so it is not unusual for the token price to jump and fall by 30% in a single day. Under such circumstances, the potential for profit equals the risk of loss. Volatility swings lead to unpredictable prices so traders must be sure that their strategies take into account the uncertainty.

TradingView: Bitcoin price can skyrocket as well as plummet within a single day

 

The lack of regulation

Cryptocurrencies are not regulated by governments or central banks, resulting in the increased risk of scammers and bad actors. Fake exchanges, wallets, and phishing links pop up like mushrooms in this boisterous industry. Multiple Ponzi schemes offer increased returns for investors but sooner or later they disappear with the invested funds.

Hacks and thefts

Crypto wallets, exchanges, and trading platforms are technology-based so they are subject to hacking, cyber thefts, and other malicious activities. Hacking is a serious risk since there is no way to return the stolen coins. Additionally, if you own a wallet and lose your private key or somebody steals it, there is hardly a way to get your coins back.

Other issues

There are some more sophisticated risks that cryptocurrency traders must familiarise themselves with. They include cryptocurrency hard forks which may cause price volatility, leveraged trading which may lead to great losses, and the absence of physical collateral to back coins up if the system shuts down.

Summing up, it’s worth adding that cryptocurrencies are part of a new industry, which itself is subject to a high degree of uncertainty. The tips below can help you navigate the cryptocurrency market and minimize risks. It is also useful to find out about Crypto geniuses, as you can learn from them.

 

7 tips for successful cryptocurrency trading

1. Education comes first. Register a demo account to understand how the exchange works. You’ll have the opportunity to practice reading charts and identifying patterns, make mistakes with simulated money at no cost, thereby developing your skills to start trading real money.
2. Start with a small amount, don’t try to eat the whole pie at once. Choose trades with low rates that allow you to manage the market with minimal risk.
3. Invest as much as you are ready to lose. If you are a beginner you definitely lack trading experience and it will be difficult to compete with professionals. Determine the sum you can live without and never spend more.
4. Don’t trust low prices. Don’t buy a coin just because its price is affordable. Find out its market cap first to decide if it is worth purchasing. The higher a coin’s market cap is, the more suitable it is for investment.
5. Control your emotions. The fear of missing out (FOMO) on profits may force you to take rash actions but you should not give in to emotions. FOMO is one of the main reasons why beginners fail. Accept the fact that you can’t win all the time.
6. Don’t listen to “advisors”. You should never make investment decisions based on other people’s opinions. If you want to profit from trading always do your own research first.
7. Use the “stop-loss” function. Set up the minimum asset price so that it would be exchanged automatically and relieve you from the risks of losing more.

 

Taxes

As cryptocurrencies are gaining more and more exposure, governments and central authorities have started discussing the need to regulate the cryptocurrencies’ taxation. Bitcoin as the cryptocurrency with the highest level of capitalization became the first one taxed in many countries and other assets followed it.

According to the European ISR authority, cryptocurrency is a definitive property that should be taxed. In the US, crypto taxes are based on a 2014 IRS ruling, which determines cryptocurrency as a capital asset like stocks. Each country has its own cryptocurrency taxation rules but some of the requirements are similar. Before you start trading, do research and find out how much tax you’ll have to pay.

Here is a number of common rules about cryptocurrency taxes:

• Every time you buy, sell, or mine crypto, you have to pay capital gains taxes.
• Cryptocurrency trading profits are subject to the gift tax if its value is over 15,000 USD.
• Inherited cryptocurrency is subject to estate taxes.
• Salaries or payments received in cryptocurrencies are considered to be ordinary income.
• Cryptocurrency donations are tax-deductible.
• For assets held for more than a year, you’ll pay long-term capital gains tax.

Some aspects may differ for different regions. Make sure you study the rules beforehand so as not to become subject to penalties.

Conclusion

Although cryptocurrency trading may seem to be complicated and even scary, it’s worth studying the matters further as this type of activity may result in high profits. Despite regulatory uncertainty, cryptos have a huge potential and may become an integral part of our daily lives in the nearest decade. Their adoption grows as people use Bitcoin more for purposes other than speculation (e.g. to buy a cup of coffee). Also, Bitcoin can be considered as a safe haven for long-term storing of value and as a potential shield against inflation.

In this guide, we have provided some basic advice that can serve as the starting point. For more sophisticated trading activities, your experience would be the only advisor.

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