In recent years, the world of cryptocurrencies has captured the attention of both the media and the general public. For this reason, many people have the goal of investing in cryptocurrencies in 2022. However, there is a lot to learn before investing money in these alternative currencies.
If you want to buy cryptocurrencies, but don’t know how to get started, you’ve come to the right place! With this practical guide, you will be able to open the necessary accounts and store your digital assets safely. In addition, this article includes important facts about bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that promise to be popular in 2023. With this information, you will be able to find the best investment opportunities, while taking care of your capital and learning more about the new financial investment vehicles.
What does it take to invest in cryptocurrencies?
Before buying your first cryptocurrency, remember that these currencies are a volatile, high-risk investment. The bitcoin historical price chart is a good example of the typical fluctuations of this cryptocurrency. It is important to take into account the possible ups and downs and only invest money that you can afford to lose in case the currency drops in value unexpectedly.
Regardless of the type of cryptocurrency you wish to purchase, it is important to do it the right way to ensure the safety of your investment. Remember that when buying a decentralised currency, you are responsible for protecting your own investment. Therefore, before investing money in crypto, take the time to familiarise yourself with the legal framework and learn how cryptocurrencies work. This is essential, as investing in cryptocurrencies is different from traditional investments and banking systems.
The first thing you will need is an account with an exchange or broker that processes the buying and selling of your crypto. It is important to understand the differences between these two types of sites in order to open the account that suits you best.
Exchanges, also known as exchanges, are digital platforms where users can exchange cryptocurrencies directly with each other at market prices. Some of the most popular exchanges for investing in cryptocurrencies in 2022 are:
- Coinbase
- Binance
- Gemini (site available in English only)
When you set up an account on an exchange, the next step is to open the digital wallet or purse where you will store your cryptocurrencies. There are several types of wallets with different levels of security and access. The storage method that suits you best will depend on how often you plan to buy and sell crypto.
An agent, or broker, also acts as an intermediary. However, in this case, the broker determines the prices of cryptocurrencies. Sometimes brokers also limit transfers outside the platform and offer their own digital storage system.
What are the most profitable and forward-looking cryptocurrencies to invest in today?
The cryptocurrency market has grown a lot in recent years. Coinmarketcap, the most widely used cryptocurrency tracking site around the world, lists more than 1500 digital currencies. However, not all of these currencies are a good investment.
With so many options, you may feel overwhelmed when deciding on a cryptocurrency. To find out which are the best currency options before investing in cryptocurrencies, it is recommended to read expert opinions and analyze their performance in previous periods.
What were the best cryptocurrencies to invest in 2021?
Using historical data from Coinmarketcap, Infotechnology published its list of the fastest growing popular cryptocurrencies during 2021:
CRYPTOCURRENCY. PROFIT PERCENTAGE 2021
Shiba Inu | 370,00% |
Matic | 13,00% |
Solana | 10,00% |
Luna | 10,00% |
Dogecoin | 3,00% |
Binance Coin | 1,40% |
Cardano | 670% |
Ether | 502% |
Polkadot | 233% |
Bitcoin | 78% |
Where to invest in cryptocurrencies in 2022?
To help its readers learn more about the cryptocurrency market in 2022, Crypto Mercury interviewed various experts in the field. Based on the performance of cryptocurrencies in 2021 and their market values, these specialists singled out the following coins among the best digital assets for 2022:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Solana (SOL)
- Helium (HNT)
- The Graph (GRT)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- Luna (LUNA)
- XRP (XRP)
How to invest in cryptocurrencies safely?
Investing in cryptocurrencies carries a number of risks. From market instability to potential fraud, you should take certain precautions before making an investment in cryptocurrencies.
If you are interested in investing in cryptocurrencies, follow the recommendations of the Federal Trade Commission before making any decisions. The following questions may also help you decide which cryptocurrency is right for you as an investment:
- What are the coin’s use cases?
- What is its total market value?
- What are its historical prices?
- How many coins are in circulation?
Some of the most common suggestions for protecting your crypto and preventing the theft of keys to your investments include:
- installing an anti-virus on your computer;
- checking the security of your Internet connection;
- keeping your written passwords in a safe;
- backing up your data;
- using a dedicated email account for your cryptocurrency transactions;
- implement two-factor authentication on all your accounts;
- distribute your digital assets across multiple storage systems;
- and protect the security of your mobile phone.
Legal requirements
Each exchange or digital wallet has its own legal requirements. Some of the platforms that maintain the anonymity of their users and do not require identification are:
- LocalBitcoins
- Binance
- Coinmama
- Crypto.com
- Stormgain
- LocalCryptos
- BISQ
Other platforms use the Know Your Customer (KYC) identification process. With this method, exchanges and brokers verify your identity and monitor your transactions in order to prevent money laundering.
Each platform operates differently. Some verification systems take minutes, while others take days. In general, KYC system requirements include:
- photo ID (this can be a passport, driver’s licence or state ID);
- date of birth;
- social security number (SSN); and
- your home address.
How to invest in bitcoin
As the most established cryptocurrency and even the official currency of countries such as El Salvador, many investors choose bitcoin to enter the world of digital assets.
The first step to investing in bitcoin is to open an account with a cryptocurrency exchange. Once the account is established, you must connect it to your preferred payment system. It should be noted that each exchange has its own rules about the payment methods they receive. Most accept dollars via credit or debit cards. There are some exchanges that only accept other digital currencies.
After you have connected your payment system, you are ready to make your first bitcoin purchase. Simply decide how many coins or fractions of coins you wish to purchase and place the order.
Once you have made your purchase, you will need to decide which e-wallet you will use to store the private key of your cryptocurrencies. For added security, remember to protect your keys and use double verification systems.
What are bitcoins?
Bitcoin is the world’s most popular digital currency. It was created in 2008 by a person or group known by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
The popularity of bitcoin is due to the decentralised verification system called blockchain. With this system, all bitcoin users verify transactions and maintain the anonymity of other users. Since there is a very limited amount of bitcoin, the value of the cryptocurrency depends on supply and demand.
Today, there are other alternative currencies that compete with bitcoin. Each of these currencies operates within its own network, with its own blockchain.
How to buy bitcoins in the US?
Each country has its own rules for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. In the United States, trading in virtual currencies is allowed. However, sources such as CryptoNews report that regulators in this country announced a series of guidelines that will be implemented in 2022.
Among these new measures, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) requires financial institutions to apply for permission to hold crypto. The new supervisory systems also promise to pay more attention to capital and liquidity standards for cryptocurrencies, as well as KYC identity verification systems.
What is the minimum amount to invest in cryptocurrencies?
There is no minimum amount to invest in cryptocurrencies. However, some exchanges such as Binance have a minimum transaction of $10. Other platforms, such as Coinbase, offer an even lower minimum of $2.
It is worth mentioning that, in addition to the cost of investment, exchanges charge fees for each transaction. Typically, all transactions, including purchases, sales and transfers, will include some sort of fee.
What should I consider?
When investing in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, you should take several factors into account. Some of these are:
- the volatility of these investments;
- your own risk tolerance;
- your financial goals; and
- how long you want to hold the cryptocurrencies.
If you want to diversify your portfolio with digital currencies without having to buy cryptocurrencies, you can consider alternatives such as:
- exchange-traded funds (EFTs);
- contracts for difference (CFDs);
- futures; and
- non fungible tokens (NFTs).
Advantages of investing in virtual currencies
For some investors, virtual currencies offer unique advantages and a real alternative to traditional currencies. Here are some of the benefits they point to:
- Decentralisation: Not being associated with any government or financial institution, cryptocurrencies are international currencies that offer their users independence from the traditional system.
- Anonymity: Transactions on the blockchain are anonymous and confidentially verified.
- Speed: Because it happens on the network, the verification process is more efficient than traditional banking transactions.
- Inflation prevention: Each cryptocurrency network has its own system to prevent inflation. With a predetermined number of coins, it is impossible for the market to flood, which ensures that their value will not be diluted.
Risks of investing in virtual currencies
Just as there are benefits, there are also disadvantages to trading in virtual currencies. Before investing in cryptocurrencies, it is important to be aware of these drawbacks:
- Instability: Cryptocurrencies are high-risk investments whose value fluctuates to a greater extent than traditional assets. This exposes investors to the possibility of large losses quickly.
- Poor regulation: As such a new investment method, there are still many inconsistencies in cryptocurrencies, exchanges and brokers.
- Lack of protection: Cryptocurrencies are not associated with any government or company. This means that your investments do not have the same protections that exist when you trade with traditional financial institutions or investment vehicles.
- Exposure to scams: Cryptocurrency payments are irreversible. If you fall victim to a scam or have your passwords stolen, you could lose all of your capital and there is no way to get it back.
Before investing in any cryptocurrency, take the time to research the digital currencies available and the storage methods that are best for you. To protect your investment, it is important to take the necessary security measures and diversify your portfolio.
As with other risky investments, cryptocurrencies carry a lot of volatility. Exercise caution and avoid investing more than you are willing to lose. Remember that the key to generating returns on your investments and achieving financial success lies in educating yourself.