Bitcoin
Bitcoin broke the mold in 2009 when a mysterious creator called Satoshi Nakamoto unleashed the first truly independent money system. Unlike traditional currencies controlled by banks and governments, Bitcoin runs on blockchain technology: a transparent, tamper-resistant public ledger maintained by thousands of computers worldwide.
Key characteristics of Bitcoin:
- Limited supply: Only 21 million Bitcoins will ever exist, protecting it from inflation caused by endless money printing.
- Peer-to-peer transactions: You can send Bitcoin directly to anyone, anywhere — no middlemen, no gatekeepers.
- Global accessibility: Bitcoin operates 24/7, meaning your money works around the clock, and across borders.
- Lower fees: Whether you’re sending funds across town or continents, Bitcoin often costs less than traditional bank wires.
- Privacy and security: Backed by cryptography, Bitcoin is secure and resistant to fraud or censorship.
How to use bitcoin (BTC)
Popular ways to use Bitcoin and what you can buy with BTC.
How much energy does Bitcoin consume?
Here’s how energy-intensive Bitcoin's Proof of Work consensus mechanism is and what’s being done to offset it.
How to short bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies
Learn how to short Bitcoin and how shorting it can help traders potentially profit even when the price of Bitcoin decreases.
Learn how to short Bitcoin and how shorting it can help traders potentially profit even when the price of Bitcoin decreases.
Bitcoin volatility: What causes BTC price swings?
Bitcoin's volatility presents both opportunities and risks. Here’s how price swings can affect Bitcoin trading.
Bitcoin's volatility presents both opportunities and risks. Here’s how price swings can affect Bitcoin trading.
Bitcoin wallets: The complete guide to how they work
How do Bitcoin wallets work and what is the best Bitcoin wallet for beginners? Read on for a detailed overview of different types of Bitcoin wallets, their security measures, and how to set them up.
How do Bitcoin wallets work and what is the best Bitcoin wallet for beginners? Read on for a detailed overview of different types of Bitcoin wallets, their security measures, and how to set them up.
How to send Bitcoin
Sending Bitcoin (BTC) is easy and takes only a couple of minutes. Learn how to send Bitcoin (BTC) on Crypto.com and start using it to do more.
Sending Bitcoin (BTC) is easy and takes only a couple of minutes. Learn how to send Bitcoin (BTC) on Crypto.com and start using it to do more.
Why was Bitcoin created?
Learn about the creation of Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency.
Learn about the creation of Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin value: What drives the value of BTC?
For those wondering why Bitcoin is so valued by some, here are the factors that determine the worth people ascribe to it.
For those wondering why Bitcoin is so valued by some, here are the factors that determine the worth people ascribe to it.
Who owns the most Bitcoin in 2025?
Individuals and corporations make up the list of who owns the most Bitcoin. See who they currently are.
Individuals and corporations make up the list of who owns the most Bitcoin. See who they currently are.
How many Bitcoins are there in total?
Ever wonder how many bitcoins there are in total and how many can still be mined? Find answers to Bitcoin numbers in this article.
Ever wonder how many bitcoins there are in total and how many can still be mined? Find answers to Bitcoin numbers in this article.
Learn the basics of Bitcoin trading and how to get started.
Who Accepts Bitcoin Payments in 2025?
A look into some of the brands and retailers that accept Bitcoin — and how to still buy with BTC when a business doesn’t accept cryptocurrency.
A look into some of the brands and retailers that accept Bitcoin — and how to still buy with BTC when a business doesn’t accept cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin vs Ethereum: what's the difference between BTC and ETH?
Bitcoin vs Ethereum. The two biggest cryptocurrencies are very different. Learn what makes BTC and ETH unique.
Bitcoin vs Ethereum. The two biggest cryptocurrencies are very different. Learn what makes BTC and ETH unique.
Who created Bitcoin? Satoshi Nakamoto: Anonymous creator of BTC
Learn about the anonymous founder of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, and the potential reasons why they decided to remain undoxxed.
Learn about the anonymous founder of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, and the potential reasons why they decided to remain undoxxed.
What is a Bitcoin node?
Uncovering the importance of nodes in making Bitcoin the future of money.
Uncovering the importance of nodes in making Bitcoin the future of money.
What is Bitcoin (BTC)? Everything you need to know
Crypto.com's Bitcoin (BTC) hub helps track all things Bitcoin, from the world's fastest-growing crypto app.
Crypto.com's Bitcoin (BTC) hub helps track all things Bitcoin, from the world's fastest-growing crypto app.
How to Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
Learn how to safely buy Bitcoin (BTC) and start your crypto journey today at Crypto.com.
Learn how to safely buy Bitcoin (BTC) and start your crypto journey today at Crypto.com.
How is Bitcoin taxed? All you need to know
How is Bitcoin taxed? Learn everything from how various jurisdictions tax Bitcoin to key tax events and best practices for users.
How is Bitcoin taxed? Learn everything from how various jurisdictions tax Bitcoin to key tax events and best practices for users.
What Is Bitcoin Halving & How Does It Affect BTC Price? | Crypto.com
About every four years, the amount of new bitcoins created per block is halved. This scarcity measure limits supply and can push the BTC price up.
About every four years, the amount of new bitcoins created per block is halved. This scarcity measure limits supply and can push the BTC price up.
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What is the Price of Bitcoin (BTC)
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Bitcoin (BTC): Everything to Know
- Bitcoin (BTC) is a peer-to-peer (P2P) digital currency system conceived in 2008 by an anonymous person or group with the moniker Satoshi Nakamoto.
- Using the Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, the network rewards miners for maintaining the system.
- Bitcoin is the first fully autonomous and self-sustaining payment network, where no single party can intervene in or terminate it.
- Since the inception of Bitcoin, hundreds of thousands of altcoins have been created, each offering its own use cases and benefits.
- Bitcoin is also referred to as ‘digital gold’ by some, as only a finite supply of Bitcoin exists and can be mined.
Learn more about the world’s biggest cryptocurrency in this beginner’s guide to Bitcoin.
Who Created Bitcoin?
Bitcoin was created by an individual or group of individuals using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. The true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto remains unknown; there has been much speculation and investigation over the years, but no conclusive evidence has surfaced regarding Nakamoto’s true identity.
The Bitcoin White Paper
Nakamoto published the Bitcoin white paper, titled ‘Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System’, in 2008, and released the first version of the Bitcoin software in 2009. Work continued on the project, communicating with the early Bitcoin community, before Nakamoto eventually disappeared from public view in 2010.
Read the Bitcoin white paper, written by Satoshi Nakamoto, here.
How Does Bitcoin Work?
-Bitcoin uses blockchain technology, and one of blockchain’s main features is the way it records data, which is:
- Immutable
- Transparent
- Decentralised
Immutable means that no entity can modify the transaction records. Transparent implies that anyone can see and verify the transactions on a blockchain via the internet. Decentralised means it is very difficult for a single entity to govern the whole network (although 51% attacks, where a group obtains more than half of mining power, are theoretically possible).
Bitcoin was the first application to utilise blockchain technology (even though the term ‘blockchain’ was introduced after Bitcoin). There are two main stakeholders in the Bitcoin system: regular users, who can access the system to make transactions, and miners, who work behind the scenes to power and maintain the network.
Miners run computers, called ‘nodes’, with a lot of processing power in order to store data, handle and broadcast transactions, and solve a complex mathematical puzzle in order to mine new ‘blocks’ on the blockchain, which contain recent transactions. Every time someone sends a transaction to the Bitcoin network, miners pick up the transaction and complete the steps above behind the scenes.
Miners do not volunteer to maintain this decentralised network for free, however. They are incentivised to do so by receiving mining rewards and transaction fees upon completing the equation and validating transactions. Their reward for creating new blocks comes in the form of newly minted Bitcoin, which is why the process is called mining.
To gain a deeper understanding of the technological aspects of Bitcoin, check out this introduction to Bitcoin.
“Every informed person needs to know about Bitcoin because it might be one of the world’s most important developments.”
— Leon Luow
What is Bitcoin Worth?
The current price of Bitcoin in US dollars is $115,402.24.
However, BTC has experienced highs and lows since it launched in 2009. Bitcoin hit the US$100 mark in 2013, four years after going public. In 2021, BTC surged to its current all-time high (ATH) price of over US$68,789. Since then, it has mainly traded above US$20,000. Its most recent low was in November 2022, when it traded around US$17,600 for most of the month.
Learn more about Bitcoin price, its value, and recent price trends on the Bitcoin Price page.
How to Trade Bitcoin
Users can purchase Bitcoin in the Crypto.com App and on the Crypto.com Exchange. Payment options include bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and other cryptocurrencies. Once bought, users can store their newly acquired bitcoins in the Crypto.com App that doubles as a crypto wallet, or other software and hardware crypto wallets.
Learn more about buying Bitcoin here.
What Is the Safest Way to Store Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is always recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain, but ownership of bitcoins is determined via a private key, which is usually stored in a Bitcoin wallet. Wallets are software programmes or hardware devices that allow users to securely store, send, and receive bitcoins.
There are several types of wallets available, each with its own level of security and convenience. These include hot wallets, which are apps connected to the internet, and cold wallets, which are usually hardware devices that securely store BTC offline.
Read more about the different types of crypto wallets here.
How to Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
Learn how to safely buy Bitcoin (BTC) and start your crypto journey today at Crypto.com.
Sending Bitcoin
To send Bitcoin, users need a Bitcoin wallet and the recipient's Bitcoin address. Below is an outline of the steps needed in order to send Bitcoin:
- Log into your Bitcoin wallet.
- In your wallet, navigate to the ‘Send’ option.
- Enter the recipient's Bitcoin address, which is a long string of alphanumeric characters, typically starting with a ‘1’ or ‘3’.
- Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to send. Be mindful of transaction fees, which vary depending on network congestion and wallet settings.
- Once you are certain the details are correct, click on the ‘Send’ button to initiate the transaction.
- Bitcoin transactions require confirmation from the network. Depending on network congestion, this process may take a few minutes to several hours.
- Once the transaction is confirmed, the recipient will receive the Bitcoin in their wallet.
Bitcoin Terms to Know
Bitcoin Mining
Bitcoin mining is the process of using powerful computers to solve complex mathematical puzzles, validating and bundling transactions into blocks, and adding them to the public ledger, called the blockchain.
Bitcoin Halving
Bitcoin is programmed to a total maximum supply of 21 million BTC, and about every four years, the amount of Bitcoin rewards for mining is halved. This periodic decrease in the rate of bitcoins issued into circulation is called ‘Bitcoin halving’ and can push BTC price up.
In 2012, the reward was 25 bitcoins per block, and in 2016, it decreased to 12.5 bitcoins per block. As of early 2023, miners are rewarded 6.25 bitcoins per block mined.
The next Bitcoin halving is estimated for 2024. Learn more on Bitcoin halving in this article.
Bitcoin Dominance
Bitcoin dominance is the ratio of Bitcoin’s market capitalisation to the overall market cap of all cryptocurrencies. It serves as a metric used by crypto traders in trying to get a pulse of the market, spot possible trends and trading opportunities, and understand trends in the larger crypto market.
More about Bitcoin Dominance.
How to Use Bitcoin
Online Purchases
- Some online retailers and businesses accept Bitcoin as a form of payment for goods and services.
- You can use Bitcoin to buy products ranging from electronics to gift cards and even travel services.
Trading
- Many people view Bitcoin as a speculative asset, aiming to benefit from price fluctuations.
- You can buy and hold Bitcoin long-term or engage in short-term trading on cryptocurrency exchanges.
International Transfers
- Bitcoin enables cost-effective and faster cross-border money transfers compared to traditional financial systems.
- This can be especially useful for sending money to family members or friends in different countries.
Donations and Fundraising
- Some charitable organizations and nonprofit entities accept Bitcoin donations.
- Cryptocurrency can streamline the donation process and offer transparency in how funds are used.
Hedging and Store of Value
- Some traders use Bitcoin as a hedge against traditional financial assets like stocks and bonds.
- Bitcoin's limited supply and decentralised nature have led some to consider it a digital store of value, similar to gold.
Gaming and Digital Goods
- Some gaming platforms and online marketplaces accept Bitcoin for purchasing in-game items, digital goods, and services.
Microtransactions and Tips
- Some charitable organizations and nonprofit entities accept Bitcoin donations.
- Cryptocurrency can streamline the donation process and offer transparency in how funds are used.
DeFi (decentralised Finance)
- Bitcoin's scripting capabilities enable simple smart contracts, though it's less advanced compared to some other cryptocurrencies.
- In the wider blockchain ecosystem, various projects offer decentralised financial services like lending, borrowing, and yield farming using Bitcoin.
It's important to note that, while Bitcoin offers these use cases, its value and legal status can vary by region and change over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that operates on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. It was created in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, and it has gained significant popularity and value since its creation.
Unlike traditional fiat currency, which is controlled by central banks and governments, Bitcoin operates independently of any central authority. Transactions are verified and recorded on the blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that maintains a permanent and transparent record of all transactions.
Bitcoin can be bought, sold, and exchanged on various cryptocurrency exchanges, and it can be used to purchase goods and services from merchants that accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. The supply of bitcoins is limited to 21 million units, and new bitcoins are created through mining, which involves using specialized computer hardware to solve complex mathematical equations.
Bitcoin is known for its high volatility, and its value can fluctuate rapidly in response to market conditions, news events, and other factors. Many traders, including institutional investors, see Bitcoin as a store of value and a way to participate in the growing cryptocurrency ecosystem. To learn more, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Bitcoin.
Users can buy Bitcoin from a cryptocurrency exchange, a crypto brokerage service like the Crypto.com App, or a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace like those found in the Crypto.com DeFi Wallet. Here are some general steps to buying bitcoin from an exchange or brokerage service:
- Choose a reputable cryptocurrency platform that supports Bitcoin trading. Popular options include the Crypto.com App and the Crypto.com Exchange.
- Create an account on the chosen platform and complete the KYC verification process, which may require providing personal identification documents.
- Fund an account using a bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other cryptocurrency, depending on region.
- Navigate to the ‘Buy’ section of the platform and select Bitcoin as the cryptocurrency to buy.
- Enter the amount of bitcoin to buy, or the amount of fiat or cryptocurrency to spend.
- Review the transaction details and confirm the purchase.
- Once the transaction is complete, the bitcoin will be deposited into the chosen account. From here, the funds can be transferred to other crypto wallets or converted back to fiat currency and paid out to a bank account.
It is important to perform proper research and choose a reputable platform to buy cryptocurrencies. For instance, Crypto.com holds the highest security rating in the industry. In addition, it is advisable to store cryptocurrencies securely in a wallet like the Crypto.com App or Crypto.com DeFi Wallet.
Have more questions? See more information here.