How to buy Shiba Inu (SHIB) in the US
Shiba Inu (SHIB) started as a playful memecoin inspired by the Shiba Inu dog breed, but it has since grown into a vibrant ecosystem of tokens, decentralized finance (DeFi) tools and NFTs. This guide explains what Shiba Inu is, how its ecosystem works and how to buy SHIB in the US using the Crypto.com App.
Anzél Killian
What is Shiba Inu (SHIB)?
Shiba Inu is an Ethereum-based ERC-20 token that launched in 2020 under the pseudonymous founder Ryoshi. It was originally designed as a fun alternative to Dogecoin earning the nickname ‘Dogecoin Killer’ and quickly gained traction for its strong community and meme-driven marketing.
The token became a viral phenomenon during the 2021 bull run, when SHIB’s price soared and millions of new investors joined the so-called ShibArmy – one of the largest and most active crypto communities in the world.
A major turning point came when Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin burned 90% of his SHIB holdings (worth billions at the time) and donated the rest to charity, reducing circulating supply and boosting community credibility.
While Shiba Inu began as a meme, its team has since expanded the project into a full-fledged ecosystem including decentralized finance products, a layer-2 network (Shibarium) and NFT initiatives.
The Shiba Inu ecosystem explained
The Shiba Inu ecosystem now consists of three main tokens – SHIB, LEASH and BONE – plus decentralized applications ( dApps) and infrastructure that extend beyond the original memecoin roots.
SHIB (Shiba Inu Token)
The core token and unit of exchange within the ecosystem. SHIB is used for trading, staking and participation in various ecosystem apps and community initiatives.
LEASH
Initially a rebase token, LEASH now functions as a limited-supply token that rewards loyal supporters and provides exclusive access to early projects and NFT drops.
BONE
The governance token of the ShibaSwap decentralized exchange (DEX), BONE enables holders to propose and vote on ecosystem decisions and participate in liquidity pools.
ShibaSwap
A decentralized finance (DeFi) platform where users can stake, swap and provide liquidity using SHIB, LEASH and BONE. It’s designed to reward long-term holders and support decentralized governance.
Shibarium
A layer-2 blockchain built on Ethereum that aims to improve scalability, reduce gas fees and enable faster transactions for all Shiba Inu ecosystem tokens and dApps. It plays a key role in expanding the utility of SHIB beyond speculation.
NFTs and projects
The team has also launched Shiboshis, a collection of 10,000 pixelated Shiba Inu NFTs and Sheboshis, an upcoming collection expanding the Shiba Inu brand into digital collectibles and gaming.
How to buy Shiba Inu (SHIB) in 5 steps
Buying SHIB in the US is quick and simple. Here’s how to get started.
1. Choose a crypto platform
Start by selecting a trusted exchange that lists SHIB. Look for an easy-to-use interface, competitive fees and strong security.
You can:
- Buy Shiba Inu on the Crypto.com App – A beginner-friendly platform with zero-fee bank transfers and access to SHIB, BONE and LEASH.
- Trade SHIB on the Crypto.com Exchange – Designed for active traders seeking advanced order types and deeper liquidity.
2. Create and verify your account
Sign up using your email address and create a secure password. Complete KYC verification by uploading a government-issued ID and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional protection.
3. Deposit funds
Add funds to your account before purchasing SHIB:
- Bank transfer (ACH) – Often free and ideal for larger deposits.
- Credit or debit card – Fast and convenient, though fees may apply.
- Crypto transfer – Deposit another cryptocurrency and swap it for SHIB.
- Apple Pay or Google Pay – Quick and seamless mobile payment options.
4. Buy SHIB
Once your account is funded:
- Search for SHIB in the app or exchange.
- Enter the amount you want to purchase.
- Choose a market order (instant) or limit order (your target price).
- Confirm your transaction.
5. Store SHIB
After buying SHIB, you can choose between different wallets:
- Hot wallets – Convenient and suitable for frequent trading. The Crypto.com App Wallet or MetaMask offers accessibility and staking options.
- Cold wallets – Hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor, or paper wallets, offer enhanced offline security.
Learn more about opening a crypto trading account
Strengths and weaknesses of Shiba Inu (SHIB)
Strengths of SHIB
- Massive community – The ShibArmy continues to drive awareness, innovation and global visibility for the project. This loyal, highly active community is one of the largest in crypto, supporting Shiba Inu’s ecosystem growth through grassroots marketing, social media engagement and collaborative development efforts.
- Expanding ecosystem – Through initiatives like Shibarium, ShibaSwap and the Shiboshi NFT collections, Shiba Inu has grown into a multifaceted ecosystem that combines DeFi, NFTs and blockchain infrastructure. This expansion demonstrates the project’s commitment to evolving beyond its meme coin origins.
- Accessibility – With its lower price point, SHIB offers an easy entry point for new investors seeking to explore crypto with a modest starting amount. Its broad availability across major exchanges and platforms also enhances accessibility worldwide.
- Active development – The core development team and community contributors continue to release new features and integrations, including DeFi tools, staking options and layer-2 innovations. These ongoing efforts aim to create long-term utility and sustain Shiba Inu’s relevance within the broader crypto landscape.
Weaknesses of SHIB
- High volatility – Like many meme-based cryptocurrencies, SHIB’s price is highly sensitive to overall market sentiment and social media trends. Sharp price swings are common, which can make it challenging for investors seeking stability or predictable returns.
- Speculative appeal – Although the ecosystem continues to expand through projects like Shibarium and ShibaSwap, much of SHIB’s market activity is still driven by speculation rather than consistent on-chain utility or revenue generation.
- Whale concentration – A relatively small number of large holders (or ‘whales’) control a significant portion of SHIB’s total supply. Movements from these wallets can affect market liquidity and create sudden volatility in price.
- Meme coin perception – Despite meaningful development progress, SHIB still carries the stigma of its meme coin origins. Some investors and institutions remain cautious, viewing it as a speculative asset rather than a fundamental blockchain project – a perception the team continues to work hard to overcome.
SHIB investment tips for beginners
If you’re considering buying SHIB:
- Start small – Invest only what you’re comfortable with and view your first purchase as a learning opportunity.
- Use dollar-cost averaging (DCA) – Automate regular buys to reduce the impact of market volatility.
- Diversify – Spread your holdings across multiple assets rather than focusing solely on SHIB.
- Engage with the ecosystem – Explore ShibaSwap, participate in staking or use SHIB in DeFi and NFT applications to better understand its utility.
The Crypto.com App offers recurring buy options and Crypto Baskets in the US, which could help you automate your strategy and build a balanced portfolio over time.
What affects the price of SHIB?
- Market sentiment – Meme coins like SHIB are particularly influenced by social media trends, online communities and overall market mood. Positive buzz on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Reddit can quickly drive demand, while broader market downturns often lead to sharp declines.
- Token burns – The Shiba Inu community regularly conducts SHIB burns, permanently removing tokens from circulation to create scarcity. Over time, these burns can contribute to reduced supply, potentially supporting long-term price stability if demand continues to grow.
- Shibarium adoption – The success of Shibarium, Shiba Inu’s layer-2 scaling network, may be a key driver for SHIB’s future value. Increased on-chain activity, faster transactions and lower gas fees could all strengthen SHIB’s utility within DeFi, gaming and NFT applications.
- Whale activity – Large holders play a major role in SHIB’s market movements. Sudden buys or sells from whale wallets can cause significant price volatility, making it important for investors to monitor on-chain activity.
- Broader meme coin trends – SHIB’s performance is often linked to the overall meme coin sector. Renewed interest in tokens like Dogecoin, PEPE or new community-driven coins can influence investor attention and trading volume around SHIB.
Shiba Inu price outlook
Analysts and AI-based models generally agree that SHIB’s future depends on its ecosystem’s continued expansion and Shibarium adoption. A bullish scenario could see sustained community engagement, growing DeFi participation and greater real-world use of SHIB tokens.
However, bearish outcomes remain possible if market sentiment weakens or speculative demand fades. As always, prices in the crypto market can fluctuate rapidly.
This content is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are subject to market risk, including potential loss of principal.
Ready to get started?
- Sign up on the Crypto.com App in minutes.
- Verify your account to enable full trading features.
- Deposit funds via bank transfer, card or crypto.
- Buy Shiba Inu (SHIB) and explore its growing ecosystem today.
FAQs about Shiba Inu (SHIB)
Is Shiba Inu still worth buying?
Whether SHIB is worth buying depends on your goals, risk tolerance and view of its long-term potential. Some see it as a gateway to the Shiba Inu ecosystem and DeFi, while others view it as speculative. Always do your own research before investing.
What is Shibarium?
Shibarium is Shiba Inu’s layer-2 network built on Ethereum. It reduces transaction fees and improves speed while expanding the use cases for SHIB, BONE and LEASH tokens.
Can SHIB reach $0.01?
Analysts consider this unlikely without major changes to supply or large-scale adoption. Token burns and ecosystem growth could influence price over time, but no price outcome is guaranteed.
How does SHIB compare to Dogecoin?
Both began as meme coins, but SHIB’s ecosystem is broader – featuring DeFi, NFTs and its own blockchain layer. Dogecoin, on the other hand, remains primarily a transactional token.
Where can I sell Shiba Inu?
You can sell SHIB on the Crypto.com App or Crypto.com Exchange.
* Other transaction fees and spread may apply
Important information: This is informational content sponsored by Crypto.com and should not be considered as investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies carries risks, such as price volatility and market risks. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrencies, consider your risk appetite. Services, features and other benefits referenced in this article may be subject to eligibility requirements, token holdings, and may change at the discretion of Crypto.com.
Past performance may not indicate future results. There's no assurance of future profitability, and content may not reflect current opinions.
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