Getting started with Bitcoin

Are you new to Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies? Read on for some simple guides and resources designed to get you started.

New to Bitcoin?

Browse the Bitcoin beginners' guides below, and start your journey into the world of cryptocurrency. No matter your current level of knowledge, these guides can get you up to speed on the subjects that matter to you.

Learn the basics

Get a simple introduction to Bitcoin and why it matters.

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A quick introduction to Bitcoin
Learn the basics

Get a simple introduction to Bitcoin and why it matters.

How do I receive bitcoin?

To receive bitcoin, simply provide the sender with your Bitcoin address, which you can find in your Bitcoin wallet.

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Receiving Bitcoin
How do I receive bitcoin?

To receive bitcoin, simply provide the sender with your Bitcoin address, which you can find in your Bitcoin wallet.

How do I buy bitcoin?

Learn how to get your first bitcoin in minutes.

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How to buy bitcoin
How do I buy bitcoin?

Learn how to get your first bitcoin in minutes.

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What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is based on the ideas laid out in a 2008 whitepaper titled Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.

How do I buy bitcoin?

Learn how to get your first bitcoin in minutes.

How do I sell bitcoin?

Learn how to sell bitcoin into local currency safely.

What is a Bitcoin wallet?

Learn about this essential tool for sending, receiving, and storing your bitcoin; how it works, and how to use it safely.

How do I create a Bitcoin wallet?

Learn how to quickly and easily create a Bitcoin wallet. Understand the different wallet types and their respective pros & cons.

How to choose the best Bitcoin wallet

From security to fee customization options, these are the key factors to consider when choosing a Bitcoin wallet.

How do I send bitcoin?

Sending bitcoin is as easy as choosing the amount to send and deciding where it goes.

How do I receive bitcoin?

To receive bitcoin, simply provide the sender with your Bitcoin address, which you can find in your Bitcoin wallet.

What's a 'self-custodial' wallet?

Understand how the self-custodial model puts you in charge of your cryptoassets and protects you from third-party risk.

How does bitcoin exchange work?

How safe is it to store your crypto on centralized exchanges?

How to backup and restore a crypto wallet

Make sure to backup your crypto wallets. Find out why you should, and how.

How to avoid Bitcoin and other crypto fraud

From phishing scams to fake Bitcoin exchanges, here's your guide to identifying and avoiding Bitcoin-related fraud.

Where can I spend Bitcoin and crypto?

Get an overview of the places and ways to spend your Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and other cryptocurrencies.

What are Bitcoin debit cards?

Bitcoin debit cards make it possible to spend bitcoin anywhere credit cards are accepted.

What is bitcoin mining?

The process of minting new bitcoins is in some ways similar to the process of extracting precious metals from the earth. For this reason, it has come to be known as 'bitcoin mining.'

How do bitcoin transactions work?

Understand how the Bitcoin public blockchain tracks ownership over time. Get clarity on key terms like public & private keys, transaction inputs & outputs, confirmation times, and more.

How is cryptocurrency taxed?

Get the basics of how cryptocurrencies are taxed and what it means for you.

How does Bitcoin impact the environment?

As Bitcoin has become more mainstream, concerns about its environmental impact have become more numerous and pressing. Unfortunately, some of the recent criticisms have misrepresented the facts.

Dollar-cost averaging

Learn how to protect yourself from big losses with this simple but powerful investment strategy.

What are sidechains?

Learn about the different types of sidechains, their advantages and disadvantages, and what they're used for. Get the essentials on key sidechain projects.

What is Lightning Network?

Learn how Bitcoin's key layer-2 scaling solution works and understand the challenges it faces.

Can you buy less than a bitcoin?

Learn the answer to this question and why it is a common misunderstanding for newcomers to Bitcoin.

Is Bitcoin a store of value?

Learn how Bitcoin is similar or different to other stores of value, like fiat currency (US dollars) and precious metals (gold).

How does Bitcoin compare to other asset classes?

Find out how Bitcoin has performed as an asset class vs. others.

Is Bitcoin a hedge against inflation?

Learn if Bitcoin is a good inflation hedge.

How to set up a Bitcoin cold storage wallet

Learn what a Bitcoin cold storage wallet is, why it's important, and how to use one.

What is a shared Bitcoin wallet?

Learn about shared (multisig) Bitcoin wallets, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they work.

How to set up and use a shared Bitcoin wallet

Learn about shared wallet "participants," "transaction requests," "approvals," and more.

What are the use cases for shared wallets?

Find out the many ways shared wallets can be used in the real world.

What is Bitcoin governance?

How does the network operate and decide on critical issues?

What is inflation?

Understand inflation, how it's measured, and how to protect yourself from it.

What is censorship resistance?

Censorship resistance is one of crypto's biggest strengths. Learn about its power.

What is WBTC?

WBTC is an important part of the DeFi ecosystem. Learn what it is, and why it’s important.

What are Bitcoin network fees?

Discover what bitcoin fees are, how fees are determined, and more.

What is the difference between Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Find out about the key differences between two of the most popular cryptocurrencies.

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