How to Invest in Crypto: A Guide for Beginners

As you learn about investing in crypto, you may quickly discover that understanding the ins and outs of the industry can take time. As a newcomer, investing in cryptocurrency has been subject to speculation over the last decade, and more than 28 percent of Americans report using or investing in crypto [1]. If you're ready to start investing, read on to determine your next steps, what information to pay attention to, and whether crypto is the right investment.

What is crypto?

Crypto, or cryptocurrency, is a form of digital money founded on blockchain technology. It is encrypted and decentralized, which secures the currency and prevents its value from being manipulated by a government agency or central bank. The idea of cryptocurrency is that it is a uniform currency that can be used globally; instead of having different currencies in different nations, cryptocurrency retains the same value everywhere.

While many people invest in cryptocurrency as they do other stocks, they can also use it to buy goods and services in the same way other forms of money can. However, cryptocurrency is much more volatile than other forms of payment, so owning one “coin” of cryptocurrency could be worth vastly different amounts daily. 

What is crypto investing?

Investing in cryptocurrency means buying cryptocurrency (or putting money into a related fund) with the intention of the investment increasing in value over time. Essentially, you are buying some cryptocurrency at the current rate and hoping that your purchase value will increase. Ideally, the cryptocurrency increases in value, and so does the value of your portfolio, so you can make money from the investment. 

How to invest in crypto

There are many ways to invest in cryptocurrency — coins, stocks, ETFs, and more — each with its own level of risk. Taking the time to learn about each type of investment can ensure you are well-informed and decide which investment is right for you.

Read more: How to Buy Cryptocurrency

1. Buy crypto directly.

To buy crypto directly, you will need to use a cryptocurrency exchange service, such as Coinbase or Robinhood. To do this, you make an account with the platform and go through a verification process. After this, you can link your bank account and make your first purchase.

2. Mine crypto.

Cryptocurrency mining is the process of "digging up" new crypto coins by solving math puzzles and verifying blockchain transactions. To mine cryptocurrency, you will likely need to complete a verification process and invest in mining software and hardware.

Read more: What Is Crypto Mining? Cryptocurrency Mining Explained

3. Buy crypto-related stocks.

Investing in companies that are related to cryptocurrency, such as Robinhood Markets, Inc., is another way to invest your money in the crypto market. Buying stock in these companies lets you indirectly invest in cryptocurrency.

4. Invest in blockchain ETFs.

Similar to investing in crypto-related stocks, when investing in a blockchain exchange-traded fund, you will invest in companies that support cryptocurrency rather than the actual coins. Blockchain ETFs include a variety of companies, from those that focus on developing and maintaining the blockchain to companies that directly benefit from blockchain technology.

5. Invest in a crypto IRA

A crypto IRA gives you access to the tax advantages related to an IRA while letting you invest in cryptocurrency. You won't be able to contribute crypto directly to the IRA, so you have to find a custodian willing to accept crypto. 

What to consider when investing in crypto

Anyone can invest in crypto, but it can be beneficial to consider several factors (like risk tolerance) before you do. Cryptocurrency is considered a high-risk investment, so taking the time to research the cryptocurrency space is essential to the decision-making process.

Types of crypto

Understand the type of cryptocurrency you are investing in. Plenty of cryptocurrencies are on the market, so looking carefully at the differences in how they operate can help you choose coins for your investment portfolio. One such difference between coins is whether they are backed by hard assets, cash flow, or nothing at all. This affects the risk profile. Crypto not backed by a physical asset may not retain its value in the long run.

Risk

Before investing in cryptocurrency, it's important to know the risks. Cryptocurrency is still becoming established in modern economies, and large swings in value tend to be more common than in stocks. For this reason, some investors view the money invested in crypto as out of reach for the foreseeable future. Setting clear risk management guidelines can save you from crushing losses in the long run.  

How much you can afford

Because of the volatility in cryptocurrency, you should consider how much you can afford to lose and still meet your financial goals. Staking your entire savings or retirement plan in cryptocurrency could lead to dramatic losses, and the timing of these losses can be difficult to predict. It's also important to pay attention to the tax consequences of buying cryptocurrency and transaction fees. Hidden costs could lead to spending more than you bargained for. 

Do you need a degree to be a crypto investor?

You don’t need a degree to invest your own money or assets. Anyone with a valid form of identification and bank account can invest in cryptocurrency. However, taking a course online can help you gain an in-depth understanding of different coins, platforms, and the direction of the cryptocurrency industry. If you want to invest in cryptocurrency for others, you will likely need a degree or certification in finance or investing to land a position in this field.

Top courses and certifications that can help in crypto investing

The Cryptocurrency Certification Consortium (C4) is a non-profit organization that offers certifications for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of cryptocurrency. Its certifications include the three listed below and a Spanish version of the Certified Bitcoin Professional certificate:

• Certified Ethereum Professional (CEP)

• Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP)

• CryptoCurrency Security Standard Auditor (CCSSA)

Earning a certificate can help open doors for careers in cryptocurrency or provide a way to deepen your knowledge before investing. Each certification has a specific focus and allows you to focus your knowledge on a type of cryptocurrency or process.

How to invest in crypto: Learn more

Ready to learn more about investing in cryptocurrency? Beginners can gain a solid foundation of knowledge in FinTech, crypto, and blockchain technology in the self-paced Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations Specialization by the University of Michigan. If you already have some experience, you could take your skills to the next level with an intermediate Specialization like Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance.

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