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Crypto News

  • 18 JUN 2019
  • Gerald McGowan

What Is Bitcoin, and How Does It Work?

Each bitcoin (trading symbol “BTC,” though “XBT” is also used) is a computer file stored in a digital wallet on a computer or smartphone. To understand how bitcoin works, it helps to understand these terms and a little context:

  • Blockchain: Bitcoin is powered by open-source code known as blockchain, which creates a shared public ledger. Each transaction is a “block” that is “chained” to the code, creating a permanent record of each transaction. Blockchain technology is at the heart of more than 2,200 cryptocurrencies that have followed in bitcoin’s wake.

  • Private and public keys: A bitcoin wallet contains a public key and a private key, which work together to allow the owner to initiate and digitally sign transactions, providing proof of authorization.
  • Bitcoin miners: Miners — or members of the peer-to-peer platform — then independently confirm the transaction using high-speed computers, typically within 10 to 20 minutes. Miners are paid in bitcoin for their efforts.

Bitcoin value follows the law of supply and demand — and because demand waxes and wanes, there’s a lot of volatility in the cryptocurrency’s price.

Storing your bitcoins: Hot wallets vs. cold wallets

Bitcoins can be stored in two kinds of digital wallets:

  • Hot wallet: Digital currency is stored in the cloud on a trusted exchange or provider, and accessed through a computer browser, desktop or smartphone app.
  • Cold wallet: An encrypted portable device much like a thumb drive that allows you to download and carry your bitcoins.

Basically, a hot wallet is connected to the internet; a cold wallet is not. But you need a hot wallet to download bitcoin into a portable cold wallet.

Buying bitcoin: The pros and cons

With a speculative asset class like bitcoin, it’s better to start with why you should be wary:

Bitcoin: The cons

  • Price volatility. The 2017 spike in bitcoin’s price was driven by speculators rushing into the bitcoin market, as NerdWallet staff writers discussed at the time. The recent gains are good news if you bought bitcoin this past December; those who bought in 2017 when bitcoin’s price was racing toward $20,000 have yet to recover their losses.
  • Hacking concerns. While backers say the blockchain technology behind bitcoin is even more secure than traditional electronic money transfers, bitcoin hot wallets have been an attractive target for hackers. There have been a number of high-profile hacks, such as the news in May that more than $40 million in bitcoin was stolen from several high-net-worth accounts on cryptocurrency exchange Binance (the company covered the losses).
  • Limited (but growing) use. In May, telecommunications giant AT&T joined companies like Overstock.com, Microsoft and Dish Network in accepting bitcoin payments. But these companies are the exception, not the rule.
  • Not protected by SIPC. The Securities Investor Protection Corporation insures investors up to $500,000 if a brokerage fails or funds are stolen, but that insurance doesn’t cover cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin: The pros

  • Private, secure transactions anytime — with fewer potential fees. Once you own bitcoins, you can transfer them anytime, anywhere, reducing the time and potential expense of any transaction. Transactions don’t contain personal information like a name or credit card number, which eliminates the risk of consumer information being stolen for fraudulent purchases or identity theft. (Keep in mind, though, that to purchase bitcoins on an exchange, generally you’ll first need to link your bank account.)
  • The potential for big growth. Some investors who buy and hold the currency are betting that once bitcoin matures, greater trust and more widespread use will follow, and therefore bitcoin’s value will grow.
  • The ability to avoid traditional banks or government intermediaries. After the financial crisis and the Great Recession, some investors are eager to embrace an alternative, decentralized currency — one that is essentially outside the control of regular banks, governing authorities or other third parties. (However, to buy bitcoin on an exchange with U.S. dollars, you’ll likely need to link your bank account.)

Where can I buy bitcoin?

  • Cryptocurrency exchanges. There are a number of exchanges in the U.S. and abroad. Robinhood is the first mainstream investment broker to offer bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies (Robinhood Crypto is available in most, but not all, U.S. states). Other brokers such as Fidelity, Sofi Wealth, TradeStation and Motif Investing have announced plans to offer cryptocurrency trading in the near future. Other cryptocurrency exchanges include Coinbase, Binance and Bitstamp.
  • Bitcoin ATMs. There are more than 3,000 bitcoin ATMs in the U.S. (search Coin ATM Radar to find one near you).
  • Peer-to-peer purchases. True to its original spirit, you can buy bitcoins directly from other bitcoin owners through peer-to-peer tools like Bisq, Bitquick and LocalBitcoins.com.
  • Bitcoin mining. You can earn bitcoins through mining, but the technical expertise required and computer cost puts this option out of reach for most.