Apr
06
2021
What is DeFi? Decentralized Finance, Explained

What Is DeFi? Decentralized Finance, Explained

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on What Is DeFi? Decentralized Finance, Explained

DeFi, short for decentralized finance, is more than just a popular buzzword in the cryptocurrency sphere. It’s a concept that is disrupting the centralized financial services model, equalizing access and bringing more control to users across the globe.

In this article, we will cover everything a consumer might want to know about DeFi, including:

•   What is DeFi?
•   How does DeFi work?
•   How DeFi is disrupting traditional financial services
•   What’s a DApp?
•   Examples of DeFi DApps

What is DeFi?

DeFi is a blanket term referring to trustless and transparent protocols that don’t require intermediaries to operate. Traditionally, financial services and products have relied on centralized authorities such as banks, financial advisors, and clearinghouses. DeFi has reengineered this power dynamic to provide the same financial services programmatically without a central authority, thus reducing fees and making financial services and products more accessible to more people everywhere.

One way to better understand this concept is to look at the two parts of the term separately.

”De” = Decentralized

DeFi’s “de” stands for “decentralized,” or distributed control. By removing power from the hands of a few central authorities and distributing it across programmatic and autonomous code, DeFi transforms a previously centralized governance model into a decentralized one controlled by no one.

”Fi” = Finance

DeFi’s “Fi” is an abbreviation for “finance”—and more specifically, it refers to financial services. DeFi has disrupted traditional finance by transforming popular and long-standing financial services into decentralized versions without any central authority. DeFi offers an alternative to traditional financial services like the following:

•   Borrowing
•   Lending
•   Investing
•   Trading
•   Saving
•   Insurance
•   Crowdfunding
•   Crowdraising

DeFi has also enabled the creation of new financial products:

•   Cryptographic tokens: There are a number of these digital assets, one of the most common tokens is a “utility token,” which serves a specific function within a digital ecosystem. One example is the Basic Attention Token (BAT), which is used as payment for advertisers, users, and content creators on the Brave browser.

•   Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): These tokens transform digital images (for example, works of art, a tweet, a video clip, a GIF) into unique assets that can be traded on a blockchain.

How Does DeFi Work?

With DeFi, services and products are not subject to approval by a small group of decision makers but rather by smart contracts. Like traditional contracts, smart contracts contain information and terms regarding transactions between parties, but they are completely digital. They function like a small computer program stored inside of a distributed ledger known as a blockchain, a permanent and ever-growing record of information and transactions stored in individual blocks.

DeFi shares many aspects with cryptocurrencies, including the following:

Permissionless/Borderless

DeFi applications are permissionless—completely free of charge and available to anyone who wants to use them, the only requirement being an internet-connected smartphone or computer. Unlike traditional financial services, DApps don’t require lengthy applications to create an account, as users interact directly with smart contracts from their crypto wallet.

DeFi applications are also borderless, meaning they are country-agnostic and do not discriminate against users based on citizenship, geographic location, or government standing. Anyone can access funds on a DeFi app in one country, travel to another, and access their funds abroad without any restrictions whatsoever.

Transparent

DeFi applications are built on a blockchain network, a distributed ledger composed of smart contracts that stores transaction details as they occur and builds on top of them. Transaction activities become permanently cemented into the blockchain’s history of transactions across the entire network, while constantly updating it with new ones.

Because smart contracts and blockchain technology are designed to be permanent and publicly visible, transaction records cannot be hidden or altered thereafter. This allows all transaction activities to be visible to all market participants without violating privacy, because addresses are not directly tied to personal identities. It also allows anyone to audit the code and find bugs.

Trustless

DeFi recognizes and circumvents the trust problem of traditional finance by minimizing the need for third parties, banks, and clearinghouses. For most DeFi apps, users interact with self-executing smart contracts based on conditions being met, as opposed to waiting on approval from overseeing stakeholders.

Interoperable

Different DeFi applications (DApps) are designed to be compatible with each other, allowing DApps to be built or composed by combining DeFi products. This interoperability enables simple blockchain operation and a scalable ecosystem.

How DeFi is Disrupting Traditional Financial Services

Financial services such as borrowing, lending, and investing have traditionally been areas with a high barrier to entry, typically preventing people with little money or financial expertise from gaining access to these services. Though traditional banking is common in first world countries, there are over 1.7 billion people who are unbanked globally , representing over 30% of the human population, according to the most recent World Bank Global Findex report.

Domestically, 22% of US adults are underbanked or unbanked , according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households. “Underbanked” means they have at least one account at an insured institution but also obtain financial services outside of the banking system such as money orders, check-cashing stores, payday loans, pawn shops, and more. The FDIC found in its 2019 “How America Banks” survey that 5.4% of US adults are unbanked entirely , having no accounts with any financial institution.

With the advent of DeFi, previously inaccessible financial services such as borrowing, saving, investing, and international payments are now accessible to anyone with access to the internet regardless of age, income, nationality, financial background, or credit score. To date, there are currently 3,809 DApps, with 140.59k daily active users.

What’s a DApp?

A DApp, or decentralized application, is a digital program that runs on a decentralized blockchain network without the control of a single authority. DApps are open-source and the basis for any cryptocurrency project; Bitcoin is considered the first DApp.

While the actual DApps themselves are typically ‘unownable’ services, DApps sometimes distribute underlying tokens that allow users to buy crypto.

DeFi applications can be built on any decentralized protocol but are primarily built on Ethereum, the premier decentralized blockchain network used for building new DApps which is powered by smart contracts and its native digital currency Ether. Ethereum enables developers to write smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain which automatically execute when certain conditions are met. Smart contracts are then stored and executed across every node on the Ethereum network, making them decentralized applications.

The Ethereum DApps enable developers to build far more advanced technology than just trading cryptocurrency. Instead of needing to develop a new blockchain for every application, Ethereum created a secure platform for DApps to be built and deployed. Ethereum is one of the most popular blockchain networks and its native Ether token is the second-largest cryptocurrency behind Bitcoin.

DApps are similar to centralized applications but benefit from the features of existing on a decentralized blockchain network. Because they don’t have a single point of failure, they are thought to be more secure against cyberattacks. A distributed network of nodes maintains the network and prevents any system downtime common among centralized applications. DApps aren’t owned by anyone and aren’t subject to owner malfeasance such as embezzlement.

Examples of DeFi DApps

DeFi is a new space that only started to see the launch of live products in 2017 or so. Here are a few of the most popular types of DApps that emerged in 2020:

Borrowing and Lending Platforms

Securing a traditional loan typically involves submitting an application at a financial institution with ample personal information, agreeing to a credit check, pledging collateral (if necessary), and waiting for interest to be factored in by the intermediary for facilitating the loan that’s sourced by a federal institution. With DeFi, smart contracts connect interested lenders and borrowers, impose terms of loans, and impose interest without a third party. Lending DApps typically require collateral to be pledged in the form of crypto or stablecoins as a measure of insuring risk taken on by the lender. Through smart contract automation and elimination of a third-party intermediary, DApp lending platforms have formed loans with interest sometimes below 10 percent .

Decentralized Exchange (DEX)

A decentralized exchange (DEX) is an exchange that uses smart contracts to enforce trading rules, execute trades, and securely handle funds if necessary. Unlike centralized exchanges, DEXs don’t have an exchange operator nor do they require account creation, identity verification, or impose exchange fees. Because DEX’s are unique and don’t have a centralized authority, it is debated whether or not some or all DEX’s are subject to the crypto regulations enforced on centralized exchanges. Further, many DEX’s do not custody users’ funds at any point during trading, adding additional uncertainty as to the application of regulations. However, like any exchange, they do require liquidity to be able to match buyers and sellers.

Betting Platform

DeFi disrupts one of the most restricted and heavily centralized industries in existence: Gambling. In addition to an intensive and exclusive registration process, users of traditional online gambling platforms are subject to getting their betting limits lowered and accounts closed. With a decentralized peer-to-peer platform, this is not possible.

Several betting DApps have been launched as global betting platforms with no limits, allowing users to bet on traditional sports events as well as real-world events such as economics, elections, pop culture, and m
ore. Users can place bets using digital currencies and get rewarded in them upon winning a bet. Users buy or sell on a particular outcome of an event, with the DApp showing the current odds based on active user bets.

NFT Marketplace

An innovative DeFi development has been the launch of marketplaces for exchanging non-fungible tokens , or NFTs. NFTs are unique cryptographic tokens that represent digital goods such as online gaming goods and also tokenize real-world assets such as art, collectibles, company equity, and commodities. An NFT marketplace allows users to freely buy, sell, and trade NFTs representing otherwise non-fungible assets.

The Takeaway

DeFi is a term for the decentralized finance model that’s reengineering traditional financial services and products. By reallocating decision-making from central authorities to executable code within smart contracts, many financial services are becoming cheaper and easier to access for anyone.

Photo credit: iStock/akinbostanci

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

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Apr
05
2021
What is digital currency?

Different Types of Crypto Airdrops and How to Find Them

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Different Types of Crypto Airdrops and How to Find Them

A crypto airdrop is sort of like receiving a coupon to get a sample of something for free. New shops or restaurants sometimes offer a free drink or small item to first-time customers, for example. The hope is that the people who receive free items or coupons will enjoy the service, tell their friends, and become long-time customers.

When a company airdrops crypto to users, they aim to accomplish something similar. By depositing free coins into the wallets of users, the company is betting that the users might spread word of the new project and its potential use cases.

Of course, as with anything crypto-related, there’s more to it than just getting a simple “freebie” out of nowhere. This article offers answers to the most common questions regarding crypto airdrops, including:

•   What is a Crypto Airdrop?
•   What Are the Different Types of Airdrops?
•   How Do I Get Airdrops from Crypto?
•   Are Crypto Airdrops Worth It?
•   Are Crypto Airdrops Safe?

What is a Crypto Airdrop?

In a crypto airdrop, a new crypto project gives cryptocurrency to new users for free, or in exchange for a simple task like sharing a social media post. This practice became popular during the initial coin offering (ICO) craze of 2017 and 2018. Many crypto projects used airdrops to promote their ICOs and spark enthusiasm about their new digital asset.

In addition to regular coins, governance tokens are also sometimes airdropped, giving early adopters a larger say in how a project will develop going forward.

For users, the appeal is simple: Crypto airdrops allow people to obtain tokens without having to buy cryptocurrency. And for the companies, the benefit is clear: People who otherwise would never have known about the project could wind up becoming investors, or at the very least, provide free advertising for the company.

What Are the Different Types of Airdrops?

Airdrops can happen several different ways. The term is most often used to apply to free tokens being deposited to a user’s wallet in exchange for nothing more than registering with an email address. But that’s not the only type of crypto airdrop.

Standard Airdrop

This is the type of airdrop just mentioned, where users receive free tokens just for signing up for a newsletter or something similar.

Bounty Airdrop

Bounty airdrops require users to perform a simple task to receive the airdropped tokens. Most often this involves re-tweeting something about the project, creating an Instagram post and tagging a few friends, or joining a Telegram group.

Exclusive Airdrops

Airdrops of this type are designated exclusively for people who have an established history with a particular project, website, or community. For example, Uniswap gave its loyal users 2500 UNI tokens in September 2020. This equaled about $1,200 at the time, and there were no strings attached.

Hard Fork Airdrop

This one is a little different. When a coin hard forks from its original blockchain, a new coin gets created, and those who held the original coin will receive an equal amount of the new tokens in their wallets. The most well-known example of this would be the Bitcoin Cash (BCH) hard fork that occurred in 2017: Bitcoin users who held BTC received an equal amount of BCH automatically.

Holder Airdrop

These airdrops are similar to hard forks in that users who already hold certain tokens will receive new ones. EOS and Ethereum, for example, have sometimes offered users free tokens when a new project was created on one of their blockchains. These are not hard forks of the original coins, but rather entirely new projects created on top of the EOS or Ethereum protocol.

All these types of airdrops have one thing in common—the distribution of new coins.

How Do I Get Airdrops From Crypto?

The easiest way to find crypto airdrops might be to simply search for “crypto airdrops” or “what is a crypto airdrop.”

Since these events are designed for marketing and project promotion, they tend to make themselves relatively easy to find. There are even some websites exclusively devoted to listing upcoming airdrops, like Coin Airdrops .

However, scams abound in the cryptocurrency world, and users would do well to safeguard their information wherever possible. When searching for airdrops, it’s possible to encounter someone claiming to offer an airdrop when they’re actually just engaging in a phishing attempt (trying to steal information).

If an alleged airdrop were to ask for something like your login credentials to a website or bank account, the private keys to a cryptocurrency wallet, or any other personal details, it might be a scam. Requests to download “special” software or clicking links found in emails could also be phishing attempts designed to expose your device to malware or steal sensitive information.

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Is it Even Worth the Effort?

When considering that airdrops provide something for nothing, some people might say they are worth it.

At the same time, when a new project decides to airdrop crypto, this leads to a supply glut that can drive prices to tank later on. Because a lot of users end up receiving coins, a lot of them tend to cash out at the earliest opportunity. It’s not uncommon for airdropped coins to lose most or all of their value over time.

One good example of this involves the Auroracoin (AUR) airdrop. AUR was a cryptocurrency designated for citizens of Iceland in March 2014. All residents of the country were eligible to register for free receipt of 31.8 AUR, which was worth roughly $380 at the time.

At the time of writing, one AUR was worth about $0.10, meaning the 2014 airdrop would be worth little more than $3 in 2021. Auroracoin can only be traded on two smaller crypto exchanges as well, meaning there is very little liquidity in the market and holders might find it difficult to sell.

This demonstrates the degree to which airdropped coins can become almost worthless over time.

Are Crypto Airdrops Safe?

Some users have also fallen victim to fraudulent airdrops in the past. During the ICO craze of 2017 and 2018, there were many fake crypto startups that were actually frauds.

Amid an industry with much more hype than regulation, some savvy scammers devised a way to attract investment funds without actually creating anything. They would create a coin or say they were planning on creating a coin, and then claim to have plans to airdrop crypto.

Sometimes the companies would require small fees to be eligible for the alleged airdrop, or other speculators would make investments believing that the airdrop itself would lead to a successful project.

While these types of scams might be less common today than they were three or four years ago, investors would still do well to be wary when it comes to crypto airdrops.

Looking at the idea of “safe” from another perspective, few would argue that the coins received in an airdrop could be considered a safe investment. Altcoins in general can be highly speculative, and that goes double for any new coin that has been airdropped.

As we saw in the Auroracoin example, airdropped crypto can lose nearly all of its value.

Many people who sign up for or become eligible for airdrops are aware of the situation, and could likely to take profits as soon as possible. The few airdrop recipients who happen to receive a coin of significant value at a time when there is a liquid market for it might make some money. Others may be left holding a bag of worthless coins later on.

The Takeaway

Crypto airdrops involve users receiving something for virtually nothing—an email address, or some social media promotion. But while some recipients have gotten lucky enough to be the first movers in an airdrop that actually had value, many others have also fallen victim to lofty promises of the “next big thing” in crypto.


SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOIN21044

2Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.
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$100 $499.99 $15
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Feb
24
2021
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What is Binance (BNB) Crypto? BNB Price & How to Buy BNB

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on What is Binance (BNB) Crypto? BNB Price & How to Buy BNB

Binance (BNB) is a cryptocurrency token that was created to be used as a medium of exchange on Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.

Traders who hold BNB tokens get discounts when using BNB to pay for trading fees on Binance. As of 2020, BNB users received a 6.25% rebate on trading fees. Binance Coin also serves as the native token for Binance’s decentralized exchange (DEX).

What Is Binance?

Binance is one of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges. Based in Malta, the exchange was founded in 2017 and follows all standard cryptocurrency regulations. Binance offers a variety of features, including:

•  Crypto-to-crypto trading of many different currency pairs (over 150)
•  Fiat-to-crypto trading
•  The ability to buy crypto with a credit card
•  Futures and leveraged trading for advanced traders
•  The option to choose between a basic interface for beginners or an advanced interface for experienced traders

Binance has one the highest liquidity of any crypto exchange in the world, according to data from CoinMarketCap. That means more crypto can trade hands on the exchange than anywhere else during a given period of time, making Binance a desirable place for day traders who thrive on liquid assets, which makes it easier and faster to execute trades. The exchange also has low fees, so users can make more trades for less cost.

Binance derives its name from a combination of the words “finance” and “binary.” The exchange claims to have high levels of security and is capable of processing about 1.4 million orders each second.

Eleven days before Binance went live, BNB was created through an initial coin offering. While the coin was first issued as an ERC-20 token running on the Ethereum network, these same coins were later swapped with BEP2 BNB coins in April 2019 when the Binance Chain mainnet launched (Binance’s own blockchain network). BNB can be used as “gas” payments–fees paid for computing power–to fuel transactions on the DEX.

Is Binance Coin Worth Buying?

This question might not have a single, objective answer. It depends on the individual. Someone who wants to use Binance’s decentralized exchange (DEX) might think BNB crypto is worth buying. The Binance DEX first went live in April 2019.

Traders who make a lot of trades on Binance on a regular basis might benefit from the discounts that BNB provides. They could wind up saving them a lot of money.

And finally, some cryptocurrency traders might speculate, as opposed to invest, that BNB has a promising future. These people might see BNB as a good coin to hold for some time, in hopes that the price will continue to rise. BNB crypto has risen over 34,000% since inception and over 41,000% since its all-time low.

What is Binance Coin Used For?

As far as different types of cryptocurrencies go, Binance Coin might be one of the most unique. As mentioned, BNB serves two main purposes:

•  To provide discounts to traders who use BNB on Binance, and
•  To function as “gas” for transactions on Binance’s decentralized exchange (DEX).

When someone places a trade on Binance, they are charged a 0.5% trading fee. This fee can either be paid in the form of the cryptocurrency being traded at the time or in the form of Binance Coin. When paid using BNB, a discount is applied.

Beyond that, altcoins like Binance Coin are also used for speculative purposes. Traders buy coins at a low price with the hopes of selling them later at a higher price to make a profit.

How to Buy BNB

Binance Coin can be purchased on the Binance crypto exchange. There are three primary trading pairs:

•  BNB/USDT (Binance-Tether stablecoin)
•  BNB/BTC (Binance-Bitcoin)
•  BNB/BUSD (Binance-U.S. dollar)

While BNB crypto was created by and for Binance, traders can buy BNB tokens on other exchanges as well. As of the time of writing, BNB can be traded on dozens of different exchanges.

Users who already hold some Bitcoin might find it easiest to deposit Bitcoin to an exchange that trades the BNB/BTC pair and then trade their bitcoin for BNB. Those who don’t hold Bitcoin could consider creating an account on Binance and funding it using either a stablecoin like Tether or U.S. dollars directly.

Binance Coin Price

At the time of writing, the BNB price was $40.39 or 0.001076 Bitcoin.

In July 2017, when the coin was first created, the price was closer to $0.10, with the all-time low being $0.096. The all-time high, as of January 2021, was $45.16, reached on Jan. 10, 2021.

BNB is currently ranked as the eleventh largest cryptocurrency, according to CoinMarketCap data, with a market cap of over $5.7 billion. The 24-hour trading volume on Jan. 14, 2021 was $548.3 million.

BNB crypto has a circulating supply of 142,406,561 BNB and a maximum supply of 174,152,673 coins.

Is Binance Better Than Coinbase?

Some users might compare Binance to other prominent exchanges, including Coinbase. The comparison is, however, largely subjective. For those new to crypto seeking ease-of-use and simplicity, Coinbase might be a good option. They allow for purchases and sales of many of the top cryptocurrencies.

Coinbase also has a cold storage, multi-signature feature called “vaults.” Vaults provide a more secure way to hold crypto for the long-term. To access funds held in a vault, a user must verify a withdrawal request from two different email addresses and wait through a 48-hour processing period.

On the other hand, for more active traders seeking a wider variety of tokens to choose from and higher liquidity, Binance could be preferable. At Binance, investors and traders also have the option to use a more advanced interface with detailed charts.

Is Crypto Safe On Binance?

The answer to this question depends on an individual’s definition of “safe” and how much money is in question.

Generally speaking, it might be safe to keep small amounts of crypto on a secure exchange like Binance for a short period of time. Binance boasts some of the strongest security in the industry. For larger balances to be held over longer time-frames, however, holding coins on any exchange is widely regarded as not being very secure.

Over the years, many exchanges have been hacked. This creates the most obvious security risk involved with “hot wallets,” or cryptocurrency wallets that are actively online at all times. Another risk that comes from exchanges is theft. Employees of the company could conspire to steal user funds and blame the event on outside malicious actors.

The Takeaway

Binance (BNB) coins were created to be used on the Binance cryptocurrency exchange. BNB users on BNB can get trading discounts. However, BNB has become more popular in recent years, experiencing a tremendous increase in price, and now, cryptocurrency traders and investors can find it on many other exchanges.

With SoFi Invest®, investors can buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin, while following the prices of others like XRP and BNB. They can also invest in stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Get started today.


Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Feb
16
2021
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8 Steps to Build Credit Fast

By | Credit, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on 8 Steps to Build Credit Fast

Your credit score can affect many areas of your life.

A poor credit score can make it harder to buy a car, get a job, purchase a home, rent an apartment, have the utilities turned on, and even get a cell phone.

It can also cost you money, since credit card companies and lenders typically consider your credit score when determining your interest rate.

Fortunately, if your credit is less-than stellar–or you haven’t yet had a chance to establish much, or any, credit history–there are some simple steps you can take to build or boost your score quickly.

While you can’t typically establish exceptional credit overnight, you may be able to improve your credit score in a matter of months by putting a few good credit habits into practice, building a positive payment history, and avoiding credit-damaging mistakes.

Simple Steps to Build Your Credit Faster

Here are some strategies that can help you establish or improve your credit profile ASAP.

1. Understanding What Goes Into Your Score

One of the most commonly used credit scoring models is the FICO® Score .

FICO has five factors it considers when calculating its credit scores.

•  Payment history: 35% of this score is related to your history of payments on credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and other loans. The algorithm looks at the frequency and severity of missed and late payments.
•  Credit utilization: 30% of this score is based on how much of your available credit you are currently using.
•  Length of credit history: The amount of time you’ve had each credit account open makes up 15% of this credit score. That’s why it’s nearly impossible to have perfect credit when you’re new to credit.
•  New credit: 10% of this credit score has to do with opening new credit. (However, opening several new credit accounts at the same time isn’t typically a good way to bump up your score, because that can look like you’re in financial trouble).
•  Credit mix: The final 10% of this credit score is based on the different types of credit you have and how you’ve managed them.

2. Checking Your Credit Report and Disputing any Errors

Credit scores are calculated on the information in your credit reports.

That’s why it’s a good idea to get copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus–Equifax , TransUnion and Experian –and to make sure all the information is accurate.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), one in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports.

Everyone is entitled to see their credit reports for free once a year at the government-mandated AnnualCreditReport.com site.

When you get your reports, it’s a good idea to comb through them carefully and to look for any inaccuracies, such as payments marked late when you paid on time, wrong account numbers, incorrect loan balances, or accounts that aren’t yours.

If you find an error in one or all your credit reports, you can reach out to the credit bureaus directly to dispute the information.

If you see accounts in your name that you never opened, and believe you may be a victim of identity theft, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov or 877-438-4338.

A mistake on one of your credit reports could be pulling down your score. Fixing it can help you quickly repair your credit.

3. Paying Bills on Time Every Time

Payment history is the single most important factor that affects your credit scores.

Not only that, a past due payment can stay on your report for seven years.

Setting up autopay, either through each provider or company, or through your financial institution, can be a great way to ensure you never miss a bill.

If you do miss a payment by a few days, all is not necessarily lost, however.

There is generally a small window of time to make up a missed credit card payment before any damage to your credit happens.

That’s because late payments are typically not reported to credit bureaus until the payment is at least 30 days late.

The key is to get it in as soon as you can.

4. Becoming an Authorized User on a Credit Card

If you have no credit or a low credit score, you may be able to build it up by becoming an authorized user of a credit card that the cardholder uses responsibly.

An authorized user has permission to use an account, but does not have any liability for debts.

If a friend or family member adds you as an authorized user to their account, the card issuer will then typically report you as an authorized user to the credit reporting companies.

In this way, you gain a credit history from the credit usage of your friend or family member.

5. Opening a Secured Credit Card

Some credit card companies offer “secured” credit cards, which allow you to build credit history with little risk to the credit card company.

Here’s how it works: You pay a cash deposit up front that is equal to the limit of the card. For example, if you put down a $500 deposit, you would have a $500 limit on the card.

You can then use it like a regular credit card.

Using the secured card responsibly–being mindful of the amount you’ve charged in relation to the card’s limit–and paying your bills in full and on time will all be reported to the credit bureaus.

6. Using your credit card regularly

One way to build credit is to display a history of responsible borrowing.

For that reason, you may want to place monthly bills and other expenses on your credit card–being sure to pay the bill in full each month by the due date.

7. Keeping Credit Card Balances Low

This can help move the needle on credit utilization, or the amount of debt you have compared to the total amount of credit that is available to you, and is expressed as a percentage.

After payment history, this is typically the second most important factor that influences your score.

The rule of thumb is to use no more than 30% of your total credit at any time. This includes access to all credit lines, as well as the percentage on individual cards.

One way to do this is make multiple payments on your credit card throughout the month.

If you’re able to keep your utilization low, instead of letting it build toward a payment due date, it could quickly benefit your score.

8. Keeping Credit Cards Open

It might seem to make good financial sense to close credit cards you never or seldom use.

But from a credit score perspective, it may not be a wise move.

That’s because closing a credit card means you lose that card’s credit limit when your overall credit utilization is calculated, which can lower your credit score.

A better bet might be to keep the card open and to use it occasionally so the issuer won’t close it.

The Takeaway

A credit score in the good to excellent range could provide you access to the most competitive interest rates for loans and credit cards, and also make it easier to rent an apartment, get a cell phone, and land a new job.

Some ways to improve your score quickly include having active open accounts that you are consistently paying on time, keeping your loan balances low, and disputing any errors on your credit reports.

Building good credit is also a matter of establishing good financial habits, such as tracking your spending (so you don’t come up short at the end of the month), and make sure all of your bills are posted by their due dates.

One move that can help you stay on top of your finances is signing up for SoFi Checking and Savings®.

SoFi Checking and Savings is a checking and savings account that allows you to earn competitive interest, spend, and save–all in one account. And you’ll pay zero account fees to do it.

SoFi Checking and Savings also allows you to track your weekly spending right from the dashboard in the SoFi Checking and Savings app.

You can also use the app to set up all of your bill payments to help ensure that payments are never missed or late.

Check out everything a SoFi Checking and Savings checking and savings account has to offer today!


SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2022 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi Money® is a cash management account, which is a brokerage product, offered by SoFi Securities LLC, member
FINRA / SIPC . SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A. SoFi Money Debit Card issued by The Bancorp Bank.
SoFi has partnered with Allpoint to provide consumers with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. Consumers will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
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External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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