Crypto Basics

A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency

Start your crypto journey here. These beginner-friendly articles break down the foundational concepts of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, helping you build a solid understanding from the ground up.

Cryptocurrency explained.

What Is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a medium of exchange created and stored electronically on a digital ledger called a blockchain. Learn about its uses, benefits, and risks.
What Is Blockchain?

Blockchain technology is a decentralized ledger system that links blocks of data together in a chain (a blockchain).
Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrency

The benefits of cryptocurrency may include faster, cheaper transactions, user control, and accessibility to. Learn more about the pros and cons of crypto.
Cryptocurrency vs. Stocks

There is a big difference between crypto and stocks, from how you purchase, sell, and store these assets to how they’re regulated. Read more about stocks vs. crypto before you invest.
Fiat Currency

Fiat currencies such as dollars or euros are issued by governments, vs. cryptocurrencies which are digital and decentralized. Learn more about fiat money and how it works.

Types of cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

Understanding the Different Types of Cryptocurrency

Knowing the main types of cryptocurrencies, from PoW and PoS to stablecoins, utility tokens, and DeFi, can help crypto users make informed choices.
What Is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the original digital currency, and one that has spawned many others, powered by blockchain technology. Learn what Bitcoin is and how it works.
What Is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a decentralized software platform built on blockchain technology, known for its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH). Learn how Ethereum works.
What Is Solana?

Learn about the Solana ecosystem, the high-speed blockchain rivaling Ethereum, and explore its growing ecosystem of DeFi, NFTs, and dApps.
What Are Altcoins?

An altcoin is any cryptocurrency that isn’t Bitcoin. They serve various functions like faster transactions, lower fees, or smart contract capabilities.
What Is a Stablecoin?

Stablecoins come in multiple types. But what are stablecoins? Get to know the different types of stablecoins here.
What Is USDC?

USDC, or USD Coin, is a type of cryptocurrency known as a stablecoin that is pegged to the U.S. dollar on a 1:1 basis. Learn how it works and its pros and cons.
What Are Real-World Assets?

Learn about RWA tokenization and why some on Wall Street have their eyes on tokenized assets in 2026. See how this crypto trend is bringing assets to the blockchain.
How Will the Genius Act Impact Stablecoin in 2026?

The Genius Act could reshape crypto regulation. Learn what the Act means for stablecoins, Bitcoin, and people who buy, hold, or sell digital assets in 2026.

Bitcoin basics, history, and comparisons.

Bitcoin Price History

Between the time Bitcoin reached $1 in 2011 and tipped $126,000 in 2025, its price has fluctuated between highs and lows. Learn more about Bitcoin’s price history.
How Many Bitcoins Are There?

21 million is the supply limit for bitcoin. As of 2022 a majority of them have already been mined. Learn more about how many bitcoins are left today.
Bitcoin vs. Ethereum

Bitcoin and Ethereum are two heavyweights in the crypto space, but they were designed with different purposes in mind.
Bitcoin vs. Solana

Bitcoin is a digital asset that prioritizes decentralization and stability, while Solana is a high-performance platform designed for dApps. Learn how they compare.
Bitcoin Pizza Day

Discover the history of Bitcoin Pizza Day. On May 22, 2010, 10,000 BTC bought two pizzas. Learn why this $41 transaction became a major milestone for crypto.

Show what you know, make your first trade!

SoFi Crypto is the first national chartered bank where retail customers can buy, sell, and hold 25+ cryptocurrencies.

Open an account

Buying and trading crypto.

How to Buy Cryptocurrency

You can buy crypto on exchanges, some traditional trading and banking platforms, and select mobile payment services. Follow our simple step-by-step guide.
Crypto Dollar-Cost Averaging

What is DCA in crypto? Explore how dollar-cost averaging works, its key benefits, potential risks, and how to decide if this crypto buying strategy is right for you.
What Is Altcoin Season?

Altcoin season indicates a time when Bitcoin is outperformed by other cryptocurrencies in the market. Learn more and find out how to determine altcoin season.
How to Hold Crypto in an IRA

Considering crypto for retirement? Explore the pros and cons of holding crypto in an IRA, including tax advantages, fees, and crucial risks to know.
What Is Crypto Slippage?

Learn what slippage means in crypto markets and how it affects values. Explore effective tips to avoid and reduce slippage.
Crypto Arbitrage

Crypto arbitrage involves generating returns or profits from price differences for the same cryptocurrency.
How Is Crypto Taxed?

Most interactions with crypto beyond simply buying and holding it are considered taxable events. Learn how cryptocurrency is taxed for 2026.

Crypto wallets, transfers, and storage.

What Is a Crypto Wallet?

A crypto wallet is a digital tool that lets you access, manage, and control your cryptocurrency. Learn more about crypto wallets.
Crypto Wallet vs. Exchange

Crypto wallets and exchanges offer different ways to store and manage crypto assets. Learn more about the pros and cons of using a crypto wallet vs exchange.
What Is a Crypto Wallet Address?

Learn more about crypto wallet addresses, including Bitcoin addresses, how easy they are to track, and how to do it in this comprehensive overview.
How to Send Crypto to Another Wallet

Wondering how to send crypto from one wallet to another? Generally, all you need are the coins and a public key to make the transaction.
What Is a Fiat Wallet?

Fiat wallets bridge the gap between everyday currency and the world of cryptocurrency. Learn all about fiat wallets today from SoFi.

Crypto mining, staking, and blockchain validation.

Crypto Staking

Crypto staking involves locking up crypto holdings in an effort to earn rewards.
Is Mining Crypto Worth It?

Crypto mining may still be worth it for crypto users in 2026, assuming they’ve taken some key things into consideration.
Crypto Staking vs. Mining

Cryptocurrency staking and mining are ways to earn crypto passively; but, they are not identical. Read how crypto mining vs staking differ here.

Crypto safety, scams, and risk protection.

How to Keep Your Cryptocurrency Safe

Keeping your cryptocurrency safe requires a combination of secure storage methods and smart personal security practices. Learn the five rules of crypto safety.
Top Crypto Scams to Watch Out For

Don’t become a victim. Learn to identify pig butchering, fake exchanges, and romance scams. Protect your digital assets with our 2026 safety guide.
How to Report Crypto Scams

Been scammed? Take immediate action. Our guide provides step-by-step instructions on reporting crypto fraud to the FTC, FBI, and SEC. Learn your options.