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How to buy ChainLink and how it works
How to get started buying, selling and trading ChainLink (LINK) in the UK.
Chainlink (LINK) is blockchain middleware that aims to connect smart contracts with real-time information from off-chain resources, such as banks and stock exchanges. This allows smart contracts to access data feeds, application programming interfaces (APIs) and traditional bank payment systems that operate outside the blockchain infrastructure. We’ve compared 20+ exchanges to help you buy, sell and trade LINK in the UK.
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific
provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.
Where to buy, sell and trade Chainlink
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LINK tokens are available on a number of cryptocurrency exchanges around the world, but not all exchanges are created equal. Compare exchanges on fiat currency support, deposit method and cryptocurrencies offered:
What's in this guide?
How to buy Chainlink
There are many exchanges that let you buy LINK tokens directly with fiat currency (GBP, for example). You can also buy cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) and then trade that currency for LINK tokens. The basic process you’ll need to follow is outlined below:
Step 1. Create an account on a cryptocurrency exchange that allows you to trade LINK
You’ll need to provide your email address and create a password to register for an account, while it’s also recommended that you set up two-factor authentication to provide an extra level of security.
Step 2. Deposit funds into your account
Many cryptocurrency exchanges only allow trading between cryptocurrencies and don’t allow the direct deposit of fiat currency, such as USD, so you’ll usually need to own or buy BTC or ETH first.
The exact process for depositing funds into your account varies depending on the exchange you choose.
Step 3. Buying LINK
The final step is to trade your chosen currency for LINK on the exchange. Once again, the exact process you need to follow may vary slightly depending on the exchange you choose.
Chainlink wallets
Chainlink coins are ERC20 tokens that exist on the Ethereum network. As a result, they can be stored on any Ethereum-friendly wallet, such as the following:
How to sell or trade LINK
- Visit the exchange platform you have LINK on. If you have LINK in a digital wallet, then you can choose an exchange platform from one of those listed above.
- Transfer your LINK to ETH or BTC through the platform.
- Continue to follow the specific instructions on the platform to complete your sale or trade.
What is Chainlink and how does it work?
Launched in 2017, Chainlink is an intermediate blockchain that aims to connect blockchains with other off-chain applications. One drawback of smart contracts is that because they’re based on information secured on a blockchain, and because of the way miners reach consensus around blockchain-based transaction data, they can’t interact with external resources such as data feeds and payment systems.
Smart contracts
Smart contracts are self-executing contracts executed on decentralised infrastructures and with the terms of the agreement written into cryptographic code. Because they exist on decentralised networks, such as a blockchain, smart contracts cannot be altered and therefore create a relationship that doesn’t rely on trust.
Chainlink acts as a fully decentralised oracle network to help connect smart contracts with external resources, off-chain payments and APIs. The potential applications for this are many and varied, and include connecting smart contracts with all manner of essential information, such as the following:
- Central bank interest rates
- Current exchange rates
- Off-chain payment methods
- Shipment and customs data
- Sports scores
- Weather forecasts
For example, let’s assume that there’s an Ethereum smart contract that needs to make a payment through PayPal. There’s currently no compatibility between Ethereum and the PayPal API, which is where Chainlink comes in. By linking the smart contract with the PayPal API, it can ensure fast and secure payment.
What to consider before you buy Chainlink
- LINK availability. The total supply of LINK tokens is one billion, and at the time of writing, there were 419,009,556 tokens in circulation.
- Use. LINK tokens are the cryptocurrency of the Chainlink network. When any company that operates a data feed, payment service or other useful off-chain API connects them to smart contracts through the Chainlink network, that company will receive LINK tokens in exchange.
- Potential. The value of the LINK token depends on the adoption and popularity of the Chainlink network. Take a look through the company’s white paper and consider the real-world applications for Chainlink to help you decide whether it could be a worthwhile investment.
- Competition. While Chainlink was the first to announce a service of this kind, other platforms have launched similar technology and may compete for market share, such as Augur, Band Protocol and Bridge Oracle.
- Future developments. Chainlink aims to help create new standards for an open-source smart contract ecosystem, solve many of the problems inherent to smart contracts and help pave the way for real-world blockchain adoption. It is an ongoing process without a fixed end goal, so Chainlink doesn’t publish roadmaps the way other cryptocurrency projects do.
- Partnerships. It’s also worth checking for news of any commercial partnerships Chainlink has in place. For example, it’s already established a partnership with global financial messaging service provider SWIFT to develop the SWIFT Smart Oracle.
Frequently asked questions
What network is the LINK token on?
LINK is an ERC20 token on the Ethereum blockchain.
How many LINK tokens are there?
The total supply of the LINK tokens is 1 billion.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly
volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of
future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information.
You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory
requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may
have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
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