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What is cryptocurrency?

Everything you need to get started with cryptocurrency

You might have heard about Bitcoin, but there’s so much more to cryptocurrency than that. Our guides make learning about cryptocurrency easy – allowing you to buy, trade and store your cryptocurrency in as much time as it takes to set up a new bank account.

Get started with our A-Z of cryptocurrencies to learn more, or head straight to our exchanges guide to purchase and trade your favourites. Plus, don’t forget to check out our wallets guide to learn how to keep your crypto safe.

Where to buy and sell cryptocurrency in South Africa

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.

Name Product Deposit methods Fiat Currencies Cryptocurrencies Offer Disclaimer
Finder Award
Binance Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, P2P
USD, AUD, GBP, EUR, RUB, TRY, NGN, UAH, PHP, CZK & 60+ more

369
cryptocurrencies

Bybit Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bybit Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, P2P
USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, NZD, HKD, JPY, SGD, PHP

257
cryptocurrencies

Disclaimer: Highly volatile investment product. Your capital is at risk.
OKX Cryptocurrency Exchange
OFFER
OKX Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, P2P
USD, CNY, EUR, ARS, AUD, BGN, BRL, CAD, CHF, COP

368
cryptocurrencies

Refer a friend to win a mystery box worth up to US$10,000. T&Cs apply.
VALR Crypto Exchange
VALR Crypto Exchange
Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Wire transfer, Bank transfer (EFT)
ZAR, ZMW

60
cryptocurrencies

Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange
Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay
USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, GBP, CHF, JPY, AED

221
cryptocurrencies

KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange
OFFER
KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, P2P
USD, EUR, GBP, RUB, CNY, AUD, KRW, JPY, TRY, VND

742
cryptocurrencies

Sign up through Finder and get a free 14-day VIP upgrade to reduce your trading fees. T&Cs apply.
Gate.io Cryptocurrency Exchange
EXCLUSIVE
Gate.io Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card
USD, EUR, GBP, HKD, SGD, AUD, CHF, MXN

1591
cryptocurrencies

New users get $90 worth of Gate.IO points and an airdrop of $5 in GateTokens if trade volume exceeds $100 in their first week. T&Cs apply.
Easy Crypto Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer, Stitch, Ozow, SiD EFT
ZAR

161
cryptocurrencies

Kriptomat Cryptocurrency Exchange
EXCLUSIVE
Kriptomat Cryptocurrency Exchange
Credit card, Neteller, SOFORT, Skrill, SEPA
EUR, USD, GBP, BGN, HRK, CZK, HUF, PLN, SEK, TRY

332
cryptocurrencies

Sign up with code FINDER15 and get EUR 15 in BTC the first time you spend over EUR 100. T&Cs apply.
Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange
Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer (ACH), Debit card, PayPal, Wire transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay
USD, SGD, HKD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, COP

102
cryptocurrencies

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Learn how to get started with crypto

Cryptocurrency quick start

What do you want to know?

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What do we compare?

stack of vector coins representing cryptocurrency Image: Getty

100+

cryptocurrencies

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45+

exchanges

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70+

wallets

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Learn more

What exactly is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies are digital tokens that have a value, just like a R10 note is a physical token that happens to have R10 worth of value.

The difference is that digital currencies are purely electronic. Just like a photograph on the Internet can be copied and replicated over and over again until the original is worthless, the same thing could happen to a coin.

In order for a cryptocurrency to have value, a coin needs to be unique and unreplicable. The Bitcoin blockchain was the innovation which made this possible.

How to get started

1. Choose a cryptocurrency

Altcoins

A lot of people start with Bitcoin or Ethereum before exchanging other cryptocurrencies.

Our coin guides cover some of the most commonly traded cryptocurrencies on the market today.

2. Find a cryptocurrency exchange

Cryptocurrency exchange

Find an exchange to buy cryptocurrency.

You’ll usually start by exchanging fiat currency (such as ZAR) to your chosen cryptocurrency. After that, you might trade cryptocurrency to cryptocurrency.

3. Store your cryptocurrency in a wallet

Cryptocurrency wallet

While you might store your cryptocurrency on an exchange, it’s generally more secure to use your own wallet.

Not all wallets can hold all cryptocurrencies. Check to see if your cryptocurrency is supported by your wallet.

How to get cryptocurrency

Getting your hands on cryptocurrency is easy enough. Most people use an online exchange, where they trade their rands for crypto. Then there are other ways, such as Bitcoin ATMs, peer-to-peer trading or even over-the-counter (OTC) desks for larger purchases.
Bitcoin mining
Buying isn’t the only way to get Bitcoin. Here’s the 101 on Bitcoin mining.
Bitcoin mining
If you’re looking to start making high volume cryptocurrency trades, check out our Bitcoin predictions for the next few months.

Coins and tokens

There are now well over 2,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens, which is a lot to get your head around. Thankfully we’ve done the hard work and written guides on some of the most popular ones, plus a range of articles to help you understand cryptocurrency more easily.
a-z cryptocurrencies
We list our guides to over 100 cryptocurrencies you should know about. Find out more about a coin or token, including where to buy or sell it.
Coins VS Tokens
Don’t know your tokens from your coins? Find out how they differ and why this matters.
blockchain link close up
Blockchain is much more than just Bitcoin. Find out how it works.
Bitcoin guide
Introduce yourself to the cryptocurrency that started it all, Bitcoin.
Ethereum
Learn more about the Ethereum network, where to buy and sell its Ether (ETH) token and how it works.
Ripple Guide
Take a closer look at Ripple’s global payments network, how XRP works and things to consider if you’re interested in buying XRP.

Cryptocurrency wallets and storage

Even though it is digital, cryptocurrency still needs to be kept somewhere safe. This can be achieved in a few different ways. You might store it in a digital wallet, use a specialised hardware wallet, or even leave it on a reputable and secure exchange that you trust. Check out these guides to help decide which is best for you.
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Cryptocurrency news and TV

Keep on top of the latest news about markets, prices, adoption, regulation and more with our news portals which offer articles, video and email content to suit your needs.
Crypto Finder TV
Crypto Finder TV is your one-stop shop for cryptocurrency news, interviews, how-tos and more.

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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