Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and not financial advice. bunq doesn't give trading advice. Manage crypto at your own risk. Always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Cryptocurrency investments come with risks, including the potential loss of the principal invested. Prices can fluctuate significantly. bunq Crypto is managed through our partner Kraken.
Which Cryptocurrencies Should I Know About?
If you're just starting out, it’s worth learning how crypto actually works. Our guide, What is Cryptocurrency? breaks down the basics—like blockchain technology and why people care about it.
From there, you’ll start to see why some cryptocurrencies have lasted, while others come and go. Not sure how to take the next step? We’ve also got a full guide on How to Start Investing in Crypto when you’re ready.
The Cryptocurrencies Everyone’s Talking About
Here are some of the most established and widely referenced digital currencies:
Bitcoin (BTC)
The first and most well-known. Bitcoin is often seen as digital gold—a long-term store of value rather than a currency for everyday transactions.
Ethereum (ETH)
The backbone of many decentralized apps and NFTs. Ethereum introduced smart contracts and powers a huge part of the crypto ecosystem.
Solana (SOL)
Fast and low-cost. Solana is built for speed, making it popular for gaming, DeFi, and NFT projects.
Stablecoins (USDT, USDC)
Pegged to traditional currencies like the euro or US dollar, stablecoins aim to keep their value steady—ideal for transferring money or holding crypto without major price swings.
XRP (Ripple)
Built for cross-border payments. XRP is used by financial institutions around the world for fast, low-fee transactions.
Cardano (ADA)
Known for its research-first approach, Cardano focuses on security, scalability, and sustainability in blockchain development.
Polkadot (DOT)
Designed to connect different blockchains, Polkadot helps them “talk” to each other—solving big problems like speed and interoperability.
Binance Coin (BNB)
Launched by the Binance exchange, BNB is used to pay trading fees and power apps in the Binance Smart Chain ecosystem.
Chainlink (LINK)
Acts as a bridge between blockchains and real-world data. Chainlink plays a major role in enabling smart contracts that react to real-life events.
Litecoin (LTC)
A faster, lighter version of Bitcoin. One of the oldest cryptocurrencies still in use, Litecoin is often used for smaller transactions.
Dogecoin (DOGE)
Started as a meme, embraced by the internet. Dogecoin now has a strong community and is widely used for tipping and micro-payments.
What About Lesser-Known Cryptos?
Once you’re familiar with the big names, you’ll probably come across other coins like Polygon (MATIC), Avalanche (AVAX), or Shiba Inu (SHIB). These each have unique ecosystems and use cases.
The key? Stick to coins with a clear purpose, solid development teams, and real adoption. Avoid projects that are vague, inactive, or lack transparency
How to Learn More Without Getting Overwhelmed
You don’t need to follow every market trend or memorize every ticker. Instead, focus on a few key points:
What’s the coin trying to do?
Does it have real-world use?
Who’s behind it, and how active is the community?
That’s more than enough to get started. When you're ready to go further, here's How to Invest in Crypto.
Want a Simple Way to Explore Crypto?
Want to buy and manage crypto—without jumping between apps or wallets? With bunq Crypto, you can:
Buy crypto directly in your app, starting from just €1
Track your coins right next to your savings and expenses
Set spending limits with Smart Shield to manage risk
Skip the complicated setups and get started in seconds
Whether you're just curious or already confident, bunq makes it easy to explore crypto safely, at your own pace.
Discover bunq Crypto and see how it works.
Understanding which cryptocurrencies matter is a great first step. Focus on the fundamentals, follow your curiosity, and take it slow. The world of digital finance is evolving fast—there’s no rush.
Are you ready to take your first step?
