Cryptocurrency is digital money that runs on blockchain technology. Unlike regular money (like dollars or euros), it isn’t controlled by banks or governments. It’s decentralized and secured by math (cryptography).
Digital & Decentralized
- No physical coins/bills—it’s all online.
- Runs on a blockchain (a shared public ledger).
Transactions = Math, Not Banks
- When you send crypto, the transaction is:
- Signed with your private key (like a password).
- Verified by computers (nodes) in the network.
- Recorded on the blockchain (forever).
Why Use Cryptocurrency?
- Fast & Global – Send money anywhere in minutes.
- Low Fees – No banks = cheaper transfers.
- Secure – Hard to fake or hack.
- Private – No need to share personal info.
Example: Sending Bitcoin
- You send 1 Bitcoin to a friend.
- Miners (special computers) verify the transaction.
- The transaction is added to a block.
- The block joins the blockchain—now your friend has the Bitcoin!

Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – Digital gold (store of value).
- Ethereum (ETH) – Powers smart contracts.
- Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), etc. – Faster/cheaper alternatives.
Final Thought
Cryptocurrency is internet money that cuts out middlemen. It’s still new and volatile, but it’s changing how we think about finance!