How to Buy, Sell & Store Cryptocurrencies

<aside> <img src="/icons/map-pin_gray.svg" alt="/icons/map-pin_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Remember: Not your keys, Not your crypto!

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What is a Crypto Wallet

A crypto wallet is like a combination of a digital bank account and a safe. It stores your coins, lets you manage them, and enables secure transfers between people or apps worldwide. Every wallet tracks your public and private keys—think of the public key like your email address (anyone can send money to it), and the private key like your password (only you should know it).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQyg9pyJ1Ac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-HDzwS52J0

Why Own a Wallet

Pros

Full control: You, not the bank or app, manage your funds and can access them anytime.
Private & secure: Your assets are protected when you store them properly (offline or encrypted).
Access to decentralized finance: Try new financial tools (like trading, borrowing, earning rewards) directly from your wallet.

Cons

Responsibility: If you lose your private keys, your funds are gone, nobody can help recover them.
Security risk: Hacking or phishing can steal your assets if you’re careless.
Limited customer support: No official “bank” to call if you make a mistake.

Types of Crypto Wallets

Type	Main Features	Use Case
Hardware Wallets (Cold Wallets)	Physical device; offline; top security [Ledger]	Long-term/safe storage
Software Wallets	Apps or browser extensions; online; easy to use	Everyday quick access
Paper Wallets	Printout or handwritten; no online exposure	Free, but less practical
Mobile Wallets	Phone apps; convenient, trusted models available	On-the-go trades/usage
Exchange Wallets	Held on exchange like Crypto.com, Kraken	For frequent trading

Hardware Wallets (Cold Wallets)

Highest securing for storing private keys.
Offline storage, making this immune to hacking
Supports multiple cryptocurrencies
Suitable for long-term storage of digital assets.
Have to Buy

Software Wallets (Hot Wallets)

User-friendly and convenient
Easily accessible through numerous devices
Support multiple cryptocurrencies and functionalities (Staking, decentralized exchanges, etc.)