Digital Money
Bitcoin is a form of digital money that can be transferred between users over a network.
DIGITAL
BITCOIN EDUCATION
Bitcoin, Explained Clearly.
A modern, straightforward guide to Bitcoin, wallets, blockchain transactions, confirmations and the security principles that matter most.
01
Understand
02
Verify
03
Protect
BITCOIN
DIGITAL ASSET
₿
BITCOIN
₿
BLOCKCHAIN
Digital Currency
Bitcoin
✓
Recorded On
Blockchain
BITCOIN × DIGITAL FINANCE
AT A GLANCE
A digital asset built around a public ledger.
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates through a distributed network. Transactions are recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain, creating a shared history of activity rather than relying on one central database.
01
Decentralized network
02
Public blockchain
03
Cryptographic security
THE ESSENTIALS
Bitcoin in four ideas.
The useful explanation, without making you earn a PhD in cryptocurrency terminology first.
Decentralized
Bitcoin operates across a distributed network rather than depending on one central authority.
NETWORKPublic Ledger
Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a distributed blockchain that provides a shared transaction history.
BLOCKCHAINVerification
Transactions are validated by the network and confirmed through inclusion in the blockchain.
VERIFIED
HOW IT WORKS
From wallet to confirmation.
Bitcoin transactions follow a sequence of cryptographic authorization, network processing and blockchain confirmation.
01
Wallet
Wallet software manages the cryptographic keys used to authorize transactions.
02
Transaction
A transaction is created and digitally authorized using the appropriate key.
03
Network
The Bitcoin network processes and validates the transaction according to its protocol.
04
Confirmation
Confirmed activity becomes part of the blockchain's recorded transaction history.
WALLETS
Understand your keys.
Wallets help manage the cryptographic keys associated with Bitcoin. The blockchain records the assets and transactions themselves.
Hosted Wallets
A third-party provider manages key infrastructure on your behalf, giving you a more managed experience.
✓
Convenient access
✓
Provider-managed infrastructure
SELF-CUSTODY
TYPE 02
Self-Custody Wallets
You control the private keys directly. Greater control also means greater responsibility for protecting wallet access.
✓
Direct control
✓
Personal key responsibility
Hardware Wallets
Dedicated physical devices are designed to keep cryptographic keys isolated from many online threats.
✓
Physical key protection
✓
Useful for long-term storage
SECURITY
SECURITY FIRST
Protect the keys. Verify everything.
Bitcoin transactions can be difficult or impossible to reverse once confirmed. Good security therefore starts before you approve anything.
✓
Never share your recovery phrase. Treat it as highly sensitive information.
✓
Check the website or application. Phishing pages can imitate legitimate services.
✓
Verify transaction details. Check destination information before approval.
✓
Secure your accounts. Use strong passwords and available security controls where appropriate.
BEFORE YOU CONFIRM
Slow down. Check twice.
Cryptocurrency transactions can move quickly, while mistakes can be surprisingly difficult to correct. Human beings invented the backspace key, then invented Bitcoin addresses. Civilization remains a work in progress.
01
Verify the destination
Check the destination information carefully before authorizing a transaction.
02
Watch for phishing
Fake websites, messages and support accounts can imitate legitimate services.
03
Protect your keys
Private keys and recovery phrases should remain confidential and securely stored.
04
Keep records
Retain relevant transaction information and receipts where appropriate for your own records.
WATCH & LEARN
Bitcoin, in motion.
Recent educational videos embedded directly into the page so visitors can learn without leaving the experience.
Cryptocurrency Explained
A beginner-focused introduction to cryptocurrency and the concepts behind digital assets.
What Is Bitcoin?
A straightforward introduction to Bitcoin, blockchain technology, transactions and risks.
Bitcoin 101 for Beginners
A recent introduction to Bitcoin, blockchain, mining and the technology behind the network.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Bitcoin without the confusion.
Straight answers to the questions that tend to appear five minutes after someone discovers what a blockchain is.
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that allows value to be transferred across a peer-to-peer network. Its transaction history is maintained through the Bitcoin blockchain.
A Bitcoin wallet is software or hardware that helps manage the cryptographic keys associated with Bitcoin. The Bitcoin itself is recorded on the blockchain.
The Bitcoin blockchain is a distributed public ledger containing the history of Bitcoin transactions. It provides the network with a shared record of activity.
A confirmation indicates that a transaction has been included in a block on the blockchain. Additional confirmations add further blockchain history behind that transaction.
Bitcoin does not provide a conventional chargeback mechanism. Once a transaction has been confirmed, reversing it through the Bitcoin network is generally not possible.
No. A wallet recovery phrase is highly sensitive information. It should be kept private and should never be provided to someone claiming they need it for support, verification or recovery.
KEEP LEARNING
Bitcoin resources.
Further reading from established Bitcoin and cryptocurrency education resources.
KNOW BEFORE YOU ACT
Understand the technology. Protect the keys.
Digital assets involve technical, financial and security risks. Verify important information, use reputable services and protect your wallet credentials.