There’s been a lot of talk about crypto—some good, some bad, and some confusing. But, at its core, crypto is simple: something you own and can use in digital form.
More than 55 million Americans already use crypto every day to send money, save for the future, and run businesses. Not because it’s trendy, but because it works.
If you’re curious to learn more, this guide breaks down what crypto actually is, how it’s being used, and how to try it for yourself.
A quick definition
Crypto—short for cryptocurrency—is a digital form of money, or a store of value (like gold), or a unique collectible (like art). What makes it truly special is that no middlemen control it and you own it.
Crypto runs on something called a blockchain, a public system that operates under a set of rules no one can change. That system guarantees that if someone says they own a crypto asset they really do own it. It also prevents them from spending the same asset twice.
Here’s a simple way to understand it:
Imagine the blockchain as a giant public notebook. Every time someone sends or receives crypto—the rules of the blockchain write that transaction in the notebook. Once it’s recorded, it can’t be erased or edited. Everyone can see it, and no one can go in and change it.
Because everyone’s using the same notebook, there’s no need for a middleman to confirm what happened. That’s the big idea behind crypto: it can move directly between people, without back-office delays or middlemen taking control.
The tech
When you send crypto, a group of computers called validators work together under a set of rules that can’t be changed to check the transaction. Their job is to confirm that the sender owns the crypto and isn’t trying to spend the same funds twice.
If everything checks out, the transaction is approved and permanently added to the blockchain (that giant public notebook).
No single company or institution is in charge.
Can people see my crypto transactions?
Yes, but not in a way that ties directly to you.
All crypto transactions are recorded on the blockchain (that giant public notebook). These transactions are linked to wallet addresses (a string of unique numbers), which are not publicly tied to your real name or personal information.
Each wallet is controlled by a pair of special keys—a public key and a private key:
The public key (called a wallet address) is like your email address—you can safely share it with others so they can send you crypto.
The private key is like your password, but even more secure and sensitive. It’s known only to you, and it’s what allows you to access your wallet and send crypto. You have two choices with your private key: You can hold it yourself, using a personal wallet which gives you full control but also full responsibility, or you can let someone else (like a crypto exchange) hold it for you, in which case you're trusting them to manage and protect your assets.
Why do people use crypto?
Crypto offers control and 24/7 instant access.
Ownership: You control your crypto directly.
Easier payments: Crypto can make sending money faster and more affordable and the blockchain is available at all times–including nights, weekends and holidays.
Access to tools: You don’t need a credit score, bank account, or approval process. Anyone with a smartphone can set up a crypto wallet. (If you ask an exchange to set up your wallet they will ask you for information.)
What can you do with it?
Crypto is being used every day in ways that are practical, creative, and accessible:
Artists are selling digital art and earning royalties each time their work is resold.
Gamers are buying, selling, and trading in-game items, creating digital economies where virtual assets hold real value.
Musicians and content creators are getting paid directly by their audiences—with no one else taking a cut.
Everyday users are borrowing, lending, saving, and even shopping for digital and physical goods—often without a traditional bank account.
Is it risk-free?
No. Like any financial tool, crypto comes with risks. And with greater control and ownership comes greater responsibility. There’s no bank to reverse a transaction if you send your crypto to the wrong address or fall for a scam, so it pays to be extra diligent—just as you would with any sensitive information online.
Staying safe with crypto means building smart habits. Some simple steps—like using trusted platforms (exchanges, apps or websites where you buy, sell, or store your crypto), keeping passwords secure, and avoiding “too good to be true” offers—can go a long way in protecting your funds.
We’ll explore these topics in more depth in future articles.
How do I get started?
Getting started with crypto doesn’t require a big financial investment, technical background, or a lot of time.
You’ll need a crypto wallet—a secure app or device that lets you send, receive, and store crypto.
And very soon, the National Cryptocurrency Association will be adding more content to help you get the most out of crypto safely and confidently, no matter your starting point. The NCA also will be exploring partnerships with trusted service providers to help you get started. Stay tuned.
Jen & Jason’s Crypto Story
Here’s one example of how crypto is being used in real life. Jen and Jason didn’t come to crypto as early adopters or financial experts. In fact, Jason jokingly called crypto “nonsense nickels” when he first heard about it.
But like many people, they were curious. So they started small, buying a little through an app, learning how to store it safely, and exploring how crypto actually works.
What they discovered wasn’t just a new kind of investment, it was a new way to think about money, savings, and financial flexibility.
During a time of major life transitions, crypto became a key part of their family’s plans for the future. As Jen put it, maybe one day they’ll even use crypto to pay for their son’s college tuition.
Final thoughts
Crypto won’t replace the entire financial system—but it’s already reshaping it, offering new ways for people to send money, build, and participate.
It marks a shift in how we think about ownership and opportunity in a digital-first world. And while it’s still early, the best way to understand it is to start.