Bitcoin is a speculative investment, so it obviously carries some risk. Bitcoin was the first digital asset to beget the crypto ecosystem. Over time, it developed an underground following of investors who saw it as a possible replacement for physical money. With institutions and governments developing ways to meet customers’ growing demand for exposure, Bitcoin has become a household name.
Similar to how the internet was once viewed as a speculative investment, Bitcoin has also been criticized. As a matter of fact, Bitcoin’s adoption rate is higher than the Internet’s in 1998, and millions of people now own Bitcoin.
In 2021, El Salvador became the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender; Paraguay and other countries are expected to follow. Additionally, El Salvador is the first and only country to hold Bitcoin in its treasury.
In light of Bitcoin’s disruptive potential, traditional finance must either adopt cryptocurrencies or face irrelevance. It comes down to your risk appetite and perspective on the future of humanity when deciding whether or not to invest in Bitcoin. Russia, for example, is looking into cryptocurrencies to reduce its dependence on the US dollar. At this point, Bitcoin is simply too big to ignore, as it has the potential to disrupt the US Dollar in a massive way.
Traditional investors may want exposure to Bitcoin in order to hedge against inflation and the potential collapse of the fiat-based economy. Many investors are concerned about Bitcoin’s volatility, but volatility is expected to decrease forever as institutions and governments enter the market.
Where to Invest in Bitcoin?
There are a number of centralized cryptocurrency exchanges where Bitcoin can be purchased. You’ll also need to comply with the SEC’s know your customer (KYC) guidelines if you choose a U.S.-based exchange. Making an exchange account requires the input of your personal information, including your address and social security number. You’re ready to start once you have this handy.
Investing in Bitcoin involves the following steps:
- Open an account with a cryptocurrency exchange
- Your exchange wallet can be funded by connecting a bank account
- Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
- Create a Bitcoin wallet
Advantages of Bitcoin Investments
Traditional and institutional investors have been attracted to bitcoin due to its performance as a currency and investment. Is investing in Bitcoin a good idea or a bad idea? To be honest, it’s better than traditional investments in many ways.
- Liquidity
As a result of the establishment of trading platforms, exchanges, and online brokerages around the world, Bitcoin is arguably one of the most liquid investment assets. Bitcoin can be converted into cash or gold instantly with incredibly low fees. When you’re looking for short-term profits, Bitcoin is a great investment vehicle due to its high liquidity. Due to their high market demand, digital currencies can also be long-term investments. - Lower inflation risk
Bitcoin is immune to inflation, unlike world currencies, which are regulated by governments. You don’t need to worry about your cryptos losing value because the blockchain system is infinite. - New opportunities
Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin trading are relatively new – new coins are being created every day. There may be massive gains to be made because of this newness, which brings unpredictable swings in price and volatility. - Minimalistic trading
Investing in stocks requires a certificate or license. To trade shares of a company, you must also go through a broker. Buying or selling Bitcoins is simple: simply place them in a wallet and buy or sell them on an exchange. In addition, Bitcoin transactions are instant, as opposed to stock trading orders, which can take days or weeks to settle.
Disadvantages of Bitcoin Investments
In addition to Bitcoin’s potential as a monetary exchange, it is also important to be aware of some of the concerns surrounding cryptocurrency investing. Here are a few reasons why Bitcoin could be a bad investment. It is often important for investors to balance the pros and cons of their investment decisions.
- Volatility
There is always a rippling movement in Bitcoin’s price. In 2021, you would be doing well; however, holding for years is not always a good idea. - Threat of hacking
Although Bitcoin’s blockchain has never been hacked, individuals can still be hacked if they give out sensitive information, such as their private keys. Store your digital assets on the internet on an external device like the Ledger Nano X for the best security.
Can Bitcoin be Exchanged for Real Money?
There are a couple of ways to convert Bitcoin to cash using a Bitcoin wallet. You will receive the cash in your bank account. It is a simple way to convert your Bitcoin into cash, but you must keep in mind that the price of a Bitcoin changes constantly. You might need cash now, but you might regret it a few years from now if the price of Bitcoin skyrockets.
A Bitcoin ATM can exchange your Bitcoin for cash if there is one near you, but they are expensive. Currency exchange is most likely a better option since ATMs typically charge hefty fees.
