The Bitcoin is a cutting edge modern currency that brings some elements of early money transactions to our technologically advanced world. It was created by an anonymous programmer (or group) who allegedly wanted to create an alternative to standard currencies, whose value revolves around the cost of a commodity such as gold. The aim of this article is to explain in detail what is bitcoin.
Traditional economy dictates that each country or group of countries has some control over the local currency. The actual value of conventional currencies is tied to a wide range of factors, most of which are outside of the control of the general population. This means the actual people using national currencies see their funds fluctuate greatly, as caused by the volatility of the markets.
In short, your money’s worth is determined by multiple factors ranging all the way from local politics to world affairs, encompassing trading relationships across the worldwide markets, banks, governments as well as private investors. This is where Bitcoin is different; since it’s not linked to the conventional institutions of finance and government, its value is not affected in the same way as conventional currencies.
Since cryptocurrencies like the Bitcoin are independent from the traditional markets, these currencies are unaffected by inflation and other standard economic drivers. The underlying protocols of the Bitcoin impose a limit of 21 million units to this currency, which means the value of each coin will only tend to stabilize or rise.
While traditional banks have the power to sway market value of traditional currencies by simply producing money bills out of thin air, that is not an option with Bitcoins. This is not to say the value of Bitcoins can’t change at all – it’s actually the opposite; the exchange rate of cryptocurrencies is indeed known to fluctuate wildly, swiftly creating fortunes and ruins at every turn.
As the Bitcoin industry grew in recognition and adoption, it has quickly advanced and its use became widespread for all kinds of financial transactions. These days, you can have a Bitcoin debit card that allows you to draw from your virtual cash and instantly turn it into physical cash. This option is available in many cash-points and stores, giving you an effective way to use your Bitcoins to fund your regular economic activities.
Simple Ways to Use Your Bitcoin
In case you’re planning to convert some of your Bitcoins into traditional cash, you just have to reach out to a Bitcoin exchange market. To do this, you just have to sign up for your Bitcoin account and verify it with a working e-mail address. Once you have registered and verified your account, you can add extra security layers by setting up a two-step verification; this is easily done by relying on specialized programs such as Google Authenticator.
After you’ve verified your account, you can also purchase Bitcoins by converting funds from your credit card or debit card, as well as by using your favored e-Wallet (supported services include Skrill, Neteller, OBT, SEPA or Giropay).
Another alternative to either buying or trading Bitcoins is to simply connect with other individuals as well as specialized marketplaces that provide for such transactions.
You can also spend your crypto currencies online by simply choosing this alternative when completing your purchase, whenever this payment option is available.
Another alternative involves using your Bitcoin wallet directly, as accessible through your personal computer or smartphone. This process is secured through the twp-step authentication method of your choice, and you can manage your funds directly from your account without any need for a plastic card. Since this method assures for advanced encryption using a personal key, it’s regarded as the safest method to perform digital currency transactions.
In situations where you would rather use a Bitcoin debit (or credit) card, your transaction is verified by the chip embedded in your card along with your security pin, which is exactly the same process that’s used with conventional cards.
By reaching out to local Bitcoin cash exchanges, you can convert your virtual currency to local currency and send the money to your preferred account without any need for a plastic card.
Some Legal Information about Bitcoin
Now that you know what is bitcoin, it is time for the legalities. Since the nature of Bitcoins makes it a tempting option to evade taxation on your funds, this issue has been worrying many government agencies, who have been actively trying to legislate crypto currencies – aiming to get additional tax revenue. In any case, there is a real concern that Bitcoins can become a widespread method for laundering money. This currency is transacted anonymously, meaning it could lend itself to being used for less scrupulous people looking to engage in criminal activity.
At this point, most countries require all citizens to report their Bitcoin related activities just like they would report any other source of income. You may want to check the exact legal status of Bitcoin transactions in your country, since depending on where you are it’s possible you may have no such obligations or you may even banned from dealing with Bitcoins.