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Crypto Basics

How Do You Purchase Cryptocurrency? A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Want to buy crypto? Learn how to purchase cryptocurrency safely in 2025 with our beginner-friendly guide. Step-by-step instructions, tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
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Cryptocurrency has moved from niche tech circles to the mainstream, with millions of people worldwide investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other digital assets. Whether you want to trade actively, hold long-term, or explore decentralized finance (DeFi), the first step is understanding how to purchase cryptocurrency safely and efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—**from choosing the right platform to securing your crypto—**so you can get started with confidence.

Step 1: Understand What Cryptocurrency Is

Before you dive in, it’s important to understand what you’re buying. Cryptocurrency is a digital asset that uses blockchain technology to enable secure, decentralized transactions. Unlike traditional currencies, crypto isn’t controlled by banks or governments.

Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies include:

  • Ethereum (ETH): A blockchain supporting smart contracts and decentralized applications.


  • Stablecoins (USDT, USDC): Pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar for stability.
  • Altcoins: Thousands of other coins with unique use cases (Solana, Cardano, etc.).

Once you know your options, you’re ready to buy.

Step 2: Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange

To purchase crypto, you’ll need an exchange—a platform that lets you buy, sell, and trade digital assets.

Types of exchanges:

  1. Centralized Exchanges (CEX): User-friendly and beginner-friendly. Examples: Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, eToro.
  2. Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): Peer-to-peer trading directly from your wallet (Uniswap, PancakeSwap). Better for experienced users.
  3. Brokerage Apps: Apps like PayPal, Cash App, Robinhood let you buy crypto, though withdrawals may be limited.

What to look for in an exchange:

  • Security: Two-factor authentication (2FA), insurance, and strong history.
  • Fees: Look for transparent trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees.
  • Supported assets: Ensure your chosen exchange lists the coins you want.
  • Regulation: Use platforms compliant with your country’s laws.

Step 3: Create and Verify Your Account

Most centralized exchanges require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification for security and regulatory compliance.

What you’ll need:

  • Email & phone number: For account creation.
  • Government-issued ID: Passport, driver’s license, or national ID.
  • Proof of address: Sometimes required for higher transaction limits.

Once verified, you’ll gain full access to trading and withdrawals.

Step 4: Deposit Funds Into Your Account

You can’t buy crypto without adding funds.

Common payment methods:

  • Bank transfers: Usually the cheapest option but may take 1–3 days.
  • Debit/Credit cards: Fast but with higher fees (often 2–4%).
  • E-wallets & PayPal: Convenient but may have limits.
  • P2P transfers: Directly buy from other users (on platforms like Binance P2P).


Pro Tip: Always compare deposit fees before funding your account.

Step 5: Choose Which Cryptocurrency to Buy

Beginners often start with Bitcoin or Ethereum due to their liquidity and stability. However, thousands of altcoins are available—each with unique purposes.

Factors to consider before buying:

  • Market cap: Large-cap coins are generally less volatile.
  • Project fundamentals: Check the coin’s whitepaper and team.
  • Use case & community: Active projects with strong ecosystems are more promising.
  • Volatility: Understand the risks of smaller, high-reward tokens.

Step 6: Place Your Order

When you’re ready, navigate to the Buy/Sell section of your exchange.

Order types:

  • Market Order: Instantly buys at the current price. Best for beginners.
  • Limit Order: Sets a specific price at which to buy. Great for strategic entry.
  • Recurring Buy: Automates purchases (also known as dollar-cost averaging).

Example: If Bitcoin is $50,000 and you want to buy $100 worth, your market order will instantly execute at the best available price.

Step 7: Store Your Cryptocurrency Safely

Once purchased, you’ll need a wallet to store your crypto. Leaving assets on an exchange can expose you to hacking risks.

Types of wallets:

  • Hot Wallets: Online, exchange-based, or software wallets (MetaMask, Trust Wallet). Easy to use but more vulnerable.
  • Cold Wallets: Offline storage like Ledger or Trezor hardware wallets. Ideal for long-term security.

Tip: “Not your keys, not your coins.” If you hold significant funds, transfer them to a private wallet where you control the keys.

Step 8: Stay Informed and Manage Your Investment

Crypto markets are volatile. Prices can change rapidly, so keep track of market trends and news.

Best practices:

  • Set alerts: Use tools like Token Metrics or CoinMarketCap to monitor prices.
  • Diversify: Don’t put all your money in one coin.
  • Avoid emotional trading: Stick to your plan and avoid panic-buying or selling.
  • Use security tools: Enable 2FA and avoid sharing sensitive information.

How Much Should You Invest in Crypto?

Only invest what you can afford to lose. Experts often recommend starting with 1–5% of your portfolio and increasing gradually as you gain confidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Crypto

  1. Skipping research: Don’t buy a coin just because it’s trending.
  2. Using unsecured exchanges: Stick to reputable platforms.
  3. Not securing your wallet: Leaving funds on exchanges long-term.
  4. Falling for scams: Avoid too-good-to-be-true offers and unverified projects.
  5. Overtrading: Excessive buying/selling leads to higher fees and losses.

FAQs: Buying Cryptocurrency

1. Can I buy crypto without an exchange?
Yes. You can use peer-to-peer platforms or crypto ATMs, though fees may be higher.

2. Do I need a lot of money to start?
No. Many exchanges let you buy as little as $10 worth of crypto.

3. Is buying crypto legal?
In most countries, yes. Always check your local regulations.

4. What’s the safest way to buy?
Use a regulated exchange and store your funds in a hardware wallet.

Final Thoughts: Getting Started with Cryptocurrency

Purchasing cryptocurrency isn’t complicated—it’s about choosing the right platform, securing your funds, and investing wisely. Whether you’re buying Bitcoin as a long-term investment or exploring altcoins for potential growth, the steps are the same:

  1. Pick a reliable exchange
  2. Verify and fund your account
  3. Select your crypto and buy
  4. Secure it in a private wallet

The crypto market is full of opportunities—but also risks. Start small, do your research, and approach your investment journey with a long-term mindset.

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About Token Metrics
Token Metrics: AI-powered crypto research and ratings platform. We help investors make smarter decisions with unbiased Token Metrics Ratings, on-chain analytics, and editor-curated “Top 10” guides. Our platform distills thousands of data points into clear scores, trends, and alerts you can act on.
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Research

Top 5 Crypto Trading Platforms in July 2025 – Token Metrics Leads the Crypto AI Revolution

Token Metrics Team
8 min

Cryptocurrency trading continues to evolve rapidly in 2025, driven by the rise of AI, automation, and real-time analytics. Choosing the right platform is critical to your success as a trader or investor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 crypto trading platforms in July 2025, explain what crypto trading is, discuss its different types, and show why Token Metrics stands out as the best AI-powered analytics and moonshot discovery platform.

What Is Crypto Trading?

Crypto trading involves buying and selling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and thousands of altcoins on digital platforms to make a profit. Traders capitalize on price fluctuations by entering positions in the market—either manually or using automation.

Unlike traditional stock trading, crypto trading is:

  • Decentralized: No central authority or intermediary
  • 24/7: Markets never close
  • Highly volatile: Prices can swing dramatically in minutes
  • Global: Access from anywhere with an internet connection

Types of Crypto Trading

There are several crypto trading strategies and approaches depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and available tools:

1. Spot Trading

Buying and selling actual cryptocurrencies at current market prices. It’s simple and widely used by beginners.

2. Margin Trading

Using borrowed funds to increase exposure. This amplifies gains but also increases risk.

3. Derivatives Trading

Traders speculate on future prices using products like futures and options without owning the underlying assets.

4. Scalping

A short-term strategy that aims to profit from small price movements—often requiring advanced bots or tools.

5. Swing Trading

Holding a position for several days or weeks to capitalize on medium-term trends.

6. Automated Trading (Bot Trading)

Using algorithms or AI to execute trades based on predefined strategies or signals.

7. Copy Trading

Mimicking the trades of successful traders through social platforms.

Top 5 Crypto Trading Platforms in July 2025

Here are the best platforms based on performance, tools, security, and innovation:

1. Token Metrics – Best for AI Crypto Trading and Moonshot Discovery

Website: tokenmetrics.com

Token Metrics is not a traditional exchange but a powerful AI-driven analytics and trading platform. It helps users discover high-potential tokens, evaluate them using real-time data, and automate smarter trades.

Key Features:

  • AI-Powered Token Grades: Evaluate tokens with Investor and Trader Grades based on 80+ data points (technical, fundamental, on-chain).
  • Bullish/Bearish Signals: Real-time alerts to buy or sell based on AI predictions.
  • Moonshots: Daily algorithmic picks of hidden altcoin gems poised for explosive growth.
  • Prebuilt Indices: AI-managed portfolios based on market trends (e.g., DeFi, AI, Layer 1).
  • Custom Alerts: Get notified by price, percent change, or grade triggers via email, SMS, or Telegram.
  • API & SDK Access: Build bots and AI agents using Token Metrics data with Python and TypeScript SDKs.
  • $TMAI Token: Powers the ecosystem and is used for community participation, Moonshots, and future governance.

Token Metrics empowers retail traders and institutional investors with AI precision, data transparency, and deep insights that traditional platforms simply don’t offer.

Why It Stands Out: No other platform blends AI-driven analytics, moonshot discovery, and real-time alerts with developer tools at this scale. It’s ideal for both hands-on traders and automated trading systems.

2. Binance – Best for Global Liquidity and Trading Pairs

Website: binance.com

Binance is the largest centralized exchange by volume and offers extensive spot, margin, and futures trading. It supports hundreds of tokens and provides access to a robust launchpad, NFT marketplace, and staking.

Pros:

  • Over 600+ coins and trading pairs
  • Advanced trading tools and mobile apps
  • Low trading fees and deep liquidity

Cons:

  • Regulatory scrutiny in some countries
  • Complex UI for beginners

Best For: Professional traders seeking high liquidity and advanced tools.

3. Coinbase – Best for Beginner-Friendly Experience

Website: coinbase.com

Coinbase is the go-to platform for beginners and U.S. traders. It provides an intuitive interface, secure storage, and educational resources.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Licensed and regulated in the U.S.
  • FDIC-insured USD balances

Cons:

  • Higher fees than competitors
  • Limited number of altcoins compared to Binance

Best For: Beginners and passive investors in regulated regions.

4. Kraken – Best for Security and Staking

Website: kraken.com

Kraken is known for its strong security protocols and staking services. It offers spot, margin, and futures trading with a reputation for transparency.

Pros:

  • High-level security features
  • 24/7 support
  • Low latency trading

Cons:

  • UI not as intuitive as Coinbase
  • Limited educational content

Best For: Traders prioritizing security and staking rewards.

5. Bitget – Best for Copy Trading and Derivatives

Website: bitget.com

Bitget is gaining popularity for its copy trading features and derivatives market. It allows users to replicate the trades of successful investors automatically.

Pros:

  • Strong copy trading ecosystem
  • Competitive futures trading fees
  • Integrated strategy center

Cons:

  • Smaller selection of tokens vs. Binance
  • Less known in the U.S.

Best For: Passive traders and futures enthusiasts.

Why Token Metrics Is the Future of AI Crypto Trading

While exchanges like Binance and Coinbase focus on execution, Token Metrics gives you the intelligence to know what to trade and when. Its AI-powered platform serves as the brain behind your trades—scanning thousands of tokens daily and distilling actionable insights in real time.

Whether you want to:

  • Catch early moonshots
  • Build a winning portfolio
  • Automate signals into bots
  • Backtest trading strategies using real data
  • Receive alerts before major breakouts

…Token Metrics is the most powerful analytics and trading assistant available in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best crypto trading platform depends on your trading style and goals. For execution, Binance and Coinbase remain strong contenders. But if you're looking to gain an unfair advantage through AI, automate your workflow, and catch the next 10x altcoin before the crowd, Token Metrics is unmatched.

As AI continues to reshape crypto in 2025, platforms like Token Metrics will become the go-to infrastructure for intelligent investing. Don’t just trade crypto—trade with insight.

Crypto Basics

Crypto Moonshot Trading Strategy: How to Use Buy/Sell Signals for Maximum Gains in July 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min

In the world of crypto, everyone dreams of discovering the next moonshot—that early-stage altcoin with the potential to deliver 10x, 50x, or even 100x returns. But finding the right token is only half the battle. The real key to success lies in your trading strategy—knowing when to buy, when to hold, and when to sell.

In this highly informative and SEO-optimized guide, we'll walk you through a proven crypto moonshot trading strategy using AI-powered buy/sell signals, real-time metrics, and automated tools. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, this guide will help you maximize profits and reduce risks in 2025’s volatile crypto markets.

What Is a Moonshot in Crypto?

A crypto moonshot is an early-stage cryptocurrency with high upside potential—typically characterized by:

  • Low market cap (often under $50M)
  • Early listings (usually on DEXs or small exchanges)
  • Strong momentum or narrative (AI, DePIN, RWA, etc.)
  • Undervalued fundamentals

Moonshots are not just about luck—they require precise timing, data-driven decisions, and a disciplined trading strategy.

Why You Need a Moonshot Trading Strategy

While moonshots offer huge potential returns, they also come with extreme volatility. Without a clear entry and exit strategy, traders risk:

  • Buying too late (after the pump)
  • Selling too early (missing major gains)
  • Holding too long (watching gains vanish)

That’s why successful moonshot trading is all about executing at the right moment, based on real-time buy and sell signals.

How Buy/Sell Signals Work in Moonshot Trading

Buy/sell signals are automated indicators based on technical analysis, AI modeling, and data trends. When applied to moonshots, they help traders:

  • Identify breakout momentum (Buy signal)
  • Detect overbought or reversal zones (Sell signal)
  • Avoid emotional decision-making
  • Automate trades and alerts

Token Metrics—one of the top AI crypto analytics platforms in 2025—offers integrated buy/sell signals as part of its Moonshots feature.

Token Metrics Moonshots: AI-Powered Buy/Sell Signals

Token Metrics uses artificial intelligence to monitor over 6,000 tokens and identify daily Moonshots—early-stage tokens with exceptional upside potential. Each token is scored using over 80 data points, including:

  • Price momentum
  • Market cap growth
  • Exchange activity
  • On-chain volume
  • Social sentiment
  • Developer engagement

The platform then issues Bullish (buy) and Bearish (sell) signals to help traders time their entries and exits more precisely.

Step-by-Step: Moonshot Trading Strategy Using Buy/Sell Signals

Here’s a structured approach to building a winning moonshot trading strategy using Token Metrics:

Step 1: Discover New Moonshots

  • Log into Token Metrics and navigate to the Ratings Page.
  • Click the “Moonshots” tab to view tokens flagged by AI as high-upside.
  • Prioritize tokens with:

    • High and rising Trader Grade
    • Increasing 24H volume
    • Market cap under $100M
    • Bullish signal in the last 48 hours

Step 2: Review Buy Signals

  • Each Moonshot token includes a Bullish Signal if AI algorithms detect a breakout pattern.
  • This buy signal is triggered when a token shows:

    • Positive trend momentum
    • Strength across technical indicators (RSI, MACD, trendlines)
    • Accelerating volume or wallet activity

Pro Tip: Combine Bullish signals with a recent Moonshot entry (within the past 3 days) for the best short-term upside potential.

Step 3: Set Entry Price and Allocation

  • Enter the trade using a small allocation (e.g., 1–3% of your total portfolio) to manage risk.
  • Use Token Metrics' Swap Widget to buy directly from the Moonshots page—saving time and avoiding DEX errors.

Step 4: Monitor Price Action and Grade Movement

  • Use the Token Details Page to track:

    • Real-time price chart
    • Live ROI since entry
    • Any changes in Trader Grade
    • Buy/Sell signal updates

Token Metrics continuously analyzes live data. If momentum starts to fade, the platform may issue a Bearish Signal, suggesting it's time to exit.

Step 5: Execute Sell Based on Bearish Signal or ROI Target

There are two ways to exit your moonshot trade:

🟢 Method A: Sell on Bearish Signal

  • When the token’s momentum weakens, AI may flag a Bearish Signal
  • This means a possible trend reversal, ideal for short-term traders looking to lock in gains.

🟢 Method B: Set ROI Targets

  • Sell 50% of your position at 2x, 30% at 5x, and hold the rest for a potential 10x+
  • Use Token Metrics alerts to track when ROI milestones are hit

Pro Tip: Combine both methods—sell early if a Bearish Signal appears, or scale out using a profit-taking ladder.

Risk Management Tips for Moonshot Trading

Even with powerful tools, moonshot trading is high-risk. Follow these tips to protect your capital:

1. Start Small

Never go all-in on a single Moonshot. Spread your bets across multiple tokens to increase your odds of success.

2. Use Stop Losses

Set a stop loss between 20%–30% below your entry price to prevent major drawdowns.

3. Track Past Moonshots

Use Token Metrics’ Past Moonshots view to study which tokens succeeded and what signals preceded them.

4. Leverage Alerts

Use custom alerts to get notified when:

  • A new Moonshot is added
  • A token hits your ROI target
  • A Bearish signal is triggered

Tools to Supercharge Your Strategy

Token Metrics integrates with:

  • Telegram, Slack, and Discord alerts
  • API and SDK access to automate trades
  • Swap widget for 1-click buying from Moonshots page
  • MCP Server to unify data across agents and trading bots

Final Thoughts: Trade Moonshots Like a Pro

In 2025, crypto markets are more efficient than ever. Random guessing and influencer hype don’t cut it anymore.

To win, you need:
✅ Smart discovery
✅ Timely entries
✅ Strategic exits
✅ Reliable signals

With Token Metrics Moonshots and AI-powered buy/sell signals, you get the full toolkit to trade early-stage altcoins with confidence. It’s the edge every trader needs in the age of intelligent automation.

Get Started Today

  • 🔥 Sign up at tokenmetrics.com
  • 🔍 Explore the Moonshots tab
  • 📈 Track live buy/sell signals
  • 🛒 Buy instantly using the swap widget

🧠 Trade smarter, not harder

Crypto Basics

Crypto Moonshot - The Ultimate Guide to High-Risk, High-Reward Opportunities in Crypto in July 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min

In both tech and investing, the term “moonshot” has become a buzzword. But what does it really mean—especially in the world of cryptocurrency? In 2025, where crypto markets move faster than ever and fortunes are made in weeks, understanding what a moonshot is—and how to spot one—can be the difference between average returns and life-changing gains.

In this guide, we’ll explore what a moonshot is, where the term originated, how it applies to crypto, and how platforms like Token Metrics are using AI to identify real moonshot opportunities before they go mainstream.

What Is a Moonshot?

At its core, a moonshot refers to a bold, ambitious goal or project that aims for massive success—despite high risk and low probability. The term comes from the U.S. Apollo missions, which set out to put a man on the moon in the 1960s—a seemingly impossible goal at the time.

In the tech world, “moonshot” often describes breakthrough innovations with radical upside potential, like:

  • Electric cars replacing gasoline
  • AI replacing human labor
  • SpaceX launching Mars colonization

In crypto, a moonshot is an early-stage altcoin with the potential for 10x, 50x, or even 100x returns—if discovered before the crowd.

What Is a Moonshot in Crypto?

A crypto moonshot is a low-cap cryptocurrency project that has strong fundamentals, an emerging narrative, or technical signals that suggest it could deliver explosive gains in a short timeframe.

These tokens are usually:

  • Undervalued or under-the-radar
  • Not yet listed on major exchanges like Binance or Coinbase
  • In sectors with rising interest (AI, DePIN, Layer 2, RWA, etc.)
  • Backed by a solid team, roadmap, or tech innovation

But moonshots come with high risk. For every 100x winner, there are dozens of tokens that go to zero. That’s why smart investors use data, not hype, to find real opportunities.

Why Do Traders Hunt for Moonshots?

1. Asymmetric Returns

With moonshots, you risk $100 for the chance to earn $10,000. That level of upside doesn’t exist in traditional markets.

2. Small Capital, Big Potential

You don’t need millions to win big. Moonshots give retail traders a fighting chance to outperform institutions—if they find the token early enough.

3. Innovation at the Edge

Moonshot tokens often represent the bleeding edge of blockchain innovation—from decentralized AI to tokenized real-world assets.

The Problem with Finding Moonshots

Despite the massive upside, most traders miss the real moonshots and end up buying the hype too late.

Why?

  • Too much noise: Social media is flooded with pump-and-dump schemes.
  • Lack of research: Retail investors often follow influencers instead of analyzing fundamentals.
  • Fragmented data: It’s hard to compare tokens across metrics like on-chain activity, technicals, sentiment, and fundamentals.

This is why platforms like Token Metrics are changing the game.

How Token Metrics Helps You Find Real Moonshots

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto analytics and trading platform that includes a dedicated Moonshots feature—designed to help users find early-stage altcoins before they pump.

What Makes It Different:

  • AI-driven token scoring using 80+ metrics
  • Real-time Trader Grades and Investor Grades
  • Transparent entry dates, market caps, and live ROI
  • In-app Buy button for instant on-chain swaps

You don’t have to guess. The platform’s AI analyzes thousands of tokens daily and surfaces a curated list of Moonshots based on data—not hype.

How to Use Token Metrics Moonshots?

Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

From your Token Metrics dashboard, click on the Ratings tab to access AI scores for thousands of tokens.

Step 2: Click the “Moonshots” Tab

Inside Ratings, select the Moonshots tab to view tokens with the highest potential based on current trends.

Step 3: Review the Data

Each Moonshot includes:

  • Trader Grade (with change %)
  • 24H volume
  • Market cap
  • Entry date
  • ROI since entry

You can also explore Past Moonshots to verify previous performance.

Step 4: Do Your Due Diligence

Click a token to open its full details page—real-time chart, top holders, fundamental analysis, exchange listings, and more.

Step 5: Buy Instantly

Click the Buy button to use the integrated swap widget for direct on-chain purchases—no need to leave the platform.

Are Moonshots Legit?

Yes—if you use the right tools.

Moonshots are not meme coins or influencer pumps. A legitimate moonshot is backed by data, momentum, and real fundamentals.

With Token Metrics, you can:

  • Avoid emotional trading
  • Use AI insights to guide decisions
  • See historical results to validate picks
  • Get alerts when new moonshots emerge

In short: Moonshots are legit if they’re backed by research—not hype.

Final Thoughts: Why Moonshots Matter in 2025

The crypto landscape is becoming more competitive every day. Gone are the days when you could randomly buy a new token and expect 10x returns.

In 2025, traders need smart tools, real data, and automated insights to stay ahead of the curve.

That’s where Moonshots come in.

They represent the cutting edge of early-stage discovery—where small bets can lead to massive wins. And with platforms like Token Metrics leading the charge, moonshot investing is becoming smarter, faster, and more accessible than ever before.

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