Bitcoin is a digital currency that is open to, and controlled by, thousands of individuals around the world who are financially incentivized to maintain the security and validity of the network. Bitcoin operates outside of the control of a central entity, like a government or company, but within the control of the protocol’s open source rules. As set out in those rules, only 21 million bitcoin will ever exist, each of which is divisible into smaller units. This limited supply and decentralized architecture has established Bitcoin as a new form of money for the digital world.

Want to take a deeper dive? Read Kraken’s “What Is Bitcoin” to learn more.

For many investors, the limited supply of bitcoin makes it a compelling alternative to a traditional hard asset like gold. 

Most significantly, an investment in Bitcoin allows you to take your financial future in your own hands without having to rely on traditional monetary systems.

Over 10 years ago, Kraken opened its doors as a bitcoin exchange and established itself as a pillar of the cryptocurrency industry. While we have grown to now offer over 60 cryptocurrencies, we remain true to our roots as one of the first and best places to buy bitcoin.

Kraken helps you get started buying bitcoin with as little as $10. Don't forget, each bitcoin is divisible into smaller fractions – all the way down to one hundred millionth of a bitcoin, called a satoshi – so you don’t need thousands of dollars to buy bitcoin. Of course, you can also execute much larger BTC buy orders using Kraken if you wish.

You can also buy BTC as often as you want. Dollar cost averaging is a popular investment strategy that allows you to invest money into an asset at regular time intervals, regardless of its price. This is designed to help build wealth over time while minimising the impact of unpredictable price changes.

Kraken works hard to protect your bitcoin
When you buy BTC with Kraken, your funds are automatically stored in our hot wallet, which is an accessible but highly secure place to keep bitcoins safe.

Kraken is not a wallet service
It is important to note that Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange and not a wallet service. While Kraken’s rigorous security standards were put in place to ensure that our users’ funds are always safe, it is crypto best practice to hold funds you intend to keep for the long term across multiple wallets. It is never good to keep all of your eggs in one basket, even one protected by the mighty Kraken!

From a cup of coffee to a piece of real estate, bitcoin is being used to pay for goods and services without having to rely on traditional financial intermediaries. People are using Bitcoin to send payments around the world and process transactions with unprecedented speed. Others see the usefulness of BTC and other cryptocurrencies as a new financial network built for our increasingly digital lives

Many feel the full potential of bitcoin is just beginning to be understood and hold their investment as a potential store of value.

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Disclaimer
"Information provided in this “Learn” section is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute investment or other advice on financial products. Such information is not, and should not be read as, an offer or recommendation to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer or recommendation to buy or sell any particular digital asset or to use any particular investment strategy. Kraken makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of any such information and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use."