What is crypto trading? A step-by-step guide for beginners


In just five years, the number of people trading cryptocurrencies has jumped from 100 million to nearly 900 million, with more than 40 million new users entering the market in 2025 alone, according to Statista Market Insights.

But while there’s no shortage of influencers shouting “buy now!” or touting the next hot token, beginners often struggle with where to begin — and how to separate real opportunities from the endless hype.

“Crypto trading means buying digital coins like Bitcoin and selling them when the price goes up,” said Shaun Bettman, CEO of Eden Emerald Mortgages. “The idea is to buy low and sell high to make a profit.”

Over the last decade, cryptocurrency has experienced explosive growth in overall value, marked by extreme volatility, periodic crashes, and long-term upward momentum. OksanaFedorchuk – stock.adobe.com

Michael Terpin, author of “Bitcoin Supercycle: How the Crypto Calendar Can Make You Rich” points out that trading is more about short-term moves, while investing is a longer game.

Of course, knowing when to buy and sell — and which coins to trust — is the tricky part.

That’s where tools like Best Wallet come in. Designed to help beginners and experienced traders alike, Best Wallet gives users real-time token tracking, scam alerts, and portfolio tools to make smarter, safer decisions from day one.

Here’s how to get started with crypto trading — and how to avoid rookie mistakes along the way.

To start trading, you need a place to buy your first coin.

Those looking into investing in digital assets such as Ethereum are encouraged to educate themselves on the crypto market.
Those looking into investing in digital assets such as Ethereum are encouraged to educate themselves on the crypto market. REUTERS

“Getting started with crypto trading is pretty easy,” said David Kemmerer, co-founder and CEO of CoinLedger. “You just open an account on a crypto exchange, add some regular money, and buy a coin.”

But Kemmerer cautioned: “There’s a big gap between starting and actually becoming profitable.”

Popular beginner-friendly options include Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini, which offer simple interfaces and are regulated in the U.S.

That’s why it’s important to learn the basics — like how blockchain works and what gives a token real value — before investing serious money.

David Brill, managing director at FTI Consulting, recommends a structured approach:

“To begin trading crypto, first research beginner-friendly resources online or on platforms like X to learn about cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether,” he said.

“After that, open an account on a reputable exchange, like Coinbase or Kraken, to buy and sell these digital assets.”

Once you’ve bought your first coin, you need a secure place to keep it. That’s where crypto wallets come in.

Best Wallet, a recently launched mobile app, supports thousands of coins and cross-chain swaps.
Best Wallet, a recently launched mobile app, supports thousands of coins and cross-chain swaps.

A good wallet lets you store, track, and manage your tokens in one place — but not all wallets are created equal.

Best Wallet, launched in 2024, is a non-custodial wallet that supports over 60 blockchains and thousands of tokens. It offers built-in features like token swaps, staking, price alerts, scam filters, and presale access — giving users a powerful all-in-one tool that’s beginner-friendly but advanced enough to grow with you.

The app also lets you follow trending coins and even track top wallets, so you can see what experienced traders are doing in real time. And because Best Wallet is non-custodial, your crypto stays in your control — no middlemen, no nonsense.

Before you start trading daily, it’s critical to understand one thing: crypto is a magnet for scammers.

Major exchanges like Binance offer extensive educational resources for learning crypto trading.
Major exchanges like Binance offer extensive educational resources for learning crypto trading. IB Photography – stock.adobe.com

“The first step is actually not learning how to trade, but learning about cybersafety,” said Kemmerer. “Crypto opens access to billions of dollars to everyone, and for this reason, it’s a thief’s den full of all the possible types of scams.”

From phishing emails to pig-butchering scams and drainer schemes, bad actors target newcomers who haven’t learned how to spot red flags.

Best Wallet helps users avoid these pitfalls with built-in scam detection, smart contract warnings, and a scam filter that flags suspicious projects before you click.

It’s like having a crypto security guard in your pocket — one that also tracks your portfolio and alerts you when your tokens are mooning (or tanking).

While crypto trading might seem overwhelming at first, the key is knowing what’s real — and what’s just hype.

Trading in Bitcoin often entails psychological stress and being willing to embrace uncertainty.
Trading in Bitcoin often entails psychological stress and being willing to embrace uncertainty. Parilov – stock.adobe.com

“Crypto trading refers to the purchasing and selling of digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to earn profit due to the price movement,” Bettman said.

But Montenegro, founder of WalletFinder.ai, warns that while the idea sounds simple, it comes with a steep learning curve. “It is a process of purchasing and selling digital assets in order to make a profit on price changes,” he said. “But it is a steep learning curve when you do not take time to learn the mechanics.”

That’s why tools like Best Wallet are so valuable. Instead of relying on social media buzz, users can track verified signals, follow price momentum, set watchlists, and use the token scanner to vet projects before jumping in.

The app’s clean dashboard simplifies trading data, while its educational features help you build confidence without getting buried in jargon.

Most beginners start with what’s called spot trading — buying crypto at the current market price and holding it in your wallet.

Coinbase is often recommended for beginners due to its simple interface and US regulatory compliance.
Coinbase is often recommended for beginners due to its simple interface and US regulatory compliance. REUTERS

“It’s the most basic beginner-friendly type of trading,” said Kemmerer. “You buy and sell the assets instantly, and it is offered at all of these exchanges.”

Bettman agreed: “Spot trading is ideal when you are interested in buying and trading the real cryptocurrency, and is easy to comprehend by beginners.”

It’s simple and low-risk compared to more advanced strategies like margin or futures trading, which involve borrowing money and can rack up losses fast if you’re not careful.

Best Wallet supports spot trading by integrating with decentralized exchanges (DEXs), so users can swap tokens directly within the app — with clear, transparent pricing and no surprise fees.

Short answer: Yes. But it’s not easy.

Those looking to get into crypto trading should treat it as a full-time job, according to experts.
Those looking to get into crypto trading should treat it as a full-time job, according to experts. jittawit.21 – stock.adobe.com

“Trading should be treated only as a job,” said Kemmerer. “It involves analyzing dozens of charts every single day, spending 10-14 hours monitoring the latest news and narrative shifts, and being patient.”

“It also entails continuous research, market analysis and in other instances, algorithmic trading capabilities,” added Bettman.

Montenegro agrees that trading can become a career — “yet only when approached with the same order and commitment as any other profession.”

In other words, crypto might be more accessible than Wall Street, but the grind is real. Successful traders treat it like a craft, not a game.

Crypto is known for its wild price swings — but that might change soon.

The trading app Robinhood has gained admirers and widespread recognition thanks to its user-friendly interface.
The trading app Robinhood has gained admirers and widespread recognition thanks to its user-friendly interface. Gado via Getty Images

“Unlike the stock market, crypto never sleeps,” said Kemmerer. “It’s open 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, which means opportunities, and risks, are always there.”

Dr. Evan Lipkis, a retired doctor and active crypto trader, thinks the chaos will eventually calm.

“Think of Apple or Microsoft 20 years ago,” he said. “They were just as volatile back then. Now that more big investors are getting into crypto, I think things will start to settle down.”

Until then, platforms like Best Wallet can help you stay one step ahead of the noise, with customizable alerts that notify you when prices hit your targets or when trending tokens start to pop.

Illustration of Kraken cryptocurrency exchange logo and gold coins.
Kraken offers low fees and advanced tools, making it a popular choice for experienced traders. REUTERS

Crypto trading is growing fast — but success still comes down to making smart decisions, staying safe, and staying informed.

Best Wallet helps you do all three.

With its built-in scam filter, price alerts, token scanner, and portfolio tracking — plus the ability to swap tokens, stake assets, and access presales without giving up custody or privacy — it’s designed for anyone who wants to trade crypto on their own terms.

Whether you’re just buying your first token or looking to level up, Best Wallet gives you the tools to make sense of the market — and maybe even stay ahead of it.



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