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The term crypto banking refers to how individuals can use cryptocurrencies to conduct business. There is a convergence between investing in cryptocurrency and banking methods wherein both fiat currency and cryptocurrencies can be exchanged and interact through banking services. This is what Crypto Banking wants to exploit.
What is Crypto Banking?
Crypto banking is the process of managing digital currency through any financial service provider or bank. People are increasingly buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies because they can do so with an internet connection. Banks that accept digital currencies and support cryptocurrencies include Ally Bank, Wirex, Barclays, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan (to name a few).
Unlike traditional financial institutions, crypto banks do not hold stocks or cash for investors or customers. Crypto banks, on the other hand, hold digital assets instead of fiat currency. Vast Bank, for instance, provides business and personal banking products including savings accounts and checking CDs, credit cards, and loans.
Despite being a small local bank with 35 years of experience in the business, it has recently entered the crypto economy and has been given attention as the first US nationally chartered bank that allows customers to hold crypto assets in their accounts.
Crypto Interest Accounts
Starting with a crypto interest account is the simplest way to get started. A traditional savings account may offer interest rates as low as 1% compared to crypto banks with 10%. These crypto accounts are available at Gemini, BlockFi, Nexo Outlet Finance, and Linus among others.
Crypto Checking Accounts
You can also open a crypto checking account. You will be able to keep more of your money without paying crypto fees if you have a crypto checking account. The Quontic Bank and Vast Bank also offer crypto checking accounts.
Customers who make eligible purchases with Quontic’s Bitcoin Rewards Checking account are rewarded with bitcoin. Quontic debit cards allow you to make purchases that qualify for Bitcoin conversion when you use them online or in-store. About 1.5% of your total transaction will be converted into Bitcoin after the transaction is completed.
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How to get started with Crypto Banking
The easiest way to get started with crypto banking if you don’t own any cryptocurrency yet is to register for an account with any bank that accepts cryptocurrencies or your choice of decentralized finance apps. Then you can buy Bitcoin and other currencies from their exchanges.
Applications using decentralized blockchain networks are called decentralized finance apps, which do not require a middleman like a brokerage or a bank to facilitate the purchase of financial products. Apps that are both platforms for buying and selling as well as hot wallets where crypto-assets can be stored are also available. Among these apps are:
Revolut: which allows users to complete transactions using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin
SEBA Bank: A Swiss bank that accepts cryptocurrency payments and transactions
Wirex: An online payment platform that allows crypto transactions and payments
Risks of Crypto Banking
Investing in cryptocurrencies and using apps that allow you to trade and hold digital assets carries some risks as crypto banking disrupts the financial sector. Here are some risks you can face.
Crypto Market Volatility
The volatility of crypto assets is well known. Because it takes a long time before cryptocurrencies become stable, investing in crypto comes with a higher level of risk than other trade markets. Despite their stability, crypto markets can experience dramatic fluctuations in a heartbeat.
Cryptocurrency is not FDIC Insured
Unlike traditional deposits, crypto investments are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). If the company from which you purchase crypto goes under, you could lose all your investment. Eventually, cryptocurrencies may be insured, but in the meantime, it’s important to choose a reputable crypto bank to work with.
Crypto Hacks, Theft and Fraud
As fintech becomes more popular, more hacking incidents occur in DeFi applications. You should consider a cold wallet to protect your investments, as you need to be aware of how your crypto assets are stored.
Conclusion
Blockchain technology has many uses in banking, so it won’t be long before banks start to make use of the public ledger in certain areas. There will inevitably be risks in finance. However, crypto banking and blockchain technology present the possibility of a future in which anyone on the planet can access transparent crypto banking.