In our guide ‘Trading with Crypto: Top 3 Myths,’ we covered how to buy crypto on Deriv and start trading. But with thousands of digital coins out there, how do you pick the one that fits your needs?

Don’t worry-we’ve got you covered. At Deriv, we keep it simple by offering widely used and trusted cryptocurrencies. In this guide, we’ll break down what to consider before choosing a crypto asset.

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Trusted cryptos and stablecoins

When funding your Deriv account, you’ll see major names like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). But there’s another category to consider-stablecoins.

A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, often pegged to an asset like the US dollar or gold. Think of it as a digital version of traditional money-offering the benefits of crypto without the extreme volatility.

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Crypto comparisons: Choosing the right one

Each cryptocurrency serves a different purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the key options on Deriv:

Bitcoin (BTC) - The digital gold

Bitcoin isn’t just the first cryptocurrency—it’s the most widely accepted and valuable digital asset. Many consider it the gold of the crypto world because:

• It has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, making it resistant to inflation.
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• It’s decentralized, meaning no government or bank controls it.
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• It’s a strong store of value for long-term investors.

Transaction details:

• Processing time: ~30 minutes
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• Confirmations: 3 (each taking about 10 minutes)
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• Fees: High

Ethereum (ETH) - Powering innovation

Ethereum is more than just a cryptocurrency—it’s a full-fledged blockchain platform for apps, smart contracts, and more. Over time, Ether (ETH) has gained mainstream acceptance, making it a strong alternative to Bitcoin.

• The second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap.
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• Experts believe it still has room for growth.
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• Powers decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs.

Transaction details:

• Processing time: 1 to 15 minutes
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• Confirmations: 6 (each taking about 10 seconds)
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• Fees: Varies (depending on network congestion)

Litecoin (LTC) - Fast & affordable

If Bitcoin is gold, Litecoin is silver—faster, cheaper, and built for everyday transactions.

• Larger supply: 84 million coins vs. Bitcoin’s 21 million.
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• Lower transaction fees make it ideal for transfers.
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• Faster and more efficient than Bitcoin for small purchases.

Transaction details:

• Processing time: ~30 minutes
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• Confirmations: 12 (each taking about 2.5 minutes)
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• Fees: Very low

Tether (USDT) & USD Coin (USDC) - Stability first

For those who prefer stability, stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) are pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. They are great for quick transactions without worrying about price swings.

• USDT is the world’s largest stablecoin.
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• USDC is highly transparent and backed by full reserves.

Transaction details:

• Processing time: 1 to 15 minutes (varies by network)
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• Confirmations: 3 to 6
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• Fees: Varies (depending on network congestion)

What to consider before choosing a cryptocurrency

Before picking a cryptocurrency, ask yourself:

• What’s your goal? Are you looking for long-term investment (BTC), everyday use (LTC), or price stability (USDT)?
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• Diversification matters. A mix of BTC for growth and stablecoins for easy transactions can help balance risk.
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• Market trends impact price. Crypto prices move based on news, adoption, and sentiment—stay informed.
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• Transaction fees & speed. If you need quick transactions, Ethereum or stablecoins might be better than Bitcoin’s slower processing times.

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Ready to fund your account with crypto?

Now that you understand what to look for, you can make a confident choice. Whether you go for Bitcoin’s security, Ethereum’s innovation, or Stablecoins’ reliability, you’re in control of your trading journey.

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Sign up, buy crypto, and start trading on Deriv today!

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