Want to jump straight to the answer? You can buy ALGO today on Coinbase!
Ethereum isn't the only name in the emerging world of decentralized finance. Additional projects like Algorand (ALGO) aim to improve upon current smart contract functionality, making it easier to implement the technology on a wider scale. Our guide to investing in Algorand will help you learn more about what makes this project unique and how you can invest today.
Brief History of Algorand
Alogrand is a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain protocol that aims to make blockchain transactions scalable and secure. Ethereum suffers from high transaction fees, often pricing out investors from using its blockchain. Thanks to Algorand's proof of stake consensus, transactions are a fraction of the cost of that on Ethereum, and transactions are settled faster than Ethereum, too.
Also, the Algorand network doesn’t use forking to compensate for scalability issues — instead, its proprietary Pure PoS protocol to select users on a random secret basis to propose block changes. This means that users on the network will be able to influence the creation of a new block in proportion to the amount of stake they have in the current network.
The Algorand network’s goal is to provide a scalable and secure blockchain platform that’s faster and safer to implement on a wide-scale basis within the developing decentralized finance sphere.
Algorand was developed by MIT professor and Turing Award recipient Silvio Micali in June 2019. Today, Algorand is in the top 20 largest cryptocurrency projects when measured by total market capitalization, with a market cap of about $12 billion at the time of writing.
How to Buy Algorand
Looking to get your (diamond) hands on some Algorand? Here's a quick guide explaining how to buy ALGO in 3 simple steps.
- Open an online account.
You’ll need to open a brokerage account before you can buy and sell most types of crypto. A crypto brokerage account is an online account issued by a financial institution authorized to provide you with access to the cryptocurrency market. After opening your account, your broker will provide you with a trading platform that you can use to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
There are plenty of cryptocurrency brokers to choose from, and the broker that you select will determine what types of accounts you can open, which assets you can buy and sell and any fees you’ll pay when trading. If you aren’t sure where to begin your search, consider using a major cryptocurrency investment platform that offers industry leading security and high liquidity. Among the best options is Coinbase, among others. - Buy a Wallet (optional).
A cryptocurrency wallet is a private device or online account that helps you store your tokens and coins more securely. There are 2 primary types of cryptocurrency wallets: hardware wallets and software wallets. A hardware wallet is a USB-like device that stores your investments in offline “cold storage,” while a software wallet is a computer or mobile application that stores your tokens online. Both types of wallets have their advantages — for example, hardware wallets provide you with the highest possible level of security, but software wallets accommodate more token types.
Let’s take a look at a few of our favorite wallets that support Algorand below. - Make your Purchase.
Once you’ve set up both your wallet and your brokerage account, you can buy Algorand. First, make sure that your account has full trading capabilities and is already funded with a linked bank account or credit card. You may need to provide your broker with some personal information and confirm that you own the payment method linked before you can access full trading capabilities.
From here, you’ll open your trading platform and place a buy order for Algorand. Start by taking a look at how Algorand is moving today to determine a good buy signal. When you think you want to buy in, place a buy order using your broker’s specific process. Depending on the broker you choose, you might have access to a variety of order types. Two of the most common types of orders include:
Market orders: A market order tells your broker that you want to buy a set number of ALGO at the current market price. Market orders are the order type most likely to be filled because they’re executed immediately. You might end up paying more per coin than you see on your brokerage platform as market demand shifts.
Limit orders: A limit order tells your broker that you want to buy a set number of ALGO at or below a specific price. For example, you might set a limit order to buy 50 ALGO at a price of $0.50. If the broker can purchase ALGO at a price of $0.50 or less per coin, the order will be filled. If the price of ALGO rises above $0.50 per coin, your broker will stop filling the order. Limit orders give you more control over the price you’ll pay but are less likely to be filled when compared to market orders.
If your order is able to be filled, you’ll see your coins in your brokerage account. From here, you can transfer them to your wallet or hold them in your exchange for short-term trading. We don’t recommend leaving your coins in an exchange wallet for more than 1 month, as this can leave you more vulnerable to hacks. If your broker cannot fill your order, they may cancel it by the end of the day.
Cryptocurrency Platforms For ALGO Tokens
Some great cryptocurrency exchanges that have significant liquidity to trade Algorand are Coinbase and Binance. These platforms are reputable, so you can rest easy knowing your investments are in good hands. Most U.S investors choose Coinbase, as it's the only publicly listed cryptocurrency exchange on the New York Stock Exchange. Plus, you can get started with Coinbase today and earn free cryptocurrency with it's Coinbase Learn program!
Sum of median estimated savings and rewards earned, per user in 2021 across multiple Coinbase programs (excluding sweepstakes). This amount includes fee waivers from Coinbase One (excluding the subscription cost), rewards from Coinbase Card, and staking rewards. ³Crypto rewards is an optional Coinbase offer. Upon purchase of USDC, you will be automatically opted in to rewards. If you’d like to opt out or learn more about rewards, you can click here. The rewards rate is subject to change and can vary by region. Customers will be able to see the latest applicable rates directly within their accounts.
Best Cryptocurrency Wallets for ALGO
Best Hardware Wallet: Ledger Nano X
The Ledger Nano X is among the most popular and most secure options for Algorand hardware storage. The Ledger Nano X uses the highest possible security features, and you can add up to 100 unique applications onto a single device. The Nano X also seamlessly connects with the Ledger Live app, which allows you to track and manage your holdings in real-time. You can even connect directly with an exchange and send your coins back to your wallet without transferring back to a standard exchange like Coinbase.
Best Software Wallet: Algorand Wallet
The Algorand Wallet is Algorand’s proprietary software wallet option, providing users with top-level security for their ALGO. The Algorand Wallet comes with a unique, streamlined setup that will provide you with your own set of keys in as little as a few minutes and that’s easy enough for even those completely new to cryptocurrency to master. View your complete transaction history, send Algorand to your contacts and manage your account all from an intuitive and simple mobile platform. The wallet developers also collect no personal information when you open an account, which means this is an excellent choice for those concerned about data safety.
Bonus Tip:
The Algorand Protocol has a number of practical use cases planned for implementation in 2023 and beyond. For example, cryptocurrency exchange platform Voyager plans to develop USDC payment rails on the Algorand Protocol, which will allow users to self-custodian their own USDC accounts. You can view a complete list of developing implementations through Algorand’s website.
Trade or Sell Your Cryptocurrency
When your order is complete, your job as an investor really begins. Now, you’ll decide how you want to earn a return on your initial Algorand investment. There are 2 major ways that investors see a return on their cryptocurrency investments:
- Long-term investing: Many cryptocurrency investors take a long-term approach to investing, holding onto their coins and tokens for months or even years at a time before taking profits. In March 2020, for example, 1 Bitcoin was equal to about $6,500. In January 2021, 1 Bitcoin wasvalued at more than $38,000 per coin! If you believe the price of Algorand will rise over the course of months, be sure to store your investment in a secure, private wallet. Then again, Bitcoin failed to rise more due to the depegging of Terra.
- Short-term day or swing trading: The cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile, especially when it comes to short-term price movements of smaller crypto projects. Investors can capitalize on these short price movements by strategically converting their Algorand to a stablecoin like Tether when it’s most advantageous. When you decide to take profits, you’ll convert your stablecoin back to fiat currency and transfer it back to your bank account.
If you decide to become a short-term investor, it’s important that you have a responsive, fast-trading platform. Consider a few of our favorite brokers below if you’re looking for the most comprehensive trading experience.
Current Crypto Prices
Unlike the stock or bond market, digital assets trade 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2023 has been a bearish year for the asset class, with many cryptocurrencies appreciating well over 100%. To stay up to date with current cryptocurrency prices, checkout the table of real-time price data below.
Adding Algorand to your Portfolio
Decentralized finance (DeFi) is currently among the largest implementations of cryptocurrency in the world. Adding complementing DeFi investments to your portfolio can help you diversify your investment in this emerging space and protect your initial capital. Be sure to explore projects like Chainlink, Ethereum and AAVE when completing your crypto portfolio.
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About Sarah Horvath
Sarah is an expert in the insurance, investing for retirement and cryptocurrency space.