How to Buy Uniswap (UNI)

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Contributor, Benzinga
September 11, 2024

Looking to invest in Uniswap? You can buy Uniswap (UNI) on well established crypto exchanges such as Coinbase, eToro or Robinhood.

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Uniswap

$6.86*

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+7.00%

24H
Buy Uniswap
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Are you ready to invest in Uniswap (UNI) and explore decentralized finance (DeFi)? Uniswap's popularity is on the rise, making UNI tokens a potentially profitable addition to your investment portfolio. To get started, you need to know the steps involved. This guide will provide a clear, step-by-step process for buying Uniswap (UNI). We've got you covered, from setting up an account on a cryptocurrency exchange to securely storing your UNI tokens. So, if you're eager to join the DeFi revolution and add UNI to your portfolio, keep reading. And don't forget to check out eToro, Robinhood, Uphold or Coinbase to kick-start your UNI investment journey today.

How to Buy Uniswap (UNI)

Uniswap is a popular decentralized exchange (DEX) that has gained significant traction in the cryptocurrency market. If you're interested in acquiring UNI tokens, the native cryptocurrency of the Uniswap protocol, here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange

The first step is to select a reputable cryptocurrency exchange that trades UNI tokens. Some popular options include Coinbase, eToro, Robinhood and Uphold. These crypto exchanges offer user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of cryptocurrencies.

2. Create an Account

Once you've chosen an exchange, you'll need to create an account. This typically involves providing personal information, such as your full name, email address and phone number. You may also be required to verify your identity by submitting a government-issued ID or other documentation to comply with the Know Your Customer (KYC) rules.

3. Fund Your Account

After setting up your account, you'll need to fund it with the fiat currency (e.g., USD, EUR) or cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) that you'll use to buy Uniswap. Most crypto exchanges offer a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, debit card/credit card, and other digital payment options.

4. Place Your Order

Once your account is funded, navigate to the Uniswap trading pair on the exchange's platform. This is typically done by searching for “UNI” or selecting Uniswap from the list of available cryptocurrencies. You can then place a market or limit order, depending on your preference and current market conditions. Enter your desired amount and confirm the buy order.

If the transaction is successful, you will see your UNI tokens in your account. You can either leave them in the exchange's wallet or transfer them to a personal cryptocurrency wallet, such as a software or hardware wallet, for better security and control over your assets.

What Is Uniswap (UNI)?

Uniswap (UNI) is a decentralized exchange (DEX) system that operates on the Ethereum blockchain. It was developed in November 2018 by Hayden Adams, previously an engineer at Siemens, who drew inspiration from various sources, including Ethereum's creator, Vitalik Buterin.

Unlike traditional centralized exchanges that use order books, Uniswap employs an Automated Market Maker (AMM) approach. This model allows users to exchange ERC-20 tokens directly with the platform's liquidity pools, eliminating the need for a central authority.

Uniswap was built on Ethereum's principles of open access and immutability, making it freely available for anyone to use. Users can swap tokens, provide liquidity, or establish new markets without facing any restrictions.

In September 2020, Uniswap introduced its governance token, UNI, which was distributed to previous protocol users. This token empowers the community to engage in governing and evolving the Uniswap ecosystem.

Since its inception, Uniswap has grown substantially, facilitating over $20 billion in trading volume and amassing more than $1 billion in liquidity from a diverse base of over 49,000 liquidity providers. It has become a fundamental component of decentralized finance (DeFi), integrated into numerous interfaces and applications within the blockchain ecosystem.

Brief History of Uniswap

Initially, UNI was introduced with a governance token airdrop, distributing 1 billion tokens to historical users of the Uniswap platform. It established a trading price of around $3.00 at launch in September 2020. The token witnessed substantial growth in 2021, peaking at $44.97 in May. This was driven by the overall surge in the DeFi sector and increasing adoption of decentralized exchanges. However, like many cryptocurrencies, UNI's price saw corrections and fluctuations, influenced by market trends, regulatory news, and overall investor sentiment towards the crypto market. By 2022 and 2023, UNI's price has fluctuated between $4 and $17, reflecting the ongoing challenges and developments in the cryptocurrency landscape. As of writing, UNI is trading for around $6.78 with a market capitalization of over $4 billion.

What Is Uniswap Used for?

Uniswap, as a decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol, fulfills several important functions within the crypto ecosystem:

  • Token swapping: Users can directly exchange ERC-20 tokens through Uniswap's liquidity pools, bypassing the need for a central authority. This offers a straightforward and inclusive way for individuals to trade cryptocurrencies.
  • Liquidity provision: Uniswap encourages users to add liquidity to its pools, where they earn a share of the trading fees generated. This contributes to the exchange's liquidity and stability.
  • DeFi integration: Uniswap is a cornerstone of decentralized finance (DeFi), with its pools utilized by various DeFi applications for lending, borrowing, and other financial services.
  • Governance: UNI, the native token of Uniswap, enables holders to participate in decision-making and protocol development.
  • Arbitrage opportunities: Uniswap's model facilitates arbitrage, helping to align token prices across different platforms.
  • Accessibility: Being decentralized, Uniswap is accessible globally to anyone with internet access, overcoming geographical barriers in cryptocurrency trading.
  • Yield farming: Uniswap's liquidity pools enable yield farming, where users earn tokens by providing liquidity for specific token pairs.
  • Speculation and investment: UNI tokens are used for speculation and investment purposes, offering an alternative to traditional international transfers.
  • Alternative financial system: Uniswap supports an alternative financial system accessible to smartphone users without traditional bank accounts, providing income opportunities through UNI liquidity staking.
  • Real-world financial tools: Uniswap powers decentralized lending and borrowing applications, enabling users to engage in financial activities without intermediaries.
  • Smart contract security: Uniswap operates via a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) structure, allowing token holders to vote on platform decisions. While vulnerable to smart contract issues, Uniswap maintains a strong security track record.

Where to Buy Uniswap (UNI)

The best cryptocurrency exchanges for UNI include eToro, Coinbase, Robinhood, Uphold, and KuCoin. These exchanges offer trading pairs with USDT for UNI, allowing users to buy and trade Uniswap's native token on their platforms.

Is It Safe to Invest in Uniswap?

Uniswap is a well-established and respected DEX protocol, boasting a significant amount of assets locked up within its platform. The protocol has maintained a strong track record for security, having avoided major hacks or issues thus far, which is reassuring for investors. 

Being built on the Ethereum blockchain, Uniswap benefits from the network's proven security and reliability. Uniswap's founder, Hayden Adams, also enjoys a positive reputation within the cryptocurrency community, instilling confidence in the project. UNI token holders also have governance rights, allowing them to participate in shaping the protocol's future, and staking UNI tokens can provide yield farming opportunities.

However, there are notable risks associated with investing in Uniswap. The overall cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile, and UNI token values are subject to these fluctuations. Uniswap faces competition from other DEXs like PancakeSwap, which could affect its market share and growth trajectory. 

The ETH Merge presented a potential risk as Uniswap is built on the Ethereum network. Moreover, as a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol, Uniswap and similar platforms were relatively new and could be susceptible to unforeseen vulnerabilities or regulatory challenges.

Finally, while Uniswap appears to be a comparatively safe investment within the DeFi sector, investors should proceed with caution and conduct thorough due diligence before committing funds. The volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market and the evolving landscape of decentralized finance warrant careful consideration of the associated risks. As with any investment, it's advisable to invest only what one can afford to lose and stay informed about developments within the sector.

Trade, Sell or Convert Your Uniswap Tokens

When dealing with Uniswap tokens, you have several options to maximize their utility or value — you can trade them for other cryptocurrencies on the Uniswap platform or other exchanges, sell them for fiat currency, or convert them into liquidity provider tokens if you wish to participate in liquidity pools.

Trading is suitable for those looking to capitalize on market fluctuations. Selling provides quick access to cash but may not always yield the best price depending on market conditions. Converting tokens to liquidity provider tokens allows you to earn transaction fees by providing liquidity, though it comes with the risk of impermanent loss. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your investment strategy, market outlook and risk tolerance.

The Ultimate Blueprint for Investing in Uniswap (UNI) Concluded

Buying Uniswap (UNI) involves selecting a reputable exchange like Coinbase, Robinhood, eToro, or Uphold that supports UNI trading pairs. Create an account, complete identity verification, and deposit funds via bank transfer or card. Locate the UNI trading pair (e.g., UNI/USD or UNI/ETH) in the exchange's trading section, specify the amount of UNI, and buy Uniswap. Consider exchange fees, liquidity, and security. Alternatively, use Uniswap's decentralized platform with a wallet like MetaMask for direct ETH-to-UNI swaps. Thorough research and security precautions are crucial for a successful UNI token purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Can you trade on Uniswap in the U. S.?

A

Yes, trading on Uniswap is permitted in the U.S. as a decentralized exchange (DEX) allows users to connect their crypto wallets directly to the trading platform. However, users should be aware of evolving U.S. regulations surrounding DeFi and cryptocurrencies, which may impact certain features or functionalities on Uniswap depending on their location or interaction with the platform.

 

Q

Is Uniswap on Coinbase?

A

Yes, Uniswap is available on Coinbase. Users can access Uniswap through the Coinbase Wallet application and trade ERC-20 tokens on the Uniswap decentralized exchange platform. For a detailed guide on how to use Uniswap on Coinbase Wallet, you can refer to our new ‘how to use Uniswap’ story here.

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Ishan Jain

About Ishan Jain

Ishan Jain is a technical enthusiast with a knack for financial analytics and trading. Ishan primarily works on AI algorithms, business development, and software engineering for his ventures and side projects, and he produces Web3 content for Benzinga. Ishan has been involved in DeFi in a variety of ways, including heading a project at a crypto asset investment firm along with leading a blockchain security research project.