Start Here: Your Crypto Beginner Roadmap

New to crypto?

Start here. This is your step-by-step guide from “what is Bitcoin?” to actually knowing what you’re doing.

Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1-2)

Goal: Understand what crypto actually is before touching any money.

Learn the Basics

  • What is blockchain? (It’s a shared ledger, not magic)
  • What is Bitcoin and why does it matter?
  • What is Ethereum and smart contracts?
  • Key terms: wallet, private key, public key, seed phrase, gas fees

Security Fundamentals

  • Why “not your keys, not your coins” is rule #1
  • How scams work (phishing, rug pulls, fake support)
  • Never share your seed phrase — ever, with anyone

Don’t skip this phase. Seriously.

Phase 2: Setup (Week 2-3)

Goal: Get your tools ready, safely.

Create a Wallet

  • Understand hot wallets vs. cold wallets
  • Set up a software wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Rabby, or Trust Wallet)
  • Write down your seed phrase on paper — not digitally
  • Store it somewhere safe (not your notes app)

Choose an Exchange (Optional)

  • Research reputable exchanges (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance — depends on your region)
  • Enable 2FA (use an authenticator app, not SMS)
  • Verify your identity (KYC) if required

Phase 3: First Steps (Week 3-4)

Goal: Make your first transaction with small amounts.

Start Small

  • Buy a small amount of crypto you’re okay losing (seriously, like $20-50)
  • Send it to your own wallet
  • Understand transaction fees and confirmation times
  • Practice sending between your own addresses

Learn by Doing

  • Check your transaction on a block explorer (Etherscan, Blockchain.com)
  • Understand what “confirmations” mean
  • See how gas fees fluctuate

Phase 4: Go Deeper (Month 2+)

Goal: Expand your knowledge based on your interests.

Choose Your Path

Investor Track:

  • Learn about market cycles and volatility
  • Understand dollar-cost averaging (DCA)
  • Research before buying anything (tokenomics, team, use case)
  • Learn what a whitepaper is and how to read one

DeFi Track:

  • What is decentralized finance?
  • Understand DEXs, lending protocols, and liquidity pools
  • Learn the risks: impermanent loss, smart contract bugs, rug pulls
  • Start with small amounts on established protocols

NFT/Web3 Track:

  • What are NFTs beyond the hype?
  • Understand minting, gas, and marketplaces
  • Learn to spot scam projects

Golden Rules

  1. Never invest more than you can afford to lose — This isn’t a cliché; it’s survival
  2. DYOR (Do Your Own Research) — If someone’s pushing urgency, it’s probably a scam
  3. Ignore DMs from strangers — Especially “support” or “admins” who message first
  4. Take profits — Paper gains aren’t real until you sell
  5. Stay humble — The market humbles everyone eventually

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ FOMO buying at the top
  • ❌ Storing seed phrases digitally or in the cloud
  • ❌ Trusting influencers blindly
  • ❌ Going all-in on one coin
  • ❌ Using leverage as a beginner (just don’t)
  • ❌ Ignoring taxes (yes, crypto gains are taxable)

Ready for More?

Once you’ve completed this roadmap, explore our guides on specific topics. Take your time — crypto isn’t going anywhere, and neither is your opportunity to learn it right.

Questions? Contact us — we’re here to help.