8 Benefits of Cryptocurrency | The Motley Fool

Cryptocurrency has become extremely popular over the past few years, but many consumers and investors may be wondering what all the commotion is about. Why would anyone choose cryptocurrency when their local currency works just fine for most things? Why would someone invest in a cryptocurrency?

In fact, there are a lot of advantages to using and investing in cryptocurrency. Here are the top eight benefits to consider.

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8 benefits of cryptocurrency

• Transaction speed
• Transaction costs
• Accessibility
• Security
• Privacy
• Transparency
• Diversification
• Inflation protection

1. Transaction speed

If you want to send someone money in the United States, there are few ways to move money or assets from one account to another faster than you can with cryptocurrency. Most transactions at U.S. financial institutions settle in three to five days. A wire transfer usually takes at least 24 hours. Stock trades settle in three days.

But one of the advantages of cryptocurrency transactions is that they can be completed in a matter of minutes. Once the block with your transaction in it is confirmed by the network, it’s fully settled and the funds are available to use.

2. Transaction costs

The cost of transacting in cryptocurrency is relatively low compared to other financial services. For example, it’s not uncommon for a domestic wire transfer to cost $25 or $30. Sending money internationally can be even more expensive.

Cryptocurrency transactions are usually less expensive. However, you should note that demand on the blockchain can increase transaction costs. Even so, median transaction fees remain lower than wire transfer fees even on the most congested blockchains.

3. Accessibility

Anyone can use cryptocurrency. All you need is a computer or smartphone and an internet connection. The process of setting up a cryptocurrency wallet is extremely fast compared to opening an account at a traditional financial institution. There’s no ID verification. There’s no background or credit check.

Cryptocurrency offers a way for the unbanked to access financial services without having to go through a centralized authority. There are many reasons a person may be unable or unwilling to get a traditional bank account. Using cryptocurrency can allow people who don’t use traditional banking services to easily make online transactions or send money to loved ones.

4. Security

Unless someone gains access to the private key for your crypto wallet, they cannot sign transactions or access your funds. However, if you lose your private key, there’s also no way to recover your funds.

Furthermore, transactions are secured by the nature of the blockchain system and the distributed network of computers verifying transactions. As more computing power is added to the network, it becomes even more secure.

Any attack on the network and attempt to modify the blockchain would require enough computing power to confirm multiple blocks…