Everything you need to know about btc

Let's break down the Bitcoin basics

What is Bitcoin?
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Imagine money that truly belongs to you.
No bank can freeze it. No government can inflate it. No intermediary can block it.
That's Bitcoin in its purest form.

Launched in 2009 by the anonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin (BTC) was designed to let money move directly between people without banks or governments. Instead of institutions, users themselves verify transactions through a peer-to-peer network. This unlocked new possibilities - money that moves faster, cheaper, and gives individuals unprecedented control over their wealth.

Think of Bitcoin as digital gold you can send anywhere, anytime. No waiting for banks, business hours, or approvals. Just a borderless network that runs 24/7.

Why Bitcoin matters?
• Limited supply - only 21 million will ever exist
• Global accessibility - send value anywhere, anytime, with minimal fees
• Transparent security - transactions live on an unchangeable public ledger
• True control - no bank can freeze it, no hidden fees added
• Faster than banks - no waiting for business hours
• Borderless - just an internet connection, no bank account required

What Bitcoin can be?
• An investment and hedge against inflation
• A store of value, like digital gold
• A way to transfer money worldwide instantly
• A gateway into broader emerging technologies

Far from a fringe experiment, Bitcoin is now legal to use, hold, and trade in most major economies. You can spend it, save it, or treat it as an investment. At its heart, Bitcoin offers something traditional finance never could... financial sovereignty.
Your money. Your rules. Your freedom.
Is Bitcoin safe?
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Long story short, Bitcoin itself is incredibly secure.

The blockchain doesn't sleep, it doesn’t make mistakes, and once a transaction is confirmed it’s permanent, transparent, and tamper-proof. No hacker, bank, or government can simply take it away from you.

But safety also depends on where you keep it.

With Change, your Bitcoin is protected by:
• Cold storage - assets stored offline, out of hackers' reach
• EU banking regulations - same safeguards as your bank account
• ISO27001 compliance - gold standard for security management
• Multi-signature wallets - institutional-grade protection
• Insurance coverage - extra shield beyond regulation
• Segregated accounts - your assets always separate from company funds

Bitcoin is your unbreakable safe.
Change is the vault around it, guarded 24/7 by lasers, cameras, and security experts.
Is Bitcoin legal?
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100%!

Bitcoin is one of the most regulated asset classes in modern finance. Major economies, including all of Europe, the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia, recognise it as a legitimate investment. Corporations hold it, banks offer services around it, and governments tax it like any other asset.

Today, you can legally:
• Buy through licensed platforms
• Store it securely in wallets
• Convert it to local currency
• Make purchases where accepted
• Include it in your investment portfolio

At Change, you’re fully protected across all 30 EEA countries:
• Dutch AFM licence - official financial services provider
• Estonian FIU licence - authorised crypto service operator
• MiFID II compliance - strictest EU investor protection standards
• Local compliance - aligned with every national regulation

You’re not venturing into a legal grey zone.
You’re investing in a legitimate, regulated asset class.
How does Bitcoin work?
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Bitcoin solved what economists once thought impossible... digital money that can’t be copied, faked, or spent twice - without needing a middleman.

It works not on trust in people, but on mathematics, cryptography, and a global network of computers.

THE CORE ELEMENTS:

Blockchain
A shared public ledger where every transaction is permanently recorded and impossible to alter.

Wallets
• Public key = your "account number" for receiving Bitcoin
• Private key = your PIN proving ownership and enabling spending

Mining
Miners secure the network by validating transactions and adding blocks to the chain through Proof of Work. This process also releases new Bitcoin - capped at 21 million forever.

Why it matters?
Bitcoin created a financial system that’s:
• Faster than banks
• Cheaper than international transfers
• More secure, with no single point of failure
• Borderless and accessible with just an internet connection

Using it is simple:
1. Buy Bitcoin on Change
2. See it instantly in your wallet
3. Send it anywhere with an address
4. Wait minutes (not days) for confirmation
5. Know it’s permanently recorded on the blockchain

Beyond money, Bitcoin’s underlying technology has inspired innovations in finance, supply chains, and digital identity. When you hold Bitcoin, you’re part of a global network that never sleeps.
Can I send or receive Bitcoin?
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Yes! That’s what Bitcoin was built for.

Once your Change account is verified, you get a unique wallet address. From there, sending or receiving Bitcoin is as simple as updating the blockchain ledger with a cryptographic signature that proves ownership.

Every transaction involves:
• Sender’s wallet authorising with private keys
• Recipient’s address as the destination
• Network verification by thousands of computers
• Blockchain recording, creating a permanent entry

It usually takes 10-60 minutes depending on fees and network activity.

The smart strategy?
Step 1: Buy on Change
• EU-regulated, fully licensed platform
• Commission-free Bitcoin trading
• Instant SEPA deposits
• Institutional-grade security

Step 2: Transfer to your personal wallet
• "Your keys, your Bitcoin" = full control
• Hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor) for maximum security
• Software wallets for daily use

Step 3: Send anywhere
• Pay friends, family, or businesses worldwide
• Avoid banking delays, approvals, and high fees
• Works anytime - even weekends and holidays

Security best practices
• Double-check every address
• Test with small transfers
• Store recovery phrases safely
• Use hardware wallets for larger holdings

This hybrid approach - buy safely with Change, store securely in your own wallet, and send freely - gives you the best of both worlds - regulated safety + Bitcoin sovereignty.
What makes Bitcoin different from other cryptocurrencies?
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Bitcoin isn't just another cryptocurrency - it’s the original and the foundation of the entire industry. Launched in 2009, it remains the most valuable, secure, and widely recognised digital asset.

Here’s why it stands apart:
• First-mover advantage - the world’s first decentralised money, tested for over a decade
• Unmatched security - the largest network of miners protects it, making attacks impossible
• Scarcity - hard cap of 21 million coins, unlike many other cryptocurrencies with unlimited supply
• Recognition - accepted by companies, regulated worldwide, held by institutions as "digital gold"
• Simplicity - while other coins experiment with smart contracts or niche use cases, Bitcoin focuses on doing one thing best - being sound, borderless money

Other cryptocurrencies build on different ideas and technologies, but Bitcoin remains the benchmark - the most trusted and proven digital asset in the world.

buying bitcoin

Bitcoin wallets, payment methods, and practical uses

How do I buy Bitcoin?
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Buying Bitcoin is surprisingly simple - like online shopping, but for the future of money. The whole process takes around 5 minutes and all you need is your smartphone, a European ID, and €10.

Here's your step-by-step guide to owning Bitcoin:

Step 1: Choose your platform (30 seconds)
Pick a regulated Bitcoin trading platform. Change offers EU-licensed security, commission-free trading, and instant card a SEPA deposits - trusted by 135,000+ European investors.

Step 2: Verify your identity (3 minutes)
Upload a photo of your European ID and take a quick selfie. This bank-grade verification keeps your account secure and ensures full compliance across all 30 EEA countries.

Step 3: Add funds (1 minute)
Deposit euros via free SEPA bank transfer or debit card (arrives instantly) with 0% fees. Most deposits show up in your account within 60 seconds, depending on your bank.

Step 4: Buy Bitcoin (30 seconds)
Enter your investment amount (starting from just €10), check the real-time price, and confirm. Your Bitcoin lands instantly in your wallet.

It's faster than ordering pizza 🍕 - except here, you're getting fat differently - with wealth, not calories.
How can I pay for Bitcoin?
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Change offers maximum payment flexibility because your money should work on your schedule, not the other way around.

SEPA bank transfer (RECOMMENDED)
• Cost - completely free
• Speed - up to 2 days, depends on the processing speed of your bank
• Perfect for - larger amounts and first-time buyers
• Why it's great - direct connection to the European banking system and full account verification

Debit/credit cards/Apple Pay
• Cost - 0% fees (most competitors charge 1-4%)
• Speed - instant
• Perfect for - regular investments and quick market opportunities
• Supported - all major European card networks (VISA, Mastercard)

Cryptocurrency transfer
• Cost - only network fees (no platform charges)
• Speed - depends on the blockchain network
• Perfect for - moving Bitcoin from other wallets or platforms
• Flexibility - supports 10+ major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, SOL and more)

Which method is best?
The one you'll actually use consistently - all of them are great! Many successful investors start with cards for convenience and speed, then switch to SEPA transfers for regular investing.
Do I have to buy an entire Bitcoin?
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Absolutely not!

This is one of Bitcoin's biggest misconceptions - you don't need €94,500+ to get started.

Bitcoin is divisible down to 8 decimal places, called satoshis after its creator.
Think of it like buying gold by the gram instead of the kilogram.

Start small, think big:
• Minimum investment - just €10 gets you started
• Buy any fraction - 0.001 BTC, 0.5 BTC, or €50 worth
• Perfect for beginners! Build your position over time

Real example
Thijs invests €100 every month in Bitcoin. After 18 months:
• Total invested - €1,800
• Bitcoin accumulated - ~0.019 BTC (based on today's price of €94,500/BTC)

Strategy? Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) to reduce the impact of volatility.

The beauty of fractional ownership? You can participate in Bitcoin's potential growth regardless of your budget. Thijs's €100 investment gains the same percentage returns as someone investing €100,000.
How do I use my Bitcoin wallet?
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Your Bitcoin wallet on Change is like a high-tech bank account designed specifically for the digital age.

Dashboard overview
Real-time portfolio tracking shows your Bitcoin value, P&L, and total portfolio worth. Smart price alerts notify you of significant market movements, while transaction history provides a complete record of all Bitcoin activity.

Key features
Send Bitcoin - transfer to any wallet worldwide using Bitcoin addresses
Receive Bitcoin - your unique address accepts transfers from your other wallets
Trade Bitcoin - convert to euros or exchange to 140+ other available cryptocurrencies
Stake compatible assets -  earn passive income on select cryptocurrencies up to 6% APY

Security controls
Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects all sensitive operations. Biometric login (fingerprint/face ID) provides convenient security.

Professional tools
Advanced charting helps you analyze Bitcoin price trends. Market signals indicate potential buying or selling opportunities. Educational content helps you learn while you invest.

Think of your wallet as the command centre for your Bitcoin mission - everything you need to buy, hold, trade, and grow your digital wealth, all in one intuitive app.
Will I lose access to my Bitcoin if my smartphone is stolen?
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Your Bitcoin remains completely secure, even if your phone is gone for good. Change's security architecture ensures device theft never equals Bitcoin theft.

Multiple security layers
Password, passcode, and 2FA protection ensure stolen devices cannot access your account. Any new device requires account re-verification, and biometric locks add an extra layer of device-level security.

Cold storage protection
Most of your Bitcoin is stored offline in institutional-grade cold wallets (Trezor/Ledger), completely unreachable by hackers or thieves. Multi-signature security requires multiple keys for any Bitcoin movement, and insurance provides extra protection beyond regulatory requirements.

Quick recovery process
1) Contact support immediately via support@changeinvest.com
2) Verify your identity through established and regulated security service provider in the Europe.
3) Regain full access within hours, not days.
4) Set up new device with enhanced security protocols.

Real scenario
Antonis lost his iPhone in the park while walking his dog. His first thought was "My Bitcoin!" Plot twist - his Bitcoin was perfectly safe. Within just 2 hours, he had full access restored on a new device.

Change protects your Bitcoin better than most people protect their phones.

bitcoin investing

A quick guide to your first Bitcoin investments

Is investing in Bitcoin a good idea?
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Bitcoin has evolved from experimental internet money to a legitimate investment asset - but, like all investments, it comes with both opportunities and risks.

The compelling investment case
Digital scarcity - only 21 million Bitcoin will ever exist, creating mathematical scarcity in an increasingly digital world. Growing institutional adoption - major corporations, banks, and even countries now hold Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Inflation hedge - Bitcoin's fixed supply offers protection against currency debasement.

Historical performance perspective
• 2011 - Bitcoin reached $1 for the first time
• 2013 - crossed $100, establishing early legitimacy
• 2017 - hit $20,000, entering mainstream consciousness
• 2021 - peaked above $65,000, achieving institutional recognition
• 2025 - trading above €95,000, demonstrating long-term growth trajectory

Portfolio diversification benefits
Bitcoin typically shows low correlation with traditional stocks and bonds, making it valuable for portfolio diversification. Many financial advisors now recommend 5-10% Bitcoin allocation as part of a balanced investment strategy.

The honest risk assessment
Bitcoin is volatile. Prices can drop 20-50% in weeks, then recover just as quickly. Only invest money you can afford to lose, and consider Bitcoin part of a long-term wealth-building strategy rather than a get-rich-quick scheme.

Bitcoin represents a unique asset class with genuine investment merit, but it requires patience, education, and proper risk management.
How can you earn with Bitcoin?
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Bitcoin offers multiple earning strategies, from passive holding to active trading. Your approach should match your risk tolerance, time commitment, and investment goals.

1. Long-term holding (HODL)
Strategy - buy Bitcoin and hold for years, ignoring short-term volatility
Best for - patient investors (diamond hands) believing in long-term digital adoption
Time commitment - minimal, set and forget
Risk level - moderate (Bitcoin's long-term trend remains upward)

2. Dollar-cost averaging (DCA)
Strategy - invest fixed amounts regularly regardless of Bitcoin's price
Best for - building discipline while reducing volatility impact
Example - €100 monthly for 2 years = steady accumulation regardless of market swings
Change advantage - set up limit buy orders and automatic recurring purchases (soon)!

3. Trading & CFDs
strategy - use Change's professional tools for short-term price movements
Best for - experienced traders with market knowledge
Features - leverage 2x, profit from rising AND falling prices
Requirements - time, education, and emotional discipline

4. Diversified crypto portfolio
strategy - combine Bitcoin with other cryptocurrencies on Change's platform
Options - 140+ cryptocurrencies inc. Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Cardano, and other promising projects
Benefit - spread risk across multiple digital assets
Tools - professional portfolio tracking

5. Staking rewards (best combined with other strategies)
Strategy - earn passive income on compatible cryptocurrencies
How it works - "lend" your crypto to secure blockchain networks
Returns - up to 6% APY depending on the asset
Change integration - seamless staking directly in your account with the Smart Staking feature

Successful Bitcoin investing requires aligning your strategy with your lifestyle, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
What happens if the price drops?
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Bitcoin price drops are normal, expected, and historically temporary - but they test every investor's emotional discipline.

Understanding Bitcoin volatility
20-50% price drops happen regularly in Bitcoin's history, often followed by new all-time highs. This volatility reflects Bitcoin's relatively small market size compared to traditional assets and its role as a emerging store of value.

Historical crash recovery
• 2017-2018 - 84% drop followed by 1,400% recovery
• 2020 March - 50% crash, recovered within months to new highs
• 2021-2022 - 77% decline, currently showing strong recovery signs

Successful investor strategies
Dollar-cost averaging - continue regular purchases during downturns to lower average cost basis.
Portfolio diversification - balance Bitcoin with other investments to reduce overall volatility.
Long-term perspective - focus on 4-year cycles rather than daily price movements.

Change's protective features
No extreme leverage -  maximum 2x prevents catastrophic losses
Transparent fees - you never lose more than market movements dictate
Educational resources - learn risk management from market professionals
Diversification options - 500+ assets to balance your portfolio

Emotional preparation
Expect volatility as part of Bitcoin's growth story. Never invest emergency funds - keep 3-6 months expenses in traditional savings. Stay educated about Bitcoin fundamentals to maintain conviction during downturns.

Remember... Every Bitcoin millionaire has lived through multiple major crashes. The difference between winners and losers isn't avoiding volatility - it's surviving it!
What is the best time to buy Bitcoin?
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The honest answer? Nobody knows the perfect timing. If they did, they’d probably keep it to themselves - it's human nature. Successful investors focus on proven principles rather than trying to predict unpredictable markets.

Time-tested investment approaches
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) beats market timing
Invest fixed amounts weekly or monthly regardless of price. Historical data shows this strategy outperforms trying to time market tops and bottoms over multi-year periods.

Buy when you're prepared, not when markets are "PERFECT"
The best time to buy Bitcoin is when you have:
• An emergency fund established (3-6 months expenses)
• A clear investment timeline (preferably 4+ years)
• Money you can afford to lose without lifestyle impact
• A basic understanding of Bitcoin fundamentals

Market indicators on Change
Signal meter - shows overall market sentiment and potential opportunities
Technical analysis - helps identify potential entry points
Price alerts - notify you when Bitcoin hits your target levels

Common timing mistakes
"Waiting for the dip" - often means missing out while waiting for prices that may never drop
"Buying the fear" - easier said than done when markets are crashing and media is panicking
"Selling the greed" - perfect timing requires impossible prediction

Change advantage for any time
Instant execution means you can act immediately when you decide to invest. Commission-free Bitcoin ensures market timing decisions aren't influenced by trading costs. Flexible amounts let you start small and increase position over time.

Time in the market typically beats timing the market. The best time to buy Bitcoin was 10 years ago. The second best time is when you're financially and emotionally ready.
What does it cost to buy Bitcoin?
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Transparency matters when building wealth - hidden fees compound over time and significantly impact your returns. Here's exactly what Bitcoin investing costs on Change compared to alternatives.

Change's transparent fee structure
Bitcoin trading on Change is completely commission-free, while most European platforms charge between 0.1% and 0.5% per trade. SEPA deposits on Change are also free (often arriving instantly), compared to competitors who may charge several percent for euro transfers. With card deposits, Change again leads with 0% fees, while other platforms typically charge up to 2% for the same transaction.

EUR withdrawals on Change cost just €1 flat, far lower than many platforms that charge higher fees for both withdrawals and deposits. Bitcoin withdrawals are set at 0.0003 BTC, a rate that remains competitive with industry standards.

Understanding spreads - the real cost of trading
Every platform operates with market spreads between buy and sell prices - this is how crypto exchanges make money and provide liquidity. Industry research shows that spreads on Bitcoin typically range from 0.5% to 2% depending on market conditions, platform size, and volatility.

What matters isn't avoiding spreads (impossible), but understanding them upfront. Some platforms advertise "zero fees" while hiding 2-3% spreads.

Change provides competitive spreads with complete transparency - you see exactly what you're paying before confirming any trade, with no hidden markups or surprise adjustments.

The hidden cost problem
Many so-called “low-fee” platforms generate revenue through less obvious methods. Research shows that some charge both trading fees and wide spreads - effectively doubling investor costs. Others advertise attractive trading rates but hide the catch elsewhere. Card deposit fees can exceed 2% on certain platforms, while spreads often remain unpredictable and vary significantly.

What others actually charge?
Research of European crypto platforms reveals the true cost landscape:
1) Most exchanges combine multiple fee types - trading fees (0.1-0.5%), spreads (0.5-2%), deposit fees (0-5% for cards), and withdrawal fees (€1-50). The total cost for a €10,000 Bitcoin investment typically ranges from €100 to €400+ depending on platform choice and trading patterns.
2) Many platforms appear cheap initially but become expensive through cumulative charges, or poor customer service that costs time and money to resolve.

Change's value proposition
Change offers competitive total costs while providing what many platforms cannot - regulated security, instant deposits, professional customer service, and complete transparency. You get predictable pricing without surprise fees, EU-licensed protection for your funds, and access to 500+ assets for portfolio diversification.

The platform efficiency comes from institutional partnerships and operational scale, allowing competitive spreads while maintaining the security and compliance that regulatory oversight requires.

Real investment impact
For long-term Bitcoin investors, platform choice significantly impacts returns. A platform saving 0.5% on spreads but charging 5% card fees, €25 withdrawal fees, and poor customer service often costs more than a transparent platform with competitive all-in pricing.

Change's approach prioritizes total cost transparency and user experience, ensuring your investment energy goes toward building wealth rather than managing platform complications.

Focus on total costs and platform reliability rather than headline fee rates. Choose platforms that show you all costs upfront while providing the security and service that successful investing requires - your long-term wealth depends on both cost efficiency and platform trustworthiness.
Guy standing next to Bitcoin illustration

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