At 17, most people are still in high school, worrying about things like homework, tests, and prom. Others are working part-time jobs to save up for college.
And then there are those who are investing in Bitcoin.
Bitcoin is a digital currency that was created in 2009. It’s unlike any other currency because it’s not regulated by a central bank or government.
Instead, it relies on a peer-to-peer network to verify transactions and create new units of the currency.
So, can a 17-year-old buy Bitcoin? The short answer is yes. The long answer is a little more complicated.
First, it’s important to understand that there are two different types of Bitcoin: Bitcoin (BTC) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). BTC is the original Bitcoin currency and it’s the one that most people are referring to when they talk about investing in Bitcoin.
BCH is a spin-off of BTC that was created in August 2017.
If you want to buy BTC, you’ll need to set up a digital wallet to store your coins. There are many different wallets available, but one of the most popular options is Coinbase.
Once you’ve set up your account and added a payment method, you can start buying BTC.
BCH is available for purchase on Coinbase as well. However, due to its recent creation, there are not as many places where you can spend BCH yet.
For this reason, some people choose to hold onto their BCH until it becomes more widely accepted.
In general, buying Bitcoin is a fairly simple process. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making your purchase.
First, Bitcoin is a volatile investment and its price can fluctuate wildly from day to day. Make sure you’re prepared for this by setting aside money that you’re comfortable losing.
Second, remember that there’s no such thing as “too much” when it comes to security when storing your Bitcoin. There have been several high-profile hacks of exchanges and wallets in the past, so it’s important to take steps to protect your coins.
For example, you might want to store them in an offline wallet or use a multi-signature wallet that requires multiple keys to access your funds.
Finally, don’t forget taxes! When you sell your Bitcoin for cash, you may be subject to capital gains taxes depending on your country’s lAWS. Make sure you set aside money to pay any taxes due so you don’t end up owing more than you can afford come tax time.
Now that you know the basics of buying Bitcoin, you’re ready to start investing! Just remember to do your research before making any decisions and always take steps to keep your coins safe.