Understanding and Using Stablecoin

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, where currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum often experience huge price changes, crypto stablecoins provide a steadier alternative. They're tied to real-world assets, mostly the US dollar, which helps maintain their value.

Stablecoins Explained

While many cryptocurrencies can be quite volatile, crypto stablecoins aim to be the opposite. They're either anchored to assets like traditional money (USD, EUR, etc.) or controlled by algorithms. This makes them ideal for regular transactions and bridging the gap between traditional money and new digital currencies.

Types of Stablecoins

  1. Fiat-Collateralized Stablecoins: These are directly backed by traditional currencies. For each stablecoin, there’s a matching amount in a bank. For example, USDT, USDC, etc.
  2. Crypto-Collateralized Stablecoins: These stablecoins are backed by other cryptocurrencies, with algorithms and contracts ensuring stability. For example, DAI, sUSD, etc.
  3. Commodity-Collateralized Stablecoins: These are connected to physical assets, such as gold. For example, PAXG, XAUT, etc.
  4. Algorithmic Stablecoins: These rely on software rules (algorithms) to manage their value. For example, AMPL, LUNA, etc.

Benefits of Stablecoins

  1. Less Volatility: Stablecoins offer a more predictable value compared to other cryptocurrencies.
  2. Quick Transactions: Stablecoins allow for fast transfers, even across countries.
  3. Accessibility: They provide a way for people without access to regular banks to be part of the global economy.
  4. Transparency: Most stablecoins use blockchain, ensuring clear and open transactions.
  5. Safety Net: During uncertain market conditions, traders can shift to stablecoins as a safer option.

Using Stablecoins

How to use stablecoins is the biggest question. Don't worry, here are some of the most popular uses for stablecoins.

  1. DeFi & Staking: Stablecoins are popular in decentralized finance (DeFi). They can be used as collateral, in liquidity pools, and for earning interest.
  2. Trading: Using stablecoins can sometimes reduce fees when switching between different cryptocurrencies.
  3. Safekeeping: In volatile market conditions, some traders move their assets to stablecoins to maintain value.
  4. Transfers: They make sending and receiving money internationally easier and cheaper.
  5. Gift Cards: Some services let you use stablecoins to buy gift cards for popular retailers.

Getting Started with Expand.Network

If you're interested in exploring more, and want to integrate expand's capabliities into your applications, check out the developer documentation and to get a free API key just register here expand.network.

Back to the blog