What is a crypto-asset?
Crypto-assets are digital assets based on blockchain technology. This article explains what they are, how they compare to traditional money, and why they matter when using Cryptonow products and services.
A crypto-asset is a digital representation of value that exists only in electronic form and is secured by blockchain technology. Unlike traditional money, crypto-assets are decentralized, which means they are not issued or controlled by banks or governments.
They can serve different purposes, such as:
Payment (e.g., Bitcoin used to transfer value)
Access to blockchain networks (e.g., Ethereum used for smart contracts)
Price-stable alternatives (e.g., USDC — a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar)
These assets are stored in wallets and can be sent, received, or traded across platforms like Cryptonow.
How are crypto-assets different from traditional money?
Crypto-assets are stored decentralized on blockchains, while traditional money is held in bank accounts or as physical cash. They can be transferred at any time, including weekends and holidays, whereas bank transfers often depend on business hours.
Ownership of crypto-assets is proven through a private key, not a bank statement. This gives users full control, but also full responsibility for security. Crypto-assets are often more volatile than traditional currencies, meaning their price can go up or down quickly.
In the European Union, crypto-assets and provider are regulated under MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), while traditional currencies fall under existing banking laws.
Why are crypto-assets relevant at Cryptonow?
Crypto-assets are at the core of what Cryptonow offers. When you activate a Cryptonow Gift Card or use our Cryptonow Invest® platform, you select a supported crypto-asset — such as Bitcoin or Ethereum — and decide where to store it: either securely offline in your Cryptonow Wallet® or online in your Cryptonow Invest® account.
Whether you're buying, selling, or simply holding, your crypto-assets remain legally owned by you at all times. Cryptonow acts as your regulated service provider, but the assets are held in your name and are protected in accordance with EU regulations.
You can buy, store, or sell supported crypto-assets directly through Cryptonow Invest® or activate a prepaid card to receive your crypto. In both cases, your assets are securely managed and accessible to you at any time.
Important to know
Cryptonow only offers crypto-assets that meet regulatory requirements under MiCAR.
We do not offer investment advice or market predictions. All decisions about buying or selling crypto-assets are made by the user.
The availability of specific assets may vary depending on your country and local regulations.
Still need help?
Our support team is happy to assist you.