Crypto 101

Bitcoin, Stablecoins, and How to Start with PayPal

Heard about crypto but not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Whether you’re looking to make a payment, diversify your wallet, or just curious about digital currency, this quick guide is for you.

What Is Cryptocurrency, Really?

Cryptocurrency is digital money—decentralized, borderless, and powered by blockchain technology. Unlike traditional currency issued by governments, crypto is maintained by a network of computers across the world.

In short: it’s peer-to-peer money for the digital age.

Popular Cryptocurrencies You Should Know

Here are the top names most people start with:

Bitcoin (BTC)

The original and still the most popular. Bitcoin is seen as digital gold—a long-term store of value. Great for holding or sending.

Ethereum (ETH)

Known for smart contracts and powering decentralized apps. It’s the backbone of many crypto projects, but can have higher transaction fees.

Stablecoins

These are cryptos pegged to the U.S. dollar, making them less volatile. Popular stablecoins include:

USDC (USD Coin)
USDT (Tether)
PYUSD (PayPal USD), a newer, regulated stablecoin backed by PayPal and issued by Paxos.

We take all of the above for payment!!

Stablecoins are ideal for payments and preserving value without worrying about wild price swings.

How to Open a Crypto Account (Using PayPal)

One of the easiest ways to start is through PayPal—no extra apps or complex wallets needed.

Step-by-Step

Log in to your PayPal account (or create one).
Tap “Finances” or “Crypto” from the dashboard.
Choose a coin: Bitcoin or PYUSD for stablecoin options. Make it easy.
Enter the amount you want to buy.
Link your bank or debit card to fund the purchase.
Done! You now own crypto and can use it for online payments or hold it as an asset.

Bonus: You can also send and receive certain cryptos within PayPal—making it beginner-friendly and fast.

Things to Know Before You Dive In

Start small.** Even $5 is enough to get your feet wet.
Start early** it may take time to process the initial purchases and transfer money. Fund up your cyrpto accounts before you need them.
Crypto is volatile. Values can move up and down quickly—especially with coins like BTC and ETH. For business I prefer stable coins, but accept a wide variety.
Always verify addresses before sending. Crypto transactions can’t be reversed. Recovery is nearly impossible.
Use trusted platforms. Stick with big names like PayPal, Coinbase, or Kraken when starting out.
You may not be able to send vendors crypto from your paypal wallet.

Why? Great question, it varies from exchanges are worried about you getting scammed, to the wallet maybe under the DOJ’s watch due to let’s say an indictment, or your account maybe too new. One way to have more control over sending is having your own wallet with your own keys. Exodus Wallet is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets for beginners—and for good reason. It combines a sleek, easy-to-use interface with support for hundreds of coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and major stablecoins like USDC and USDT. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into crypto or managing a diverse digital portfolio, Exodus makes it simple to buy, send, receive, and store your assets securely.

Final Thoughts

Crypto doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re using it to pay for research products or exploring a new financial frontier, it’s never been easier to get started.

And remember, we accept Bitcoin, major stablecoins, and PYUSD for orders. Quick, secure, and modern.

--KC Pepperman