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What is Cryptocurrency?

The cryptocurrency market explained

Curious about crypto? Our educational resources can help you learn about this new and ever-expanding market.

Before exploring the topic, please note TD Ameritrade doesn't offer trading in individual cryptocurrencies, but does provide numerous ways to get exposure to the cryptocurrency market.  Learn more.

Study up on cryptocurrency

What is cryptocurrency? Unlike fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies aren’t tied to any central bank. Instead of being printed, they’re computed through a vast network of independent computers that work together to keep cryptocurrencies and transactions secure. Our articles and videos will help teach you how crypto can affect the market.

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The Basics of Cryptocurrency

Article | Read up on the fundamentals of the cryptocurrency market.
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Investing Basics:
Bitcoin and Blockchain

Video | Learn how bitcoins stay secure on the blockchain, the public ledger shared across all computers.
Watch now

You know bitcoin. But do you know bitcoin futures?

Wondering how to invest in crypto? While TD Ameritrade does not currently offer cryptocurrency, we do offer access to CME Group (CME) bitcoin futures and CME micro bitcoin futures, which allow qualified clients to tap into the bitcoin market without actually owning any bitcoin. Read up on the fundamentals to decide if bitcoin futures might fit in with your overall trading strategy.

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Learn the Basics of Bitcoin Futures

Article | Get up to date on the basics of CME bitcoin futures
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Trading Crypto Futures

Trading Crypto Futures

Video | Learn about the risks and rewards that come with trading CME bitcoin futures. 
Watch now
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New Micro Bitcoin Futures Offer “Smaller Bite” Exposure to Crypto

Article | Learn about a cost-effective way to get exposure to crypto.
Read now

Find out if trading bitcoin futures
is right for you

Learn about potential opportunities in the crypto market with
bitcoin futures and micro bitcoin futures.
Learn more

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Virtual currencies, including bitcoin, experience significant price volatility. Fluctuations in the underlying virtual currency's value between the time you place a trade for a virtual currency futures contract and the time you attempt to liquidate it will affect the value of your futures contract and the potential profit and losses related to it. Investors must be very cautious and monitor any investment that they make.

TD Ameritrade was evaluated against 14 other online brokers in the 2022 StockBrokers.com Online Broker Review. The firm was rated #1 in the categories "Platforms & Tools" (11 years in a row), "Desktop Trading Platform: thinkorswim®" (10 years in a row), "Active Trading" (2 years in a row), "Options Trading," "Customer Service," and "Phone Support." TD Ameritrade was also rated Best in Class (within the top 5) for "Overall Broker" (12 years in a row), "Education" (11 years in a row), "Commissions & Fees" (2 years in a row), "Offering of Investments" (8 years in a row), "Beginners" (10 years in a row), "Mobile Trading Apps" (10 years in a row), "Ease of Use" (6 years in a row), "IRA Accounts" (3 years in a row), "Futures Trading" (3 years in a row), and "Research" (11 years in a row). Read the full article.

Futures and futures options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure Statement prior to trading futures products.

Futures accounts are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

Futures and futures options trading services provided by Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC. Trading privileges subject to review and approval. Not all clients will qualify. Prior to a name change in September 2021, Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC was known as TD Ameritrade Futures & Forex LLC.

Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA Forex Dealer Member. Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC is a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

This is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where we are not authorized to do business or where such offer or solicitation would be contrary to the local laws and regulations of that jurisdiction, including, but not limited to persons residing in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UK, and the countries of the European Union.

TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. © 2023 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.