Lately, Bitcoin has become the buzzword in the world of cryptocurrency. This digital currency can be used similarly to traditional currencies to buy goods and services. Apart from its use similar to traditional currency, Bitcoin trading has also gained popularity. Koinal is the recent online platform where you can make cryptocurrency transactions reliable, secure, and convenient through your debit or credit card. Within the last few months, Bitcoin prices have skyrocketed considerably. Thus, Bitcoin trading can also help you earn a huge sum of money in no time. Sounds pretty amazing, right? If you are still naive about Bitcoin and why this digital currency is gaining preference over traditional currencies, this guide is for you. To understand Bitcoin’s momentous progress, you must know the difference between Bitcoin and traditional currencies. But before discussing the differences, you must know what exactly is Bitcoin and traditional currency. Let’s get started!

What is Bitcoin?

It is a type of peer-to-peer electronic cash that is referred to as cryptocurrency. Bitcoin was initially introduced by an anonymous developer, Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. The key purpose of inventing Bitcoin was to create an online exchange payment system entirely independent of central authorities, like governments and other financial institutions.

What is Traditional Currency?

Money that is issued by the government and financial authorities is referred to as the traditional currency. This includes banknotes and coins used to purchase goods and services or utilized as a medium of exchange. Examples of traditional currency include two monetary systems, including commodity money and fiat money.

Difference between Bitcoin and Traditional Currencies

Centralization vs. Decentralisation

Fiat money or traditional currencies are centralized controlled by central banks, governments, commercial banks, and other payment processors like MasterCard or VISA cards. These intermediaries exercise authority over your money. Due to centralization, these organizations decide whether your transactions will be approved or not, whether money can be sent to other organizations or people. 

Contrastingly, Bitcoin is decentralized, and therefore, no one can control this digital currency. This makes Bitcoin an independent peer-to-peer currency. Also, encryption techniques are deployed in this cryptocurrency to regulate the generation of Bitcoin. This digital currency is ideal for people who feel uncomfortable due to central banks’ and governments’ excessive control over their money.

Verification

In traditional currency, transactions are made using the specific codes provided by financial institutions. However, Bitcoin transactions require a digital signature that is generated by algorithms.

Anonymity

While using traditional currency, such as when you swipe your debit card or credit card, your personal data can be tracked by governments, banks, and businesses. However, in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, it carries no personal information of the user and, therefore, provides anonymity to users. Also, the chances of identity theft are considerably decreased due to this privacy.

Lower Fees

In traditional currency, centralized authorities such as banks charge high transaction fees; however, Bitcoin’s transaction cost is significantly lower. Also, unlike traditional currency, Bitcoin allows global transactions with minimal fees.

Transaction Path

In traditional currencies, the whole transaction path is monitored by trusted third parties such as central banks and governments. However, Bitcoin transaction paths are monitored by ledger in the blockchain. Of note, this ledger is open for public access while authorized users maintain it. 

Volatility

Bitcoin prices are based on demand and supply. The exchange rate of Bitcoin greatly fluctuates depending on its demand and supply trends. However, unlike fiat money, Bitcoin is not influenced by economic conditions like inflation. Bitcoin exists independently and outside the traditional currency system; therefore, Bitcoin’s value is not influenced by any economic or political situation. Moreover, all kinds of traditional currencies such as Dollar, Euros, Yen, have an unlimited supply; however, Bitcoin has a fixed number, meaning that this cryptocurrency has limited coins (i.e., 21 million). This fixed number helps in avoiding the devaluation of Bitcoin.  

Wrap Up

Above mentioned are the key differences between Bitcoin and traditional currencies. No doubt, both traditional and digital currency systems co-exist alongside each other. Besides, both currencies are looking to stay here. Nevertheless, due to Bitcoin’s unceasing rise, many banks and governments are rethinking certain areas such as transaction fees.

So, if you are thinking of buying Bitcoin, Koinal can be your convenient, easy to use, and secured platform to purchase this digital currency.