What is Ethereum?

Crypto is speculative, not covered by SIPC or the FDIC, and offered through the Plynk app only by Paxos. Don’t invest more than you’re willing to lose.

Is Ethereum like other cryptocurrencies?

Ethereum isn’t just another type of crypto. It’s a unique digital platform that can be used to build applications.

It launched in 2015 using the same foundational technology as other cryptocurrencies.

The Ethereum platform isn’t owned by one person, company, or government. Instead, it’s enabled and supported by users all over the world with access to it.

Uses for the Ethereum platform

Developers are building all sorts of applications using this new technology.

There are art marketplaces, music streaming, video games and virtual worlds, social networks, financial apps where you can lend and borrow crypto...and so much more.

Ether and Ethereum

Ethereum is a platform, a blockchain network like the internet. Ether is the digital currency used on that network. So if you were going to buy something within the Ethereum ecosystem, you’d use ether to do it.

Riding the volatility roller coaster

Ether is one of the world’s most popular cryptocurrencies. And like many other cryptocurrencies, the value of ether can go up and down very quickly without warning.

For example, the price of ether hit its all-time high of over $4,800 in November 2021. And just a few months later, in June 2022, its price dropped under $1,000. In March 2024 it was back up over $4,000.^*

What that means for you: Trading cryptocurrency can be risky so it’s important to decide for yourself if you’re comfortable buying it.

If you do decide it might be the right move for you, think about how much you want to invest in crypto. Make sure it’s not money from your emergency savings or that you may need to pay your bills.

Essentially, if you can’t afford to lose it, don’t use it.