Buying cryptocurrency can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. Between insecure websites, confusing jargon, and costly fees, it’s a nightmare for crypto newcomers. If you want to dip your toes without drowning, follow my guide down the path towards Stellar Lumens ownership – the smarter way to traverse the cryptosphere.
What if you could seize control of your financial freedom without the typical hassle? Imagine executing lightning-fast, dirt cheap digital transactions from your phone. Picture a world without predatory middlemen slicing and dicing your hard-earned money. The future is here and it starts with XLM, the crypto asset powering the Stellar payment network.
Join the millions unlocking the open financial system of tomorrow. In this guide, I’ll illuminate the shortcuts to acquiring XLM so you can start staking your claim. You’ll master every step from picking an exchange to storing coins safely offline. I’ll even reveal savvy tips for buying at the best price. The future of money is waiting – it’s time to grab it.
A Quick Introduction to How to Buy Stellar Lumens
Stellar Lumens (XLM) is a cryptocurrency that powers the Stellar payment network. Stellar aims to connect banks, payment systems, and individuals quickly and reliably. XLM coins act as a bridge currency to facilitate trades between cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies.
The Stellar network uses distributed ledger technology similar to blockchain that allows for fast, low-cost international transactions. Stellar’s consensus protocol validates transactions without mining, allowing it to handle over 1,000 transactions per second.
XLM has a current circulating supply of 23 billion out of a maximum 50 billion coins. It currently ranks among the top 15 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
A Brief history of Stellar’s creation
The Stellar Development Foundation was founded in 2014 by Jed McCaleb, a prominent figure in blockchain technology, and former lawyer Joyce Kim. The initial vision was to utilize blockchain to provide universal financial access, particularly for the underbanked.
Stellar was originally a fork of the Ripple protocol, but has since been extensively redesigned and rewritten with an emphasis on being non-profit and open source.
Some of Stellar’s main use cases are:
- International remittances and micropayments
- Mobile money and banking for the unbanked
- Cross-asset transfers and currency conversion
- Facilitating ICOs and issuing digital assets
Why Buy Stellar Lumens?
1. Potential for growth and investment upside
Many cryptocurrency investors purchase XLM believing in its long-term investment potential as a versatile platform with real-world utility. Its large circulating supply and low price per coin give it room to potentially grow in value.
Stellar has developed partnerships with payment providers and financial institutions to increase adoption in the developing world. If it succeeds as a global payment network, the increased demand could make XLM more valuable.
2. Usefulness for low-cost international money transfers
Sending money abroad using traditional financial institutions often incurs high fees. Stellar enables users to convert currencies and send international payments for a fraction of the standard cost.
For example, migrant workers can send remittances home more cheaply using XLM. The recipients can then cash out XLM into local currency.
3. Other real-world utility and adoption cases
Besides international remittances, Stellar is also used by:
- ICOs and fintech startups to conduct fundraising and issue digital tokens
- Financial services to offer mobile money accounts and microloans
- Charities to receive donations and conduct transactions across borders
- Online marketplaces to accept payments in different currencies
This wide range of applications demonstrates the versatile utility of the network.
Where to Buy Stellar Lumens
1. Coinbase
Coinbase is one of the most popular places to buy crypto like XLM for beginners. This mainstream exchange supports purchases using bank accounts, debit/credit cards, and Apple/Google Pay.
2. Kraken
Kraken is another prominent exchange supporting XLM trading and fiat purchases. It caters more to experienced traders but does allow beginners to fund accounts via wire transfer.
3. Binance
Binance does not allow direct fiat purchases but it has the highest XLM trading volume. Users can buy crypto with a debit/credit card on Binance’s separate fiat gateway site then transfer it to the main exchange.
4. P2P trading platforms
P2P sites like LocalCryptos allow you to buy XLM directly from other users without a centralized exchange acting as middleman. Payments are done via online banking transfer, PayPal, cash deposit, etc.
Buying XLM with Fiat Currency
Most exchanges let you connect a bank account to deposit/withdraw fiat. Verification steps are required to confirm your identity and account ownership.
Debit/credit card purchases
Instead of using a bank transfer, you can instantly buy crypto with your debit or credit card. Fees are usually higher but it’s very convenient.
Bank wire transfers
To make larger purchases, you can directly wire money from your bank into your exchange account. Wire transfers have high fees but allow transfers of larger amounts.
ACH transfers
ACH transfers linked to your bank account will let you buy XLM and withdraw/deposit fiat. Transfers take 3-5 business days but have low fees.
Buying XLM with Bitcoin or Ethereum
Exchanging BTC or ETH for XLM on trading platforms
Once you have BTC or ETH, you can trade for XLM directly on exchanges like Binance, Kraken, and Poloniex. These platforms have XLM/BTC and XLM/ETH trading pairs that allow you to exchange one for the other.
Using instant exchange services like Changelly
Services like Changelly and ShapeShift make it fast and easy to swap one crypto for another without needing an account. Simply specify the desired exchange amount and send the deposited coins to the provided address.
Storing XLM Safely
Hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor)
Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor provide excellent security for crypto assets like XLM. Your private keys are stored offline on the physical device, safe from online attacks. Transactions must be manually verified on the device’s screen.
Software wallets (Exodus, Atomic)
If you want to store XLM securely on your computer or mobile device, use a software wallet like Exodus or Atomic Wallet. Make sure to follow proper security practices to keep your seed phrase and passwords safe.
Mobile wallets
Mobile wallets like Lobstr make it easy to store, send, and receive XLM on your smartphone. Just be aware of the risks that come with having crypto on your phone.
Paper wallets
For cold storage, you can generate a paper wallet containing your XLM private keys and address. Make copies and store in secure locations to protect from loss or theft.
Moving XLM Between Wallets
XLM wallet addresses
All XLM wallets have a public address that looks like a long string of random letters and numbers. This is what you provide to receive XLM payments. Make sure to double check addresses when sending or receiving to avoid errors.
Sending and receiving XLM transactions
Within your XLM wallet, you can initiate send and receive functions using the provided wallet addresses. Enter the destination address and amount to send. Transactions happen quickly, usually within 5 seconds.
Transaction fees and times
The Stellar network has tiny transaction fees that are a fraction of a penny in XLM. Sending coins between wallets only takes 3-5 seconds to confirm. This makes XLM ideal for frequent transactions.
Key Takeaways: How to Buy Stellar Lumens
The open financial system of the future is within your grasp. This guide has prepared you with insider knowledge on how to buy Stellar Lumens. No longer will you feel lost in the cryptosphere maze.
Join the mission and stake your claim in the future of money. The tools are in place to start buying XLM today. Take control of your financial destiny by purchasing this versatile asset powering payments innovation. The time is now – your crypto compass is set and the rewards await!
Stellar’s goal of providing a fast, inexpensive global financial network seems more relevant than ever in today’s digitally interconnected world. With growing real-world adoption, XLM could continue appreciating in value in the years to come.
As with any cryptocurrency, carefully assess your own risk tolerance and do your research before investing in XLM. But its practical utility gives it better fundamentals than many other “altcoins”. The Stellar Development Foundation’s non-profit status and open source approach also set it apart from the pack.
The decentralized future awaits. I hope this guide has illuminated the pathway to participate through acquiring XLM – the native fuel powering Stellar’s engine of innovation.