What Are Crypto Tokens, and How Do They Work? (2024)

What Are Crypto Tokens?

A crypto token is a representation of an asset or interest that has been tokenized on an existing cryptocurrency's blockchain. Crypto tokens and cryptocurrencies share many similarities, but cryptocurrencies are the native asset of a blockchain.

Crypto tokens are often used to raise funds for projects and are usually created, distributed, sold, and circulated through an initial coin offering (ICO) process, which involves a crowdfunding round.

Key Takeaways

  • Crypto tokens are a digital representation of an asset or interest in something and are built on a blockchain.
  • Crypto tokens can also be used as investments, to store value, or to make purchases.
  • Cryptocurrencies are digital representations of value designed to facilitate transactions (making and receiving payments) using blockchain technology.
  • Often purchased through an initial coin offering, crypto tokens are generally used to raise funds to develop projects.

History of Crypto Tokens

Although there were cryptocurrencies that forked from Bitcoin and Ethereum previous to the 2017 ICO boom, the first recognized ICO and token was Mastercoin. Mastercoin was created by J.R. Willet and announced on January 2012 via Bitcoin Forum. He titled his whitepaper "The Second Bitcoin Whitepaper".

Mastercoin was one of the first projects to describe using layers to enhance a cryptocurrency's functionality. The project linked the value of Mastercoin to Bitcoin's value and explained how the project would use the funds to pay developers to create a way for users to make new coins from their Mastercoins.

The ICO Boom

Between 2012 and 2016, crypto token creation and ICO increased until 2017—token offerings skyrocketed as investors seemed to become aware of them and the possible increase in value they promised. Developers, businesses, and scammers began creating tokens rapidly in attempts to take advantage of the fund-raising boom—so much so that regulatory agencies began issuing alerts to investors warning them about the risks of ICOs.

After the Bubble

The ICO bubble burst in 2018—shortly after, initial exchange offerings (IEO) emerged, where exchanges began facilitating token offerings. Exchanges claimed to have vetted the token offerings, reducing the risks to investors; however, scammers used the exchanges to promote their scams.

Regulatory agencies issued alerts to investors about the risks involved in participating in an IEO; they also alerted exchanges that they were required to register with the authorities if they were facilitating these fund-raising efforts. The logic was that the exchanges might be acting as alternative trading systems or broker/dealers, which by law are required to register.

Crypto tokens are still being created and used to raise funds for projects through ICOs. Whitepapers read like pitchbooks, outlining the token's purpose, how it will be sold, how the funds will be used, and how investors will benefit.

Concerns About Crypto Tokens

The single most important concern about crypto tokens is that because they are used to raise funds, they can be and have been used by scammers to steal money from investors.

However, it can be difficult to distinguish between a scam token and one representing an actual business endeavor.

Here are some factors to look for when you're looking at a crypto token:

  • Based on jurisdiction, it might need to be registered. In the United States, the SEC considers tokens securities and requires them to be registered unless they qualify for an exemption.
  • Look at the team behind the ICO and their backgrounds. Determine if they are a legitimate business by checking the address and phone numbers, and visit the website of the Secretary of State for the state they claim to be registered in and search for them. If you can't find information about it other than in a white paper and custom website, it might be a scam.
  • ICOs from outside of the U.S. might be difficult to research. One such token was BananaCoin, issued as a fundraiser for banana plantations in Laos. Investors were told they could exchange their tokens for an equal value of bananas or funds after launch.
  • Many crypto tokens are listed on non-regulated exchanges outside of the United States. If it isn't listed on a regulated exchange, the odds of it being a scam are much higher.
  • Even crypto tokens listed on a registered exchange can be scams.

How Crypto Tokens Work

Crypto or cryptography refers to the various encryption algorithms and cryptographic techniques that safeguard crypto tokens and currencies, such as elliptical curve encryption, public-private key pairs, and hashing functions. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, are virtual currencies on a blockchain. These systems that allow for secure online payments and the storing of value.

Crypto tokens are transactional units created on top of existing blockchains by blockchain companies or projects. They are created using standard templates like that of the Ethereum network. Such blockchains work on the concept of smart contracts or decentralized applications, wherein the programmable, self-executing code is used to process and manage the various transactions that occur.

A smart contract is a self-executing program that automates transactions. Two parties agree on terms. Then code is written to execute the transaction once the agreed upon terms are met.

For example, you might receive a crypto token representing a certain number of customer loyalty points on a blockchain that manages such details for a retail chain. Another crypto token might give the token holder the entitlement to view 10 hours of streaming content on a video-sharing blockchain.A token can even represent other cryptocurrencies, such as a crypto token equalling 15 bitcoins on a particular blockchain. Such crypto tokens are tradable and transferrable among the various participants of the blockchain

Investors can use crypto tokens for any number of reasons. They can hold onto them to represent a stake in the cryptocurrency company or for an economic reason—to trade or make purchases of goods and services. As a practical example, decentralized storage provider Bluzelle allows you to stake your tokens to help secure its network while earning transaction fees and rewards.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) continues to issue alerts about cryptocurrency and token fraud, so be sure you research before investing in any cryptocurrency—the same way you would with any stock.

Crypto Tokens vs. Cryptocurrencies

The term crypto token is often erroneously used interchangeably with "cryptocurrency." However, these terms are distinct from one another.

A cryptocurrency is used for making or receiving payments using a blockchain, with the most popular cryptocurrency being Bitcoin (BTCUSD). Altcoins are alternative cryptocurrencies that were launched after the massive success achieved by Bitcoin. The term means alternative coins—that is—cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. They were launched as enhanced Bitcoin substitutes that have claimed to overcome some of Bitcoin's pain points. Litecoin (LTCUSD), Bitcoin Cash (BCHUSD), Namecoin, and Dogecoin (DOGEUSD) are typical examples of altcoins. Though each has tasted varying levels of success, none have managed to gain popularity akin to Bitcoin's.

While cryptocurrencies have their own blockchain and are its native asset, crypto tokens are built on an existing blockchain, which acts as a medium for the creation and execution of decentralized apps and smart contracts. The tokens are used to facilitate transactions on the blockchain. In many cases, tokens go through an ICO and then transistion to this stage after the ICO completes.

What Is the Purpose of Tokens?

Crypto tokens generally facilitate transactions on a blockchain but can represent an investor's stake in a company or serve an economic purpose, similar to legal tender. However, tokens are not legal tender. This means token holders can use them to make purchases or trades just like other securities to make a profit.

Is Bitcoin a Token or a Coin?

Bitcoin is a coin also known as a cryptocurrency. It can be used to trade, store value, or make purchases.

What Is the Difference Between a Crypto Coin and a Crypto Token?

The main difference is that crypto coins have their own independent blockchain, whereas tokens are built on an existing blockchain. Crypto coins are designed to be used as currency, while crypto tokens are intended to represent an interest in an asset and facilitate transactions on a blockchain.

What Are Some of the Different Types of Tokens That Reside on Blockchains?

Blockchain tokens include reward, utility, security, governance, and asset tokens.

The Bottom Line

Crypto tokens are digital representations of interest in an asset or used to facilitate transactions on a blockchain. They are often confused with cryptocurrency because they are also tradeable and exchangeable.

Crypto tokens are often used as a way to raise funds for projects in initial coin offerings. ICOs have been abused by many parties to fool investors into contributing funds, only to disappear, but many are valid fundraising attempts by legitimate businesses. If you're considering crypto tokens as an investment, be sure to do your research on the team or company offering them.

Investing in cryptocurrencies and other Initial Coin Offerings (“ICOs”) is highly risky and speculative, and this article is not a recommendation by Investopedia or the writer to invest in cryptocurrencies or other ICOs. Since each individual's situation is unique, a qualified professional should always be consulted before making any financial decisions. Investopedia makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein. As of the date this article was written, the author does not own cryptocurrency.

What Are Crypto Tokens, and How Do They Work? (2024)

FAQs

What Are Crypto Tokens, and How Do They Work? ›

Crypto tokens generally facilitate transactions on a blockchain but can represent an investor's stake in a company or serve an economic purpose, similar to legal tender. However, tokens are not legal tender. This means token holders can use them to make purchases or trades just like other securities to make a profit.

What is an example of a crypto token? ›

Examples include Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and Cardano (ADA).

What is the difference between a token and a cryptocurrency? ›

The key differentiation between the two classes of digital asset is that cryptocurrencies are the native asset of a blockchain — like BTC or ETH — whereas tokens are created as part of a platform that is built on an existing blockchain, like the many ERC-20 tokens that make up the Ethereum ecosystem.

Why do people buy crypto tokens? ›

Cryptocurrencies are generally used to pay for services or as speculative investments. Cryptocurrencies are powered by a technology known as blockchain. Crypto prices are extremely volatile, and the industry is filled with uncertainty.

What is the purpose of a token? ›

Tokens are widely used to provide authorization and authentication to users when they access a website or a mobile application. This post covers detailed information about the use of tokens along with its advantages and disadvantages. You may have come across the term “Token” multiple times.

Is Ethereum a coin or a token? ›

A “token” often refers to any cryptocurrency besides Bitcoin and Ethereum (even though they are also technically tokens). Because Bitcoin and Ethereum are by far the biggest two cryptocurrencies, it's useful to have a word to describe the universe of other coins.

Which is better, a coin or a token? ›

Both coins and tokens have roles in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Coins provide the foundation for secure and decentralized networks, while tokens aim to enable the development of decentralized applications (DApps) and other blockchain-based platforms.

Why use a token instead of the coin? ›

The Takeaway

The differences between coins vs tokens are subtle yet significant. A coin is always native to its blockchain, and there can only be one native token for any chain. Tokens, however, get built on top of an existing network, meaning one blockchain can have multiple tokens.

Is Bitcoin a coin or a token? ›

Without getting too technical, coins are the native currencies of specific blockchains. For example, BTC is the native coin of the Bitcoin network. On the other hand, tokens are currencies (or digital assets) supported by a specific blockchain, rather than powering their own.

Can cryptocurrency be converted to cash? ›

Yes, Bitcoin can be converted into cash by selling it on a cryptocurrency exchange or through peer-to-peer transactions. You can also transfer Bitcoin to another person or wallet by sending it to their Bitcoin address.

How does crypto make you money? ›

Some decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and decentralized exchanges (DEXs) allow users to earn money like a bank by participating directly in a lending process. Yield farming techniques let users connect their cryptocurrency wallets and commit coins and tokens to a lending pool with others.

Is cryptocurrency real money? ›

It's a peer-to-peer system that can enable anyone anywhere to send and receive payments. Instead of being physical money carried around and exchanged in the real world, cryptocurrency payments exist purely as digital entries to an online database describing specific transactions.

Why can't I withdraw money from Coinbase? ›

Funds on hold

When you use a linked bank account (ACH) to buy crypto or add cash to your account balance, the funds are placed on hold and won't be immediately available to send or cash out. Think of this like depositing a check to your bank account and having to wait for it to clear before you can remove the funds.

What are all the types of crypto tokens? ›

There are six types of crypto tokens — transactional, governance, utility, security, platform, and non-fungible tokens.

Is a Bitcoin a coin or a token? ›

Most often, coins are either mined into existence through a process called proof of work (PoW), or created through staking by a proof of stake (PoS) protocol. Some common proof of work coins include Bitcoin (BTC) and Litecoin (LTC). Both of these are coins native to their respective blockchains.

What is an example of a token symbol? ›

The definition of a token is a sign, symbol or a piece of stamped metal used instead of currency. An example of a token is someone giving their friend a "best friends" necklace. An example of a token is what someone would use to play video games at an arcade. noun.

Which of the following is an example of token? ›

Tokens are the smallest elements of a program, which are meaningful to the compiler. The following are the types of tokens: Keywords, Identifiers, Constant, Strings, Operators, etc. Let us begin with Keywords.

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