A finite supply
Only 21 million bitcoin will ever exist. Unlike dollars, no one can print more - which is why some people see it as protection against inflation eating their savings.
New to Bitcoin? Start here.
Curious about Bitcoin?
Learn first. Decide for yourself.
You’ve probably heard the name. Get the basics in plain English, explore why people are interested, and make up your own mind. No jargon.
Curiosity first. Learn before you buy anything.
I was curious about Bitcoin, but didn’t know where to start or even where to buy it. I made this page to make that first step a little easier for someone else. — Frédéric
Bitcoin, in plain English
So, what is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a digital currency that has been running since 2009. It lets people send value around the world without needing a bank to approve the transaction. Payments can be sent in minutes often for very low fees.
No one controls it
Thousands of computers worldwide keep Bitcoin running together. No single company, bank, or government controls the Bitcoin network. You can hold your own bitcoin without relying on a bank.
You can truly own it
You can hold bitcoin yourself, like cash in your pocket - no bank needed. More control, but also more responsibility for keeping it safe.
Did you know?
Divisible — you don’t need to buy a whole coin. You can buy as little as $2 worth and own a tiny fraction of a bitcoin.
190,000+ BTC — that’s how much the U.S. government holds. Although this is the result of various seizures as opposed to outright purchases, they are now part of the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (source ↗).
Among the world’s largest assets — with a market cap over $1 trillion, Bitcoin is among the world’s largest assets by market value (source ↗), and it’s grown by about 44% per year over the last 4 years.
Not just for risk-takers — public reporting has identified bitcoin-related investments associated with several state retirement systems, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona and others.
$443M — Harvard’s Bitcoin ETF position, bigger than its Google stock.
848,000 BTC — held by public company Strategy, the largest corporate stash on earth, worth roughly $70 billion.
Keep it simple: If you decide to invest, start small and learn about Bitcoin before putting in any meaningful amount of money. Watch out for scams, and remember its price can rise or fall sharply.
Build your understanding
Want to go a little deeper?
You don’t need to read all four. Choose the one that sounds most interesting, and take it at your own pace.
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY PICK · EASIEST READ
Bitcoin Is for Everyone
An accessible introduction to the ideas behind Bitcoin and why people from different backgrounds are exploring it.
Find the book ↗
Broken Money
Explores how money and payment systems evolved, how they work today, and how technology may reshape them.
Find the book ↗
The Price of Tomorrow
Looks at technology-driven deflation and the tension between accelerating productivity and today's debt-based economy.
Find the book ↗
The Big Print
A critique of the modern monetary system and an argument for hard assets, including Bitcoin, as an alternative.
Find the book ↗These books offer perspectives and arguments, not a substitute for independent research. Read critically and compare viewpoints.
Listen and learn
Prefer listening?
Bitcoin-oriented podcasts to learn at your own pace — start with any episode that catches your eye.
Ready to explore?
If you want to try Bitcoin, start small.
Curious enough to try buying a small amount? These are two Canadian platforms to look into. Consider using the referral codes to support this webpage if you found it useful.
Shakepay
$20 referral bonus
ShakepayA Canadian app for buying and selling Bitcoin. Sign up with the following referral code and you can earn $20 in Bitcoin after buying at least $100 of Bitcoin, subject to the offer terms.
- Open Shakepay using the link below.
- Enter the referral code when asked.
- Buy at least $100 of Bitcoin to qualify, subject to the offer terms.
Referral code
XPSDTDE
The $20 reward is subject to Shakepay’s eligibility rules and promotion terms.
NewtonNewton is another Canadian option for buying and selling crypto. You can earn $20 after buying at least $100 of Bitcoin within 90 days, subject to the offer terms.
- Open Newton using the button below.
- Enter the promo code shown below when prompted.
- Buy at least $100 of Bitcoin within 90 days to qualify, subject to the offer terms.
Referral code
H6OQOE
The $20 reward is subject to Newton’s eligibility rules and promotion terms.
Full disclosure: I will receive a referral reward if you sign up through my referral links and meet the platform’s conditions. You should compare the options and decide what works for you. Offers, eligibility, and fees can change.
Go deeperFair questions
Is Bitcoin safe?
Bitcoin’s network has never been hacked — it has run non-stop for over 15 years. The risk is almost always on the human side: losing access, falling for a scam, or leaving coins on an exchange that fails. Two rules cover most of it: never share your recovery (seed) phrase with anyone, and move meaningful amounts to a wallet you control (cold storage) instead of leaving them on an exchange (hot storage).
What about taxes in Canada?
In Canada, Bitcoin is treated like property, not currency — selling at a profit generally triggers capital gains, with only half the gain taxable. Keep a simple record of what you bought, when, and for how much. This isn’t tax advice; if your amounts grow, talk to an accountant.
Why is the price so volatile?
Bitcoin is still small next to gold or stock markets, so large orders move the price more. News, hype cycles, and leverage amplify the swings. That’s what “start small” is really about: size your position so a 30% drop is annoying, not devastating.
Why Bitcoin and not other cryptocurrencies?
Thousands of cryptocurrencies exist, but Bitcoin is the only one with no company, no CEO, and no one able to change the rules — that’s what makes the 21-million limit credible. Most alternatives are startups with insiders holding big stakes. This page sticks to Bitcoin because it’s the only one to survive 15+ years with no one in charge.
Isn’t it a Ponzi scheme for criminals?
Three quick answers: a Ponzi needs a central operator paying old investors with new money — Bitcoin has no operator. Criminal use exists but is a tiny share of activity, and the public ledger makes it a poor tool for crime.
Why not just use dollars?
Dollars work well for everyday spending, and most of us need them. But their supply can increase over time, resulting in inflation and reducing their purchasing power. Bitcoin has a fixed maximum supply of 21 million. As the Bitcoin price goes up, its purchasing power increases as well.
The point of this siteLearn first.
Learn first.
Decide for yourself.
Bitcoin can sound complicated at first. You don’t have to become an expert overnight. Start with the basics, ask questions, and take your time before deciding whether it’s for you.
This site is educational, not financial advice. Referral links may benefit the site owner; recommendations should always be evaluated on their own merits.
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