Earning profits with cryptocurrencies: A practical 5-step roadmap for beginners

Cryptocurrency Market: Why Should You Pay Attention Now?

By 2025, the global financial environment is undergoing rapid change. As traditional financial systems evolve swiftly, blockchain-based digital assets are being re-evaluated not just as speculative tools but as ‘assets for wealth growth.’

Especially major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum are beginning to be incorporated into institutional investors’ and large corporations’ portfolios. This is a clear sign that the cryptocurrency market has entered a mature stage.

3 Reasons to Invest Now:

1) High Profit Potential High volatility means significant risk of loss, but it also creates opportunities for high returns. There are actual cases of early-stage projects yielding dozens of times profit within months. Historically, during the growth phases of DeFi and NFT markets, selected tokens surged over 100x, and the recent meme coin craze can be understood in the same context.

However, realizing these opportunities requires thorough analysis and risk management.

2) Low Entry Barriers Unlike stocks or real estate, cryptocurrencies can be started with minimal capital. Trading is possible with less than 10,000 KRW, and split trading can significantly reduce the burden. This is especially important for the MZ generation with less capital than older generations.

3) No Time and Space Constraints The crypto market operates 24/7 year-round, and with a mobile app, trading can be done anywhere. Cross-border remittances are completed in seconds, making global asset mobility extremely high.

9 Critical Mistakes Beginners Make

To succeed in investing, you must first understand ‘what not to do.’ Here are the traps most beginners fall into.

Mistake 1: Excessive Trading and Leverage Abuse Trading dozens of times a day or using leverage over 10x ultimately leads to capital depletion. Leverage amplifies gains but also losses. Beginners should start with no-leverage spot trading.

Mistake 2: Emotion-Driven News Trading Entering late based on SNS messages like “Breakout imminent” results almost always in buying at the high. When prices plummet afterward, panic selling occurs, rapidly depleting assets if repeated.

Mistake 3: Community Scam Links Scams involving “free airdrops” via Discord or messengers are increasing. Connecting your wallet to suspicious links results in immediate asset theft. Always verify official channel authentication.

Mistake 4: Misjudging Kimchi Premium Chasing domestic market price premiums can lead to losses due to transfer delays, fees, and taxes. Judging solely based on price differences is risky.

Mistake 5: Holding Without Stop-Loss Holding a declining position, thinking “it will go up if I wait a bit,” can exponentially increase losses. Setting clear stop-loss criteria in advance and sticking to them is fundamental.

Mistake 6: Phishing Sites and Fake Airdrops Scam projects disguised as official sites induce wallet connection to steal assets. Always check domain spelling, HTTPS security, and official verification badges.

Mistake 7: Poor Management of Private Keys and Recovery Phrases Storing private keys on cloud or messenger is suicidal. Offline backups and handwritten records are the only safe measures, and a single note can protect millions of won.

Mistake 8: Ignoring Fees and Slippage Each platform has different fee structures, and low-liquidity assets can cause slippage during order execution. Always calculate actual profit and loss impacts before trading.

Mistake 9: Investing All Assets at Once ‘All-in’ strategies can severely damage your entire assets during a single downturn. Always use only part of your assets for investment and keep the rest as liquidity.

Building a Safe Trading Environment

Profitability is important, but asset protection is equally critical. One security mistake can take everything away.

Step 1: Choosing a Platform

Before trading, selecting a secure platform is crucial:

• Check Regulation Authorization: Confirm the platform is officially licensed by the relevant financial authority. Unlicensed exchanges offer no legal protection.
• Inspect Deposit/Withdrawal Environment: Ensure smooth fiat currency deposits and withdrawals, and reasonable fees.
• Prioritize Major Platforms: Larger trading volume and robust security infrastructure mean higher safety.
• For CFD Trading: Confirm official licensing and segregation of client funds.

Step 2: Follow Security Rules

• Use Official Channels Only: Never access via ads, emails, or SNS links. Enter URLs directly or use bookmarks.
• Enable 2FA: Activate two-factor authentication like Google Authenticator. Most hacks are prevented at this step.
• Choose KYC-Required Platforms: Exchanges that require identity verification often comply with financial regulations.

Step 3: Conduct Trading

• Download Only Official Apps: Use app stores or official websites.
• Complete KYC: Real-name verification and identity checks are mandatory.
• Verify Network Before Deposit: Choosing the wrong network (ERC-20, BEP-20) can result in asset loss.
• Check Fees in Advance: Confirm all fees, slippage, and minimum order sizes before executing trades.

Cryptocurrency Investment Themes to Watch in 2025

( Theme 1: Core of Corporate Financial Strategy, DAT Coin

DAT)Digital Asset Treasury( is an emerging trend where listed companies incorporate digital assets into their financials instead of cash. This functions as an ‘inflation hedge asset’ rather than mere speculation.

Leading company MicroStrategy holds over 64,000 Bitcoin, valued at about $73.5 billion. As this model spreads, institutional capital is flowing massively into the crypto market.

Notable Coins:

• Bitcoin)BTC(: The core asset of the DAT strategy. Institutional purchases are continuously increasing.
• Ethereum)ETH###: Valued as the “next-generation digital oil,” actively included in DAT portfolios. Layer 2 expansions and Blob updates improve network efficiency, and increased staking reduces supply, offering structural advantages.
• Solana(SOL): Recognized as infrastructure for institutional dApps with over 4,000 transactions per second and low fees.
• Ripple(XRP): Optimized for global remittances and institutional payments. After the SEC lawsuit was resolved, regulatory uncertainties eased, and with imminent spot ETF approval, institutional investors are re-entering.

( Theme 2: Direct Distribution of Exchange Profits, Exchange Coins

Exchange coins are no longer just discount tokens; they have evolved into ‘profit participation assets’ that directly share in exchange profits.

2024–2025 will see volume recovery and new user influx simultaneously. The surge in demand for listing in emerging sectors like AI coins, meme coins, and real-world asset tokens (RWA) is causing exchange profits to skyrocket.

Notable Coins:

• BNB: Continually decreasing supply through quarterly burns. Launchpad and staking profit programs are strengthening.
• MNT: An L2 project with DAO funds exceeding $6 billion. Active staking rewards and launchpad funding make it a real profit-generating token.
• HYPE: A decentralized derivatives exchange (Perp DEX) offering speed comparable to centralized exchanges. Derivatives trading is possible on-chain with extremely low fees.
• OKB: Regular burns and participation rewards are increasing, with rising institutional demand in Asia and the Middle East driving volume.
• CRO: Major strategic partnerships with media companies and increased interest from institutional investors as it faces regulatory scrutiny.

) Theme 3: New Need for Data Privacy, Privacy Coins

With strengthened government regulation and KYC expansion, demand for personal data protection is rising again. Privacy coins fully anonymize on-chain transactions to protect user asset movements.

• Monero(XMR): Leader in “full on-chain anonymity.” Ring signatures, Stealth Addresses, RingCT make sender, receiver, and amounts untraceable. Recently, the community declared a shift toward “user-centric strategies,” moving away from dark-web image.
• Zcash(ZEC): First to commercialize Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology. Validates transaction authenticity while keeping details fully private. The recent Halo Arc upgrade removes trusted setup, enabling complete privacy verification.

How to Invest in Coins: Choose Based on Your Style

Cryptocurrency investment methods vary. Understanding their pros and cons helps you select the approach aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.

( Method 1: Spot Trading - The Basic Investment Method

Buy and hold coins directly, selling when prices rise to realize gains.

Advantages:

• Actual coin ownership allows staking, remittance, and payments.
• Simple process, accessible for beginners.
• During holding, additional income programs like staking and deposits can generate passive income.

Disadvantages:

• Direct exposure to market volatility, risking losses.
• Security management (wallets, private keys) is the investor’s responsibility.
• No leverage, limiting short-term profit maximization.

Recommended for: Beginners, long-term holders, those seeking stable market learning.

) Method 2: Futures and Options - High-Return Strategies

Futures and options are derivatives investing in future price movements without holding the actual coins. They allow profit from both upward and downward movements.

Advantages:

• Opportunities in both bull and bear markets.
• Leverage enables large positions with small capital.
• Suitable for short-term trading.

Disadvantages:

• High volatility and leverage increase loss risk.
• Margin calls and forced liquidation can occur if collateral is insufficient.
• Complex for beginners; active margin management required.

Recommended for: Experienced traders, skilled in technical analysis, seeking high returns.

( Method 3: CFD - Profit from Price Fluctuations Only

CFD)Contract for Difference### allows trading price differences without owning the actual coins. No custody or remittance needed; profits and losses are settled based on price movements.

Advantages:

• No risk of holding coins; quick entry and exit.
• Bidirectional trading and flexible leverage.
• Regulated CFD brokers operate with segregated client funds, ensuring security.

Disadvantages:

• Cannot use on-chain functions; no actual coin ownership.
• Some foreign brokers are outside regulation scope; trustworthiness must be verified.
• Fees and spreads can be relatively high.

Recommended for: Short-term traders, quick-response traders, those focusing on rapid profit realization.

How to Make Money with Coins: Comprehensive Guide

Successful crypto investing starts with ‘adherence to basic principles,’ not special talent.

3 Core Principles:

1. Prioritize Risk Management: Focus on controlling losses before chasing profits. Set clear stop-loss points, limit position sizes, and adjust investment proportions.
2. Follow Security Rules: One security slip can take everything. Use official channels, enable 2FA, and keep private keys offline.
3. Exclude Emotional Decisions: FOMO and fear always lead to losses. Base judgments on charts, data, and long-term project visions.

3 Steps to Start Investing:

Step 1: Sign Up and Verify Identity Register on a secure platform and complete KYC procedures.

Step 2: Deposit Funds Deposit funds quickly through various methods.

Step 3: Execute Trades Identify opportunities and act swiftly to place orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ‘Cryptocurrency’ and ‘Virtual Asset’?

Many investors use these terms interchangeably, but legally and technically, they differ.

Cryptocurrency: Digital currency based on blockchain technology. Can be traded P2P without central authority, with limited issuance. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana. Focuses on decentralization, scarcity, and payment functions.

Virtual Asset: A broader concept encompassing cryptocurrencies. Includes coins, NFTs, gaming tokens, points, stablecoins, and all digital assets with economic value.