Where to get ada?
There are many ways to obtain ada to use the Cardano blockchain.
Receive ada from people around the world
Receive ada
Before receiving or buying ada, you need to set up a Cardano wallet.
Once you have a Cardano wallet, all you need to do is share your address to start sending and receiving ada (and other native tokens) peer-to-peer.
Some wallets let you purchase crypto with a debit/credit card, bank transfer, or Apple Pay. Availability depends on your location.
Buy ada using Exchanges
Centralized Exchanges
Centralized exchanges (CEXs) are platforms where cryptocurrencies and other digital assets are traded. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, facilitating transactions and often providing additional services such as custodial storage, order matching, and regulatory compliance. Note that CEXs have custody over ada and other native tokens until you send them to a wallet that you control.
Listing here does not imply endorsement. Visit CoinMarketCap to see a full list of exchanges that support ada.
Decentralized Exchanges
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are platforms for trading cryptocurrencies that operate without a central authority. They allow users to trade directly with each other (peer-to-peer) through automated processes facilitated by smart contracts. This approach enhances security and privacy, reducing the risk of hacking and custodial failures associated with centralized exchanges.
DEXs are not suitable for beginners, as you must already have ada to use them. Listing here does not imply endorsement. Visit the Cardano Showcase to get a more complete list of available decentralized exchanges.
Get funded in ada
Project Catalyst
Discover Cardano’s innovation fund designed to support groundbreaking projects and ideas. By participating, you can receive ada funding to bring your vision to life. Visit Project Catalyst and learn how to create a proposal.
Staking rewards
Staking rewards
If you already have some ada, you can earn more by delegating your ada to a stake pool. This allows you to participate in the network’s proof-of-stake system and earn rewards. Alternatively, you can run your own stake pool, which requires more effort and technical knowledge but can be more rewarding.
Cardano offers several advantages for staking: there is no minimum amount of ada required to stake, no risk of slashing (losing your staked ada), and no locking period. You always maintain custody over your delegated ada, ensuring that your funds remain secure and accessible at all times. Additionally, rewards are distributed by the protocol itself, not by the pools, ensuring a fair and transparent distribution process.