Overview
Blockchain (Blockchain.com) is a long-standing cryptocurrency platform that offers a mix of consumer-facing wallet services, on-ramps for buying and trading digital assets, and developer- and institution-focused data and trading tools. The website positions itself as a one-stop destination for people who want to "be early to the future of finance," combining buy/sell/swap convenience, self-custody wallet features, and explorer and API tools that power analytics and integrations. Its offering spans casual users who need an accessible mobile experience and advanced users or institutions who require market data, OTC execution, and structured product capabilities.
Core capabilities
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Real-time prices and market signals: Live, up-to-date price quotes and charts for major cryptocurrencies to help users monitor market conditions.
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Wallet and self-custody: A non-custodial wallet experience that emphasizes user control of private keys and the ability to manage funds directly.
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Buy, sell, and swap: Simple on-ramps using card or bank accounts to purchase assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and other supported tokens.
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Earn and staking: Opportunities to earn rewards — advertised up to 10% annual returns on supported assets by staking or participating in yield programs.
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DeFi access and dApp connections: Built-in connectivity that enables users to interact with decentralized applications, collect NFTs, and explore web3 functionality.
Key features (numbered)
- Custodial control and self-custody: Tools and guidance for users to hold their own private keys and secure their wallets.
- Integrated buy/sell flows: Fast fiat-to-crypto conversions using cards or bank transfers with an emphasis on ease of use on mobile devices and web.
- Rewards and staking programs: Mechanisms to put crypto to work via interest or staking, enabling passive yields.
- Explorer & Blockchain Data API: A robust data stack for developers and analysts to query transaction data, block details, hashrates, and historical charts.
- Institutional services: High-touch offerings including spot OTC, derivatives, structured products, and lending for institutional counterparties.
Security and custody
Security and ownership are central to Blockchain's messaging, particularly the principle to "Be Your Own Bank®" through self-custody. The platform stresses that when users control private keys, only they can access their funds — which reduces reliance on third-party custodians. In practice, this implies support for seed phrase backups, private key export/import, and standard wallet security practices, alongside platform-level protections for account access and transaction flows. For custodial or hybrid services, Blockchain also provides institutional-grade options that pair operational support with compliance and execution services.
Institutional & data services
Beyond retail features, Blockchain offers a suite of services tailored to businesses and professional traders: OTC trading, derivatives and margin, and structured product offerings. The site also highlights a powerful Blockchain Data API used by exchanges, analysts, and developers. This API and the associated explorer tools provide industry-leading charts, block-level details, hashrate statistics, and other chain analytics that support research, auditability, and product integrations.
Why choose Blockchain
Blockchain is positioned for users who want a broad, integrated experience spanning simple retail transactions to deep technical data access. Its strengths include a recognizable brand with extensive market data, an emphasis on user-controlled custody, mobile-first buy/sell flows, and institutional-grade trading and data services. The platform’s combination of convenience features (card/bank purchases, swaps), yield opportunities, and developer-focused APIs make it suitable for newcomers and professionals seeking a single hub for both transacting and exploring blockchain information.
Getting started
To begin, users typically sign up for an account or download the mobile app, secure and back up their wallet seed phrase for self-custody, and link a payment method to buy crypto. Developers or institutions can explore the Blockchain Explorer and Data API to integrate price feeds, transaction lookups, and analytics into their own tools. For advanced needs, reaching out to institutional sales can unlock OTC and bespoke execution options.
