Zcash is a cryptocurrency that shares its codebase with Bitcoin, focusing on privacy and anonymity. It uses zk-SNARKs, better known as Zero-knowledge proof technology, that allows nodes on its network to verify transactions without compromising the privacy of users. Zcash offers total anonymity, which appeals to a certain corner of crypto enthusiasts who don’t want their business exposed to the world.
Zcash (ZEC) may have fallen down the crypto charts over recent times but remains a solid project and should see better days as crypto assets garner increased attention from the masses. This piece will outline several ways to invest in Zcash.
Based on our research, there are four ways you can invest in Zcash. The section below will cover all of them and explain how you can utilise each method to start investing in ZEC.
This is the most common way of buying ZEC through a cryptocurrency exchange. But before joining a platform of your choice, ensure you invest in a wallet that will help store your ZEC coins. Two types of crypto wallets exist: software and hardware wallets.
Software wallets come in the shape of websites, mobile apps, and desktop applications. They are easily accessible since most of the time they are online. Popular examples of software wallets include Guarda, BitGo, MetaMask, Exodus, Atomic wallet, and many others.
On the other hand, hardware wallets store your coins safely offline. They are physical devices that resemble USB flash drives that store apps you can use to hold your private keys. They are ideal for long-term investors and individuals that hold large amounts of a given digital currency. Popular examples of hardware wallets include Ledger, Trezor, Corazon, KeepKey, and many others.
After purchasing a wallet it’s time to join a crypto exchange and buy ZEC. Register an account and complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process by uploading a pic of your ID/passport plus a selfie.
Fund the account using various payment modes supported, and then buy ZEC. After purchasing your coins, move them to the private wallet.
The good thing about ZEC is that you don’t have to buy a whole coin. Buying fractions of a coin is one of the easiest ways to invest in cryptocurrencies, and most exchanges listed above will allow you to buy fractions of ZEC. With a sound investment plan, you can grow your crypto holdings with time. Ensure the amount you purchase is large enough to cover associated network fees – many platforms account for this by stipulating you purchase at least $10.
The third way to invest in ZEC is through a cryptocurrency broker. It’s an ideal way to get into the crypto market for the investor that doesn’t want to deal with the actual ZEC asset and the complications associated with holding the token. All one needs to do is visit a reputable broker like the ones shared below, create an account, secure the account by activating 2FA or implementing any other additional security measures supported, and fund the account.
A broker will allow you to trade ZEC with leverage, which offers potentially higher returns than regular trading on typical cryptocurrency exchanges. Brokers are the smart choice for investors who want to trade over short timespans, those who want to maximise profits, and users who prioritise convenience.
The last way you can get into Zcash investment is through an exchange-traded fund. ETFs are used to track either single or multiple assets, and as they are traded on stock exchanges, they are tightly regulated, which ensures a high degree of security.
An exchange-traded fund may be composed of several cryptocurrencies, and this helps to manage trading risk. The fund is controlled by selecting assets with a preference for those that have performed strongly in the past, which is a good indicator of better performances in the future. As mentioned earlier, the goal is to mitigate trading risk: funds are designed so that even if some of the selected assets underperform, these losses will be balanced by the other high-performance assets in the fund.
A ZEC fund offered by the likes of VC giant Grayscale, for instance, allows investors to gain exposure to the asset in the form of a security while allowing them to avoid the challenges of buying, storing, and safeguarding the asset directly.
Now that we understand how to invest in ZEC and the different strategies that can be applied to make the most of the endeavour, there are a few things you need to pay attention to as you join exchanges, brokers, and any other platforms that allow you to buy and sell ZEC.
Fees come in many forms. Almost all platforms will have some form of fees, as this is how they make their money. The first kind you are likely to encounter are the network fees incurred when you buy, sell, or transfer coins. These are unavoidable and can increase if the network is clogged. Exchanges also charge usage fees, although some will allow fees to be paid using their native tokens and offer discounts.
Brokers will not charge network fees since you are not dealing with the actual asset, but you will have to pay commissions for trading. Also, you will incur fees based on the payment processors you choose to deposit and withdraw your funds from your account. That said, you have to take some time and analyse various cost structures you are likely to encounter, and choose the best route with the lowest cost without compromising on the quality of the service you receive.
ZEC as a digital asset carries a few risks of its own. It experiences huge price volatility, which is common among crypto assets. Prices can fluctuate wildly, and you should be prepared for this before you enter the market. For day traders and those opting to short the asset, this can be a blessing in disguise since they can exploit the price movements for profit. For the long-term investor, this shouldn’t be a problem as they hope the price will continue to grow over time.
You need to be aware that the crypto market isn’t yet well regulated, and various governments are trying to figure out how they can do this without stifling the revolutionary technology. This has seen a prevalence of bad actors within the space looking to take advantage of unsuspecting investors. ETFs offer a regulated entry point, but there’s no substitute for due diligence to avoid falling for scams tied to digital assets such as Zcash.
An ideal platform that allows you to invest in ZEC needs to support various payment modes. This includes bank transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, third-party payment processors, support for local fiat currencies, and so on. The more modes supported, the better since it makes it easy to enter the market.
Bank transfers usually offer a secure option with the lowest fees, whereas credit cards offer the greatest protection from fraud and scams.
Given that most cryptocurrencies aren’t as anonymous as many people believe, it is easy to trace transactions back to the sender. Zcash is highly regarded within the cryptocurrency space since it offers total anonymity. It’s the ideal platform for the individual who doesn’t want their business out in the open. As privacy concerns continue to grow in this age of ‘Big Brother’ fears, the need for platforms such as Zcash keeps growing. This project offers something unique, and very few other platforms can challenge it. As cryptocurrencies gain mass adoption, expect to see interest in this project grow, and this should be reflected in its token’s price.
This guide has taken us through ways and strategies to easily and safely invest in ZEC. It also covers a few things you need to pay attention to, such as fees and payment modes, which can impact your investment. Most importantly, it highlights the risks you are exposed to once you choose to enter into a Zcash investment. But by following the advice offered here and doing your due diligence, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing, and hopefully investing in ZEC will generate you a healthy profit.