Stablecoins Explained (Without the Confusion)
Stablecoins are “crypto dollars” (or euros, etc.) designed to stay close to a stable value — usually $1. They can be genuinely useful for trading, payments, and moving money, but they also come with risks that beginners often miss: issuer risk, depegs, and the difference between “backed” and “algorithmic” designs. This hub brings the essentials together so we can use stablecoins safely and confidently.
How to Use This Hub
Start with the fundamentals: what stablecoins are, why they exist, and the key categories (fiat-backed, crypto-collateralised, and algorithmic). Then move into the practical stuff — how to choose safer options, how to spot depeg risk, and how to store stablecoins with a security-first mindset.
The goal is simple: use stablecoins as a tool — without accidentally taking on hidden risk.
Start Here: Stablecoin Basics
The core concepts — explained in plain English.
- What Is a Stablecoin? (Beginner Guide)
- Stablecoin Types Explained: Backed vs Crypto-Collateralised vs Algorithmic
- What Does “Peg” Mean? (And Why Depegs Happen)
- Stablecoins vs Bank Dollars: What’s the Difference?
Safety, Risks & What Beginners Miss
Stablecoins can be useful — but only if we understand the risk layers.
- The 7 Stablecoin Risks (In Plain English)
- What Is Issuer Risk? (Why “Fully Backed” Still Matters)
- How to Spot a Weak Stablecoin Before It Blows Up
- Algorithmic Stablecoins: Why They’re Different (And Why Many Fail)
Practical Uses (The “Why Would I Use This?” Section)
Stablecoins are a tool. Here are the most common real-world use cases.
- Using Stablecoins as a “Cash Parking Spot” (Pros & Cons)
- Stablecoins for Sending Money Internationally (Step-by-Step)
- Stablecoins for Trading: How People Actually Use Them on Exchanges
- Stablecoins & Inflation: What They Can (and Can’t) Fix
Fees, Networks & Sending Stablecoins Safely
Most stablecoin mistakes happen at the “send” stage — wrong network, wrong address type, or unexpected fees. These guides reduce that risk.
- ERC-20 vs TRC-20 vs Solana vs “Other Networks”: What It Means
- How to Send Stablecoins Safely (The Small-Test Rule)
- Stablecoin Fees Explained: Gas, Network Fees, and Exchange Withdrawal Fees
- The Most Common Stablecoin Transfer Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Storage & Self-Custody (Yes, Stablecoins Too)
Stablecoins can be held on exchanges, in hot wallets, or in cold storage — but the trade-offs matter.
- Should You Self-Custody Stablecoins? (A Practical Answer)
- Stablecoins in Cold Storage: What You Can (and Can’t) Do
- Stablecoins vs Bitcoin Self-Custody: Key Differences Beginners Should Know
Yield, “Earn”, and Why It’s Usually Risky
The words “stablecoin yield” sound safe — but most “earn” products add layers of risk.
- Stablecoin Yield Explained: Where Does the Return Come From?
- “Earn” Accounts: The Hidden Risks (Even If the Rate Looks Small)
- DeFi Stablecoin Yield for Beginners (Read This First)
Next Steps
Explore Other Crypto Guides
My Crypto Guide is organised into dedicated education hubs. These are excellent next steps once you’re comfortable with stablecoin basics.