Cardano (ADA)

A plain-language guide for first-timers

Today's price

$0.1610

Updated 2 Jul 2026

↑ +10.45% today

Price chart

What is Cardano?

Cardano (ADA), created in 2017, is a blockchain platform that aims to make blockchain technology more secure and scalable for the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. It was created by Charles Hoskinson, one of the founders of Ethereum. Built on peer-reviewed academic research, Cardano focuses on ensuring everything is based on scientific research and reliable methods. ADA, the native cryptocurrency of Cardano, is used for transactions and securing the network. Cardano’s emphasis on research and transparency has made it a trusted choice for many. Learn more in our workshops!

New to crypto? See how CryptoUnity works, browse our beginner workshops, or look up any term in the glossary.

How to buy Cardano in the US

Four steps, start to finish — most people are done in under ten minutes.

1

Download the CryptoUnity app

Create your free account and complete a quick one-time identity check (about 5 minutes). It keeps everyone’s funds safe.
2

Add dollars

Top up by bank transfer or card. There are no deposit fees, and switchers get 0% trading fees for the first 30 days.
3

Buy Cardano

Buy ADA from as little as $1 — you don’t need to buy a whole coin. You’ll see the exact amount and price before you confirm.
4

Hold it or set a recurring buy

Your ADA is held in BitGo-secured custody, and you can withdraw it to your own wallet anytime. Prefer to invest a little at a time? Set up an automatic recurring buy in a couple of taps.

Get the app and buy ADA →

Try it

If I had invested a small amount regularly…

This is called DCA . It's how most beginners start. Pick an amount and how often to run the numbers on Cardano's real price history.

Common questions about Cardano

Real questions, plain answers. If you have one we missed, write us and we'll add it.

Is Cardano safe? +

Cardano itself is a public network — no single company runs it, which is part of what makes it trustworthy. The risk people usually mean is price: ADA can move sharply in a single day. Only put in what you'd be comfortable losing while you learn.

Is Cardano a good investment for beginners? +

No one can promise that — ADA's price can rise or fall sharply, and past performance is never a guarantee. What you can control is how you invest: many beginners buy a small amount on a regular schedule (called dollar-cost averaging) instead of trying to time the market, and only invest what they can afford to lose. Treat Cardano as a long-term way to learn, not a get-rich-quick bet.

Can I buy a small amount? +

Yes. You can start with as little as €1 of ADA. You don't need to buy a whole coin — they're divisible to many decimal places.

Where is my ADA stored? +

When you buy through CryptoUnity, your ADA is held in BitGo-secured custody — the same provider used by major institutions. You can also withdraw it to your own wallet at any time.

What can I actually do with it? +

You can hold it (many people do, hoping the price rises over time), send it to friends or merchants who accept it, or trade it for other coins. Inside the app you can also set up a weekly auto-buy.