Digital currencies and cryptocurrencies aren’t the same thing?”. Nope, they are not!

Digital Currency Defined

According to the European Central Bank’s 2015 “Virtual currency schemes — a further analysis” report, virtual currency is a digital representation of value, not issued by a central bank, credit institution or e-money institution, which, in some circumstances, can be used as an alternative to money. In a nutshell, digital currencies are another name for money used to pay for specific goods or services on the Internet.

Cryptocurrencies Defined

Cryptocurrencies are algorithm powered currency used as tokens in select online communities and Cryptocurrencies are a specific variant of digital currencies. Cryptocurrencies use Blockchain and a decentralized ledger.

Digital Currencies Vs. Cryptocurrencies — The Main Differences

1. Digital currencies are centralized, Cryptocurrencies are decentralized
2. Digital currencies are not transparent, Cryptocurrencies are transparent.
3. Digital currencies have a central authority, Cryptocurrencies are regulated by their respective communities.

Thanks for reading. Until next time!

Digital Currency Vs. Cryptocurrency – What’s The Difference?

Have you ever wondered what the differences between digital currency and cryptocurrencies are? “Hold on a second”, you say… “Digital currencies and cryptocurrencies aren’t the same thing?”. Nope, they are not!

Let’s pit digital currencies vs cryptocurrencies and see who comes out on top…

 
Digital Currency Defined

According to the European Central Bank’s 2015 “Virtual currency schemes – a further analysis” report, virtual currency is a digital representation of value, not issued by a central bank, credit institution or e-money institution, which, in some circumstances, can be used as an alternative to money. In a nutshell, digital currencies are another name for money used to pay for specific goods or services on the Internet.

Cryptocurrencies Defined

Cryptocurrencies are algorithm powered currency used as tokens in select online communities and backed by certain technologies, assets or projects. They are mostly used in peer-to-peer payments but are now increasingly used to pay for real-world goods and services.

Cryptocurrencies use Blockchain and a decentralized ledger,

As you can probably imagine, digital money is entirely digital, it doesn’t have a physical equivalent in the real world. But, it acts in the same way as physical, traditional – or fiat – money. You can receive, transfer and/or exchange digital currency for another currency. It can be used to pay for goods and services, in an online store, for example, and it has no geographical or political borders.

Digital Currencies Vs. Cryptocurrencies – The Main Differences

Though cryptocurrencies are a variant of digital currencies, there are some key differences between the two.

1. Digital currencies are centralized, meaning that transaction within the network is regulated in a centralized location, like a bank. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, and the regulations inside the network are governed by the majority of the community.

2. Digital currencies are not transparent. With digital currencies, you cannot choose the address of the wallet and see all money transfers since the beginning of time. This information is kept strictly confidential and private. Cryptocurrencies are transparent. Anyone and everyone is able to see any and all transactions made and received by any user, as all revenue streams are placed in a public chain – the blockchain.

3. Digital currencies have a central authority that can deal with any problems or issues. This central body can, for example, freeze or cancel transactions on the request of the participant or the authorities. Cryptocurrencies are regulated by their respective communities.