Cryptocurrency beginners often encounter three major digital assets: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT). While they frequently appear together on platforms like OKX, each serves a fundamentally different purpose in the digital economy. Understanding what these coins represent—and how to verify their details on a trusted exchange—is essential for informed investing and secure trading.
This guide breaks down the unique roles of BTC, ETH, and USDT, and walks you through exactly how to access reliable, real-time information about any cryptocurrency directly within the OKX platform.
What Do Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT Represent?
At first glance, all cryptocurrencies may seem similar—digital money traded online. However, their underlying purposes, technologies, and use cases vary significantly. Let’s explore each one.
Bitcoin (BTC): The Digital Gold
👉 Discover why Bitcoin remains the most trusted store of value in crypto
Bitcoin was the first decentralized cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by an anonymous figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It introduced blockchain technology to the world and remains the most widely recognized digital asset today.
- Core Function: Value storage and digital scarcity
- Supply Cap: 21 million BTC (ensures scarcity)
- Technology: Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism
- Use Cases: Long-term investment, inflation hedge, peer-to-peer payments
Often referred to as “digital gold,” Bitcoin is not designed for complex applications but rather as a secure, censorship-resistant way to preserve wealth over time. Its limited supply and growing institutional adoption reinforce its role as a foundational asset in any crypto portfolio.
Ethereum (ETH): The Backbone of Web3
Ethereum goes beyond simple transactions. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, it introduced smart contracts—self-executing agreements that power decentralized applications (dApps).
- Core Function: Decentralized computing platform
- Native Token: ETH (used to pay transaction fees)
- Consensus: Transitioned to Proof-of-Stake with "The Merge" in 2022
- Use Cases: DeFi (decentralized finance), NFTs, DAOs, blockchain games
Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is programmable. Developers build entire financial systems, marketplaces, and social platforms on its network. This makes ETH not just a currency but a critical infrastructure layer for the future internet—Web3.
USDT (Tether): The Stablecoin Standard
In a volatile market, traders need stability. That’s where USDT, or Tether, comes in—a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar.
- Core Function: Price stability and liquidity
- Backing: Claimed to be backed by cash and cash-equivalent reserves
- Networks Supported: ERC-20 (Ethereum), TRC-20 (Tron), Solana, Algorand, and more
- Use Cases: Trading pairs, risk management, fast cross-border transfers
USDT allows users to exit volatile positions without converting back to fiat. It’s the most traded cryptocurrency by volume and acts as the de facto “cash” of the crypto ecosystem.
How to View Cryptocurrency Details on OKX
Knowing what BTC, ETH, and USDT are is only half the battle. To trade or invest wisely, you must verify accurate, up-to-date information directly from a trusted source. On OKX, every listed cryptocurrency has a dedicated project detail page with comprehensive data.
Here’s how to find it:
On Desktop (Web Browser)
- Go to the official OKX website
- Click Markets in the top navigation bar
- Use the search bar to type “BTC,” “ETH,” or “USDT”
- Select the correct trading pair or asset
- You’ll be taken to a full overview including price chart, market cap, trading volume, and project details
On Mobile (OKX App)
- Open the OKX app
- Tap Markets at the bottom of the screen
- Search for your desired cryptocurrency
- Tap the result to open the coin details page
Once there, you can view:
- Real-time price and 24-hour performance
- Market dominance and global rank
- Circulating supply and total supply
- Supported blockchain networks (e.g., ERC-20 vs TRC-20 for USDT)
- Official project description, website link, and tags (e.g., “Stablecoin,” “Layer 1”)
You can also add assets to your favorites, set price alerts, and jump straight into trading—all from this central hub.
👉 Access real-time crypto data and make smarter decisions today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is USDT really backed 1:1 by U.S. dollars?
A: Tether Limited claims that each USDT is backed by reserves consisting of cash, cash equivalents, and other assets. While they publish regular attestation reports, full audits are still debated in the community. Always monitor transparency updates.
Q: Can I send USDT across different blockchains?
A: Yes—but only within the same network type. For example, ERC-20 USDT must go to an Ethereum-compatible wallet; sending it to a TRC-20 address will result in loss of funds. Always confirm the network before transferring.
Q: Why does Ethereum have no supply cap?
A: Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum doesn’t have a hard cap. After transitioning to Proof-of-Stake, issuance decreased significantly. Some upgrades aim to make ETH deflationary under certain conditions via token burning (EIP-1559).
Q: How do I know if a coin listed on OKX is legitimate?
A: OKX conducts rigorous due diligence before listing any asset. Check the official project tag, read the description, verify the contract address, and cross-reference with the team’s official website and social channels.
Q: What’s the safest way to store BTC or ETH long-term?
A: For long-term holdings, use a hardware wallet (cold storage). Exchanges like OKX are ideal for trading but not recommended for extended storage of large amounts.
Q: Can I earn yield on USDT through OKX?
A: Yes—OKX offers savings and staking products where you can earn interest on USDT holdings. These are typically low-risk options compared to DeFi protocols.
How to Avoid Fake Coins and Scams
The crypto space attracts innovation—but also scams. Fake versions of popular tokens like USDT sometimes appear on lesser-known exchanges or phishing sites.
To protect yourself:
- Only use official platforms like OKX for trading
- Double-check contract addresses—even small spelling differences can lead to fraud
- Be cautious of “free USDT” offers or airdrop links shared in social media groups
- Bookmark official exchange URLs instead of searching each time
Remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
👉 Stay ahead of scams with real-time tools and secure trading on OKX
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT each play distinct yet complementary roles in the digital asset landscape:
- Bitcoin is your long-term store of value.
- Ethereum powers innovation across decentralized finance and Web3.
- USDT provides stability and liquidity when markets swing.
Understanding these differences—and knowing how to verify authentic data on platforms like OKX—empowers you to make confident decisions in your crypto journey.
Whether you're analyzing price trends, checking network types before a transfer, or exploring new investment opportunities, always start with verified information from trusted sources.
By mastering both knowledge and tools, you position yourself not just as a trader—but as an informed participant in the future of finance.
Core Keywords: Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, cryptocurrency, blockchain, digital assets, OKX platform