Total cap
$2.8T
Healthy structureBest read with trend context
Overall market size remains elevated and still points to a solid base.
Understand crypto
What is cryptocurrency?
This page covers blockchain, wallets, stablecoins, risks, security and how to get started properly without getting lost in technical jargon.
Crypto market
Crypto market state
Updated 11 May 2026
Euphoric market
The market remains strong, but optimism is heating up and deserves more discipline.
Simplified market read, not financial advice.
See market detailQuick summary
What matters before you go further
- A cryptocurrency is a digital asset that moves on a blockchain.
- Not all cryptos do the same job: some are for value storage, some for payments, some for apps or on-chain services.
- Wallet, address, private key, seed phrase and network are the basics to understand before any first purchase.
- The risks are real: volatility, scams, wrong transfers and loss of access.
- Starting small and learning step by step is usually the healthiest approach.
- Deblock can be a simpler entry point if you want to discover crypto from an app also built for everyday use.
Read this first
- Educational content, not financial advice.
- Crypto-assets carry a risk of loss.
- A network mistake or transfer error can be irreversible.
- Never share your private key or recovery phrase.
Market state
Crypto market barometer
This simplified read helps you place the market context without turning the page into a trading dashboard.
Euphoric market
The market remains strong, but optimism is heating up and deserves more discipline.
The trend filter stays very supportive, while several signals are starting to overheat.
Updated
11 May 2026
Simplified market read, not financial advice.
The 6 core indicators
BTC dominance
58.2%
Careful balanceUseful for reading risk distribution
Bitcoin still leads, which points to selective confidence rather than full risk rotation.
Spot volume
$110.9B / 24h
Real participationBetter when it confirms the move
Spot activity still looks coherent with the latest market move.
Open interest
$196.8B
Leverage watchedRead alongside volume and sentiment
Leverage is present, but not yet in an obviously stressed zone.
Fear & Greed
48 / 100
Contained optimismUseful, but never enough on its own
Sentiment is constructive without reaching obvious extreme greed yet.
Stablecoin flows
+$4.1B / 30d
Liquidity availableFuel indicator, not timing advice
Stablecoin flows still suggest usable liquidity remains inside the system.
Technical filter
EMA 50
3 / 3 above
Trend supportiveContext filter, not prediction
The medium-term trend filter remains supportive on the major assets tracked here.
Why it exists
Why cryptocurrency was created in the first place
Crypto did not appear just to create speculation. The first idea was to make digital value easier to own, move and verify on the internet.
Some people look at crypto as a way to hold part of their value in a digital asset they can move themselves.
Others are interested because the traditional system can involve delays, intermediaries, limits or more friction across borders.
The key idea is the shift from bank-to-bank rails to wallet-to-wallet transfers on a blockchain network.
That does not remove risk. It changes how access, ownership and transfers can work online.
A different logic
Bank -> Bank
Wallet -> Wallet
Intermediaries in the middle
A decentralized blockchain as the intermediary
Dependent on opening hours and weekends
Available 24/7
Procedures to validate
Rules defined by the network
Classic banking rails
Direct transfer from one wallet to another
Value
Hold a digital asset yourself
Some users want part of their savings in an asset they can keep and move without the same chain of intermediaries.
Limits
Reduce some friction of the traditional model
Fees, opening hours, intermediaries or cross-border friction are part of what pushed crypto forward.
Peer-to-peer
Send value from one wallet to another
The core promise is simple: value can move from address to address on a blockchain network.
Apps
Build services directly on-chain
Crypto also opened the door to programmable apps, markets and services that do not rely on a single central operator.
Blockchain simply
Blockchain in 3 simple ideas
You do not need to see blockchain as a mystery. The concept can be kept very simple.
Ledger
A shared record
A blockchain records transactions in a ledger copied across many computers.
Verification
Transactions can be checked
You can verify that a transfer happened, when it happened and to which address it was sent.
History
The history is hard to alter
Because the blocks are chained and replicated, changing past data is much harder than in a single central database.
Real use cases
What cryptocurrencies are actually used for today
The word crypto mixes very different things. Bitcoin, stablecoins, Ethereum and Solana do not play the same role.
Bitcoin
A digital store of value
Bitcoin is mainly seen as a scarce digital asset that is easy to hold and transfer globally.
Bitcoin
Stablecoins
A more stable unit for transfers or payments
Stablecoins aim to stay close to a currency like the euro or the dollar, which makes them easier to use for transfers or on-chain payments.
Stablecoins
Ethereum
The network of smart contracts and apps
Ethereum powers many wallets, DeFi tools, NFT projects and on-chain applications.
Ethereum
Solana
Fast transfers and often lower fees
Solana is popular for more mainstream use cases where speed, cost and mobile experience matter a lot.
Solana
NFT / Web3
Digital ownership and access
An NFT can act as a digital object, a proof of access, an identity element or a right inside an ecosystem.
NFT / Web3
DeFi
Financial services on-chain
DeFi brings together exchange, lending, yield and liquidity tools that run directly on blockchain networks.
DeFi
4 concepts to know
The basics to understand before going further
These four ideas already prevent a large part of beginner mistakes.
Wallet
Wallet
Definition
A wallet is the tool you use to interact with a blockchain: check a balance, receive, send, sign and sometimes manage access.
Common mistake
Thinking the crypto lives inside the app itself. In reality, the wallet is mainly an access point to assets recorded on-chain.
Key takeaway
A wallet gives access to your crypto. It is not just a screen, it is a control point.
Address
Address
Definition
A crypto address is used to receive funds on a given network. Example of a fictional Bitcoin-style address: bc1qexample7h8k2m4r6t8x2z7w9k3q5u8n4p2
Common mistake
Believing one address works for every blockchain. A Bitcoin address and an Ethereum address do not natively speak to the same network.
Key takeaway
Always check address plus network. That is where many irreversible errors start.
Private key
Private key / seed phrase
Definition
The private key is the real access to the funds. The 12-word or 24-word recovery phrase often lets you recreate that access. Example of a fictional Bitcoin private key in WIF format: L4mEXAMPLEprivateKey9w2f7qR1nX
Common mistake
Sharing a seed phrase with a fake support account or storing it in a message, an email or an unsafe cloud.
Key takeaway
If someone gets your private key or recovery phrase, they can take your funds.
Network
Network
Definition
A network is the blockchain you are using: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana or another ecosystem. One app can support several different networks.
Common mistake
Sending the right asset on the wrong network and assuming it will still arrive correctly. That is not guaranteed.
Key takeaway
Before sending, verify the asset first, then the network, then the address.
Creating a wallet
BIP32, seed phrase, public key: what is really happening
You do not need to memorize everything to start, but this vocabulary helps you understand what you are really protecting.
12 / 24 words
The recovery phrase is often your real backup plan
When a non-custodial wallet is created, it often generates a 12-word or 24-word recovery phrase. If you lose it and your device is gone, you can lose access.
BIP32
One wallet can derive many addresses
With standards such as BIP32, one secret can derive multiple keys and addresses. That helps organize a wallet without creating a new secret every time.
Public key
Public key, address and format are not the same thing
Example of a fictional compressed Bitcoin public key: 03abf1...a3c5e7; the visible address is only a derived format used to receive funds
Read carefully
Always read the asset, the network and the full address
Before any transfer, check the first and last characters of the address, the chosen network and the amount.
Access custody
Custodial vs non-custodial: the real difference
This is not a religion war. It is mainly a difference of responsibility, simplicity and control.
Custodial
A service keeps the access for you
That is often easier at the beginning: simpler recovery, less friction, but also less direct control over the keys.
Non-custodial
You keep the keys yourself
You control more directly, but you also take responsibility for backup, security and the consequences of mistakes.
Simple starting point
Starting simple is often healthier
Trying to do everything perfectly on day one often creates more confusion. An app such as Deblock can be a clearer first step before moving to more advanced tools.
Deblock
A non-custodial setup with third-party key protection
Deblock highlights a non-custodial setup: your private keys are secured with the help of a specialized third party, and Deblock does not directly hold them.
Mots d’action
Acheter, envoyer, recevoir, swap : ce que ça veut dire au quotidien
Tu verras ces verbes partout. Les comprendre tôt aide à lire une app sans te perdre.
Acheter
Convertir des euros en crypto
Acheter signifie transformer une somme en euros dans un actif comme BTC, ETH ou SOL.
Envoyer
Faire partir une crypto vers une autre adresse
Avant d’envoyer, vérifie l’adresse, le réseau, le montant et l’éventuel memo.
Recevoir
Partager la bonne adresse de réception
Recevoir paraît simple, mais il faut quand même être sûr du bon réseau de réception.
Swap
Échanger une crypto contre une autre
Un swap remplace un actif par un autre. Selon l’outil, il peut y avoir frais, spread et slippage.
Market vocabulary
CEX, DEX, OTC: three words not to mix up
These terms mostly describe how you buy, sell or exchange. They do not guarantee a level of safety on their own.
CEX
Centralized platform
A CEX works like a more classic platform with a user account, a guided interface and integrated services. It is often the easiest entry point.
DEX
Decentralized exchange
A DEX lets you exchange directly through smart contracts from a compatible wallet. It is more autonomous, but often more technical.
OTC
Over-the-counter trade
OTC usually means a negotiated trade outside of a public order book, often for larger amounts or specific needs.
Wallet types
Hot wallet vs cold wallet: when to use which
The right choice depends on your level, your amount and how much simplicity you need.
Hot wallet
Connected to the internet, more practical day to day
A hot wallet often lives inside a mobile app or browser extension. Famous examples include MetaMask, Rabby and Phantom. It is convenient, but more exposed to device or phishing risk.
Cold wallet
Offline, better suited to long-term storage
A cold wallet is often a dedicated physical device such as Ledger or Trezor. The goal is to isolate the keys more strongly for long-term conservation.
Beginner
Over-securing too early can also make things harder
If you start with a small amount, understanding networks, addresses and habits matters more than building a setup that is too complex too soon.
Ledger (partner link)Ledger shop
Start smart
How to begin crypto without burning yourself
The goal is not to move fast. The goal is to stay clear-headed, understand what you are doing and avoid expensive mistakes.
Small amount
Start with an amount you can afford to lose
Your first buy should mainly help you learn how it works, not put meaningful money at risk.
DCA
Regular buying is often healthier than a big bet
DCA means buying a small amount at regular intervals to smooth your entry price.
FOMO
Do not chase a candle
A sudden price move often pushes beginners to buy too fast. Rushing is usually a bad adviser.
HODL
Holding and trading are not the same thing
HODL means keeping an asset for the long term. Trading means trying to profit from shorter moves. They are very different mindsets.
Trading
You do not need to trade to begin
Many beginners think they must buy and sell all the time. In reality, learning calmly is often much more useful.
Learning
Put understanding before performance
Knowing how to read a network, an address, a wallet and a risk level will serve you longer than a rushed bet.
Discover without getting lost
Starting from a simpler app can remove a lot of friction
If you want to buy your first crypto without handling every technical layer on day one, Deblock can be a clearer entry point, with one app for daily money and crypto.
La DeFi, simplement
La DeFi : ce que c’est, pourquoi ça existe, et pourquoi le risque monte vite
La finance décentralisée regroupe des services on-chain : swap, prêt, liquidité, staking, rendement, etc.
Ce que c’est
Des services exécutés par smart contracts
La logique DeFi s’appuie sur des protocoles déployés on-chain plutôt que sur une seule plateforme qui fait tout en arrière-plan.
Pourquoi ça existe
Rendre certains services plus ouverts
La DeFi cherche à ouvrir l’accès à des échanges, prêts, pools ou marchés avec des règles visibles et programmables.
Pourquoi le risque monte
Plus de liberté, plus de responsabilité
Smart contracts, liquidité, bridges, bugs, faux sites ou signatures inutiles : les risques s’additionnent vite.
DeFi lending made simple
Understand DeFi lending without confusing it with the 4% option
DeFi lending means depositing an asset into an on-chain protocol so it can be lent under coded rules. It is a more open setup, but also more technical and riskier than a built-in option inside an app like Deblock.
The idea
You lend through a protocol, not through a relationship manager
The protocol handles collateral, rates, liquidations and yield distribution directly on-chain.
Why some people look at it
More flexibility, sometimes more yield
DeFi lending attracts users who want to choose the protocol, the deposited asset and the level of risk themselves.
Why it needs caution
Risk does not come from one source only
Smart contracts, depegs, weak collateral management, wallet compromise or a bad signature can break the experience quickly.
Deblock 4% vs DeFi lending: the useful difference
What you handle
Deblock 4 %
A built-in account option with a much simpler path.
DeFi lending
A protocol, a wallet, signatures and sometimes multiple on-chain steps.
What you need to understand
Deblock 4 %
Offer terms, duration, limits and exclusions.
DeFi lending
The protocol, the asset deposited, guarantees, fees, liquidity risk and wallet security.
What can go wrong
Deblock 4 %
Misreading the terms or expecting too much from the offer.
DeFi lending
A handling mistake, a fragile protocol, a bug, a fake website or an asset losing its peg.
Écosystème Ethereum
Quelques protocoles connus à repérer sur Ethereum
Ces noms reviennent souvent dans l’écosystème Ethereum. L’objectif n’est pas de t’y jeter tout de suite, mais de savoir à quoi ils servent.
Liens externes vers des protocoles tiers. Chaque protocole a ses propres risques, interfaces et conditions.
DEXIntermédiaireSite officiel
Uniswap
Uniswap est surtout connu comme outil de swap on-chain et de liquidité.
SwapIntermédiaireSite officiel
1inch
1inch est surtout connu comme agrégateur de swap pour comparer plusieurs routes d'exécution sur Ethereum.
LendingIntermédiaireSite officiel
Aave
Aave revient souvent pour le prêt et l’emprunt on-chain.
StakingIntermédiaireSite officiel
Lido
Lido sert surtout de repère quand on parle de liquid staking d’ETH.
LendingIntermédiaireSite officiel
Morpho
Morpho est souvent cité pour le lending network et certains vaults.
DEXIntermédiaireSite officiel
Curve
Curve est un nom important dès qu’on parle de stablecoins et de pools de liquidité.
Écosystème Solana
Quelques protocoles connus à repérer sur Solana
Solana a aussi ses grands noms. Les voir ici aide surtout à ne pas les confondre.
Liens externes vers des protocoles tiers. Ce ne sont pas des recommandations d’investissement.
SwapBaseSite officiel
Jupiter
Jupiter est surtout connu comme agrégateur de swap et de liquidité sur Solana.
LendingIntermédiaireSite officiel
Kamino
Kamino revient souvent pour le lending et des usages plus avancés sur Solana.
DEXIntermédiaireSite officiel
Raydium
Raydium est un repère important pour le swap et la liquidité sur Solana.
DEXBaseSite officiel
Orca
Orca est un autre nom fréquent pour le swap et les pools de liquidité.
StakingIntermédiaireSite officiel
Jito
Jito revient surtout quand on parle de liquid staking et d’infrastructure.
LiquidityIntermédiaireSite officiel
Meteora
Meteora est cité pour ses pools de liquidité et briques plus avancées.
Real risks
The crypto risks you should take seriously
The main danger is not only price volatility. Many losses also come from human mistakes, fake support and weak projects.
One mistake can be irreversible.
Volatility
An asset can rise quickly, but it can also fall sharply in a few hours or days.
Scams
Fake giveaways, fake wallets, fake advisers, fake Telegram groups or private messages remain common.
Wrong address or wrong network
Sending the right asset on the wrong network, or to a wrong address, can make the funds impossible to recover.
Lost seed phrase
Losing your recovery phrase in non-custodial mode can mean losing access to your funds for good.
Weak smart contract or platform
A code flaw, bad risk management or a fragile platform can create losses without warning.
Questionable token or project
Many tokens exist without strong use, durable liquidity or serious governance.
Basic security
The minimum checklist before a buy or a transfer
These simple habits already prevent a large share of the most common mistakes.
Secure your device first
Passcode, biometrics, session lock and updates are not optional.
Use 2FA when available
Two-factor authentication reduces the risk that a stolen password is enough.
Never share your seed phrase
No serious support team needs your recovery phrase or your private key.
Check address, network and amount
Read everything before confirming, even when the interface feels familiar.
Use bookmarks rather than ads
Use your browser bookmarks and always verify the full site URL before you do anything. A Google search can sometimes lead you to a sponsored phishing result designed to drain your wallet as soon as you click, sign or approve a transaction.
Be careful with suspicious airdrops
A token you did not ask for can hide phishing or malicious interactions.
Take your time
In crypto, moving too fast often costs more than missing an opportunity.
Crypto tax
Crypto tax: France and Tahiti do not use the same reading
This section explains the broad logic before you simulate a resale. It is educational: your own case depends on tax residence, annual volume and the exact nature of your transactions.
Article 150 VH bis
France: private capital gain and default PFU
For a French tax resident individual, selling crypto for euros, paying with crypto or converting to a good or service can trigger taxation. Crypto-to-crypto swaps are generally tax neutral.
Simplified calculation used by the simulator
- If the simulated disposal value is at or below EUR305: estimated at 0.
- Estimated gain = final value - invested amount. The official French method uses the global portfolio.
- Indicative flat tax = 31.4% PFU on a positive gain, based on the current impots.gouv.fr guidance.
- Another route may exist: opting for the progressive income tax scale, depending on the household situation.
Flat tax / PFU
The PFU is the simple default shown in the simulator: 12.8% income tax plus social contributions according to published guidance. The impots.gouv.fr page currently shows 31.4% for occasional private gains.
Progressive scale
Depending on the case, a private individual may opt for the progressive income tax scale. Whether this helps depends on household income, other gains and annual filing.
Global portfolio
The official calculation is not limited to one BTC, ETH or SOL line: it uses the disposal price, total acquisition price and global portfolio value at disposal time.
Check with the tax authority, especially if you use several platforms, pay in crypto or trade frequently.
Simple simulator
If I had invested…
A few local historical reference points for BTC, ETH and SOL. Simple, readable, no API and no promise.
Tax setup
Buy
Asset
Amount
€500Initial investment
Aug 2017Aug 2017May 11, 2026
Estimated result
€9,453
Local simulation for BTC, valued with the last known dataset value.
Total gain after tax
€6,142
Amount invested
€500
Crypto quantity bought
0.137024 BTC
One-unit price on the buy day
€3,649.00
Performance in EUR
€8,953
Multiple
x18.91
Number of buys
1
Indicative tax on resale
€2,811.24
- Capital gain base
- €8,953.00
- Total gain after tax
- €6,142
Indicative PFU estimate at 31.4% on private capital gains. Crypto-to-crypto swaps are generally tax neutral and the progressive scale may apply by option depending on the situation.
Understand the detailed tax calculationEstimated evolution
Aug 2017 → May 11, 2026
Important
- Historical simulation, not financial advice.
- Past performance says nothing about what happens next.
Crypto FAQ
The most useful questions when you start
Short, clear and cautious answers about the topics beginners ask most often.
Is crypto legal?
+
In many countries, yes, but the rules keep evolving. The key is to use serious services and stay aware of local regulation. the Deblock safety page brings those caution points together in a clearer way.
How can I estimate tax on a crypto resale?
+
The tax section explains the France or Tahiti calculation, then the simulator lets you test the same logic with a one-time or monthly buy. It remains indicative and does not replace the tax authority.Understand crypto tax or Open the crypto tax simulator. crypto tax explains the calculation, and the crypto simulator lets you test an order of magnitude.
Is crypto anonymous?
+
Not really. A better word is pseudonymous: your real identity is not always visible, but the masked identity and its transactions can be followed on-chain. the crypto guide covers the useful basics before going further, and the crypto simulator helps visualise simple historical reference points.
Can I lose my crypto?
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Yes. A price drop, a scam, a wrong address, a wrong network or a loss of access can lead to a partial or total loss. the crypto guide covers the useful basics before going further, and the crypto simulator helps visualise simple historical reference points.
What is a stablecoin?
+
A stablecoin is a digital asset designed to stay close to a currency such as the euro or the dollar. It is often used to transfer value or stay in the crypto ecosystem with less volatility than Bitcoin. the crypto guide covers the useful basics before going further, and the crypto simulator helps visualise simple historical reference points.
What is a wallet?
+
A wallet is the tool that gives you access to your assets on blockchain. It lets you receive, send and sign transactions. The main thing is still to confirm exact compatibility inside the app at activation time.
What is a seed phrase?
+
It is the 12-word or 24-word recovery phrase that often lets you recreate access to a non-custodial wallet. It must stay completely secret. The main thing is still to confirm exact compatibility inside the app at activation time.
What is the difference between Bitcoin and Ethereum?
+
Bitcoin is mainly seen as a digital store of value. Ethereum is more often used as the base layer for smart contracts and on-chain apps. the crypto guide covers the useful basics before going further, and the crypto simulator helps visualise simple historical reference points.
How can I avoid common scams?
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Take your time, verify the URL, never send your seed phrase and keep a simple security routine. For a broader reference, you can also browse the Deblock FAQ. the crypto guide covers the useful basics before going further, and the crypto simulator helps visualise simple historical reference points.
Do I need to trade to get started?
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No. Starting slowly, with a small amount and a learning mindset, is often much healthier than jumping into trading. the crypto guide covers the useful basics before going further, and the crypto simulator helps visualise simple historical reference points.
For what kind of user can Deblock be useful?
+
Deblock can be useful if you want to discover crypto from an app also designed for everyday money. To compare the framework, you can see Deblock plans or read our Deblock review. the crypto guide covers the useful basics before going further, and the crypto simulator helps visualise simple historical reference points.
Glossaire crypto
Le mini glossaire à garder sous la main
Ces mots reviennent partout. Les connaître aide à lire plus vite et à éviter les faux repères.
Cryptomonnaie
Actif numérique qui circule sur une blockchain.
Blockchain
Registre partagé qui enregistre les transactions.
Wallet
Outil qui permet d’interagir avec tes actifs on-chain.
Adresse
Identifiant de réception sur un réseau donné.
Clé privée
Secret qui donne réellement accès aux fonds.
Seed phrase
Phrase de récupération de 12 ou 24 mots.
Stablecoin
Crypto-actif pensé pour rester proche d’une devise.
DCA
Achat régulier d’un même montant pour lisser son point d’entrée.
CEX
Plateforme centralisée d’achat, vente ou conversion.
DEX
Échange décentralisé accessible depuis un wallet compatible.
Starting simply
Discovering crypto from one app can feel more reassuring
If you want to explore crypto from an app built for daily use, Deblock can be a simpler entry point: current account, FR IBAN, card and crypto in the same interface, without forcing you to become technical on day one.