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Bitcoin47 FAQ: 30 Common Questions Answered
Frequently asked questions about Bitcoin, self-custody, the halving, ETFs, the Clarity Act, CBDCs, and this site's editorial policy.
REFERENCE
30 questions — Updated July 2026
About This Site
Is this an official Trump site?
No. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorized by, or sponsored by Donald Trump, his campaign, any campaign committee, or any government office. See Affiliate Disclosure.
What is this site actually about?
Bitcoin education, product discovery, and policy context. We cover Bitcoin fundamentals, hardware security, books, economic context, and the policy environment of the 47th presidency era — as neutral, independent editorial. We are affiliate-funded through Amazon Associates.
Why are there Amazon links on the site?
The monetization model is Amazon Associates. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All affiliate links are labeled.
Are the product recommendations paid placements?
No. We do not sell pay-for-coverage. All recommendations are editorial and based on relevance and quality.
Is this investment advice?
No. Nothing on this site is financial, legal, or investment advice. Bitcoin is volatile. Do your own research before purchasing anything.
Bitcoin Basics
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a form of money that no single person, bank, or government controls, with a fixed supply of 21 million units enforced by mathematics and consensus. It is the world's first genuinely scarce digital asset. Full explainer
What is the difference between Bitcoin and crypto/altcoins?
Bitcoin (capital B) is the original proof-of-work cryptocurrency with the longest track record, largest network, and most decentralized structure. "Crypto" or "altcoins" refers to thousands of other digital assets with different designs, governance, and risk profiles. This site covers Bitcoin only.
Why is there a fixed supply of 21 million?
Satoshi Nakamoto hard-coded a maximum of 21 million Bitcoin into the protocol. This cap is enforced by every full node on the network. No individual, company, or government can increase it. Bitcoin vs Gold
What is a satoshi?
One satoshi (sat) is 0.00000001 BTC — one hundred-millionth of a Bitcoin. You can buy any fraction. Most people start small. Satoshi converter
What is the halving?
Every approximately four years, the rate of new Bitcoin creation is cut in half. The most recent halving was April 2024 — cutting new issuance from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC per block. Full halving explainer
What is the Lightning Network?
A payment channel network built on top of Bitcoin enabling instant, near-zero-fee payments. Designed for everyday spending. Base-layer Bitcoin is for savings; Lightning is for spending. Lightning Network explainer
What is DCA (dollar-cost averaging)?
Buying a fixed dollar amount of Bitcoin on a regular schedule regardless of price. Removes timing pressure, produces an average cost over time. DCA calculator
Buying and Storing Bitcoin
How do I buy Bitcoin?
Create an account on a regulated US exchange (Coinbase, Kraken, River, Swan Bitcoin), complete identity verification, link a bank account, and purchase. Bitcoin for Beginners step-by-step
Should I buy a whole Bitcoin or can I buy fractions?
You can buy any fraction. No minimum at the protocol level; exchanges typically require $10-$25 minimum purchases. Most people start with a small amount to learn the process.
What is self-custody and why does it matter?
Self-custody means holding Bitcoin with private keys you control, not on an exchange. If an exchange is hacked or goes bankrupt, coins on that exchange may be lost. Self-custody removes this risk. Hardware wallet guide
What hardware wallet should I get?
The major options: Ledger (most popular), Trezor (open-source firmware), Coldcard (Bitcoin-only, maximally secure), Bitbox (Swiss, minimalist). We do not endorse specific brands. Hardware wallets roundup
What is a seed phrase and how should I store it?
A seed phrase (12 or 24 words) is the master backup for your Bitcoin wallet. Store it offline — written on paper or stamped into metal. Never photograph it, never store it digitally. Bitcoin security guide
Is it safe to hold Bitcoin long-term?
Bitcoin's protocol has never been compromised. Individual risks: losing your private keys, exchange failure if held on an exchange, and price volatility. The first two are within your control through proper self-custody.
Bitcoin Price and Markets
Why does Bitcoin's price fluctuate so much?
Bitcoin is a 24/7 global market with no circuit breakers, in an active adoption phase. Volatility decreases as market cap and liquidity grow. Price volatility guide
What is the difference between a bull market and a bear market?
Bull market: sustained price appreciation. Bear market: sustained decline, typically 70-85% from peak in Bitcoin history, lasting 12-18 months. Understanding the cycle is the most important framework for long-term holders. Price mindset guide
What is the Fear and Greed Index?
A daily sentiment indicator (0 = extreme fear, 100 = extreme greed) built from volatility, market momentum, social media signals, and other inputs. A contrarian indicator: extreme fear has historically been a buying opportunity. Fear and Greed tool
Policy and Regulation
What is the Digital Asset Clarity Act?
US legislation that would formally classify Bitcoin as a commodity under CFTC jurisdiction, removing regulatory ambiguity that has limited institutional adoption. Full Clarity Act analysis
Does the US government own Bitcoin?
Yes. The government holds Bitcoin seized in criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings. The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve discussion involves whether this should be formalized as a permanent national reserve asset. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
What is a CBDC and how is it different from Bitcoin?
A CBDC is government-issued programmable digital money controlled by the Federal Reserve. Bitcoin is decentralized money controlled by no one. CBDCs can have spending restrictions and surveillance built in. Bitcoin cannot. CBDCs vs Bitcoin
Is Bitcoin legal in the United States?
Yes. Bitcoin is legal to buy, hold, and sell. It is treated as property by the IRS. Capital gains taxes apply on profitable sales. The regulatory environment has become more favorable under the 47th presidency.
How is Bitcoin taxed in the US?
Every sale, trade, or use of Bitcoin is a taxable event. Capital gains tax applies on the difference between your cost basis and sale price. Short-term (held under 1 year) is taxed as ordinary income; long-term (held over 1 year) receives preferential rates. Consult a tax professional — this is not tax advice.
What is Bitcoin's energy impact?
Bitcoin mining consumes approximately 120-150 TWh annually — significant, but comparable to global data centers and a fraction of the traditional banking system or gold mining. A growing share (40-60%+) comes from renewable sources. Bitcoin energy analysis
Using This Site
Can I trust product availability?
Amazon catalogs change frequently. Verify details before purchase.
How do I get started if I am completely new?
Start here: Bitcoin Start Guide or Bitcoin for Beginners. Understand what you are buying and how to store it safely before purchasing.
Where can I find the latest news and analysis?
Bulletins Archive for our most recent market and policy analysis. Bulletins are published as significant events warrant.
How do I verify information from this site?
Primary sources: CoinGecko / CoinMarketCap for prices; Glassnode / mempool.space for on-chain data; congress.gov for legislation; Cambridge CCAF for energy data.
Can I suggest topics or submit corrections?
Contact us with suggestions or corrections. We take accuracy seriously.
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