What is Tether USD (USDT)?

The crypto market is pretty volatile and investing in cryptos might sometimes be considered a dangerous move.

Luckily, there are cryptocurrencies that you can consider that would not sway to the ups and downs of the crypto market.

These are stablecoins and just like its name, their price remains relatively stable.

One of the most well-known stablecoins out there is USDT or otherwise known as Tether. USDT is a cryptocurrency that is pegged to the value of the US dollar.

It is intended to provide users with a reliable way to store value and make digital transactions just like fiat currency but in a digital format.

The value of each USDT token is supposed to remain stable relative to the US dollar.

This is an attractive option for people who want to hold and use cryptocurrency and are scared of the market volatility.

What Is A Stablecoin?

A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency that is designed to maintain a stable value relative to some underlying asset or group of assets.

The most common type of stablecoin is pegged to the value of a major fiat currency.

This is done through a variety of mechanisms, such as holding reserves of the underlying asset.

They may also use smart contracts to automatically adjust the supply of the stablecoin in response to changes in demand.

The goal of a stablecoin is to provide users with a way to store and use cryptocurrency. The user would not have to deal with the volatility that is common in the crypto market.

Quick Facts

• USDT is a stablecoin that is pegged to the US dollar.

• It was created by Tether Limited and is based on the Bitcoin blockchain.

• It is intended to provide users with a stable and reliable way to store value and make digital transactions.

What Makes USDT Valuable?

There are several benefits to using USDT:

1. Stability

Because USDT is pegged to the US dollar, it is designed to maintain a stable value relative to the dollar. Anyone can hold and use USDT without having to worry about the volatility that is common in the crypto market.

2. Convenience

USDT is widely used on cryptocurrency exchanges, which makes it easy to buy, sell, and trade. This allows users to easily convert USDT into other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies, depending on their needs.

3. Flexibility

USDT is a versatile cryptocurrency that can be used for a wide range of purposes. It can be used as a store of value, as a means of payment, or as a way to trade other cryptocurrencies on exchanges. This makes it a useful tool for anyone interested in using cryptocurrency.

What Can You Use USDT For?

Stablecoins like USDT are commonly used for a variety of purposes, including:

1. Store of value

Because stablecoins are pegged to the value of a stable asset like the US dollar, they can be used as a way to store value. Thus, there is no need to worry about the volatility of the crypto market.

There is actually an interesting hack with the use of stablecoins as a store of value.

In countries where the national currency is unstable due to rising inflation, it is possible to convert fiat to USDT to preserve the value of their currency.

2. Payment method

Because stablecoins are widely accepted by merchants, they can be used to make digital transactions.

The value is pegged to USD which makes it a viable payment method.

3. Trade Cryptos

Many cryptocurrency exchanges allow users to trade other cryptocurrencies for stablecoins like USDT. This can be helpful for managing risk and reducing volatility.

4. Send currency

Because stablecoins are based on blockchain technology, they can be easily transferred between users without a middleman.

This makes them a convenient way to send and receive money digitally.

How Does USDT Work?

Tether is issued by Tether Limited. They claimed to hold a corresponding amount of US dollars in reserve for each Tether that is in circulation.

This gives Tether a stable value.

Tether is based on the Bitcoin blockchain and uses the Omni Layer protocol.

This allows for the creation and trading of "smart" tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain. Tether tokens can also be easily transferred between Bitcoin wallets and exchanges.

To create and issue Tethers, Tether Limited sends a request to the Tether network, which then creates the tokens and credits them to the company's wallet.

These Tethers can then be transferred to other users. The users can use them to conduct transactions on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Because Tether is intended to be pegged to the US dollar, the value of a Tether token should always be equal to one US dollar.

Tether (USDT) vs USD Coin (USDC)

USDT and USDC are both stablecoins that are pegged to the value of the US dollar.

However, there are some key differences between these two cryptocurrencies:

Issuer

USDT is issued by Tether Limited, while USDC is issued by a consortium of companies led by Circle and Coinbase.

Blockchain

USDT is based on the Bitcoin blockchain, while USDC is based on the Ethereum blockchain.

Compatibility

USDT is compatible with the Omni Layer protocol, while USDC is an ERC-20 token.

This means that USDT can be stored in wallets that support the Omni Layer, while USDC can be stored in any Ethereum wallet.

Tether (USDT) vs US Dollar (USD)

USD is the official currency of the United States. It is a fiat currency that is issued and controlled by the US government. It is currently widely used around the world as a reserve currency.

USDT, on the other hand, is a stablecoin that is pegged to the value of the US dollar.

It is a type of cryptocurrency that is designed to maintain a stable value relative to the US dollar. It is widely used on cryptocurrency exchanges as a way to trade other cryptocurrencies.

While USDT is intended to maintain a stable value relative to the US dollar, it is not backed by the US government and is not a legal tender.

Tether Limited, Creator of the USDT

USDT was created by Tether Limited, a company founded by Brock Pierce, Reeve Collins, and Craig Sellars. Tether Limited is based in the British Virgin Islands and was established in 2014.

The company's goal is to provide users with a stable and reliable way to store value and make digital transactions using cryptocurrency.

In addition to USDT, Tether Limited also issues other stablecoins that are pegged to the value of other fiat currencies, such as the Euro and the Japanese yen.

How To Buy USDT?

To buy USDT, you will need to have a cryptocurrency wallet and access to a cryptocurrency exchange that supports USDT.

Here are the general steps you can follow to buy USDT:

1. Set up a cryptocurrency wallet

In order to buy USDT, you will need a cryptocurrency wallet that is compatible with the token. There are many different types of wallets to choose from, and you can compare them to find one that suits your needs.

2. Find a cryptocurrency exchange that supports USDT

Once you have a wallet, you will need to find a cryptocurrency exchange that supports USDT. There are many exchanges to choose from, and you can compare them to find one that offers the features and services that you need.

One way to do this is by going through Coinranking’s website to find the top exchanges on our list!

If you head to our Tether’s page, you will also find recommended exchanges for USDT which would make your search for an exchange a whole lot easier!

3. Register and verify your account

Once you have found an exchange that supports USDT, you will need to register and verify your account with the exchange. This may involve providing some personal information and verifying your identity.

4. Deposit funds

In order to buy USDT, you will need to deposit funds into your account on the exchange. This can typically be done using a bank transfer or a credit/debit card.

5. Buy USDT

Once you have deposited funds into your account, you can buy USDT by placing an order on the exchange.

You can specify the amount of USDT you want to buy and the price you are willing to pay, and the exchange will match you with a seller.

Once the transaction is complete, the USDT will be deposited into your wallet on the exchange.

Note that the specific steps and requirements for buying USDT may vary depending on the exchange you use, so it's a good idea to carefully review the instructions provided by the exchange before making a purchase.

Where To Buy USDT

Tether (USDT) can be purchased on many cryptocurrency exchanges. Some of the largest and most well-known exchanges that offer USDT trading include Binance, Bitfinex, and OKX.

It's important to do your own research and compare the fees, features, and reputation of different exchanges before deciding which one to use.

It's also important to carefully consider the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrency. It's always best to consult with a qualified financial advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

Concerns Around USDT

Centralization

USDT is issued and managed by a single company called Tether Limited.

This means that Tether has significant control over the issuance and management of USDT.

This centralization makes it easier for Tether to manage the supply of USDT and maintain its peg to the US dollar. However, it also means that Tether has the ability to make decisions that could potentially affect the value of USDT.

This has led some critics to raise concerns about the potential for Tether to manipulate the market. There are also concerns about the company acting on its own interests at the expense of USDT holders.

Transparency

Tether has faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding its reserves and the backing of its USDT issuance. Some critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of Tether's reserves.

In addition, questions were raised as to whether the company has issued more USDT than it has the backing for, which could potentially lead to market manipulation or destabilization.

For instance, in April 2021, the New York Attorney General's office had filed a lawsuit against Tether Limited and Bitfinex. They alleged that the two companies had engaged in a cover-up to hide the loss of $850 million in client and corporate funds.

The lawsuit also claimed that Tether had issued billions of dollars' worth of USDT without adequate backing. This could potentially lead to market manipulation and destabilization.

Final Thoughts On USDT

Tether (USDT) is a cryptocurrency that is intended to be pegged to the value of the US dollar. It is issued by Tether Limited, a company that claims to hold a corresponding amount of US dollars in reserve for each Tether that is in circulation.

This is intended to give Tether a stable value and make it useful for conducting transactions on cryptocurrency exchanges. Tether is based on the Bitcoin blockchain and uses the Omni Layer protocol.

It is one of the most widely traded cryptocurrencies and is often used as a substitute for dollars on cryptocurrency exchanges.

However, there have been some concerns about the transparency of Tether Limited's operation. Some critics have questioned whether the company actually holds enough US dollars in reserve to back all of the Tethers that are in circulation.

Thus, it is important to do your due diligence when it comes to investing into cryptocurrencies, even stablecoins which may seem somewhat secure at first.