How To Buy Chainlink (LINK) (2024)

Chainlink, a household name for the crypto industry, serves as a vital bridge connecting off-chain data to on-chain smart contracts. Its innovative approach has reshaped how blockchain applications interact with the real world.

In 2021, Chainlink’s LINK token surged to an all-time high of $US52.70. However, as of September 16, 2023, the token has fallen to $US6.21. Considering the evolving dynamics of the crypto market and Chainlink’s strong product, many Australians are keen to understand LINK’s investment potential.

This guide offers insights and steps for those considering a venture into LINK.

Imagine blockchains as digital ledgers that record online transactions securely. On the other hand, we have real-world information like weather updates, stock prices, and sports scores. But here’s a challenge: how do we let these two worlds communicate?

This is where Chainlink comes in.

Chainlink acts like a translator between blockchains and real-world data. This is especially important for something called “smart contracts.” Think of these as digital deals: if one thing happens, then another thing automatically takes place.

For example, two friends might each bet $10 on whether or not it will rain in Sydney tomorrow. They use a smart contract to make the bet so that it holds the $20. To decide the winner, the contract needs accurate weather data. Chainlink ensures the contract gets this information from trustworthy sources. Once the data is received, the contract automatically pays the person who guessed right.

In short, Chainlink helps digital agreements make decisions using real-world data, making online deals smarter and more trustworthy for everyone.

Chainlink’s ability to connect real-world data to smart contracts has been particularly transformative in the realm of Decentralised Finance, commonly known as DeFi. DeFi platforms allow people to borrow, lend, and earn interest without traditional banks or financial middlemen. For these platforms to work effectively, they need accurate and current financial data like exchange rates, asset prices, and interest rates.

Chainlink ensures that the smart contracts that power these platforms receive reliable data, ensuring the contracts can execute transactions using a reliable data feed. This also provides a level of trust for users placing money in these contracts as they know that a rogue data feed could cause an incorrect execution of a contract.

As DeFi continues to grow and redefine the financial landscape, Chainlink’s role as a dependable bridge between the digital and real world becomes even more pivotal.

If you understand and accept the risks of investing in cryptocurrency, here’s how to buy it.

1. Choose a Reputable Cryptocurrency Exchange:

Select a trusted cryptocurrency exchange in Australia that offers Chainlink (LINK). Options might include platforms such as Coinspot, eToro, or Kraken, among others. Register on the platform using your email address and create a secure password.

2. Verify Your Identity:

Australian regulations mandate that individuals verify their identity before purchasing cryptocurrency. This typically involves uploading a photo ID like a passport or driver’s license. Some exchanges might require additional verification such as a recent utility bill to confirm your address.

3. Set Up a Secure Crypto Wallet:

To ensure the safety of your investments, store your Chainlink tokens in a dedicated crypto wallet rather than keeping them on the exchange. There are various crypto wallet options available that support Chainlink. Research and choose one that aligns with your security preferences and usability needs.

4. Fund Your Exchange Account:

Log into your chosen exchange and navigate to the deposit section. Deposit Australian dollars (AUD) using bank transfers or other accepted payment methods. Many exchanges might also accept BPAY or POLi payments. If your chosen platform doesn’t directly support AUD/LINK trading pairs, you may first need to purchase a primary cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH).

5. Purchase Chainlink (LINK):

Navigate to the trading area of the exchange. Locate the appropriate trading pair, such as LINK/BTC or LINK/ETH. If there’s an option for a direct AUD/LINK trade, it simplifies the process. Specify the number of Chainlink tokens you’d like to buy, review the transaction details, and confirm the purchase.

6. Transfer Chainlink to Your Secure Wallet:

For an additional layer of security, it’s advisable to move your Chainlink tokens from the exchange to your private wallet. On the exchange, find the ‘withdraw’ or ‘transfer’ option, enter your wallet’s receiving address, confirm the details, and complete the transfer.

7. Monitor Your Investment:

After purchasing Chainlink, regularly check its value. Use apps or platforms that provide cryptocurrency prices and set up alerts for significant LINK price changes. Given crypto’s volatility, staying informed helps guide future decisions regarding your Chainlink holdings. Adjust your strategy based on both market trends and your financial goals.

Investment decisions, especially in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency, require an understanding of both the specific project’s fundamentals and the broader economic environment. Chainlink stands out for its innovative approach to bridging off-chain data with on-chain smart contracts. However, a concern among some investors is that the current token mechanics don’t seem to translate the success of Chainlink’s product into real value accrual for the LINK token.

Recognising these concerns, the Chainlink team has unveiled plans for Chainlink 2.0. This anticipated update is set to improve the project across many areas, including refinement of the token mechanics, with the hope of capturing the project’s success more effectively in the token’s value. If executed correctly and the project continues to be the preferred oracle for connecting real-world data with blockchain contracts, LINK may perform better after the update.

Yet, it’s essential to view Chainlink’s potential within the context of the broader macroeconomic landscape. Presently, high interest rates are impacting the financial market, making traditional returns more attractive and causing a retreat from riskier assets, such as cryptocurrencies and stocks. This overarching trend can dampen the immediate growth prospects for tokens, including LINK. However, financial climates are dynamic, and a shift back to risk assets could usher in renewed interest in the crypto market and LINK.

Nevertheless, potential investors should remain aware of the interplay between a potential investment and external economic influences when assessing whether to invest.

This article is not an endorsem*nt of any particular cryptocurrency, broker or exchange nor does it constitute a recommendation of cryptocurrency as an investment class.