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Investing » What Is Dogecoin? A Beginner’s Guide to the Meme Coin

What Is Dogecoin? A Beginner’s Guide to the Meme Coin

Learn what Dogecoin is, how it works, and why it’s more than just a meme coin. Discover its benefits, risks, and real-world uses.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We do not provide personalized investment recommendations or act as financial advisors.

Table Of Content

What Is Dogecoin?

Dogecoin is a digital currency that started as a joke but quickly became a popular and widely used crypto.

Based on the Shiba Inu dog meme, Dogecoin runs on its blockchain and is known for its low transaction fees and fast processing times.

People use it to tip content creators, donate to causes, or trade like other cryptocurrencies. While it’s fun and friendly on the surface, many still take it seriously as a low-cost, beginner-friendly crypto.

How Does Dogecoin Work?

Dogecoin may look lighthearted, but it works using core blockchain technology similar to Bitcoin and Litecoin. Let’s break down how it operates:

Dogecoin is built on a version of Litecoin's code, which makes it faster and cheaper than Bitcoin.

  • Faster block time: Dogecoin confirms transactions every minute, which helps speed up transfers.

  • Lower fees: Sending Dogecoin usually costs just a fraction of a cent.

  • Simple infrastructure: It avoids complex features to stay beginner-friendly.

Because it shares a lot with Litecoin, Dogecoin runs smoothly and stays light on resources. That’s one reason it's often used for microtransactions and tipping.

Dogecoin relies on PoW to secure its network, meaning miners solve puzzles to validate transactions.

  • Merged mining: It's often mined alongside Litecoin, boosting security for both.

  • Decentralized control: Anyone with a computer and software can participate.

  • Energy efficient: Compared to Bitcoin, Dogecoin’s mining uses less energy due to faster blocks.

Because it's merged with Litecoin mining, Dogecoin has inherited better protection without needing its own large network of miners.

Unlike Bitcoin’s capped supply, Dogecoin has no maximum coin limit.

  • 10,000 coins per block: That’s how many DOGE are created every minute.

  • No hard cap: This keeps inflation constant but controlled.

  • Encourages spending: Since it’s not deflationary, users are less likely to hoard it.

As a result, Dogecoin is better for daily use rather than long-term storage, helping it stay active and widely circulated.

Dogecoin’s real power comes from its active, supportive community.

  • Tipping system: People tip others online for fun or appreciation.

  • Fundraising efforts: Dogecoin helped sponsor the Jamaican bobsled team and water wells in Kenya.

  • Merchant acceptance: Some online stores accept DOGE for products and services.

Because of this grassroots support, Dogecoin stays visible and relevant, even without major institutional backing.

Dogecoin was designed for fast and cheap peer-to-peer payments.

  • 1-minute block time: Most payments clear in under a minute.

  • Low network congestion: Even during busy times, transactions rarely get delayed.

  • Beginner-friendly wallets: Many wallets support DOGE with simple interfaces.

Therefore, users often choose Dogecoin for daily transactions, small gifts, or low-cost crypto experiments.

Dogecoin Benefits & Risks: What Investors Should Know

Dogecoin may seem like a fun crypto, but it also comes with real opportunities and real risks. Here's what you should consider:

BENEFITS
RISKS
Low transaction fees
Unlimited supply
Fast payment speed
Lacks institutional adoption
Friendly community
Price volatility
Easy to access and use
No unique features
Great for newcomers
Influenced by social media

Dogecoin is inexpensive to send, making it ideal for microtransactions, tips, and everyday payments.

With block times of around one minute, Dogecoin is significantly faster than Bitcoin for confirming transactions.

Its loyal and active fanbase often rallies around causes, helping keep Dogecoin relevant and in demand.

Dogecoin is supported on many crypto platforms, wallets, and apps, which makes buying, selling, and storing easier

It’s simple to understand, low-cost to get started with, and less intimidating for people new to crypto.

Dogecoin has no supply cap, which means inflation could slowly eat into its long-term value over time.

Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, Dogecoin isn’t widely used in big financial systems or adopted by large institutions.

Dogecoin’s price can swing wildly based on hype, tweets, or social media, making it unpredictable.

Unlike some other coins, Dogecoin doesn’t offer advanced features or smart contracts, which limits its long-term utility.

Its value often reacts to Elon Musk’s tweets or meme culture, which can lead to emotional trading decisions.

Where You Can Buy Dogecoin?

Dogecoin is available on most major crypto platforms, making it easy to get started. Here's where you can buy it safely:

  • Coinbase – A beginner-friendly U.S. platform with simple tools and secure storage.

  • Binance.US – Offers low trading fees and quick DOGE purchases with bank transfers.

  • Kraken – Known for strong security and easy funding options, even for DOGE trading.

  • RobinhoodYou can trade DOGE with no fees, but you won’t be able to withdraw it to a wallet.

  • Crypto.com – Offers frequent promotions and lets you earn interest if you hold DOGE.

Always double-check fees, withdrawal options, and wallet support before you buy.

Trade Dogecoin, Coinbase
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Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.