How to Buy Litecoin (LTC) in 2026: A Beginner’s Guide
Litecoin is one of the oldest cryptocurrencies, often called the “silver” to bitcoin’s “gold.” We explain how it differs from BTC, what its risks are and how to buy LTC.
What Is Litecoin
Litecoin was created by Charlie Lee, a former Google engineer, in 2011. Its code is based on bitcoin’s, but with changes: a block is produced roughly every 2.5 minutes (bitcoin’s is every 10 minutes), and the total supply is capped at 84 million coins — four times more than BTC.
LTC is used primarily as a coin for payments and transfers: fast and with low fees. Litecoin has its own mining on a different algorithm from bitcoin’s. As with BTC, the mining reward is cut in half roughly every four years.
Litecoin Risks
- No clear niche. There are faster networks and stablecoins for transfers, and people usually choose bitcoin as “digital gold.”
- Less development and attention than the leading projects.
- Dependence on the overall market. LTC usually follows bitcoin but can lag behind.
- Volatility is higher than that of traditional assets.
How to Buy Litecoin (LTC): Step by Step
- 1. Sign up. Open an account on a major exchange — for example, via the partner link below. Details: how to open a crypto exchange account.
- 2. Verification and 2FA. Complete KYC (ID and a selfie) and turn on two-factor authentication right away. Without KYC you can’t deposit or withdraw.
- 3. Fund your account with USDT. Buy USDT via P2P or with a bank card, if cards are supported in your country. Details: how to fund your account via P2P and what is USDT.
- 4. Buy on the spot market. Open the LTC/USDT pair and place a limit order at your price so you don’t overpay during a sharp move. More: limit vs. market orders.
- 5. Stop-loss if you trade. If you’re trading price moves, set your exit level in advance. If you want ready-made levels, Aspiro Trade provides signals on 45 assets, each with an entry, take-profit and stop-loss.
- 6. Withdraw for the long term. If you’re buying to hold, consider moving the coins to your own wallet. Withdraw LTC on the Litecoin network — the fee is usually low.
Where to Keep LTC
| On an exchange | Your own wallet | |
|---|---|---|
| Who holds the keys | The exchange | Only you (seed phrase) |
| Convenience | Sell in one click | To sell, you first transfer to an exchange |
| Main risk | Account hack, account freeze, problems at the exchange | Lose the seed phrase and the coins are gone for good |
| Best for | Active traders | Long-term holders; you need a wallet that supports Litecoin |
Our partner link. If you decide to open an OKX account, please sign up through it: it’s free for you and doesn’t change any terms. If you trade, the exchange pays Aspiro a referral bonus, which goes toward developing our apps and the free Aspiro Academy. We have no access to your account, funds or trades.
- LTC is bought on the spot market with USDT, ideally with a limit order.
- KYC and 2FA first, then the deposit.
- A stop-loss is mandatory if you trade.
- Coins for the long term are safer in your own wallet, with the seed phrase kept offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Litecoin different from bitcoin?
LTC blocks come four times more often, there are four times as many coins (84 million), and mining uses a different algorithm. Otherwise the design is similar.
Is LTC good for transfers?
Yes, transfers on the Litecoin network are fast and usually inexpensive. But the coin’s price changes, so many people choose stablecoins to hold value during a transfer.
Does Litecoin have a halving?
Yes, roughly every four years the mining reward is cut in half, just like bitcoin’s.
Start with free education
A step-by-step OKX guide and free Aspiro Academy courses: 26 lessons on investing and trading from scratch, with practice and a certificate.