Introduction

Cryptocurrencies have changed the way we think about finance, opening up new opportunities for millions of people to invest, earn, and participate in innovative projects. At the heart of this world are tokens — digital assets that are used for a variety of purposes: from trading and investing to participating in games and decentralized finance (DeFi). If you are a newcomer to the crypto world, acquiring tokens may seem like a complex process, but in reality, it is accessible to anyone who is willing to understand the basics.

A token in cryptocurrency is a digital asset created on a blockchain that can represent currency, ownership, access to services, or even a unique item (e.g., NFT). Tokens differ from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in that they are usually created on existing blockchains (e.g., Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana) and perform specific functions within the ecosystem of the project.

Why are tokens so popular? Their versatility attracts people with different goals: some want to invest in promising projects, others participate in free giveaways (airdrops), and some earn tokens through games or social media activity. In this article, we will explore how to obtain tokens, what methods are available, what to pay attention to, and how to avoid scams. You will learn how to start your journey in the crypto world using reliable platforms like MEXC, and what steps to take to safely and effectively obtain tokens.

Types of tokens and ways to obtain them

Tokens come in various types, each with its own characteristics and methods of acquisition. Let’s consider the main categories and methods available to newcomers.

Trading tokens (ETH, BNB, SOL)

Trading tokens — are cryptocurrencies or tokens that are actively traded on exchanges and used for investments, payments, or as a basis for other projects. Examples include Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Solana (SOL), and MEXC Token (MX).

How to obtain:

• Purchase on an exchange. The simplest and most popular way is to buy tokens on centralized exchanges (CEX) such as MEXC, Binance or Bybit. To do this, you need to:
  • Register on the exchange and go through verification (KYC).
  • Top up your account with fiat currency (for example, rubles via bank card) or cryptocurrency (BTC, USDT).
  • Find the desired token in the trading section and buy it at the market or limit price. For example, on MEXC you can purchase hundreds of tokens, including new and promising projects, with low fees.
• Exchange. If you already have cryptocurrency (for example, USDT), you can exchange it for the desired token via the exchange or a decentralized platform (DEX) such as Uniswap.

Airdrop tokens

Airdrop is a free distribution of tokens that projects conduct to attract attention, promote themselves, or reward the community. Airdrops are often used by new blockchain projects to distribute tokens among users.

How to obtain:

• Find the current airdrop. Keep an eye on news on platforms such as CoinMarketCap (the ‘Airdrops’ section), or on social media (Twitter, Telegram).
• Complete the requirements. Usually, to participate you need to:
  • Subscribe to the project’s social media (Twitter, Discord, Telegram).
  • Register a wallet (for example, MetaMask) and provide its address.
  • Complete simple tasks: retweet, post a post, or register on the website.
• Go through verification. Some airdrops require KYC or activity confirmation (for example, ownership of a certain token).
• Get the tokens. After the airdrop is completed, the tokens are automatically sent to your wallet.

Example: In 2020, the Uniswap project distributed UNI tokens to everyone who had previously used their platform. Such opportunities appear regularly, and MEXC often informs users about new airdrops through its social channels.

Advice: Be careful with airdrops, as scammers often create fake distributions, asking for your private keys or cryptocurrency transfers.

Tokens for participation (Play-to-Earn, Move-to-Earn)

Play-to-Earn (P2E) и Move-to-Earn (M2E) — these are models where users earn tokens for gaming or physical activity. Examples of projects: STEPN (M2E), Axie Infinity (P2E), Sweatcoin.

How to obtain:

• Play-to-Earn. In games like Axie Infinity, users buy NFT characters and earn tokens (like AXS or SLP) for completing tasks or participating in battles. To get started:
  • Create a wallet (e.g., MetaMask).
  • Buy starter assets (NFTs) on marketplaces like OpenSea, or via exchanges, including MEXC.
  • Play and earn tokens that can be sold or reinvested.
• Move-to-Earn. In applications like STEPN, users earn tokens (GST, GMT) for walking or running. To participate:
  • Install the app and purchase NFT sneakers (available on marketplaces or through exchanges).
  • Activate the app and start moving to earn tokens.
  • Withdraw tokens to your wallet or exchange them on platforms like MEXC.

Example: In STEPN, users can earn $5–50 per day, depending on activity and token value. However, a starting investment in NFTs is required.

DeFi tokens

DeFi tokens are used in decentralized finance for providing liquidity, farming, or staking. Examples: UNI (Uniswap), AAVE, COMP.

How to obtain:

• Providing liquidity. Add a token pair (e.g., ETH/USDT) to a liquidity pool on DEXs like Uniswap or PancakeSwap. In return, you will receive platform tokens (LP tokens) and a share of trading fees.
• Farming. Place LP tokens in dedicated pools to earn additional project tokens. For example, on the Aave platform, you can farm AAVE tokens.
• Staking. Lock tokens in a smart contract to earn rewards. For example, on MEXC staking is available for a number of tokens with an annual yield of up to 10-20%.

Advice: DeFi requires an understanding of risks such as impermanent loss and smart contract vulnerabilities. Start with small amounts and trusted platforms.

NFT tokens (ERC-721/1155)

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) — these are unique digital assets representing art, collectibles, or in-game items. The ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards are used for creating NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain.

How to obtain:

• Purchasing on marketplaces. Buy NFTs on platforms such as OpenSea, Rarible, or Magic Eden. To do this:
  • Create a wallet (e.g., MetaMask) and fund it with ETH or another cryptocurrency.
  • Connect your wallet to the marketplace and select the NFT.
  • Buy the token by paying its cost and the gas fee.
• Participating in minting. Many projects allow you to ‘mint’ (create) NFTs at launch. Keep an eye on announcements in the project’s Discord or Twitter.
• Earning in games. In P2E games like The Sandbox, users earn NFTs by completing tasks.

Example: In 2021, the Bored Ape Yacht Club collection became a hit, and the value of individual NFTs reached millions of dollars. Although such successes are rare, NFTs remain a popular way to acquire tokens.

How to choose a wallet for receiving tokens

A cryptocurrency wallet is a software or hardware device for storing, sending, and receiving tokens. Without a wallet, you cannot participate in airdrops, DeFi, or NFT trading.

Overview of popular wallets

• MetaMask — a browser extension and mobile app supporting Ethereum and compatible networks (BNB Chain, Polygon). Ideal for DeFi and NFTs.
• Trust Wallet — a mobile wallet supporting dozens of blockchains, including BNB Chain, Solana, and TRON. Convenient for beginners.
• OKX Wallet — a wallet from the OKX exchange, integrated with DeFi and NFTs. Suitable for users who want to trade and store tokens in one place.

How to create a wallet

• Download the app or extension. For example, install MetaMask from the Chrome Web Store or Trust Wallet from the App Store/Google Play.
• Create a new wallet. Click ‘Create Wallet’ and follow the instructions.
• Save the seed phrase. Write down 12–24 words (the secret phrase) and keep them in a safe place. Never share the phrase with others.
• Set a password. This provides additional protection for accessing the wallet.
• Confirm creation. Check that the wallet is active and write down the public address (e.g., 0x… for Ethereum).

How to add the required network

Many tokens operate on different blockchains, so you need to add the appropriate network to your wallet. For example:

• Ethereum: used for ETH, ERC-20, and ERC-721 tokens.
• BNB Chain: for BNB and BEP-20 standard tokens.
• Solana: for SOL and SPL tokens.

Instructions for MetaMask:

• Open MetaMask and select ‘Add Network’.
• Enter the network parameters (for example, for BNB Chain: RPC URL, Chain ID, Symbol). You can find them on the official blockchain websites.
• Save the settings and switch to the required network.

Advice: For airdrops and DeFi, use a separate wallet to minimize the risk of losing funds when interacting with unverified contracts.

Where to buy tokens

Buying tokens is the most straightforward way to obtain them. Let’s look at the main platforms and methods.

Centralized exchanges (CEX)

CEX, such as MEXC, Binance and Bybit, are platforms with user-friendly interfaces and high liquidity.

How to buy tokens on a CEX:

• Sign up. Create an account on MEXC and complete KYC (identity verification).
• Fund your account. Use a bank card, P2P transfer, or cryptocurrency (for example, USDT).
• Select a token. Go to the ‘Markets’ section and find the desired token, for example MEXC Token (MX).
• Create an order. Choose a market (at current price) or limit (at desired price) order.
• Store tokens. After purchase, tokens are stored in the exchange wallet or can be withdrawn to a personal wallet.

Advantages of CEX:

• Simplicity for beginners.
• High liquidity and low fees (for example, on MEXC spot trading fees start from 0%).
• Access to new tokens through listings.

Disadvantages: KYC is required, and storing on the exchange carries the risk of hacking.

Decentralized exchanges (DEX)

DEX, such as Uniswap (Ethereum), PancakeSwap (BNB Chain), and Raydium (Solana), allow trading tokens directly through a wallet.

How to buy tokens on a DEX:

• Connect your wallet (for example, MetaMask) to the platform.
• Select a trading pair (for example, ETH/USDT).
• Specify the amount and confirm the transaction, paying the gas fee.
• Tokens will appear in your wallet.

Advantages of DEX:

• Anonymity (KYC is not required).
• Access to new tokens that are not yet listed on CEX.
• Full control over assets.

Disadvantages: High gas fees (especially on Ethereum) and difficulty for beginners.

P2P and OTC transactions

P2P (peer-to-peer) — is a direct exchange between users, often through platforms such as Binance P2P or LocalBitcoins. OTC (over-the-counter) — large trades conducted through intermediaries.

How it works:

• On a P2P platform, select a seller, pay fiat (for example, via bank transfer), and receive tokens.
• In OTC, contact a broker to purchase a large volume of tokens.

Advantages: Flexibility and the possibility to negotiate the price. Risks: Fraud if the transaction is conducted outside of a verified platform.

What to watch out for before receiving tokens

Receiving tokens comes with risks, especially for beginners. Here are the key aspects to consider.

Security

• Avoid phishing. Scammers create fake websites imitating CoinMarketCap, MEXC, or MetaMask. Always check the URL (for example, https://www.mexc.com/).
• Do not share private keys. No one, including official projects, should ask for your seed phrase.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA). Enable 2FA on exchanges and wallets to protect your account.

Token verification

Before buying or participating in an airdrop, verify the token:

• Contract. Make sure the smart contract address matches the official one (find it on the project’s website or in CoinMarketCap).
• Blockchain. Check which network the token operates on (Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana).
• Project reputation. Study the whitepaper, team, and reviews on social media.

Verification tools:

• CoinMarketCap и CoinGecko provides data on prices, market capitalization, and exchanges where the token is traded.
• Etherscan (for Ethereum) or BscScan (for BNB Chain) allow you to check the contract and transactions.

How not to fall for a scam

Scammers often create fake tokens with similar names (for example, ‘Uniswap Token’ instead of UNI). To avoid scams:

• Check the ticker and token contract.
• Do not transfer cryptocurrency to unknown wallets under the pretext of airdrop.
• Ignore messages from ‘administrators’ in Telegram or Discord asking for your details.

Additionally: receiving tokens through bots and social media

Social networks and messengers like Telegram have become a popular platform for obtaining tokens through tasks and referral programs.

Telegram bots with tasks

Many projects use Telegram bots to distribute tokens for completing tasks (subscriptions, reposts, registrations).

How to participate:

• Find the bot through the project’s official channel.
• Start the bot and complete tasks (for example, join the group or fill out a form).
• Provide your wallet address to receive tokens.

Risks: Fake bots may request private keys or transfers. Verify the bot through the project’s official website.

Social campaigns and referral programs

Projects often reward users for promotion on social media:

• Referral programs. Invite friends to exchanges like MEXC, and receive bonuses in tokens.
• Content competitions. Create posts, videos, or memes about the project to earn rewards.

Example: MEXC regularly holds campaigns where users earn tokens for activity on Twitter or Telegram.

How to avoid scammers:

• Check the legitimacy of the campaign through the project’s website.
• Do not send cryptocurrency for ‘activating’ rewards.
• Use only verified platforms like MEXC.

Conclusion

Obtaining tokens is an accessible and engaging process that opens doors to the world of cryptocurrency. Regardless of your goals—investing, participating in airdrops, earning through games or DeFi—you can find an appropriate way. For beginners, it is better to start with simple methods, such as buying tokens on reliable exchanges, like MEXC, or participating in verified airdrops. As you gain experience, you can try DeFi, NFTs, or P2E games.

The key to success is continuous learning and caution. Always check tokens and projects through CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko, protect your wallets and avoid suspicious offers. The crypto world is full of opportunities but requires attentiveness and knowledge. Start your journey with MEXC and small steps — and soon you will be able to confidently receive and use tokens to achieve your financial goals!