What is Litecoin and how does it differ from Bitcoin?

Litecoin (LTC) is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency created as a lighter, faster alternative to Bitcoin. It uses a different hashing algorithm (Scrypt) and targets faster block generation times, with a 2.5-minute average block time compared to Bitcoin’s ~10 minutes. This means quicker transaction confirmations and a higher potential transaction throughput. Litecoin also has a larger total supply cap of 84 million coins, which is four times Bitcoin’s 21 million. While both aim to be digital currencies for everyday transactions, Litecoin focuses on speed and efficiency for everyday use while maintaining a similar decentralized, open-source design.

What is Litecoin's current status in terms of supply and price, and what should I know before investing?

Litecoin has a max supply of 84,000,000 LTC and currently circulating around 76.8 million LTC. The price fluctuates with market demand; as of now, it trades around $52, having experienced daily changes (for example, a recent 24-hour change of about -1.71%). Before investing, consider factors such as market liquidity, exchange listings, transaction fees, and the project’s development activity. LTC remains widely supported on major wallets and exchanges, which can help with ease of entry and exit. Always compare long-term trends, not just daily moves, and ensure you’re comfortable with the risk profile typical of cryptocurrencies.

How secure and decentralized is Litecoin, and what are the key technical features I should know?

Litecoin inherits a decentralized network secured by miners who validate and confirm transactions. It uses the Scrypt proof-of-work algorithm, which historically encouraged GPU mining and lowered certain barriers to entry relative to Bitcoin. Litecoin’s block time is 2.5 minutes, enabling faster confirmation times. The network uses a mature, battle-tested codebase with regular updates from the Litecoin Foundation and core developers. It also benefits from a robust ecosystem of wallets, exchanges, and merchant tools. While no blockchain is risk-free, Litecoin’s long track record, active development, and broad adoption contribute to its security and resilience.

What are the practical use cases for Litecoin today?

Litecoin is commonly used for fast, low-cost peer-to-peer payments and as a means of transferring value across borders with reduced settlement time. It’s popular for merchant acceptance, microtransactions, and as a liquidity anchor in crypto trading pairs due to its high liquidity and long-standing presence on exchanges. Investors may also use LTC as a speculative asset or as part of a diversified crypto portfolio. When sending payments, users can expect quick confirmations due to the short block time, which is a practical advantage for time-sensitive transfers.

What should I consider when storing Litecoin, and which wallets or tools are recommended?

For secure storage, consider hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger or Trezor) that support LTC, which keep private keys offline and reduce exposure to online threats. Software wallets and mobile wallets with strong security practices (biometric lock, passphrase, and backup seeds) can be convenient for everyday use. Always back up your seed phrase in a secure, offline location. When choosing a wallet, verify that it supports LTC’s address formats and is actively maintained. Also be mindful of transaction fees and network congestion, which can affect withdrawal costs and timing on different platforms.

Litecoin (LTC) Interest Rates

Compare Litecoin interest rates for lending, staking, and borrowing

$51.59

↓ 3.00%

Updated: February 12, 2026

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Bitcompare may be compensated if you visit any links. Please refer to our Advertising disclosure.

Litecoin Guides

How to earn Litecoin

About Litecoin (LTC)

Litecoin (LTC) is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency operating on a decentralized network that uses the Scrypt hashing algorithm. This allows for faster transaction processing than Bitcoin, with a block time of just 2 minutes, making it ideal for everyday transactions.

Litecoin is primarily used for fast and low-cost transactions, making it suitable for remittances, where users can send money internationally quickly and affordably. It is also popular for microtransactions, such as tipping content creators or making small online purchases, due to its low fees and...

Litecoin has a capped supply of 84 million coins, four times that of Bitcoin, creating a deflationary model that can impact its value. The halving schedule reduces the block reward for miners approximately every four years, limiting the rate of new coin generation.

Litecoin's security is reinforced by its proof-of-work consensus mechanism and Scrypt hashing algorithm, which requires substantial computational resources for transaction validation. This design promotes decentralization by being resistant to specialized mining hardware.

Since its launch in 2011, Litecoin's development roadmap has focused on enhancing functionality and security. Key milestones include the implementation of Segregated Witness (SegWit) in May 2017, which improved transaction efficiency and enabled the Lightning Network for faster transactions.

How to Keep Your Litecoin (LTC) Safe

To enhance the security of your Litecoin (LTC), consider using a hardware wallet, which provides offline storage and protection against online threats; popular options include Ledger and Trezor. For private key management, ensure your keys are stored securely and never shared; utilize strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager. Be aware of common security risks such as phishing attacks and malware; mitigate these risks by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and regularly updating your software. Multi-signature wallets can add an extra layer of security by requiring multiple private keys to authorize a transaction, making unauthorized access more difficult. Finally, implement a robust backup procedure by securely storing copies of your wallet and private keys in multiple locations, ensuring they are encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.

How Litecoin (LTC) Works

Litecoin operates on a decentralized blockchain architecture that utilizes a peer-to-peer network to facilitate transactions, with a block time of approximately 2 minutes, significantly faster than Bitcoin. It employs the Scrypt hashing algorithm as its consensus mechanism, which requires more memory and is designed to be ASIC-resistant, promoting a more decentralized mining environment. The transaction validation process involves miners solving complex mathematical problems to add new blocks to the blockchain, ensuring that each transaction is verified and recorded securely. Network security is maintained through a combination of cryptographic techniques and a robust incentive structure for miners, which discourages malicious activities. Unique technical features of Litecoin include its faster block generation time, a capped supply of 84 million coins, and the implementation of Segregated Witness (SegWit) to enhance transaction capacity and speed.

Platform	Action	Max Rate	Base Rate	Min Deposit	Lockup	US Access
Nexo	Go to Platform	7.75% APY	4.75% APY	—	30 days	Check terms
Nebeus	Go to Platform	4.5% APY	—	—	—	Not US
YouHodler	Go to Platform	16% APY	—	—	—	Not US
Gemini	Go to Platform	0.01% APY	—	—	—	US Available

Platform	Action	Max Rate	Base Rate	Min Deposit	Lockup	US Access
YouHodler	Go to Platform	16% APY	—	—	—	Not US
Gemini	Go to Platform	0.01% APY	—	—	—	US Available

Platform	Action	Best Rate	LTV	Min Collateral	US Access
Nexo	Get Loan	2.9% APR	—	—	Check terms
Nebeus	Get Loan	10% APR	—	—	Not US
YouHodler	Get Loan	12% APR	—	—	Not US

Litecoin (LTC) Interest Rates

Litecoin Guides

Litecoin (LTC) Interest Rates

Compare Litecoin (LTC) Interest Rates

Litecoin (LTC) Lending Rates

Litecoin (LTC) Staking Rewards

Litecoin (LTC) Borrowing Rates

About Litecoin (LTC)

How to Keep Your Litecoin (LTC) Safe

How Litecoin (LTC) Works

Litecoin Guides

Frequently Asked Questions About Litecoin (LTC) Interest Rates

Litecoin LTC News

About Litecoin (LTC)

How to Keep Your Litecoin (LTC) Safe

How Litecoin (LTC) Works

Newly Added Coins

Similar Coins

Frequently Asked Questions About Litecoin (LTC) Interest Rates

Litecoin LTC News

Supported Exchanges

Compare Litecoin (LTC) Interest Rates

Litecoin (LTC) Lending Rates

Litecoin (LTC) Staking Rewards

Litecoin (LTC) Borrowing Rates

LTC Lending Rates Market Summary