Top 10 Cryptocurrencies to Watch Out For in 2025

The crypto world is buzzing with excitement as we head into 2025. From Bitcoin ETFs to regulatory breakthroughs, digital currencies are no longer just a tech trend—they're reshaping the global economy. Whether you're a crypto newbie or a seasoned investor looking to diversify, here's your guide to the cryptocurrencies set to make waves in 2025.

1. Bitcoin

Bitcoin's journey from being worth less than a penny to hitting $70,000 in March 2024 is remarkable. Now ranking among the world's top 10 most valuable assets alongside giants like Apple and gold, Bitcoin's influence extends far beyond the crypto sphere. Significant developments fueled its growth in 2024. The April Bitcoin halving created scarcity by reducing the rate at which new coins are mined, pushing demand. Bitcoin ETFs opened doors for institutional investors to gain regulated exposure to the asset, increasing liquidity and market confidence. Fun fact: Nigerians rank second globally in Bitcoin-related Google searches!

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum has become the backbone of decentralised finance (DeFi). With over 4,000 decentralised apps built on its platform, it's driving billions in DeFi protocols. Recent network upgrades, like sharding, have made it faster and more efficient. This can facilitate cheaper, faster transactions, allowing Nigerians to engage more easily with DeFi applications and NFTs.

3. Tether (USDT)

When the Nigerian Naira jumped from ₦630 to over ₦1,600 per dollar in 2024 (as Ghana faced similar struggles with the Cedi), many turned to USDT to protect their savings. Tether's expansion to networks like Polygon and Kava has enhanced its global accessibility by making transactions faster and more affordable. These integrations are significant in developing economies where high transaction fees can hinder crypto adoption. For Nigerians dealing with currency volatility, USDT provides a practical way to preserve wealth and participate in the global digital economy. Its recent market cap milestone reinforces its position as the dominant stablecoin in the crypto ecosystem.

Note: Great news! With Yellow Card, you can now make free stablecoin transfers on newly supported altchains!

4. Solana (SOL)

Solana is known for lightning-fast transactions and minimal fees. One of the several standout moments for Solana in 2024 was its opening of “Solana Spaces”, a physical store to educate its customers. Additionally, the introduction of Solana Pay, which enables fast, secure transactions, and the upcoming release of its Seeker phone in 2025 show Solana's continued push for innovation.

With its rapid growth, expanding ecosystem, and focus on reliability, Solana is well-positioned as a critical player in the cryptocurrency space heading into 2025.

5. USD Coin (USDC)

USDC continues solidifying its position as the second-largest stablecoin in the cryptocurrency market, widely used for its stability and strong backing by US dollar reserves. As Circle (the company behind USDC) prepares for its IPO, USDC continues to gain trust in the crypto community. It is available on networks like BASE, Solana (SOL), ERC-20 (Ethereum), Celo and Stellar.

This multi-network support is precious for customers in regions like Nigeria and Ghana, where efficient, cost-effective transactions are essential. USDC's solid regulatory compliance and transparent backing make it a reliable choice for everyday transactions and remittances.

6. Ripple (XRP)

Ripple has become synonymous with cross-border payments, offering faster, cheaper international transfers than traditional financial systems. This is especially valuable for countries like Nigeria and Ghana, where remittances play a critical economic role.

After securing favourable rulings in its legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2024, making XRP more attractive to investors. Ripple’s partnerships with leading financial institutions and central banks worldwide, including Santander, SBI Holdings, and the National Bank of Egypt, have further solidified its position as a leading payment solution provider, revolutionising cross-border payments and making international transfers more efficient and accessible.

7. Polygon (MATIC)

Polygon, a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, is gaining popularity for its ability to offer cheaper and faster transactions while benefiting from Ethereum’s security. In 2024, Polygon’s integration of Tether (USDT) into its network made stablecoin transactions even more cost-effective, especially for cross-border payments and remittances.

Polygon 2.0, launched in 2024, aims to unify Ethereum’s various Layer-2 networks through zero-knowledge (ZK) technology, making transactions faster and cheaper. This makes it an essential tool for minimising costs and maximising efficiency for anyone involved in DeFi transactions.

8. PayPal USD (P YUSD)

PYUSD is a US dollar-pegged stablecoin launched by PayPal. It is designed to integrate seamlessly into PayPal's global payments network. For regions like Nigeria, where cross-border payments and remittances are vital, PYUSD offers a reliable and efficient way to handle transactions.

Recently, sending remittances from the U.S. to Nigeria using PYUSD has become even more accessible, thanks to its integration with platforms like Yellow Card. These platforms facilitate faster, low-cost transactions compared to traditional remittance services. With PayPal’s backing and regulatory oversight, PYUSD combines the stability of conventional finance with the flexibility of blockchain, making it a reliable option for millions of customers.

9. Tether Gold (XAUt)

Tether Gold is a stablecoin that offers its holders exposure to physical gold. Gold has always been one of the most valued assets in the world. Tether Gold allows you to buy a fraction of gold and store it conveniently, all from your digital wallet.

Each XAUt token represents ownership of one troy ounce of physical gold, securely stored in a Swiss vault. For Nigerians, Tether Gold provides a reliable store of value less vulnerable to inflation or currency depreciation. Holders benefit from gold's long-standing reputation as a safe-haven asset while still enjoying the advantages of blockchain technology.

10. TON (The Open Network Coin)

TON has emerged as a powerful blockchain platform known for its scalability and user-friendly approach. Now available on Yellow Card, it offers African customers access to its ecosystem, with affordable transaction fees even during peak usage. Its mobile-first focus aligns perfectly with Africa's predominantly mobile-based internet usage, making it an attractive option for customers in Nigeria and across the continent.

Conclusion

As we move toward 2025, it’s clear that cryptocurrencies continue to offer valuable opportunities for financial growth and stability, especially in regions facing economic challenges like Nigeria and Ghana. From decentralised finance to cross-border payments and stablecoins, these digital assets provide flexible solutions for preserving wealth and enabling faster, more affordable transactions.

Platforms like Yellow Card make it easy to start engaging with these cryptocurrencies. With as little as N500, you can buy most of the digital assets mentioned above, including Celo Dollar (cUSD) and Cardano (ADA), which are also available and offer a stable option for everyday transactions. These coins are available on several exchanges globally, but Yellow Card provides a convenient way to access them locally, making cryptocurrency more accessible to everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Download the Yellow Card app and Start Your Trading Journey Today!