Only the largest cryptocurrencies are available as a base pair with other cryptocurrencies. For example, BTC is regularly paired with other cryptocurrencies as part of a base trading pair.
Examples of BTC-to-crypto base trading pairs are:
- BTCETH
- BTCXRP
- BTCLTC
Ethereum is also commonly found as a base trading pair against other ERC20 tokens.
Examples of ETH-to-crypto base trading pairs are:
- ETHLINK
- ETHBAT
- ETHDAI
Exchange tokens are also occasionally offered as a base currency pair, depending on the platform. This type of token includes Binance Coin, KuCoin Shares, and UNUS SED LEO.
Examples of exchange token-to-crypto base trading pairs are:
- BNBBTC
- BNBETH
- BNBXRP
For cryptocurrency trading platforms that don’t offer fiat gateways, many prefer to offer base trading pairs with stablecoins as an alternative to cash that offers the same safe haven effect.
Stablecoins got their names due to being tied 1-to-1 with the dollar, keeping their prices stable. Because they behave similarly to the dollar, they make an ideal base trading pair.
Common stablecoin trading pairs include:
- BTCUSDT
- ETHUSDT
- BNBUSDT
Trading pairs behave very differently. For example BTCUSD, LTCUSD, and BTCLTC trading pairs will all have completely different price action, despite at least one commonality between each pair.