Learning the friendly way

It’s safe to say that most people using online payment methods are familiar with PayPal. Known for its swift and seamless transactions, the nature of PayPal is appreciated by millions. Taking things one step further, the payment platform has launched a Friends and Family function to make payments even more simple.

In this guide we’re divulging the details of the new function, exploring how it works and the fees they charge. We’ll also take a look at how Tap can help you take this one step further. After all, who doesn’t want to know a more convenient and secure way to send money to your loved ones?

How does the PayPal Friends and Family feature work?

The PayPal Friends and Family feature works by enabling users to send money to their friends and family without any fees. 

According to the website, users need to have a PayPal account and select the "Send Money" option when wanting to make use of the function. Then, choose the "Sending to a friend " option, entering the recipient's email or phone number, and the payment amount. 

Once confirmed, the funds are transferred securely, and the recipient can receive the money in their PayPal account. It's a straightforward and convenient way to share money with loved ones, making transactions fee-free (if conducted with GBP) and creating a closer connection within your inner circle.

Note that the transactions are only fee-free if they are done without a currency conversion and you use your bank account or PayPal balance. If you execute the transaction using a debit or credit card or to another currency, a fee will be applicable (see below). 

PayPal’s Friends and Family vs. Goods and Services

When using PayPal, it's important to know the differences between PayPal's Friends and Family feature and the Goods and Services feature.

Friends and Family is best for casual, non-commercial transactions, like sending money to family or splitting the bill with friends, as it's mostly fee-free. However, it lacks buyer and seller protections. 

Goods and Services, on the other hand, is for commercial transactions, offering added security, buyer protection, and seller protection. These payments are subject to a fee, incurred by the seller of the item you’re purchasing. 

The pros and cons of using PayPal Friends and Family

The advantages of using the feature

Firstly, fee-free transactions make it an economical choice for sending money to loved ones or splitting expenses with friends. The Friends and Family feature allows users to save on unnecessary fees, maximising the value of their transfers. 

Secondly, PayPal ensures enhanced security measures, safeguarding users' transactions through encryption and fraud prevention tools. This instils confidence in users, knowing their funds are protected from unauthorised access. 

Lastly, the convenience and speed of PayPal Friends and Family make it an attractive option for quick and seamless money transfers, ensuring that recipients receive the funds promptly. 

The limitations of the feature

While PayPal Friends and Family offers numerous benefits, it also has certain limitations and requires responsible use. 

Firstly, it's important to be aware of the restrictions on payment types allowed in Friends and Family transactions, as certain purchases, such as for goods or services, should be conducted through the Goods and Services option for added protection. Using PayPal Friends and Family for business-related transactions violates PayPal's terms of service, potentially leading to account limitations. 

Secondly, following best practices ensures secure transactions, such as only sending money to people you trust, verifying recipient information, and keeping communication open. 

As mentioned above, it’s important to note that when sending funds to friends and family in other currencies there are fees involved. This fee is 5% of the amount being sent (a minimum of £0.99 and a maximum of £2.99). Then, there’s an additional 3% charge on the currency exchange that senders are liable for. We explore these fees in a comparison table below, using a clear example. 

Tap’s money transfer solution

Tap is a fully regulated fintech platform, offering a similar money-sending service, streamlining the process of converting currency and sending funds abroad. From the app, these funds can be sent to any bank account, whether an individual, a municipality bill, or a business account. 

Whether you’re sending funds to a friend overseas for their birthday or paying an electricity bill from your holiday villa, Tap provides a secure and fool-proof transfer option. 

When your transaction involves a change in currency or external bank account, there will be a small charge determined by the account that the sender holds. Note that at Tap there are several tiered accounts, ranging from Essential to Prestige. You can learn more about the Tap accounts and how they work here. 

Based on the account options, the following fees will be incurred when sending money to an outside bank account (i.e. a non-Tap user) and completing the currency conversion:

Essential: €2.00 (+ exchange markup of 1.99%)

Plus: €1.50 (+ exchange markup of 1.49%)

Prime: €1.00 (+ exchange markup of 0.99%)

Premier: €0.75 (+ exchange markup of 0.75%)

Platinum: €0.50 (+ exchange markup of 0.5%)

Prestige: €0.25 (+ exchange markup of 0.25%)

Sending money abroad fee comparison: PayPal vs Tap 

Taking these fees into account, let’s compare expenses of sending funds from one platform to another friend’s bank account (note that all transactions between Tap users are free, so if your friend has a Tap account you can wave the initial row). 

*Please note that these prices are based on current exchange rates and may differ. The original fee structure is worked out in EUR, so to make this table easier to understand we have converted the fee to GBP for you. 

Tap2Tap payment solution

With the Tap2Tap feature, you can enjoy fee-free and limitless money transfers, offering instant and secure transactions without any restrictions. The real-time payment network supports both crypto and fiat currencies, that’s GBP, EUR, USD, and 40+ cryptocurrencies. All you need to do is have a positive balance and the recipient must simply have an account. 

For example:

Say you want to send ￡50 to your mom for Mother’s Day. If you both have Tap accounts, this transaction is free of charge. You simply need to have the available balance and execute the transaction using the Tap2Tap feature. 

If your mom lived outside the country and required a different currency, Euros for example, you can still send her the money incurring a small fee (mentioned above). This fee structure is determined by the Tap account that you have (outlined above). 

How to use the Tap2Tap feature

Making use of Tap’s free transactions is easy. All you need to do is create an account and load the currencies you wish to use. In order to send the instant payments, the recipient of the funds must also have a Tap account. 

In order to open a Tap account, you and your recipient will need to:

1. Download the Tap app
2. Create an account
3. Complete the KYC identity verification process

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You will then need to load your account with EUR or GBP, or one of the over 40 different cryptocurrencies. Then simply open the wallet you wish to transfer the funds of, select Send, and choose the relevant option. 

Final thoughts

In conclusion, PayPal Friends and Family provides a convenient way to send money to loved ones, but it's essential to be aware of the associated fees and limitations. While it offers fee-free transactions within the UK, international transfers and debit/credit card payments incur charges. Additionally, the lack of buyer and seller protections makes it best suited for casual, non-commercial transactions. 

To take money transfers to the next level, Tap offers fee-free and limitless transactions within the same currency to other Tap users. It also provides an efficient and cost-effective solution to sending money abroad. By making informed choices and utilising the Tap app, users can enjoy seamless and economical money transfers.

References:

1. PayPal: What's the difference between Friends and Family or Goods and Services
2. PayPal fees
3. Tap Connect Network, please read alongside the Terms and Conditions
4. Tap account options
5. All of the above is subject to customers’ passing an identity verification process.

Once viewed as little more than an internet joke, Dogecoin, the cryptocurrency featuring the iconic Shiba Inu dog as its mascot, has recently experienced impressive price gains and even more impressive trading volumes. Fueled by a dedicated community, celebrity endorsements, and growing recognition as a viable payment method, this playful digital asset has staged an incredible comeback. Below we explore the meme-fueled revival and what might lie ahead for this top 10 cryptocurrency.

Dogecoin's Recent Surge

In the cryptocurrency market’s most recent bull run, Bitcoin has gained almost 50% in value since the beginning of the year. Known to pull the greater market with it, a number of leading cryptocurrencies have followed suit, experiencing formidable price gains and sizable market caps. Dogecoin, with its 6.3 million DOGE holders, was no exception. 

Dogecoin doesn't just show strong investor interest, it's also proven remarkably resilient. In just a year, the meme token has increased 102%, gaining 87% in value in 2024 alone (at the time of writing). These impressive price gains have some crypto analysts believing that Dogecoin is following a past pattern, predicting that it could hit $1 this year.

Dogecoin’s all-time high is $0.73, achieved in May 2021. At the time of writing, Dogecoin’s market cap was around $24.49 billion, down from a high of $25.23 billion achieved almost two weeks prior, with an impressive 24h trading volume of $3.6 billion.

Factors behind Dogecoin's revival

In recent years, celebrities endorsing Dogecoin have stirred incredible influence over its price movements. With notable figures like Elon Musk, Snoop Dogg, and Gene Simmons having fueled significant rallies with their vocal support and social media mentions. 

Just last week, Elon Musk's comments at an event in Germany hinting at Tesla potentially accepting Dogecoin payments sparked a short-lived 15% surge in the cryptocurrency's price, underscoring his ongoing influence on its market value.

This phenomenon highlights the power of celebrity endorsements in the cryptocurrency space, where a single tweet can catalyse massive price swings. While some argue this volatility underscores Dogecoin's speculative nature, others believe celebrity backing legitimises its potential as a viable digital asset, attracting more mainstream adoption. 

Either way, the impact of celebrity endorsements on Dogecoin's price trajectory is indisputable.

Other impacting factors contributing to its revival include increased mainstream acceptance and community-driven initiatives. Major companies like AMC Theatres and the Dallas Mavericks now accept Dogecoin payments, while the Dogecoin community has funded projects like sponsoring a NASCAR driver and more recently sending a rocket to the Moon, boosting its visibility and credibility.

It remains undeniable that social media and online communities have played a pivotal role in fueling Dogecoin's momentum. Over the years, platforms like Reddit and Twitter have served as hubs for Dogecoin enthusiasts to rally support, share memes, and coordinate buying efforts. The collective power of these online movements has propelled Dogecoin into the mainstream.

Potential scenarios for the future

In the short term, X (formerly known as Twitter) is prepping for crypto payments, getting licences across the US. If X adds Dogecoin, its price could explode. For now, analysts see Dogecoin possibly hitting $0.2 in weeks and $0.3 by summer.

Dogecoin's long-term future could likely be influenced by technology upgrades, regulations, and market trends. While blockchain improvements could boost transaction speeds and the usefulness of the network, changing crypto regulations may have an impact on its legal status and adoption. 

More institutional investment, community-led rallies or merchant acceptance could also drive growth while shifting public opinion could slow momentum. Navigating these factors will determine Dogecoin's long-term success in the dynamic crypto world.

Challenges and opportunities‍

Dogecoin faces significant challenges moving forward, including scalability issues as adoption increases and competition from other payment-focused cryptocurrencies and meme tokens prevail. 

Emerging rivals like Shiba Inu and more recently, Dogecoin20, also threaten to capture market share. Its underlying technology may also struggle to handle high transaction volumes efficiently. 

However, Dogecoin has opportunities to solidify its position through technological upgrades enhancing scalability and security while expanding real-world use cases and merchant acceptance could drive utility. 

Cultivating a dedicated community while attracting institutional investors could further cement Dogecoin's sustainability. Overcoming these challenges while capitalising on opportunities will be crucial for Dogecoin's long-term viability.

Closing thoughts

Time will tell if Dogecoin can overcome its challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and solidify its position as a viable cryptocurrency for the long haul. In the meantime, we can only witness what this bull run might bring for the DOGE community.

Addressing the speed and cost concerns associated with the Ethereum platform and decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges, Loopring delivers a new layer to the DeFi space. Describing itself as “an open-source, audited, and non-custodial exchange protocol,” Loopring is bringing something new and innovative to the space.

Below we answer the burning questions surrounding the DeFi project, such as what is Loopring, how the Loopring protocol works, and what the LRC token is responsible for.

What is Loopring (LRC)?

Loopring is many things. Under the far-stretching umbrella, there is the company, Loopring Project Ltd, the decentralized exchange, Loopring Exchange, the Loopring Protocol, the Loopring Relayer (the backend that powers the protocol), the Loopring Wallet, and the token, LRC.

The layer two protocol is an open DeFi protocol that allows other exchanges to build on top of it. The protocol supports a number of crypto assets and implements zero-knowledge rollups (zkRollups) to address the slow speeds and high costs associated with decentralized exchanges on Ethereum. With zkRollups, Loopring seeks to enable faster settlements for traders by allowing key computations to be completed on other blockchains.

By reducing the number of transactions submitted to the Ethereum network, Loopring exchanges can increase the speed with near-instantaneous settlements and reduce costs for traders.

The Loopring Exchange aims to offer a hybrid platform combining the best features of centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges, addressing issues like structural limitations and transparency. The platform combines centralized order matching with decentralized blockchain order settlement, using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) for enhanced privacy, reduced costs, and high speeds.

LRC tokens were first made available to the public in August 2017 as part of an ICO. In December 2019, the Loopring protocol, built on the Ethereum blockchain, was officially launched. 

Who created Loopring?

Loopring was established by Daniel Wang, a software engineer based in Shanghai. Wang has an impressive resume of prior experience working at prominent companies like Google, medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific, and Chinese e-commerce giant, JD.com. While Wang has continued to serve as the CEO of Loopring Foundation.

In 2017, Loopring conducted an initial coin offering (ICO), successfully raising 120,000 ether valued at $45 million. However, due to the tightening regulatory environment surrounding ICOs in China, the company decided to return 80% of the funds raised from the public sale.

Despite this setback, the Loopring team allocated the remaining proceeds toward the development of their platform.

How does Loopring work?

When you perform a transaction directly on Ethereum (a layer one blockchain) the cost of the transaction depends on the amount of data it contains. Larger transactions, which have more data, require more computing power to process and therefore end up being more expensive. Layer two solutions, on the other hand, tackle this issue by executing transactions outside of layer one, resulting in lower costs and less congestion.

As a layer two solution, Loopring does this by utilizing a newer type of cryptography called zero-knowledge rollups, also known as zkRollups. In the term "zkRollups," the "zk" refers to "zero knowledge." Zero knowledge proof is a cryptographic technique that enables one party to prove the truth of a statement to another party without disclosing any information about that statement.

Rollups, on the other hand, batch transactions together and execute them outside of layer one. So after the transaction data is processed, it is posted back to layer one to reach a consensus. This batching process is what enables transactions on layer two to be more affordable.

The Loopring team responsible for the Loopring protocol is the same team that developed the Loopring Exchange, which was the first zkRollup-based exchange accessible to the public on the Ethereum network. This successful launch demonstrated the protocol's effectiveness and the underlying technology.

Loopring sets itself apart from other trading technologies in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space by utilizing an order book-based approach. While decentralized, trading on a Loopring-powered decentralized exchange (DEX) is more similar to trading on centralized exchanges, which primarily rely on order books, but without the security or custodial concerns. This is in contrast to most decentralized exchanges that heavily rely on user-generated liquidity through automated market maker (AMM) technology.

To illustrate its effectiveness, Loopring can handle up to 2,025 trades per second, which is approximately ten times faster than Ethereum can achieve on its own. On top of that it can also lower transaction fees and the overall transaction cost due to its effective use of layer two technology.

What is the LRC token?

The Loopring cryptocurrency, LRC, plays a crucial role in the operations of the protocol.

To operate a decentralized exchange on Loopring, a minimum of 250,000 LRC needs to be locked up. This allows the exchange operator to utilize on-chain data proofs. Alternatively, an operator can stake 1 million LRC to run an exchange without this feature.

LRC serves as an incentive for the proper utilization of the Loopring network. Exchange operators who deposit LRC may face confiscation of their deposits by the protocol if they operate exchanges poorly. These confiscated funds are then distributed to users who choose to lock up LRC.

Additionally, any user can stake LRC to earn a share of the trading fees paid to the protocol. Approximately 70% of the fees are distributed to users who stake LRC. Another 20% is allocated to the Loopring Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), which allows a pool of funds to be used according to the discretion of Loopring users in the future.

Lastly, 10% of the fees are burned, meaning the total supply of LRC decreases over time, leading to potential upward pressure on its price. The maximum supply of LRC tokens is set at 1.375 billion.

How can I buy LRC tokens?

For those interested in accessing the Loopring (LRC) market, users have the option to buy or sell Loopring LRC tokens through the Tap app.

The user-friendly app allows LRC holders to buy and sell tokens using various fiat currencies or cryptocurrencies, and once purchased, the LRC tokens can be securely stored in unique wallets.

Users have the flexibility to hold their LRC tokens for any duration, trade them for other cryptocurrencies, convert them to fiat currencies, or send them to individuals across the globe. With the Tap app, you can conveniently meet your crypto-related requirements with a seamless and hassle-free experience.

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Navigating the world of cryptocurrency can be both exciting and incredibly overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the regulatory landscape in the United States. As the adoption of digital assets continues to grow, it's important to grasp the crypto regulation framework that governs it. 

In this article, we'll break down the key players and government agencies responsible for overseeing crypto markets in the US. Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to expand your knowledge, we aim to provide you with a clear understanding of how cryptocurrency, and crypto exchanges, are regulated in the United States.

The 4 main government agencies

These government agencies collectively contribute to establishing regulatory frameworks, protecting investors, preventing financial crimes, and ensuring tax compliance within the crypto exchanges and greater cryptocurrency landscape. Understanding their roles is vital for individuals and businesses engaging in cryptocurrency activities to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.

Let's dive into the responsibilities and functions of some key agencies:

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

You’ve likely heard of the SEC, the Securities and Exchange Commission is one of the primary regulatory bodies when it comes to cryptocurrency. The SEC's main objective is to protect investors and maintain fair and orderly markets. 

In the context of cryptocurrencies, the SEC focuses on determining whether a particular digital asset qualifies as a security. This determination is vital, as securities fall under the agency's jurisdiction, subjecting them to stringent regulations. The SEC also takes action against fraudulent initial coin offerings (ICOs) and ensures compliance with securities laws.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is responsible for overseeing the derivatives and futures markets, including those involving cryptocurrencies. The CFTC considers virtual currencies as commodities, thus granting the agency regulatory authority over cryptocurrency derivatives and trading platforms. By monitoring these markets, the CFTC aims to prevent manipulation, fraud, and other illicit activities.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) focuses on combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. In the context of cryptocurrencies, FinCEN requires certain cryptocurrency businesses to register as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. This helps ensure that illicit activities, such as money laundering through cryptocurrencies, are detected and prevented.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

And lastly, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) comes into play regarding the taxation of cryptocurrencies. The IRS treats virtual currencies as property, subjecting them to taxation. Cryptocurrency holders and traders are required to report their transactions and pay taxes accordingly.

The IRS has provided guidance on how to report cryptocurrency-related activities and is actively pursuing tax compliance in the crypto space. Remember, the onus lies on you to honestly and properly report any gains or losses made from the trading of cryptocurrencies. 

How does the SEC determine whether crypto is a security?

When determining whether a cryptocurrency qualifies as a security, the Securities and Exchange Commission examines factors such as whether the investment of money in a common enterprise holds the expectation of profits primarily from the efforts of others. If a cryptocurrency meets this definition, it falls under the SEC's jurisdiction and is subject to securities regulations. 

The SEC also plays a role in regulating initial coin offerings (ICOs) and has taken legal action against fraudulent ICOs that violated securities laws, aiming to protect investors from deceptive practices.

Additionally, the SEC has issued guidelines to provide clarity on compliance obligations, registration requirements, and disclosure standards for ICOs, emphasizing the importance of transparency and investor protection in the digital assets space. 

Understanding the SEC's role and its criteria for determining securities status is crucial for individuals and businesses operating in the cryptocurrency industry to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.

How individual states govern digital assets

While these four main federal agencies are responsible for building legal frameworks around these digital currencies, individual states in the US have started implementing their own rules and guidelines when it comes to cryptocurrencies. 

These regulations are designed to address specific concerns and tailor requirements to the unique needs of their jurisdictions. Noteworthy state-level initiatives include the introduction of licensing frameworks for cryptocurrency businesses, the establishment of regulatory sandboxes to promote innovation and the development of consumer protection measures. 

For example, states like New York have implemented the BitLicense, a regulatory framework for virtual currency businesses. Other states, such as Wyoming, have enacted laws to provide legal clarity and attract cryptocurrency companies. 

These state-level regulations add an additional layer to the overall regulatory landscape, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific requirements and compliance obligations within each state where cryptocurrency activities are conducted.

While some argue whether the federal government should regulate crypto assets, many in the industry are for the implementation of a regulatory framework as this will provide greater adoption and a broader understanding of digital assets.

Who regulates central bank digital currency?

In the United States, the Federal Reserve is currently looking into how a central bank digital currency (CBDC) could impact and fit into its domestic payments system. A central bank digital currency is a digital currency pegged to the local currency utilizing blockchain technology or digital ledger technology and operated by the country's central bank.

These digital assets are subject to different cryptocurrency regulations as the "companies" operating them are within the government's organization.

In conclusion

In summary, dealing with the multifaceted regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies in the United States requires keen attention and ongoing awareness, given the involvement of major governmental agencies like the SEC, CFTC, FinCEN, and IRS. Whether operating within specific states or broader financial arenas, it's crucial for players in the crypto industry to stay up-to-date with these regulations and compliance demands.

Understanding the crypto regulation landscape not only safeguards investors but also helps with protection, preventing financial crimes, ensuring tax compliance, and promote transparency within this ever-evolving sector.

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In an era of rapid digitization, we at Tap prioritize the security of our users above all else. Our continuous aim is to improve our security measures, addressing new threats as they emerge. Today, we are delighted to unveil our latest effort in this ongoing commitment: the Anti-Scam Protection Feature.

The internet has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, not least banking. But with this convenience come certain risks. We've noticed a rise in scams involving remote access tools like Teamviewer or Anydesk. While these apps have legitimate uses, they are being increasingly exploited by scammers to gain unauthorized access to users' mobile devices and their financial accounts.

Seeing the need for an additional line of defense, we've developed the Anti-Scam Protection Feature. This tool proactively scans all the installed applications on a user's device during startup. If it detects potentially harmful apps like Teamviewer or Anydesk, it immediately triggers an unskippable alert. This alert informs users about the potential security risk and instructs them to remove these apps.

Furthermore, we urge users to reach out to our dedicated support team for further guidance. Our team is always ready to assist our users at every step, ensuring they can navigate the online financial landscape safely and confidently.

This feature is not just another update to our app - it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to user safety. By proactively identifying potential threats, our Anti-Scam Protection Feature helps us enhance account security and promote safe digital practices.

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the threats that lurk within. But with innovative features like our Anti-Scam Protection Feature, we aim to stay a step ahead, ensuring that Tap continues to be a secure platform for all your financial needs.

We highly encourage you to ensure that your Tap app is always updated to the latest version, allowing you to fully leverage our newly introduced security features as we continue to release them. Together, let's continue to create a safer financial environment.

Whether you’re part of the big screen brigade or prefer to use a smartphone, if you’re looking for a way to add the British unit of currency (£) to your documents, emails, or messages, look no further. In this useful guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to quickly insert the pound symbol on your relevant device: Mac, PC, or smartphone.

But first, if you need to send pounds overseas, Tap, a regulated and reliable fintech platform, has got you covered with low fees and excellent exchange rates. Send funds from anywhere to anywhere, and for free between Tap users. Simply load either GBP or Euro onto the app and seamlessly send, spend or exchange your funds wherever you are.

Where did the British Pound sign come from?

The British Pound Sterling, symbol £, boasts a rich history dating back over 1,200 years. It began as a weight of silver in Anglo-Saxon England and became the official currency in 1694 under William III. 

With the growth of the British Empire, it gained global prominence. Despite challenges such as wartime disruptions and the 1967 devaluation, it remained strong. The pound left the gold standard in 1971. Through shifts like Brexit, it endures as a significant global currency, shaped by the UK's economic journey and historical impact on finance and trade.

According to the Bank of England, the symbol originates from the letter L, which is the first letter of the Latin word for 'libra', meaning a pound of money. Although the exact time when the horizontal line was added is uncertain, it can be traced back to a 1660 cheque in the Bank of England's collection.

Typically, the British pound sign is placed before the number. So, if you want to write ten pounds, it would be represented as £10. Fun fact: in 1970 a new £20 banknote featuring William Shakespeare was issued by the Bank of England sparking the tradition of including characters that have shaped the country on coins and notes.

Simple ways to insert £ into a document

Now that we're familiar with the British pound sign, let's delve into how to type it on both Mac and PC keyboards, as well as a smartphone.

For Mac users

If you're using a Mac, the quickest way is to use a keyboard shortcut. Simply hold down

the Shift key (Option key on US keyboards) and simultaneously press the number 3.

For Windows users

On a Windows PC or laptop, you can use the same shortcut. Hold down the Shift key and press the number 3, which is usually located on the top row of your keyboard. However, if you're using a full keyboard with a number pad, it may be positioned to the side.

To make things even easier, some keyboards have the £ symbol printed above the number 3 key, providing a visual reminder. Just keep in mind that American keyboards may not include the British pound sign.

If you prefer a simpler method, you can always copy and paste the pound symbol from here: £

For smartphone users

Now, let's move on to inserting the British pound sign on your mobile device, whether it's an iOS or Android.

Using your smartphone or tablet, simply switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard on your device, and you'll find the £ symbol as one of the character options. In case you can't locate it, try long-pressing the dollar sign ($) to access more currency symbols.

Keyboard-free? No problem

What if you don't have access to a keyboard? Don't worry! There's a way to insert the British pound sign in popular word processors without typing.

If you're using applications like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, follow these steps:

1. In Microsoft Word, go to the "Insert" tab at the top and select "Symbol." In Google Docs, choose "Special Characters" from the drop-down menu.

2. Look for the pound symbol (£) in the list of characters. In Google Docs, you may need to select "Symbol" first and then navigate to the "Currency" category.

3. Click on the pound symbol to insert it into your document.

That's all there is to it! Now you know how to effortlessly type the British pound sign (£) on your Mac, PC, or mobile device. Feel free to use these methods whenever you need to add this symbol to your content.

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