Moving Crypto Off-Exchange
"Not your keys, not your crypto." Learn how to take full control of your digital assets with self-custody wallets.
Why Self-Custody Matters
Exchange Risks
- FTX: $8B+ lost in 2022 collapse
- Mt. Gox: 850,000 BTC stolen
- Frozen withdrawals during crashes
- Account seizures without warning
- Exchanges can be hacked
Self-Custody Benefits
- You control your private keys
- No one can freeze your funds
- Access 24/7, no downtime
- True ownership of your crypto
- Works even if exchange fails
Types of Wallets
Compare security, convenience, and use cases.
Hardware Wallet
Software Wallet
Exchange Wallet
Hardware Wallet Comparison
Best options for secure long-term storage.
Ledger Nano X
$149
- Bluetooth mobile support
- Large coin support
- Ledger Live app
Ledger Nano S Plus
$79
- Budget friendly
- Same security as Nano X
- Large storage
Trezor Model T
$219
- Touchscreen
- Open source
- Shamir backup
Trezor Model One
$69
- Most affordable
- Proven security
- Open source
Your Seed Phrase is EVERYTHING
Your seed phrase (12-24 words) is the master key to your wallet. Anyone with these words can access ALL your crypto. There is NO customer support, NO password reset, NO recovery without it.
DO This:
- Write on paper (multiple copies)
- Store in secure locations (safe, bank)
- Consider metal backup (fire/water proof)
- Verify backup before funding wallet
NEVER Do This:
- Store digitally (photos, notes app)
- Email or cloud storage
- Share with anyone (even "support")
- Enter on any website
How to Move Crypto to Self-Custody
Choose Your Wallet
Hardware wallet for storage, software wallet for daily use
For amounts over $1,000, we recommend a hardware wallet like Ledger. For smaller amounts or DeFi use, MetaMask or Trust Wallet work great.
Set Up Your Wallet
Create a new wallet and write down your seed phrase
Your seed phrase (12-24 words) is the ONLY way to recover your wallet. Write it on paper, never digitally. Store in a safe place.
Verify Your Seed Phrase
Confirm you wrote it correctly before adding funds
Most wallets will ask you to re-enter some words. Take this seriously - one wrong word means you can't recover your funds.
Transfer from Exchange
Withdraw crypto from exchange to your wallet address
Start with a small test amount. Triple-check the address and network. Once confirmed, transfer the rest.
Verify Receipt
Confirm the crypto arrived in your wallet
Check your wallet balance. It may take a few minutes depending on the network. You now have full control!
Start Your Self-Custody Journey
Get a Ledger hardware wallet to secure your crypto. Use our link for official products.
Get Ledger Wallet