Security Guide

Moving Crypto Off-Exchange

"Not your keys, not your crypto." Learn how to take full control of your digital assets with self-custody wallets.

15 min read
Updated: January 2026

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.

RECOMMENDED

Hardware Wallet

Examples: Ledger, Trezor
Security:Highest
Convenience:Low
Cost:$60-$250
Best for: Long-term storage, large amounts

Software Wallet

Examples: MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Exodus
Security:Medium
Convenience:High
Cost:Free
Best for: Daily use, DeFi, NFTs

Exchange Wallet

Examples: Binance, OKX, Coinbase
Security:Low (not your keys)
Convenience:Highest
Cost:Free
Best for: Active trading only

Hardware Wallet Comparison

Best options for secure long-term storage.

🔵

Ledger Nano X

$149

Supported coins:5,500+
Connection:Bluetooth + USB
Display:Small screen
  • Bluetooth mobile support
  • Large coin support
  • Ledger Live app
Buy Now
🔵

Ledger Nano S Plus

$79

Supported coins:5,500+
Connection:USB only
Display:Small screen
  • Budget friendly
  • Same security as Nano X
  • Large storage
Buy Now
⚫

Trezor Model T

$219

Supported coins:1,800+
Connection:USB + microSD
Display:Touchscreen
  • Touchscreen
  • Open source
  • Shamir backup
Buy Now
⚫

Trezor Model One

$69

Supported coins:1,800+
Connection:USB only
Display:2 buttons
  • Most affordable
  • Proven security
  • Open source
Buy Now

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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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