New to Bitcoin and not sure where to start? A wallet is just how you hold and send your crypto - here's a plain-English rundown of your options.
🔑 Three types, at a glance:
Type | What it is | Good for |
Software (hot) wallet | A free app on your phone or computer - e.g. Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, Exodus | Everyday use, smaller amounts |
Hardware (cold) wallet | A physical device that stores your keys offline - e.g. Ledger, Trezor | Larger balances, long-term holding |
Custodial (exchange) wallet | An account with an exchange (Coinbase, Kraken) that holds it for you | Beginners who'd rather not manage keys themselves |
Getting set up, generally:
Pick your wallet type and download the app, buy the hardware device, or sign up with an exchange.
Create your account - set a strong password or PIN.
You'll be given a recovery phrase (usually 12–24 words). Write it down and keep it somewhere offline and safe - if you lose it, there's no way to recover your funds, and if someone else gets it, they can access your wallet. Never share it with anyone, including us.
Fund your wallet - buy crypto directly through the app/exchange, or transfer it in from elsewhere.
A couple of things specific to Bitcoin: transactions are added to the blockchain roughly every 10 minutes, so it's normal for a transfer to take a few minutes to show as fully confirmed rather than being instant. Once it's visible on the chain, it's on its way - there's no need to keep resending.
⚠️ Before you send anything to us: always double-check you're sending Bitcoin specifically (not a different coin on the same wallet), and that the address matches exactly - crypto transfers can't be undone once sent.
Got questions? Not sure which wallet's right for you? Just pop into live chat - we're here 24/7 💬😊