Should you hold the private keys to your own coins? with Ledger

1. Crypto wallets and keys

Less than 1 min read

You use crypto wallets to store your crypto keys. There are two main types of wallets:

• Custodial wallets: where the wallet provider holds the keys to your crypto.
• Non-custodial wallets: where only you have access to your keys.

Your keys are what lets you access your funds and transact on the blockchain. There are two kinds of keys:

• Public key: a random string of characters that’s a bit like an email address – you need it to receive crypto from other wallets.
• Private key: a second string of characters that’s like your email password – you need it to send crypto to other wallets.

The private key is very important, as without this key you can’t send your crypto to another wallet, or use your funds in any way.

2. Storing your keys on crypto exchanges

Less than 1 min read

Crypto exchanges are custodial wallets. When you leave crypto on a centralized exchange like Binance or Coinbase, they’re responsible for safeguarding your keys.

A benefit of storing your keys on crypto exchanges is convenience. If you’re actively trading crypto with different strategies, keeping some of it on an exchange can save you time and hassle. If you’re doing this, you’ll need to make sure the exchange is reputable by doing some due diligence. It’s also a good idea to use more than one exchange to spread your risk in case any of them have any issues.

3. 🤩 Crypto security never looked so good

Less than 1 min read

If you’re ready to start your crypto journey, Ledger offers a secure and easy way to do just that.

There’s no better place to buy, sell, manage, and exchange them than Ledger’s all-in-one app. Combine it with their state-of-the-art hardware wallet, and you’ll discover complete control and maximum security.

Ledger gives you the keys to be your own bank, providing full control and self-custody over your assets. In addition to this Ledger continues to integrate more and more crypto coins through Ledger Live and external providers like FTX. Giving you access to interact with the blockchain ecosystem in a secure way.

Keep your digital assets safe in style: find out more on Ledger.com

4. Limitations of crypto exchanges

Less than 1 min read

There’s always the chance that any crypto exchange could be hacked – but if you’ve done your research, hopefully you’ve chosen wisely and picked a reputable, secure exchange. But even if your chosen exchange is fully armored up, they still technically own your keys. This means they have the ultimate access to your crypto on the blockchain – that might not be such a good thing.

For example, Coinbase is known to be one of the most secure crypto exchanges out there. But because it’s a publicly listed company, it had to make a new disclosure in case the company ever goes bankrupt – saying it might have to treat customer coins as company debt to fend off starving creditors.

5. Should you hold your own private keys?

1:14 min read

If you’re buying and holding crypto for a longer time, you’re better off using a non-custodial wallet, a.k.a an offline “cold” wallet. This way, you hold the keys yourself, so you’ll always have control over your crypto and access to your own funds. The most basic way of doing this would be to have a paper wallet – where you write down the keys on a piece of paper, laminate it, and guard it with your life.

An even better cold storage solution might be to use a hardware wallet, where you can secure all your coins, tokens and NFTs in one device. These are just as safe as paper wallets, but also allow you to back up your keys. So if you lose your wallet, you’ll still be able to retrieve your crypto.

Key Takeaways:

• There are two main types of wallets: non-custodial wallets, where you hold the keys to your crypto, and custodial wallets, where the wallet provider holds them.
• Crypto exchanges are custodial wallets – meaning they’re responsible for safeguarding your crypto, but also have ultimate control over it.
• Storing crypto on exchanges can be convenient if you’re a frequent trader. But it’s important to use a reputable, secure crypto exchange.
• If you’re investing long-term, you’re better off using a secure cold wallet, where only you have access to your keys.

This guide was produced in partnership with Ledger.

Check out Ledger’s mini-website at finimize.com.