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Foundations / Explained visually
Who actually holds the keys?
Who controls the keys, what each option is good for, and how beginners can use both without confusing their roles.
Prefer to read?
The idea,
in words.
Access through a company
With an exchange account, a company controls the blockchain keys. You access your balance through its account system.
Access through your keys
With self-custody, you control the keys. You also take responsibility for backups, device security and transaction review.
Different failure modes
An exchange can pause withdrawals or fail. Self-custody can fail through lost backups, phishing or unsafe signatures. Neither removes every risk.
Match custody to purpose
Choose based on what you need and can manage safely. Learn a small withdrawal route before committing larger amounts.