Cryptocurrency Wallets: Types of Crypto Wallets and Best Crypto Wallets

Cryptocurrency wallet is an important asset which allows users to store and retrieve your cryptocurrency. This article will introduce what cryptocurrency wallets are and the types of crypto wallets in the market.

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What is a cryptocurrency wallet? Is it safer to use a cryptocurrency wallet?

A cryptocurrency wallet is a digital wallet that allows you to store and retrieve your cryptocurrency assets. If you purchase cryptocurrency through cryptocurrency exchange, the crypto that you purchase will only be stored on the platform. In case the brokers go busted, you are unlikely to be compensated for your loss as crypto trading is not regulated in Hong Kong. Therefore, a growing number of investors would rather own his or her own wallet for safety and accessibility sake. It is only by keeping your own private keys can it give you access to your cryptocurrencies, which is suitable for long-term investors.

Best Crypto Exchange

MoneySmart Exclusive
First licensed virtual asset exchanges in HK
MoneySmart Exclusive
First licensed virtual asset exchanges in HK

HashKey Exchange

Transaction fees
Up to 0.29%
Custody Fee
HK$0
Account Opening Min. Funding
HK$10,000

During the promotional period, you can earn up to HK$2,900 by opening an account with Money Smart and completing the identity verification (KYC).
⠀⠀

【Reward 1️⃣】Within 7 days, deposit at least HK$30,000, and maintain a daily average asset balance of HK$30,000 for 30 consecutive days starting from the next day. You will then be eligible to receive additional rewards of

  • HK$500 Apple Store Gift Card / PARKnSHOP supermarket vouchers / HKTVmall e-Vouchers

【Reward 2️⃣】Exclusive Rewards for New Customers: Total of 210 HSK (Provided by HashKey)
1. Successfully open an online account within 14 days to receive 50 HSK
2. Complete the new customer gift package tasks to earn an extra 90 HSK.
3. Upgrade to a professional investor within 30 days of account opening to receive an additional 350 HSK.

Valid until 31 Mar 2025
HashKey Exchange supports USD and HKD deposits and withdrawals, as well as Web3 wallets. It allows users to transfer virtual assets to personal Web3 wallets, enabling participation in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and GameFi, giving users full control over their virtual assets.
MoneySmart Exclusive
U.S. stocks 5x24 hours trading services in HK
MoneySmart Exclusive
U.S. stocks 5x24 hours trading services in HK

Futu Securities Account

Min. Commission Fee US Stocks
US$0.99
Commission Fee HK Stocks
HK$0
Account Opening Min. Funding
HK$10,000

From now until 31 March 2025, new users who successfully open account via MoneySmart with promo code「MS24」within 7 days, fulfilling specific requirements and submit the reward claim can get the rewards below. (Either 1)
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Reward 1️⃣: Successfully open account and first deposit HK$80,000 or above and retain for 60 days to get the exclusive rewards:

  • BERMAS 26" Front-open Suitcase (value: HK$3,999) /B&O Beoplay EX (value: HK$3,678) / Apple Watch SE GPS (44mm) (value: HK$2,199) / HK$2,000 Apple Store Gift Card / PARKnSHOP supermarket Vouchers / HKTVmall e-Vouchers / HK$2,000 Futu cash coupons (provided by Futu) OR

Reward 2️⃣: Successfully open account and first deposit ≥ HK$10,000 or above and retain for 60 days to get the exclusive rewards:

  • Sennheiser ACCENTUM True Wireless earbuds (value: HK$1,750) / Nautica Classic Voyage 20" Luggage (value: HK$1,399) / HK$1,000 Apple Store Gift Card / PARKnSHOP supermarket vouchers / HKTVmall e-Vouchers/ HK$1,000 Futu cash coupons (provided by Futu)

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Account opening tutorial: Download and start using Futubull app > Click "ME" and enter "Promotion" Click "Redemptions"> Enter the MoneySmart redemptions code - "MS24", and deposit funds within 7 days

Valid until 31 Mar 2025
Futu Securities users can use Hong Kong or US dollars to purchase virtual assets without the need to buy USTD first. Also, there is no transaction commission. It supports 7x24-hour trading without market closing periods.

Types of cryptocurrency wallet

Though there are 3 main types of crypto wallets, including paper wallets, hardware wallets and online wallets, they generally fall into two main categories: hot and cold wallets.

Hot wallet

Hot wallet (known as software wallet) is a form of digital storage that investors can access on their digital devices, and is connected to the internet.

Cold wallet

A cold wallet, also known as a hardware wallet or cold storage, is a physical device that keeps your cryptocurrency completely offline. Many look like USB drives. Because it doesn’t have an internet connection, cold wallets are more secure than their hot wallet.

Things you should know before getting a crypto wallet

Keys are written on a physical medium like paper for paper wallets - which makes it difficult to keep. Therefore, it is least recommended among all crypto wallets. However, if you lose your key, you end up losing all access to your crypto.

FAQ

What is a crypto wallet?

For investors who would like to have a more secure option, they can purchase a cryptocurrency wallet. They generally fall under two main types: hot and cold wallets. Crypto wallets keep your private keys which give you access to your cryptocurrencies.

What is the difference between a cold wallet and a hot wallet?

The major difference is that a hot wallet is connected to the internet while a cold wallet is not. Keys are stored in a USB like device for cold wallet that will only be connected to a computer when you would like to use your crypto.