A wallet doesn't store your coins but your keys: the public one (like an account number) and the private one (like your PIN). Whoever holds the private key holds the money – hence: your own wallet, your own control.
Hot or cold
| Hot wallet (software) | Cold wallet (hardware) | |
|---|---|---|
| What | app on phone or PC, online – for example Exodus, Relai, Pocket | small offline device |
| Cost | free | purchase required |
| Security | good | very high |
| Best for | everyday use, small amounts – plenty for our payments | larger amounts, long term |
- Hot wallet (software)What: app on phone or PC, online – for example Exodus, Relai, PocketCost: freeSecurity: goodBest for: everyday use, small amounts – plenty for our payments
- Cold wallet (hardware)What: small offline deviceCost: purchase requiredSecurity: very highBest for: larger amounts, long term
Can I buy Bitcoin anonymously?
Bitcoin is pseudonymous: all payments are public, but without your name. How much can be learned about you depends on where you buy.
- Pocket or Bity: Swiss apps, buying without ID up to a daily limit.
- Bitcoin ATMs: buying for cash, often without identity check.
- Peer-to-peer (Bisq, RoboSats): decentralised, needs some technical knowledge.
Check the rules of your country, and use the address from your current invoice for every payment.
