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Start with responsibility

Exchange or self-custody wallet: who must do what?

An exchange normally controls an account and hosted keys. A self-custody wallet gives the user signing control. Moving between them changes responsibility, not the existence of risk.

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1

What is an exchange account?

A company provides a custodial service under terms. It may verify identity, restrict the account and control withdrawals. Check the exact company, asset path and complaints route.

2

What is a self-custody wallet?

Software lets the user control signing credentials. Recovery, permissions, malicious transactions and software distribution become central responsibilities.

3

Which one is safer?

There is no universal answer. An exchange can fail or restrict access; a wallet user can lose recovery material, approve a harmful request or install compromised software.

4

Why are there two comparison tables?

Exchange questions concern companies, custody and exit. Wallet questions concern keys, recovery, signing and software. Combining them would hide the real failure paths.

5

What should I decide first?

Write down the job, amount at risk, holding time, recovery plan and what failure you can handle. Then choose the category before choosing the brand.