Trading wallet vs DeFi wallet: which crypto wallet should I use?
Onboard has two built-in crypto wallets, each designed for different needs:
Trading Wallet (recommended)
The easiest way to buy, hold, and trade crypto on Onboard - no technical knowledge required. Onboard manages all the security behind the scenes, so there are no private keys to back up, no gas fees to worry about, and no network selection to get wrong.
- Buy crypto with your local currency, EUR, USD, or stablecoins - all from the app
- Hold BTC, ETH, SOL, USDT, USDC, and more in one place
- Swap between tokens instantly
- Withdraw to external wallets or bank accounts whenever you want
Whether you're buying your first Bitcoin or just want a simple place to hold and grow your crypto, the Trading Wallet is the best place to start.
DeFi Wallet (advanced)
A self-custody wallet for experienced crypto users who want direct control of their private keys and access to DeFi protocols. If terms like "gas fees," "EVM chains," and "private key backup" aren't familiar to you, the Trading Wallet is the better choice.
- Supports 9 EVM chains: BSC, Base, Arbitrum, Celo, Ethereum, Lisk, Optimism, Polygon, Worldchain
- All tokens on supported chains available
- No withdrawal limits
- Available globally, no country restrictions
- You're responsible for your own private keys and gas fees
Quick comparison:
| Trading Wallet | DeFi Wallet |
|---|---|---|
Type | Custodial (we manage keys) | Non-custodial (you manage keys) |
Recovery | Log into your account | Private key / cloud backup |
Gas fees | None | Required (network native token) |
Withdrawal limits | $10,000/tx, $20,000/day | None |
Best for | Most users | Experienced crypto users |
Updated on: 20/02/2026
Thank you!