April 27, 2026
What does self-custody mean, and why does it matter?
Self-custody means you hold your own private keys – your money moves only when you authorize it.
In a custodial wallet (like most exchange accounts), a company holds your keys and controls your funds. They can freeze access, require identity verification, or, in extreme cases, lose your funds if they fail.
With self-custody:
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You sign every transaction locally with your private key
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No company or government can freeze or seize your wallet
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There is no "forgot password" – the backup phrase is the only key
EXTRA SAFE, as a self-owned messenger, is built on the principle that your money – like your conversations – belongs to you alone.
Related articles:
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Is EXTRA SAFE wallet custodial?
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What is a backup phrase?
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Does EXTRA SAFE have access to my funds?
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What is EXTRA SAFE wallet?
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How do I protect my wallet?