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

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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

HashKey Aug: HK$300 Welcome Offer, No Retention】🎉💰🎁
FromAug 1–31, open an account via the MoneySmart designated link or promo code【MS2026】and complete the conditions below to claim an HK$300 cash voucher:
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Valid until 31 Aug 2026
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
MoneySmart Exclusive

OSL

Trading Fee
HK$0
Custody Fee
HK$0
Account Opening Min. Funding
HK$10,000

OSL Aug Welcome Offer, Get HK$2,388
From August 1 to 31, open an account successfully via the MoneySmart link and using referral code 【0DchG】, then complete the designated conditions to claim rewards

 

1️⃣ Deposit HK$80,000 or more within 14 days of account opening and hold for 30 days to receive HK$888 worth of Bitcoin.
2️⃣ Deposit HK$800,000 or more within 14 days of account opening and hold for 30 days to receive HK$1,888 worth of Bitcoin

 

Complete 1️⃣ or 2️⃣ to select one of the following MoneySmart Extra Rewards
1. HK$500 cash (via 5,000 SmartPoints to FPS)
2. HK$500 Apple Store e-Gift Card
3. HK$500 ParknShop e-Voucher
4. Hong Kong Plaza Premium Lounge APAC 3 hrs Access Pass x2 (Value HK$1,300)

Valid until 31 Aug 2026
OSL’s wallets use offline cold storage and multi-signature technology. The "Quick Trade" feature charges zero fees (vs. 0.1%~0.3% elsewhere), with $1B insurance for custodial assets.
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U.S. stocks 5x24 hours trading services in HK
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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

August Bonus Reward】Aug 18–31: Download Futubull, enter code 【MSFUTU】 before deposit, then meet the holding requirements to claim your rewards
1️⃣【Deposit HK$80,000 & Hold for 60 days】💰 HK$2,000 cash* plus 2,000 SmartPoints/ ⬆️ HK$2,200 ParknShop / HKTVmall e-Voucher
🧭 Limited-time offer with a HK$80,000 deposit :
- HK$2,000 for SONY PlayStation 5 Digital Edition 825GB (Slim Version) (Value: HK$4.257) plus 2,000 SmartPoints
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2️⃣【Deposit HK$10,000 or Student Exclusive Offer & Hold for 60 days】💰 HK$1,000 cash* plus 1,000 SmartPoints/ ⬆️ HK$1,100 ParknShop / HKTVmall e-Voucher
🧭 Limited-time offer with a HK$10,000 deposit :
HK$1,500 for Philips 6000 Series XW6264/11 Vacuum & Wash Cordless (Value: HK$5,398) plus 1,000 SmartPoints
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‼️ Redeem SmartPoints at MoneySmart Reward Stores for Uber, Maxim's or PlayStation® Store vouchers and more.
‼️ Students: keep a HK$5,000 average daily balance for 60 days and get HK$1,000 cash or other rewards.
💥 More gifts too — airport lounge passes, Bowers & Wilkins headphones, Philips RO water dispenser. Tap 【More Details

Valid until 31 Aug 2026
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.
MoneySmart Exclusive
One-Year 0 Commission for A Shares Market
MoneySmart Exclusive
One-Year 0 Commission for A Shares Market

Tiger Brokers

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

Welcome Rewards up to HK$3,088

 

August 1–31: Deposit HK$10,000+ and open an account via the MoneySmart link with code【MONEYSMART】.
No retention needed — pick one: 💵 HK$500 Cash* / ParknShop / HKTVmall e-voucher

 

⭐️ Meet deposit, retention & trading requirements for an extra Tiger Brokers reward, up to HK$2,588.
See 【More Details】 below.

Valid until 31 Aug 2026
For retail traders, feel free to trade BTC, ETH, AVAX, and LINK on Tiger Brokers app at $0 commission and $0 platform fee, only 0.05% of trading value for handling fee. There is also no additional charges beyond handling fee. Enjoy free fund withdrawals which is not seen in some cryptocurrency exchange in the market.

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.

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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.