Introducing SwapinBuy: Easy and Secure Way to Buy Crypto

We’re excited to introduce you to SwapinBuy – our new crypto on-ramp solution. With SwapinBuy, you will be able to buy cryptocurrencies using EUR directly from your bank account. It is now available for both our business and individual customers in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Let’s dive into the details of SwapinBuy, its main benefits and how to begin using SwapinBuy today.

“Just imagine – now you can top-up your crypto wallet in every exchange, marketplace, or other Web3 platform without expensive card fees. On top of that, Swapin’s Dedicated IBANs feature will make your crypto transactions smoother and faster than ever before.”

Evald-Hannes Kree, CEO and Founder of Swapin

SwapinBuy: Your Crypto On-Ramp Solution

SwapinBuy offers a simple, secure, and user-friendly solution for buying cryptocurrencies with EUR. This product is available for our individual customers with Basic and Full verification levels and our business customers (both verification levels 1 and 2) in the EEA (European Economic Area), UK, and Switzerland.

Currently, SwapinBuy allows you to purchase USDT, BTC, and ETH using Euros. We support instant SEPA payments, with more payment methods and cryptocurrencies coming soon for your on-ramp transactions, so stay tuned!

For the first month, we are offering all of our users 0% Swapin Fee on your SwapinBuy transactions, so you only pay the network fee for blockchain transactions. The offer is valid until October 31st, so make the most of it and get swapping now!

Why Choose SwapinBuy

SwapinBuy offers 4 main advantages:

  • Dedicated IBANs: EUR payments from your bank account are made to a dedicated IBAN issued in your name, ensuring a smooth transaction experience.
  • Flexible transaction volumes: Whether you’re buying crypto worth 5 EUR or 10M EUR, SwapinBuy supports various transaction volumes.
  • Non-custodial approach: Your purchased crypto is deposited directly into the provided crypto wallet; Swapin never holds your funds.
  • Send the crypto to any wallet: With SwapinBuy, you can purchase cryptocurrencies and send them to any wallet address.

How to Buy Crypto using SwapinBuy

It’s simple. Here’s how:

  • Log in to your Swapin account or Sign up if you aren’t a customer yet. Navigate to the SwapinBuy section and click on ‘Buy crypto.’
  • Fill in transaction details: Choose the cryptocurrency you want to buy and enter the amount of fiat you want to pay with.
  • Transfer fiat: Swapin provides a Dedicated IBAN issued in your name. Send fiat from your bank account to the provided IBAN.
  • Get crypto: Once Swapin receives your fiat payment, we will convert it to crypto and send it to the provided wallet within minutes.

We have also prepared a step-by-step video of the process. You can find it on Youtube here:

If your bank account supports Instant SEPA, it will take just a few minutes. In other cases, it may take up to 1 business day. You can use this IBAN checker to verify whether your bank account supports instant SEPA payments.

If you have more questions about SwapinBuy, you can read our FAQ here and our step-by-step guide on how to buy crypto using SwapinBuy here.

Buy Crypto with ZERO Fee using SwapinBuy

We believe in making crypto accessible and easy to use for everyone, and SwapinBuy is our next step towards this vision. With Swapin, buying, selling, or paying with cryptocurrencies is no longer a complicated process – we’re here to simplify your everyday crypto transactions.

Don’t wait— try SwapinBuy today, with ZERO Swapin Fee (valid until October 31st)!

At Swapin, we are dedicated to empowering our customers with innovative solutions that bridge the gap between crypto and traditional banking. Keep an eye out for more updates and product developments as we continue to improve our services to meet the evolving needs of our valued customers.

If you have any questions or require further information, reach out to our support team here.


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The Future of Web3 and Crypto Payments: Insights from Industry Experts

The world of Web3 and cryptocurrency payments is rapidly evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. In our recent panel discussion, titled “Future of Web3 Payments: Are We There Yet?”, we gathered experts from the fields of Web3 and fintech to discuss the current landscape, identify challenges, and share opportunities that can lie ahead for the industry. Here are some key insights and takeaways on the future of Web3 and crypto payments from our engaging panel discussion.

Current User-Friendliness of Web3 Payment Solutions

The discussion began with an exploration of the user-friendliness of Web3 payment solutions. Evald-Hannes Kree, CEO of Swapin, pointed out that while peer-to-peer transactions pose no significant challenges, they can be daunting for those unfamiliar with crypto due to their perceived complexity and risks, particularly among institutional clients. Raido Saar, President of Estonian Web3 Chamber, highlighted the contrasting expectations of payment speed between regions, citing Europe’s standard for almost immediate bank payments compared to the US and Canada’s acceptance of longer payment processing times. Ian Kalla, CXO of Bankish, emphasized that improving user-friendliness hinges on making the utility of crypto more comprehensible to the broader public, breaking down the perception barriers.

Ways to Increase Wider Crypto Adoption

Ian Kalla emphasized the importance of demystifying the concept. He compared crypto payments to traditional ones, highlighting that it needs to be as clear as swapping 10 EUR in cash to two 5 EUR bills. The concept of cryptocurrencies and NFTs is still very unknown to many. Raido Saar noted that the interest tends to peak when markets are up, because when markets are down people aren’t as interested to learn or get involved. However, he pointed out that major corporations like Air Baltic and Lufthansa are already using NFTs for loyalty programs, bringing Web2 to Web3. This adoption brings the increased need for crypto payments, as people are getting into the industry and want to learn more about it. Evald-Hannes Kree emphasized the need for a common user-friendly working model. The panelists drew parallels with the mass adoption of automobiles and the Internet. It always takes time for innovation to be fully comprehended and widely adopted.

The Role of CBDCs for Web3 Payments

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) have gained momentum, sparking debates within the crypto community about their compatibility with the principles of decentralization. Evald-Hannes Kree and Raido Saar agreed that the crypto mentality is definitely different to CBDCs’ nature of centralization. Raido Saar sees CBDCs as an opposition to personal privacy and freedom, as they can allow for money to be programmed, restricting its use for individuals. Ian Kalla adopted a more nuanced stance, acknowledging the growing adoption of CBDCs, but emphasizing the importance of fostering co-existence and alternatives uses of different digital currencies.

Effect of Increased Regulations on Crypto Industry

The conversation shifted to the regulatory landscape, with a focus on recent cases, such as the SEC vs. Ripple and Binance, as well as the EU’s MiCA implementation. Raido Saar advocated for strong regulations, citing their potential to enhance security and increase trust in the crypto industry. Weaker regulations will allow more room for thefts and scams, which inevitably however will always be existent in the space. Evald-Hannes Kree added that clear guidelines can attract more institutions to the crypto space, though market sentiment remains a potent force influencing wider adoption.

Addressing Misconceptions about Crypto

Misconceptions about crypto and Web3, including statements like “Crypto is a scam” and “not to be trusted,” can deter potential users. Raido Saar believes that trust is a personal journey of learning and experience. Evald-Hannes Kree shared his long-term perspective as someone who has been in the industry for a long time. He highlighted how Bitcoin has endured skepticism over the years, signifying the inevitability of Web3’s continued growth. “One Bitcoin is always one bitcoin – crypto is the future,” Evald-Hannes shared.

Web3 and Crypto Payments in 5 Years?

Panelists offered their visions of the future of the Web3 industry and crypto payments. As a fintech expert, Ian Kalla foresaw the integration of smart contracts into traditional banking for greater efficiency and customer experience. Raido Saar envisioned a move towards genuine decentralization as a solution to sustain current business models. Evald-Hannes Kree emphasized the coexistence of centralized and decentralized payment solutions, predicting the emergence of stablecoins from major institutions. Adding that Swapin will be here to bridge the two worlds of Web2 and Web3.

Panelists: Evald-Hannes Kree CEO of Swapin, Raido Saar President of Estonian Web3 Chamber, Ian Kalla CXO of BankishModerator: Mia Belle Trisna. Photo by Egert Kamenik.

Key Takeaways

  1. Simplifying crypto payments and increasing the understanding of Web3’s utility is crucial for widespread crypto adoption.
  2. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) spark debate within the crypto community. Some see them as opposing the decentralization ethos, while others view them as coexisting alternatives.
  3. Crypto regulations can enhance security and trust, they should not stifle innovation in the crypto space. Maintaining a balance is crucial.
  4. Misconceptions about crypto can hinder adoption. Trust is a personal journey that involves learning and experience. Building trust in the crypto ecosystem requires ongoing education.
  5. Panelists see a future where smart contracts enhance traditional banking, true decentralization becomes a sustainable business model, and stablecoins from major institutions coexist with other digital currencies. The future of Web3 payments is promising yet complex, demanding adaptability and innovation.

Conclusion

The future of Web3 and crypto payments holds many opportunities, but we still need to do work to achieve widespread adoption. By working together, the Web2 and Web3 industries can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and create a more inclusive and efficient financial system for all.

If you want to learn more and dive deeper into Swapin’s crypto payment solutions, check out our website here


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In-Depth Review of MetaMask Sell Feature: Comparative Analysis with SwapinGet

MetaMask, the popular crypto wallet, recently announced its newest Portfolio’s Sell feature that allows users to cash out cryptocurrency to fiat currency (EUR, USD, GBP) directly into their bank account using MetaMask wallet. To offer this, MetaMask has partnered with providers like Transak or Moonpay (similar to their Buy flow). At the moment, it’s only possible to convert ETH on Ethereum Mainnet to the fiat of your choice, and the feature is available in the U.S., UK, and parts of Europe. 

To evaluate the convenience and efficiency of this new feature, we decided to test the off-ramping process step-by-step via MetaMask, and compare it with our own off-ramping solution, SwapinGet, that you can do from within your MetaMask wallet as well. Let’s see the results.

During this comparative analysis, we found out these main differences in MetaMask Portfolio’s Sell feature and SwapinGet solution: 

METAMASKSWAPINGET
Transaction volume available8.5ETHDepends on your account limits
Transaction speed5 minutes6 minutes
Transaction fee4%1%
Payment made in your nameNoYes
Cryptocurrencies supportedETH (currently)ETH, BTC, LTC, USDC, USDT + more
Fiat currencies supportedEUR, GBP, USDEUR, GBP

Now, let’s go deeper into each off-ramping process with a step-by-step review.

How to Cash Out Crypto via Metamask Sell Feature

For this test, let’s try cashing out Ethereum to Euros in a bank account. To begin converting crypto to fiat currency, we go to Metamask Portfolio, click “Sell” tab and “Get started”. Then:

  • Choose our country and then select the token and network we want to sell from (currently they only support ETH).
  • We enter the crypto amount we want to sell (example 0.05 ETH). We tested that the maximum amount possible to sell is 8.5ETH.
  • Choose the fiat account destination in our region (bank account or PayPal balance).
  • Connect our MetaMask wallet.

  • We can see different available providers in real time and select the best option to continue. In this test, we chose MoonPay as that was the better priced offer. 
  • We will then be redirected to MoonPay’s checkout window to sign in with e-mail (or via Google or Apple) and add our bank account IBAN number, then click “Continue”.
  • Now we see a sell order window with base cost and processing fee. In this test, the fee was approximately 4%.

  • Then we click “Sell now” and we are directed back to MetaMask Portfolio.
  • Select “Send ETH to MoonPay” to send crypto from our wallet to our bank account.
  • Confirm the transaction in our MetaMask wallet and pay the gas fee. 
  • Then, we see a window that says “Sending ETH” and it’s being sent to MoonPay.
  • Once received by MoonPay, the window changes to “Processing” and it says it can take a few minutes. We see our transaction details in that window with Order ID, date & time, and destination.

  • Once processed by MoonPay, we see the “Sent” window. Your order has been successful and the message says “it may take a few days to see the cash in your bank account”. We see the EUR value, total fees, and amount received in this window.

  • If we click “View order status on MoonPay” we see a window to track the order. Although it says there that “Bank wires may take up to 3-4 business days to arrive”, the fiat currency (Euros) reached our bank account in 5 minutes from “MoonPay Technology Services Limited”.

How to Cash Out Crypto via SwapinGet

Now, let’s test the same process of converting Ethereum to Euros via our off-ramping solution SwapinGet. To begin converting crypto to fiat, for the first time, we go to Swapin App and navigate to SwapinGet’s “Sell Crypto” button.

  • We create a new SwapinGet wallet address by giving it a name for easy access inside our MetaMask wallet going forward, so we remember the coin and fiat currency pair for future off-ramping. Select the coin (BTC, ETH, DASH, ETH, USDT, USDC and more) you want to convert and fiat currency (EUR or GBP) you want to receive. Enter your IBAN and address, click “continue”.

  • We will now see a window with all of our SwapinGet addresses – you can make as many of them as you want. Each address works for the combination of a specific coin, wallet address, and IBAN bank account.

  • We copy the wallet address and paste it inside our Metamask wallet to send crypto to. 
  • Pay gas fee and send the desired amount of ETH to our SwapinGet address. It’s possible to sell anywhere from 5EUR minimum up to account limits.

  • That’s it! The transaction is complete and the fiat currency will arrive in our bank account shortly. During this test, it arrived in 6 minutes and under the sender’s own personal name. In this test, the fee was approximately 1%.

  • Going forward, we don’t need to create new SwapinGet addresses anymore – just send crypto inside our MetaMask wallet to that specific wallet address we just created and it’ll land as desired fiat in our bank account. Super simple!

Convert Crypto to Fiat in Your Bank Account

In our comparative review, we found that both MetaMask and SwapinGet offer off-ramping solutions, each with its own advantages. While MetaMask provides similar transaction speed, SwapinGet offers lower fees, higher transaction volumes, and the benefit of payments made in your name. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you want to find out more about SwapinGet, visit our website here.
Ready to try out SwapinGet off-ramping solution yourself? Sign up here.


For the latest industry insights, you can subscribe to our Weekly Crypto/Web3 Newsletter. To be part of a community of crypto enthusiasts, join our Telegram community and to explore more about Swapin, you can follow us on our social media platforms here.

Exploring the Future of Web3 Payments with Swapin and Estonian Web3 Chamber: What’s Next?

On September 14th, 2023, Swapin team hosted an event titled “Future of Web3 Payments” in collaboration with the Estonian Web3 Chamber. This event brought together top Estonian Web3 industry experts, innovators, and enthusiasts to share insights, exchange ideas, and envision the future of Web3 and crypto payments. So, what can we expect from the Web3 payments industry in the near future? Let’s take a closer look.

Swapin: Innovating Web3 Payment Solutions


Swapin was chosen as the host for this event as a pioneer in crypto-to-bank payments. We were honoured to open the event with our product suite overview as one of the leaders in the Estonian fintech landscape. Swapin team took the stage with an exciting presentation where the audience gained insights into how Swapin is playing a pivotal role in advancing the adoption of crypto in everyday transactions.

Evald-Hannes Kree, CEO of Swapin, shared Swapin’s journey so far with a look at how Swapin started back in 2017 and some interesting statistics of where we are at today. Evald-Hannes also mentioned Swapin’s latest innovative feature, Dedicated IBANs, which allows users to make payments in their name, solving the issue of unfamiliar senders on bank statements when off-ramping your cryptocurrencies to fiat in your bank account. Swapin can also support a big range of volumes compared to some other crypto-to-fiat payment providers, with a minimum of 5 EUR and all the way up to 10 million EUR.

Evald-Hannes Kree, CEO of Swapin. Photo by Egert Kamenik, from Piltilus.

Next, Edward Rebane, CPO of Swapin, shared the roadmap ahead for Swapin along, which included an exciting announcement of a new product launch that’s coming very soon – so stay tuned! Besides this, Swapin is also focused on partnerships and integrations with the upcoming SwapinWidget and API as next priority. The audience was already able to see how SwapinWidget’s UI looks like.

Edward Rebane, CPO of Swapin. Photo by Egert Kamenik, from Piltilus.

Estonian Web3 Chamber: Crypto Regulations in EU

Raido Saar, the president of Estonian Web3 Chamber, our partner in hosting this event, presented its perspective on the current Web3 landscape locally. He touched upon the focus of Estonian Web3 Chamber at the moment, which is understanding the effects of upcoming MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations on Estonian Web3 and crypto businesses, and how to adapt to the new requirements while making sure that companies who already have licences by the Estonian FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) can continue to hold them without having to start the licensing processes again from zero. Raido also shared about the upcoming event that Web3 Chamber is hosting in partnership with another Estonian Web3 Chamber member, Coinspaid, in October.

Raido Saar, President of Estonian Web3 Chamber. Photo by Egert Kamenik, from Piltilus.

Panel Discussion: The Future of Web3 Payments

The main highlight of the evening was the captivating panel discussion on the topic of “Future of Web3 Payments: Are We There Yet?”. Moderated by Mia Belle Trisna, a member of Swapin’s marketing team, the panel featured distinguished experts in their fields – Evald-Hannes Kree, CEO of Swapin, Raido Saar, President of Estonian Web3 Chamber, and Ian Kalla, CXO of Bankish. These thought leaders shared their views on various aspects of Web3 payments, including current state of user-friendliness, the impact of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), regulatory challenges, and growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, as well as a look into the future of crypto payments and the industry in general.

The event was not a one-sided discussion. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with the panelists, sharing their thoughts and concerns about the challenges that the industry currently faces and asked questions from the panelists about the opportunities that lie ahead in the world of Web3 payments, adding depth and diversity to the conversation.

Moderator: Mia Belle Trisna, digital marketer at Swapin. Panelists: Evald-Hannes Kree CEO of Swapin, Raido Saar President of Estonian Web3 Chamber, Ian Kalla CXO of Bankish. Photo by Egert Kamenik.

Networking and Engaging Conversations

Following the insightful presentations and thought-provoking panel discussion, our event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to network and connect with fellow industry leaders who also share a passion for the Web3 space. Among our distinguished guests were representatives from leading Estonian Web3 businesses, such as 3commas, XGateway, Redcurry, Riddec, ComputerLab, Guardtime, Coinspaid, Krüpto.ee and many more.

Networking section of the event allowed participants to meet and make new connections. They discussed the key takeaways and insights from the panel discussion, reflected on the current state of Web3 payments in Estonia and across Europe, and brainstormed strategies to foster innovation and widespread crypto adoption. The members were also able to explore potential collaborations to drive further growth and prioneering developments in the Web3 industry.

Shaping the Future of DeFi

The Future of Web3 Payments event hosted by Swapin and the Estonian Web3 Chamber was a success. It brought together like-minded individuals who are passionate about revolutionizing the world of finance through decentralized technologies. As the Web3 ecosystem continues to evolve, events like these play an important role in driving innovation and fostering meaningful partnerships among those who are bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, and shaping the future of decentralized finance.

Stay tuned for Swapin’s follow-up blog that will dive deeper into the panel discussion and key takeaways from industry experts on the topic of the current state of Web3 payments and future outlook on the industry.


For the latest industry insights, you can subscribe to our Weekly Crypto/Web3 Newsletter. To be part of a community of crypto enthusiasts, join our Telegram community and to explore more about Swapin, you can follow us on our social media platforms here.

*Event pictures taken by Egert Kamenik, from Piltilus.

Top 5 Cryptocurrency Trends to Watch in 2023

The crypto industry is constantly evolving and as adoption is rising, several key cryptocurrency trends are going to redefine the landscape. From regulatory changes to the development of layer 2 solutions, and the adoption of crypto by major businesses, the remainder of 2023 and onward promises to be transformative. Let’s take a closer look at 5 cryptocurrency trends to look out for and what they could mean for the industry going forward.

1. Increased Crypto Regulations

Governments and regulators around the world are starting to focus more on cryptocurrencies as the industry expands. As of February 2023, 8 countries have banned crypto, including China who made cryptocurrency trading and mining illegal in 2021 (Cloudwards). Other governments are starting to regulate it more heavily. For example, in the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has moved towards regulating the crypto industry with its recent lawsuits against Ripple’s XRP as well as two popular crypto exchanges, Coinbase and Binance.

In the European Union, 5th and 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directives (5AMLD and 6AMLD) are in effect to tighten KYC and reporting obligations. Also, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which acts as an all-encompassing legal framework for crypto assets’ regulation in the EU and is aimed to be fully in effect by December 2024 (Legalnodes). On the other side, two countries have adopted Bitcoin as legal tender alongside their own fiat currencies – El Salvador and the Central African Republic.

The heightened regulatory measures within the crypto space could have many implications. For example, increased regulations have the potential to discourage illicit activities and enhance overall security. A regulated crypto market may also become more attractive to investors, as clear guidelines can instill a sense of confidence. These shifts present opportunities for the crypto industry to mature and become more widely adopted by the broader public.

2. Wider Business Adoption

The cryptocurrency industry has witnessed profound growth in recent years, marked by a notable trend of major businesses embracing crypto payments. Industry titans like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard have paved the way by allowing their customers to use cryptocurrencies. In fact, as of April 2022, over 15,000 companies worldwide were accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment (Zippia).

In 2023, we now see more and more brands adopting Bitcoin and crypto payments. Some noteworthy names include Microsoft, Starbucks, AT&T, Twitch, Norwegian Air, Subway, and Home Depot. You can find a more detailed list of products and services you can purchase using Bitcoin here. In August 2023, PayPal launched its own stablecoin PYUSD for payments, helping the continued adoption of digital assets (TechCrunch).

This trend is likely to continue going forward. As more businesses integrate cryptocurrencies into their payment systems, the everyday use of crypto is becoming increasingly accessible. This encourages more individuals to explore and embrace digital assets and as cryptocurrencies take on a more prominent role in our daily financial transactions, they have the potential to become a trusted and widely accepted medium of payment.

3. Development of Layer-2 Solutions

One of the critical challenges facing blockchain networks today is scalability. The Bitcoin blockchain can only process 7 transactions per second and the Ethereum blockchain 20 to 30 TPS, compared to VISA who can process up to 24,000 transactions per second (Crypto.com). This means that cryptocurrencies need to increase their transaction capabilities in order to facilitate mass adoption and seamless everyday use.

In recent years, Layer 2 solutions have emerged to address this scalability issue. They are built on top of blockchain networks and can help to increase the speed and reduce the cost of transactions. Some notable Layer 2 solutions are Arbitrum, Polygon, StarkNet, and Optimism. In August 2023, we saw Shiba Inu launch their Layer-2 blockchain Shibarium, which runs on top of Ethereum blockchain and uses SHIB ecosystem tokens as fees (AnalyticsInsight). Additionally, Coinbase launched their innovative Ethereum Layer-2 solution Base, which reached the milestone of 1 million addresses in only 11 days (CurrencyAnalytics).

Going forward, we can expect to see continued development of Layer 2 solutions as well as other innovative scaling solutions emerge to make cryptocurrencies more practical and adaptable for everyday use.

4. The Rise of CBDCs

CBDCs, or central bank digital currencies, are digital versions of fiat currencies that are issued by central banks. CBDCs are still in their early stages of development, but they have the potential to affect the way we use money.

According to the latest research and CBDC tracker by Atlantic Council, a staggering 131 countries and unions, representing 98% of global GDP, are actively exploring digital versions of their currencies; some of them have already launched or are in the pilot phase, including the Bahamas, Nigeria, China, Switzerland, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Jamaica.

The development and rise of CBDCs could have many effects on the cryptocurrency market. On one hand, they could increase financial inclusion, offering better access to the unbanked populations. Additionally, CBDCs could help accelerate widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies and bridge Web3 to Web2. However, a prevailing sentiment within the crypto community is a sense of caution, driven by CBDCs’ centralized nature, which counters the core of decentralization underlying the Web3 and blockchain technology. In addition, CBDCs could compete with cryptocurrencies for use as payment methods.

5. Crypto Going More Green

A lesser-known, but potentially pressing trend for the crypto industry is the energy and climate change implications. Cryptocurrencies have faced criticism due to their possible negative impact on the environment. However, recently there have been significant attempts and actions towards sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources to power crypto mining, like solar, wind, and hydropower.

For example, a hydro-powered Bitcoin mining data center by GDA has been opened in the north of Sweden (Cointelegraph). Moreover, stablecoin issuer Tether invested in El Salvador’s $1 billion renewable energy project to build the world’s largest Bitcoin mining farm that will use solar and wind energy to power the mining operations (Tether).

Bitcoin is estimated to have an annual electricity consumption of more than 113 TWh (terawatt hours), which is comparable to the power consumption of the Netherlands  (Digiconomist). The problem mainly lies in the cryptocurrency mining system or consensus mechanism called Proof-of-Work (PoW), which requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems through high computing power to verify transactions. In September 2022, Ethereum launched The Merge, transitioning from PoW to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, which reduced its energy consumption by 99.8% (Defiant). PoS is a newer technology that requires validators to hold a certain amount of crypto. However, Bitcoin’s network of miners currently has no plan to move to PoS as that could affect the reliability and security of the protocol and PoW helps to keep the cryptocurrency centralized as it incentivizes a large number of miners to participate (FullyCrypto).

Looking Forward

These 5 cryptocurrency trends will certainly shape the future of the cryptocurrency industry. Given the innovative and evolving nature of the crypto market, staying informed about these developments will be pivotal for making well-informed investment decisions. Swapin is always monitoring the latest cryptocurrency trends and industry developments to adhere to the newest regulations and ensure that we deliver new innovative solutions to our customers, such as the latest Dedicated IBANs feature, which allows users to make crypto-to-fiat payments in their name. To find out more about Swapin’s products, you can visit our website here.


For the latest industry insights, you can subscribe to our Weekly Crypto/Web3 Newsletter. To be part of a community of crypto enthusiasts, join our Telegram community and to explore more about Swapin, you can follow us on our social media platforms here.

Crypto On-Ramps and Off-Ramps: How to Buy and Sell Crypto Easily 

Whether you are a total newbie in the world of cryptocurrencies, or a seasoned investor or trader, understanding crypto on-ramps and off-ramps is important for smooth and secure transactions between crypto and banks. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about actual roads or highway entrances and exits. Crypto on-ramps and off-ramps are an essential part of Web3, and we’re here to break them down for you. So let’s dive into what they are and the key factors you must consider when choosing an on-ramping or off-ramping platform to use.

Understanding Crypto On-Ramps and Off-Ramps

Before we dive into the details of each, let’s clarify what on-ramps and off-ramps are in the crypto world.

On-Ramps: Think of these as entry points to the crypto space. They are platforms that let you buy crypto by converting fiat currencies (like EUR, GBP, USD) into cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin or Ethereum). 

Off-Ramps: These platforms work in reverse. They help you sell your cryptocurrencies by converting them back into fiat currency. Essentially, they’re your exit points.

What is a Crypto On-Ramp?

Crypto on-ramps are services that allow you to buy cryptocurrencies with fiat currency. Fiat currency is the legal tender of a country, such as Euros, or British pounds, or US dollars. There are many different types of crypto on-ramps available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the popular platforms include:

  • Centralized exchanges: These are well-established platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance, known for their liquidity and a wide variety of supported cryptocurrencies.
  • Peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges: Platforms like Paxful, ByBit, or OKX P2P allow you to buy crypto directly from other users, often offering more privacy and lower fees.
  • Payment gateways: Services like Swapin enable on- and off-ramping through non-custodial solutions, offering faster transactions and enhanced security.
  • Crypto brokers: Brokers such as eToro, Interactive Brokers, or Swissquote offer a more hands-off approach, acting as intermediaries between traders and the market.
  • Cryptocurrency ATMs: These physical machines allow you to deposit cash and receive crypto in return, as long as there is an ATM near you.

You can choose a single platform or use a combination based on your specific on-ramping needs and preferences. 

What is a Crypto Off-Ramp?

Crypto off-ramps are services that facilitate the selling of cryptocurrencies for fiat currency. They enable you to convert your digital assets back into EUR, GBP, USD, or any other fiat currency. Some popular platforms for off-ramping include:

  • Centralized exchanges: These platforms are not limited to just on-ramping; they also allow you to sell your crypto holdings for cash.
  • Decentralized exchanges: DEXs offer a peer-to-peer platform for selling cryptocurrencies, often with higher privacy, but possibly less liquidity.
  • Payment providers: Some payment providers offer simplified and automated crypto-to-fiat conversions, making it fast and easy to off-ramp.
  • Crypto cards: Special crypto debit cards, such as those from Coinbase, Binance, or Bitpay, allow you to spend your cryptocurrency holdings at stores.
  • Crypto ATMs: Similar to on-ramp ATMs, these machines facilitate the sale of cryptocurrencies, giving you fiat currency in exchange for your crypto. You can find a map of the ATMs by Coinmap here.

How to Choose a Crypto On-Ramp or Off-Ramp?

When selecting a crypto on-ramp or off-ramp, consider the following key factors:

Transaction Fees

Compare the fees charged by different platforms, as they can vary significantly. Go for a solution that aligns with your transaction volume and needs. The fees for on-ramping and off-ramping will vary depending on: the amount withdrawn/deposited, payment method, such as a debit/credit card (higher fees) or a bank transfer (lower fees), as well as the network fee at the time of transaction. Generally, the total fees can range from 0.1% all the way to 5% and more. You can find a comprehensive table by Cryptowisser here.

Transaction Speeds

Check the speed at which transactions are processed. Some platforms offer faster transaction times than others. It will depend on the type of cryptocurrency, network congestion, the exchange or provider used, and the amount of crypto withdrawn. In general, most platforms will process withdrawal and deposit requests within a few hours up to a few days.

Ease of Use

Consider how suitable the platform’s interface is for you, it can vary depending on your preferred device (mobile or desktop,) the platform (website or mobile app), and your personal preferences.

Security and Reliability

The security of your funds is important. Before trusting your money to a platform, research into the company or service, by going through sites like this Crypto Scam Tracker or checking the team behind the company and how long they have been in the industry for (to know that they are real and here to stay). Additionally, see the security measures that the platform uses to guarantee the safety of your funds – for example, licensing shows that they adhere to the latest regulations and are allowed to operate in their specific region, what are their KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies to safeguard against fraud and theft, or even check that they have a physical address as a sign of legitimacy and transparency.

Supported Cryptocurrencies and Fiat Currencies

Pay attention that the platform supports the currencies that you want to buy or sell – whether that’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, LTC, USDC, TRON and other cryptocurrencies, or EUR, USD, GBP, and other fiat currencies. Most platforms will support all major and most popular cryptocurrencies, but if you are wanting to trade more specific altcoins, make sure the platform offers support for them. 

Customer Support and Reputation

Check that the platform has a good reputation of supporting their customers in any questions or concerns, to ensure that you can trust them to be there for you. You can do that by reading reviews on Trustpilot, Google, and seeing if there are any use cases shared from their customers or in-depth product reviews on platforms like Reddit or YouTube.

Swapin’s Fast and Easy Off-Ramping Solution

Among the many crypto off-ramp solutions out there, SwapinGet offers a unique and user-friendly solution for converting crypto-to-fiat:

  • Speed and convenience: 95% of Swapin’s transactions are completed in less than five minutes. This ensures quick access to your cash. You can even automate the process by creating a designated SwapinGet wallet address to convert cryptocurrency to desired fiat in your bank account with a few clicks.
  • Safe and secure: Swapin is a non-custodial solution, meaning we never hold your funds. As a licensed payment solution from the EU, we adhere to the latest industry regulations to ensure your funds and data are safe. You can read our customer reviews on Trustpilot here.
  • Payments in your name: With Swapin’s Dedicated IBANs feature, all of your crypto-to-bank payments are made in your name, giving you more control over your financial transactions and no more concerns about banks flagging your payments.

Conclusion

If you are in the crypto industry, it is important to know how crypto on-ramps and off-ramps work as well as the different options that are available for you to choose from. It is also essential to pay in mind the factors that are the most important for your needs and preferences as a crypto user. We hope that this quick guide will help you to buy and sell your crypto with confidence from now on.

If you want to check out Swapin’s solutions in more detail, you can do that here.


For the latest industry insights, you can subscribe to our Weekly Crypto/Web3 Newsletter. To be part of a community of crypto enthusiasts, join our Telegram community and to explore more about Swapin, you can follow us on our social media platforms here.

Is Crypto Dead? A Look at the State of Cryptocurrency Market Today

If you’ve been part of the crypto industry, you have probably felt the wild rollercoaster of bull market and bear market cycles. 2023 has proven to be no different – the market has been volatile, while Bitcoin is down 40% from its all-time high in 2021 (Statista). With current market conditions, statements like “crypto is dead” have resurfaced. So let’s look at the state of the cryptocurrency market today with some statistical data to answer the question: is crypto really dead or is it just FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt)?

Crypto Market Today

To understand the current state of crypto, we must look at the snapshot of the market currently in August 2023. 

As we all know, the crypto market has been in a bit of a slump since the run surrounding Bitcoin ETFs and Ripple’s partial victory in lawsuit against SEC was over. Bitcoin has lost some of the gains made in response to the EFT news. Moreover, venture capital funding to Web3 has decreased by 76% in Q2 of 2023 compared to last year (Crunchbase).

NFTs (Non-fungible tokens) have also taken a hit, with market levels reverting to the levels seen before the 2021 boom. Many popular NFT collections are seeing the prices drop, like the BAYC (Bored Ape Yacht Club) NFT collection by Yuga Labs falling to 27.4 ETH, its lowest point since September 2021 (CoinDesk).

In July, trading volumes on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) experienced a 16.5% decrease, as reported by Cointelegraph Research. So as we find ourselves in this crypto winter, where things may seem a bit depressing, it’s important to shift our perspective. By zooming out and examining the bigger picture of the crypto industry, we can get the real answer to whether crypto is dead.

Rising Crypto Adoption

While the crypto market is currently undergoing a challenging phase, it’s important to zoom out and recognize that this ecosystem is far from dying. Here are some important insights to consider regarding the current state of the crypto industry:

  • Expanding User Base: The number of crypto users is growing rapidly. As of 2023, there are now over 420 million crypto users worldwide (Crypto.com) This is driven by many factors, including increased availability of crypto exchanges and wallets, a growing number of businesses accepting crypto payments, and rising awareness of potential benefits of crypto and Web3.
  • Impressive Market Capitalization: The market capitalization for all cryptocurrencies reached a staggering $1.3 trillion in July 2023 (CoinGecko), a testament to the increasing adoption of crypto by institutions and investors worldwide.
  • Diverse Ecosystem: There are over 22,000 cryptocurrencies in existence, compared to only 15 listed in 2013 (Coinmarketcap).
  • Increase in Active Wallets: The number of active wallets is over 17 million, compared to 5 million in 2020 (A16z).
  • Rapid Transaction Growth: The number of transactions per month across blockchains is close to 900 million compared to 36 million 3 years ago (A16z).
  • Heightened Market Demand: The global blockchain technology market is projected to surpass $469.49 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research).
  • Bitcoin and Ethereum Dominance: Bitcoin dominates 49% of the crypto market capitalization, while Ethereum stands strong with a market capitalization dominance of 19% in August 2023 (TradingView).
  • High Exchange Volumes: The top 10 centralized crypto exchanges saw $1.42 trillion in trading volume in Q2 2023 (CoinGecko).
  • Growing Crypto Accessibility: There are now 32,177 crypto ATMs in the world, and more and more merchants accepting crypto payments, signifying the growing accessibility of digital assets (Coin ATM Radar).

As the statistics are showing, crypto adoption continues to rise and the blockchain industry is evolving. It’s also worth noting that Bitcoin has already been declared “dead” 474 times, as documented on 99Bitcoins here. That’s the nature of innovation and new technologies that are still being developed and improved upon.

Challenges to Crypto Industry

Undoubtedly, the crypto industry faces its fair share of challenges – from regulatory uncertainties, security concerns, to market volatility. However, the overall trend is positive and the future for crypto looks bright. 

Regulatory Uncertainties

The governments all over the world are still working on how to regulate crypto efficiently. The European Union and United Kingdom are introducing the MiCa framework as well as the regulatory clarity around cryptocurrencies in the U.S has also recently been in focus, due to the ongoing SEC vs Ripple court case since 2020 and SEC actions towards Binance and Coinbase in June 2023 (Nerdwallet).

Security Concerns

Hacks and scams are common in the crypto industry, with hackers stealing over $300 million in Q2 of 2023, based on blockchain security company Certik’s latest report. However, as the technology develops and more companies are investing in cybersecurity, the industry is adapting to mitigate these risks and fostering a safer environment. Compared to the same period of 2022, where the losses were $745 million (FM), we can see that crypto hacks and scams are on the decline. As with any money involved, there are hacks and scams in the traditional banking industry with fiat currency as well. 

Market Volatility

Compared to traditional asset classes like stocks, crypto markets are more volatile in their nature. Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new asset class, limited market size compared to stocks, and more speculation based price movements. Decentralized nature, while increasing volatility of cryptocurrencies, is also the essence of the crypto space.

What Lies Ahead for Crypto?

The future seems promising for the crypto industry with significant events, such as Bitcoin halving in April 2024, the increasing attention of institutional investors, and adoption by major companies.

Growing Institutional Interest

Institutional investors are increasingly attracted to cryptocurrencies. Earlier this year, BlackRock, Fidelity, Ark Invest, and other big investment firms filed applications to launch Spot Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds). Additionally, the first Bitcoin ETF launched in Europe managed by London-based Jacobi Asset Management, trading under the ticker BCOIN and charging investors a 1.5% annual management fee. 

Decentralization and Financial Inclusion

Cryptocurrencies are promoting financial inclusion by providing individuals, especially the unbanked and underbanked, with greater financial autonomy. By reducing dependence on traditional financial institutions and offering access to other financial services, cryptocurrencies are empowering people globally.

Innovation and Technological Advancements

Blockchain technology, the backbone of cryptocurrencies, is driving innovation across various sectors. Concepts like decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts are reshaping traditional concepts of money, art, and digital assets. 

Is Crypto Dead? No, It’s Evolving

While the crypto market may seem slow at the moment, it’s far from being dead. While we may find ourselves in a crypto winter, characterized by price retracements, decreased trading volumes, and a sense of unease, it’s crucial to understand that this is a cyclical aspect of the crypto space. 

The crypto ecosystem is still in its early stages, and as such, it undergoes phases of intense excitement and consolidation, further contributing to its growth and development. And therefore, we can confidently assert that crypto is not dead; it’s merely in the process of evolving.


In the evolving world of crypto, staying informed and connected is essential. For the latest industry insights, you can subscribe to our Linkedin Weekly Crypto/Web3 Newsletter To be part of a community of crypto enthusiasts, join our Telegram community and to explore more about Swapin, you can follow us on our social media platforms here.

Lunar Strategy x Swapin: Fast Crypto-to-Fiat Conversions for Businesses

Lunar Strategy, a Web3 native marketing agency, specializes in guiding projects across the crypto landscape. Their services encompass everything from crafting effective go-to-market strategies to establishing industry authority and building Web3 growth initiatives. However, like many businesses in the Web3 industry, Lunar faced a series of challenges when it came to managing their crypto assets and converting them to fiat currency.

In this case study, we dive into the challenges Lunar encountered in their business operations and how Swapin’s product, SwapinGet, emerged as the answer to greater operational efficiency, reducing costs, saving time and hassle for Lunar. This partnership exemplifies the transformative potential of choosing the right crypto-to-fiat payment provider for your business.

The Challenge: Complex Crypto Conversion Processes

Lunar Strategy faced several challenges as a business when it came to managing their crypto assets and converting them to fiat currency:

  1. Managing Multiple Wallets: Working with a diverse clientele, each with unique preferences for paying with different cryptocurrencies on various blockchain networks, including ERC20 and BEP20, posed a significant challenge to Lunar. Managing this array of crypto assets efficiently while avoiding the possible security risks of keeping large amounts of funds on exchanges was a major hurdle.
  2. Exchange Limitations: Exchanges imposed limitations on business withdrawals, forcing Lunar to resort to third-party payment processors. This added another layer of complexity, increased operational costs, and introduced additional intermediaries, making the crypto-to-fiat withdrawal process tiresome and cost-inefficient.
  3. Long Conversion Processes: Converting crypto-to-fiat into their business bank account was a time-consuming process for Lunar. The delays in accessing their funds affected their business operations and added even more uncertainty into their financial planning.

The Solution: Fast Crypto-to-Fiat Conversions with Swapin

In their search for a reliable and trustworthy solution, Lunar Strategy discovered Swapin, a non-custodial crypto-to-fiat payment provider that resolved their challenges and also improved their business operations. By using SwapinGet, Lunar can convert their cryptocurrencies when needed to fiat currencies, like EUR or GBP, to use for their business expenses and invoice settlements. Additionally, Lunar sometimes uses SwapinPay to pay for EUR invoices directly using their cryptocurrencies.

The main benefits Lunar has experienced using Swapin’s products are:

  1. Reduced Fees: SwapinGet significantly reduced the fees associated with crypto-to-fiat transactions, resulting in notable cost savings. This enabled Lunar to allocate more resources to other aspects of their business.
  2. Fast Crypto-to-Fiat Conversions: The standout feature of SwapinGet is the speed in withdrawing crypto to EUR. During regular business hours, euros arrive in their bank account within minutes of initiating the crypto transactions. This has eliminated unnecessary delays and enabled Lunar to access their funds in fiat almost instantly.
  3. Pay Fiat Invoices using Crypto: Using SwapinPay, Lunar is able to pay for some of their fiat invoices in crypto directly. Payments are quick and easy as the recipient receives EUR immediately in their bank account on behalf of Lunar’s name thanks to Swapin’s Dedicated IBANs feature.

Tim Haldorsson, CEO of Lunar Strategy, highlighted the significance of Swapin’s solutions:

“Swapin is the most reliable solution we’ve found to convert crypto to fiat within minutes. We first found Swapin 8 months ago and now it’s an integral part of our daily operations whenever we need to withdraw crypto to our business bank account or pay fiat invoices using crypto. We wholeheartedly recommend Swapin for projects seeking for a reliable solution to streamline your crypto-to-fiat transactions.”

You can watch Tim’s full video testimonial on Youtube:

Conclusion

The partnership between Lunar Strategy and Swapin has effectively tackled Lunar’s previous crypto-related challenges. This collaboration serves as an example of how Swapin simplifies the connection between crypto and banks, helping businesses like Lunar to effortlessly withdraw their crypto assets into fiat currencies, such as EUR or GBP, or pay fiat invoices using crypto. In doing so, Swapin’s solutions not only save valuable time and resources, but also alleviate the stress for business owners, providing them with a dependable and efficient crypto-to-fiat off-ramping solution. 

If you are a business that is looking for a fast and easy crypto-to-fiat conversions, then Swapin has the solution for you. Schedule a call with Mike, our Business Development Manager, to learn more about how we can help you streamline your financial operations and fuel your business growth.


Stay updated on the latest crypto and Web3 industry news and insights by joining our Telegram community and subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter. Follow us on social media for more updates from Swapin.

Reality Metaverse x Swapin: Streamlining Crypto Off-Ramping for a Web3 Platform

Reality Metaverse is a trailblazing metaverse project that tokenizes the world’s top landmarks through the ERC20 token and a collection of NFTs. Each game that’s added to their ecosystem uses RLTM as its main token, increasing the value over time. Reality Metaverse was in need of a reliable and secure partner for exchanging their cryptocurrencies to fiat for their company, and their search led to Swapin. In this blog post, we dive into Reality Metaverse’s partnership with Swapin and how Swapin’s crypto off-ramping solutions helped transform their financial operations.

Reality Metaverse: Bridging the Virtual and Real Worlds

Reality NFT, by Reality Metaverse, brings the world’s most iconic landmarks into the digital realm through tokenization. By holding their NFTs, users can profit from mobile games and other sources. The collection features iconic landmarks, cities, and countries as immersive 3D models.The RLTM utility token has a fixed supply and plays a pivotal role within the platform as each game that’s added to the ecosystem uses it as the main token. It serves as a sustainable income-making model for the users of the Reality Metaverse platform.

The Challenge: Finding a Crypto Off-Ramping Provider

One of the challenges that Reality Metaverse began to face as a business was how to easily and smoothly exchange their cryptocurrencies to fiat currencies into their business bank account. They needed an off-ramping provider whose platform was not only user-friendly, but also secure and reliable to streamline the financial operations of their business. That’s when Reality Metaverse’s search led them to Swapin.

The Solution: Swapin’s Easy Crypto-to-Fiat Payments

At Swapin, we delivered the solutions that Reality Metaverse was seeking. Our seamless crypto-to-fiat payment solutions have enhanced Reality Metaverse’s day-to-day financial operations. They can now effortlessly withdraw cryptocurrencies to EUR into their bank account using SwapinGet and make crypto payments into any SEPA bank account through SwapinPay. Our platform’s user-friendly interface and strong security measures ensure that our customers can easily make their crypto-to-bank payments with confidence.

Our innovative Dedicated IBANs feature allows the partner effortlessly handle crypto-to-fiat transactions by making payments directly on behalf of their business’ name. This results in simplified accounting and auditing processes, and eliminates intermediaries on bank statements, resulting in smoother financial operations. Furthermore, our dedicated key account managers are ready to guide and assist businesses at every stage of their journey. All of these factors combined made Swapin the perfect choice for Reality Metaverse as their partner in operating the complexities between crypto and traditional banking with ease.

Reality Metaverse’s Experience with Swapin

Here are some key highlights from Reality Metaverse’s experience with Swapin’s solutions:

1. Personal Support: Reality Metaverse benefits from a dedicated Swapin Key Account Manager, offering personalized guidance and assistance whenever questions arise.  Their experience with our support team has been positive, highlighting its responsiveness.

2. Fast Transactions: The speed of Swapin’s crypto-to-fiat payment solutions has met Reality Metaverse’s expectations. With the majority of transfers completed in under 5 minutes, facilitated by Swapin’s support for instant SEPA transactions, the speed of their financial transactions has been greatly enhanced.

3. Simplified Accounting: Swapin’s non-custodial approach eliminates the complexities associated with third-party exchanges and lengthy processes for converting crypto to fiat. Swapin’s Dedicated IBANs feature streamlines financial transactions by enabling businesses to make all payments on behalf of their name. This eliminates intermediaries on bank statements, ensuring a direct flow of funds while simplifying the auditing process.

Filippos Drogitis, Head of Community at Reality Metaverse, highlighted the significance of Swapin’s solutions in their operations:

“Swapin’s solutions make financial transactions between crypto and banks easy. With their user-friendly interface, commitment to security, and personalized support, Swapin has enhanced our business’ financial operations. Our team highly recommends it for anyone looking to simplify and streamline their crypto-to-fiat transactions in the world of Web3!”

Conclusion: Effortless Crypto Off-Ramping with Swapin

The partnership between Reality Metaverse and Swapin illustrated the transformative potential of choosing the right crypto-to-fiat payment solutions provider for your business. By integrating SwapinPay and SwapinGet into their financial operations, Reality Metaverse has been able to off-ramp their crypto with speed and security. This has allowed Reality Metaverse to focus their energy into business expansion and serving their customers, free from the complexities of crypto-to-fiat transactions, thanks to Swapin.

If you are a business that is looking for a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use crypto off-ramping solution, then Swapin is the perfect partner for you. Schedule a call with Mike, our Business Development Manager, to learn more about how we can help you streamline your financial operations and fuel your business growth.


Stay updated on the latest crypto and Web3 industry news and insights by joining our Telegram community and subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter. Follow us on social media for more updates from Swapin.

How to Choose a Crypto Wallet: Best Web3 Wallets in 2023

Much like physical wallets hold your cash and credit cards, crypto wallets serve as digital counterparts to store and manage your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DeFi activities, and interact with decentralized apps (dApps). Selecting the right crypto wallet is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and accessibility of your digital assets. With numerous options available out there, each with its own benefits and use cases, it’s important to educate yourself on different types of wallets to make the best decision that meets your crypto needs. In this article, we will explain the differences between various types of wallets, the 7 key factors to consider when choosing a crypto wallet, and highlight the top 10 Web3 wallets available in 2023.

Different Types of Crypto Wallets

There is a wide variety of crypto wallets available, each with its own set of features, benefits, and security considerations. Non-custodial wallets are the option preferred by many crypto users because you maintain control of your private keys and funds at all times. When you keep assets on a centralized cryptocurrency exchange with its custodial solutions, you must trust the security of your funds to a third party. 

There are two main categories of crypto wallets: hot wallets and cold wallets.

Hot wallets remain connected to the internet, making them more suitable for everyday transactions and interaction with dApps. They are available as mobile apps or browser extensions, so you can easily access your funds from anywhere. While convenient, hot wallets are more susceptible to hacks due to their online connectivity. 

Cold wallets act as offline wallets, offering higher security. They are physical devices that store your private keys offline, making them more difficult to hack. Cold wallets are ideal for long-term storage and safeguarding large amounts of digital assets. While providing stronger protection against threats, they are less convenient for everyday use.

7 Key Factors When Choosing a Web3 Wallet

When evaluating different Web3 wallets, keep the following factors in mind to ensure the safety and accessibility of your digital assets:

  1. Security Measures: Look for wallets with strong security features, such as end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), or biometric access. 
  2. Supported Cryptocurrencies: Make sure that the wallet supports the specific cryptocurrencies and tokens you intend to store and manage.
  3. User-Friendly Interface: A wallet with an easy to use UI simplifies the process of handling your digital assets and executing transactions.
  4. Backup and Recovery: Wallets with reliable solutions for backup and recovery will help protect your assets from potential hacks and threats.
  5. Device Compatibility: Choose a wallet that aligns with your preferred device, whether its mobile, desktop, or both.
  6. Reputation and Trustworthiness: Research user reviews and feedback to determine the wallet’s reliability and user satisfaction.
  7. Development Team: Make sure the team behind the wallet is reputable and actively working to improve wallet’s security and functionality.

Top 10 Crypto Wallets for 2023

Here are some of the widely used Web3 wallets that stand out for their features, security, and user experience:

  1. Ledger – a renowned hardware wallet known for its security features and long-term cold storage of your funds.
  2. Metamask – popular non-custodial Web3 hot wallet with a user-friendly interface and easy access to your crypto and NFTs for daily transactions.
  3. Trust Wallet – non-custodial hot wallet supporting a wide range of cryptocurrencies via its mobile app.
  4. Trezor – the first hardware wallet developed for cryptocurrencies, with strong security and 2-factor authentication for purchases.
  5. Coinbase Wallet – DeFi focused hot wallet with strict compliance rules and security measures for online crypto storage.
  6. Crypto.com DeFi Wallet  – non-custodial wallet for interacting with DeFI products on mobile app and in browser, integrates with Ledger for converting to cold storage.
  7. Argent – user-friendly non-custodial wallet with a mobile app, primarily designed for Ethereum-based applications and tokens.
  8. SafePal – low-cost hardware wallet with a feature of self-destruct mechanism if it receives the wrong PIN too many times or anyone tampers with the chip.
  9. Exodus – one of the earliest blockchain wallets – non-custodial hot wallet for beginners with a user-friendly interface across all devices.
  10. OKX Wallet – decentralized crypto wallet that combines safe storage with passive income through its mobile app.

Off-Ramp Crypto with Swapin’s Non-Custodial Solutions

At Swapin, we understand the importance of privacy and control over your crypto assets. That’s why we have partnered with leading Web3 wallets, including Metamask, Ledger, Trust Wallet, Argent, Crypto.com, Exodus, and Rainbow. By establishing a secure encrypted connection between the Swapin App and your Web3 wallet through WalletConnect, we ensure the safety and ease of your crypto-to-fiat payments. You can confirm transactions directly from your wallet with just a single click. No need to scan QR codes or copy-paste wallet addresses manually. And rest assured, as a non-custodial solution, Swapin never has access to your private keys, ensuring your funds remain under your full control and preventing any unauthorized transfers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right crypto wallet is an important decision in your Web3 journey. Whether you opt for a hot wallet for daily transactions or a cold wallet for long-term storage, always prioritize the safety of your digital assets. By considering factors like security measures, accessibility, supported cryptocurrencies, and device compatibility, you can confidently make a decision that aligns with your needs and preferences. Remember, your crypto journey’s success relies on safeguarding your assets effectively and staying informed about the latest developments in the Web3 industry.

For a comprehensive guide on securing your crypto wallet and transactions, you can read our Web3 Safety Tips blog here.


Stay updated on the latest crypto and Web3 industry news and insights by joining our Telegram community and subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter. Follow us on social media for more updates from Swapin.