NZ-Owned • FSP-Registered • Bitcoin Only

WHAT IS SELF-CUSTODY?

Self-custody means you hold the private keys to your Bitcoin — no bank, no exchange, no third party can freeze or lose your funds. It's the difference between owning Bitcoin and having an IOU.

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What self-custody means

Self-custody means you control the private keys that can spend your Bitcoin. Instead of leaving Bitcoin inside an exchange account — where the platform holds your keys — you hold it in a wallet where only you have access.

The common phrase is: your keys, your Bitcoin. It's powerful because you don't need to rely on a trading platform to release your funds. But it also means you're responsible for protecting your recovery words — there's no "forgot password" button.

Why Bitcoiners care about self-custody

Control

You can send and receive Bitcoin from your own wallet — anytime, anywhere. No asking permission, no waiting for an exchange to process your withdrawal.

Security

With self-custody, your Bitcoin isn't sitting on an exchange that could be hacked, go bankrupt, or freeze withdrawals. The security is in your hands — literally.

Independence

Self-custody turns Bitcoin from a balance on someone else's screen into money you actually hold. It supports Bitcoin as a savings vehicle, not a casino token.

How self-custody works with Stacked

Stacked is designed around self-custody from the ground up. Our wallet generates your private keys locally on your device and encrypts them with your PIN or biometrics — Stacked never sees your keys and cannot access your funds.

When you create a Stacked wallet, you get a 12-word recovery phrase. This phrase is your backup — if you lose your phone, you can restore your entire wallet on any compatible Bitcoin app using those 12 words. Keep it somewhere safe and offline.

Important: Never type your recovery words into a website. Never send them to anyone — including Stacked support. Never store them in a screenshot, cloud note, or email. Write them down on paper (or better, a metal backup) and keep them somewhere only you can access.

Self-custody vs exchange custody

	Self-Custody	Exchange Custody
Who holds the keys	You	The exchange
Withdrawal control	Always — you control access	Exchange decides terms and timing
Hack/theft risk	Your personal security	Exchange-wide risk (single point of failure)
Recovery	12-word recovery phrase	Platform support (password reset)
Responsibility	You — secure your backup carefully	Exchange — but with trade-offs

Security tips for self-custody in New Zealand

Write down your recovery phrase offline — paper is good, metal backup is better for long-term holders. Never digitise it.
Use a PIN or biometric lock — the Stacked wallet encrypts your keys behind your device's security, adding a second layer of protection.
Start small — if you're new to self-custody, begin with a small amount. Learn the backup and recovery process before moving larger sums.
Verify addresses — always check the first and last few characters of a receiving address before sending Bitcoin. Malware can swap addresses in your clipboard.
Consider a hardware wallet for large amounts — for long-term savings, a hardware wallet like a Coldcard or Trezor adds an extra layer of offline security.

Related Stacked support guides

For step-by-step product help, use the Stacked support centre rather than a separate learning hub.

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Frequently asked questions

Can Stacked recover my wallet if I lose my backup?

No. With self-custody, your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet. Stacked does not hold your keys and cannot recover your wallet on your behalf. This is by design — it means no one, including Stacked, can access or freeze your Bitcoin.

Is self-custody safer than leaving Bitcoin on an exchange?

Self-custody removes the risk of an exchange being hacked, going bankrupt, or freezing withdrawals — all of which have happened to major platforms globally. However, it introduces personal security responsibility. The safest approach: educate yourself, back up your recovery phrase carefully, and never share it with anyone.

Should beginners use self-custody?

Yes — with the right guidance. Start with a small amount you're comfortable managing, learn the backup and recovery process, and build confidence before transferring larger sums. Stacked's wallet is designed to make self-custody approachable for New Zealanders who are new to Bitcoin.

What's the difference between a self-custody wallet and a custodial wallet?

A self-custody wallet gives you the private keys — you control the funds, and you're responsible for backup and security. A custodial wallet holds the keys on your behalf, like a bank. It's more convenient in the short term (password reset exists), but it means the custodian can freeze, restrict, or lose your funds. Compare the two approaches.

What happens if Stacked shuts down — can I still access my Bitcoin?

Yes. Because Stacked uses standard Bitcoin wallet technology, your 12-word recovery phrase can restore your wallet on any compatible Bitcoin app. Your Bitcoin is not dependent on Stacked's servers or business — it lives on the Bitcoin blockchain, not on our platform.

How do I move my Bitcoin from an exchange to self-custody?

Create a Stacked wallet (or any self-custody Bitcoin wallet), generate a receiving address, and withdraw your Bitcoin from the exchange to that address. Always test with a small amount first. Learn more about switching to self-custody.

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From $6 NZD. No minimum to hold. Self-custody from day one. Your keys, your Bitcoin.

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FSP1005773 · Based in Queenstown, NZ