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Digital Wallets: How Cryptocurrency Wallets work

Digital Wallets: How Cryptocurrency Wallets work

Cryptocurrencies, digital transactions, and fintech are all changing the investment industry, and investors are experiencing a new world of banking, especially when it comes to digital wallets. Digital wallets are becoming an integral part of how we pay, transfer funds, and access investments and banking services. While cash isn’t totally gone yet, how digital wallets are used, what technologies are driving them, and what is to come in the next few years is still unclear. Let’s discuss! 

What is a digital wallet?

Digital wallets are online cash-management applications that offer users the ability to securely store payment information and passwords, as well as let users pay in stores, online, or through applications with their smartphones with a simple tap or wave.

Crypto Glossary: 20 Cryptocurrency Terms Every Trader Should Know

In addition to paying bills, digital wallets can also be used for many other things. In addition to accommodating everything a traditional wallet can, they also offer more flexibility. You don’t have to carry a physical card in order to make payments thanks to digital wallets, which securely store virtual versions of debit cards, credit cards, membership cards, boarding passes, and much more. Digital wallets can also be used to store digital tickets and e-vouchers, ensuring that you always have the documents you need at your fingertips.

Payments made with digital wallets are growing faster than payments made with physical cards, as contactless payments become more popular worldwide. Analysis conducted by Finder reveals that,  

Over 98 million Americans claimed they used digital wallets because they were more convenient than carrying dollar bills and credit cards. 

Furthermore, it has been estimated that 150 million Americans have used a digital wallet at some point in their lives at least once. The number of people who use an e-wallet with services like Facebook Messenger, Google Wallet, Venmo and similar services has increased by 39.8 million (36.2%) since just two years ago. 

Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Amazon Pay are some of the most popular digital wallets available in the market today. Mobile payment systems are also integrated into some of these systems. Recent years have seen many large financial institutions launch their own digital wallets, including MasterPass (Mastercard) and Visa Checkout. 

How does digital wallets work?

The digital wallets that are used today use the wireless capabilities of a smartphone, such as Wi-Fi and magnetic signals to transfer data, and Bluetooth to send and receive data. Most digital wallets connect your bank account details to the vendor with whom you will make the transaction using software. There are several technologies that are used by digital wallets and mobile devices, some of which are listed below: 

  • QR codes — These are barcodes that can store information and can be read by a smartphone using the camera and scanning system on the phone. In this way, the QR code confirms the payment has been sent to the correct individual or business. 
  • Near-field communication (NFC) — This technology involves the use of electromagnetic signals so that two devices can communicate with each other and transfer information between them. It is necessary for the devices to be within three to four inches of each other for NFC to work. 
  • Magnetic secure transmission — This is the same technology that is used in magnetic card readers, like when you swipe a credit card into the card machine when you use it. In order to make payments, smartphones use an encrypted field that the point-of-sale system is able to read. 

There are several types of access available through apps – open wallets (accepted at most retailers) permit online purchases, contactless in-store payments, and cashback – even ATM withdrawals are possible through certain apps. While in semi-closed and closed wallets, certain transactions can only be conducted with the retailer who issued the wallet. 

Why do people use digital wallets?

Digital wallets simplify the process of making transactions and purchases more convenient and making it more secure when it comes to using them. Banking and personal data are encrypted in digital wallets, which means they’re encoded and hidden by software, ensuring their security.  

The advantage of using a digital wallet is that you can leave your physical cards at home so you don’t have to worry about losing them. Having a digital wallet will also allow you to access your money on the go even if you forget your actual wallet at home. As a bonus, digital wallets are a convenient way to pay for online purchases when you are shopping via your phone since you don’t have to take out your credit card or information from your wallet when you check out. 

Contactless digital wallet payments are a fast-growing trend at POS terminals and are expected to outpace the use of physical cards soon. Global Payments Report predicts that cash will be used for fewer than 10% of in-store payments in the United States by 2024, and for fewer than 13% of in-store payments worldwide. 

Are digital wallets safe?

In digital wallets, your payment information is encrypted to prevent it from leaving your smartphone. With payments often only being possible via fingerprint, digital wallets are quite secure because they sit within your passcode-protected device. Wallets may also offer additional security protocols, such as one-time PINs or two-factor authentication, if needed. Nevertheless, you should remain vigilant — don’t share your passwords with anyone, watch what’s going on with your accounts, and make sure you can disable your device if it’s lost. 


Cryptocurrency and Digital Wallets 

If you want to invest in cryptocurrency, a digital wallet will also be very useful – and even necessary – for you to use. Due to the fact that cryptocurrencies are still so new, you cannot store them in traditional bank accounts presently. If you are interested in purchasing cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, a crypto wallet can help you secure your investment and help you keep track of it. As with any other form of wallet, the cryptocurrency wallet is of the utmost importance, regardless of how much Bitcoin or Ethereum you own. 

Here’s how to start investing in cryptocurrencies with blockchain-based digital assets. 

What is a cryptocurrency wallet?

Cryptocurrency wallets are software programs or physical devices that store crypto and allow crypto transactions to be sent and received. It is important to note that crypto wallets, which are basically digital wallets for cryptocurrency, are different from the ones where you keep your credit and debit cards.  

Usually, cryptocurrency wallets contain two pairs of keys: private keys and public keys. Public keys are derived from private keys and are used for sending crypto to the wallet–all while providing a simple interface for managing crypto. Cryptocurrency transfers can also be made through blockchains. Even some cryptocurrency wallets provide users with the ability to interact with decentralized applications (dapps) to buy and sell crypto assets. 

Whenever you engage in cryptocurrency wallets transaction, remember this isn’t about sending crypto tokens from your phone to someone else’s phone like currency exchanges. In order to send tokens, you must actually use your private key to sign the transaction and broadcast it to the blockchain network using your public key. Your transaction will then be included in the network’s database to reflect the updated balance in both your and the recipient’s accounts. 

Therefore, the term ‘wallet’ is actually a bit misleading since crypto wallets don’t actually store coins the way physical wallets do. Instead, they access the public ledger to display your account balances, and they also provide you with private keys that enable you to conduct transactions. 

Not sure what a public key or private key is?  
An encryption key is a string of randomly generated characters. Your public key is similar to your bank account number, which can be shared widely, but your private key is similar to your bank account password or PIN, which should be kept secret. As a matter of fact, in public-key cryptography, there is a private key for every public key. Encryption and decryption of data is done by these two programs working together. 

How do cryptocurrency wallets work?

In a blockchain, data is stored in “blocks.” Blocks record transactions, balances at any given address, and who holds the keys to those balances. There is no such thing as storing crypto “in” a wallet. Cryptocurrencies are stored on a blockchain, and the wallet software allows you to interact with them. In addition to storing addresses, the wallet itself allows its owners to move coins elsewhere and see the balances at any given address. 

It is possible to send, receive, and store cryptocurrencies with most cryptocurrency wallets. Some can be used to buy and spend digital assets. Cryptocurrency wallets can also support dApps (decentralized applications) built on various networks, which offer features like swapping between tokens and staking tokens for a fixed return. In general, sending or receiving funds using cryptocurrency wallets involves the following steps: 

  • For receiving funds, your wallet will provide you with an address (also known as a public key). You can generate an alphanumeric address or QR code from your wallet’s “generate address” feature, and then share it with the person sending you crypto. 
  • When sending funds, it is necessary to know the address of the recipient. In your wallet, find the “send” feature and enter an address for the wallet you want to send coins to. Before sending large amounts of crypto, consider sending a small test transaction. Upon confirmation, select the amount you want to send, and click “confirm.” Remember that you will be charged an amount to pay to the miners in exchange for processing the transaction. 

At first, it may seem to be strange to send money by means of QR codes or stringing together a long string of numbers and letters. Eventually, the process becomes quite simple after doing it a few times.


Different Types of Cryptocurrency Wallets:

Digital Wallets: How Cryptocurrency Wallets work

There are two popular types of cryptocurrency wallets used for digital storage: Software wallets and Hardware wallets. Software cryptocurrency wallets are sometimes referred to as “hot wallets” due to the fact that the funds are stored online. Hardware cryptocurrency wallets store private keys offline or in a cold storage facility.  

Hardware wallets — A small device for storing crypto offline

By using a hardware wallet, you can keep your keys away from your phone or computer. Typically, a USB port is used to connect the hardware wallet. In this way, all of the signings are performed away from your computer, making them much more secure. In general, a hardware wallet costs between $100 and $200. The use of these digital wallets tends to be a bit more difficult than that of software wallets. 

There are three main ways that hardware cryptocurrency wallets interact with computers: 

  • A web-based user interface 
  • An app developed by the company 
  • An independent software wallet 

Hardware wallets often support multiple currencies whereas software wallets are unique to each cryptocurrency. 

Software wallets — Programs or apps that store private keys

Software cryptocurrency wallets are normally used on the web, whereby they are custody wallets, which don’t offer complete security. In addition, they can also be installed as apps on a phone/laptop, in which case the private keys are stored locally. Due to the fact that it is connected to the internet, it reduces the security of their data. 

Software-based cryptocurrency wallets require regular backups, so it is very important to keep a copy on hand. It is possible to lose the private keys to your wallet when something goes wrong with your web browser or hard drive. Software cryptocurrency wallets fall into three main categories: 

  • Web-based wallets, like MetaMask, allow users to send Ethereum transactions via a browser extension, allowing them to interact with decentralized applications and decentralized finance protocols (DeFi) more easily  
  • Desktop wallets, such as Electrum, can be used on laptops or desktop computers that can be used to manage and store digital currency 
  • Mobile wallets, like the Blockchain.com wallet, allow users to store crypto, send and receive transactions, and sweep the private keys of their existing wallets into the app by scanning a QR code 

Despite the fact that all types of cryptocurrency wallets accomplish the same tasks in terms of storing cryptocurrency, each has its own use case that depends on the goals of the user. 

Paper wallets — Keys that are written on paper and stored safely

Paper wallets are physical wallets and contain public addresses for receiving Bitcoin and private keys for spending or transferring Bitcoin stored at those addresses. A paper wallet is often printed as a QR code so you can scan it and add the keys to your software wallet or wallet app to make a transaction. Users can generate paper wallets using services that allow them to create a random Bitcoin wallet address with its private key. The generated keys can then be printed with some services that offer tamper-resistant designs or even holographic labels. 

Paper wallets have the advantage that the keys are stored offline, making them highly resistant to hacking attacks, including malware that logs keystrokes. Even so, some precautions need to be taken when creating a paper wallet. It is important to keep your wallet private so no one can see where it is stored or watch you make it. If you want to prevent spyware from spying on your activities, it is recommended that you use a clean operating system, such as Ubuntu, installed on a USB flash drive.  

Upon setting up a paper wallet, the website code should be able to run offline, allowing the user to disconnect from the internet and generate keys later. Lastly, use a network-free printer. Moreover, as you are printing valuable private information on paper, it is imperative that you take certain precautions to protect it. Keeping it in a sealed plastic bag and storing it in a dry, safe place is recommended to avoid water damage. Some people also laminate and store it in a safety deposit box. 

Software Wallets vs Hardware Wallets: Which is Better?

Although both storage methods have benefits and drawbacks, you should choose the one that is right for you based on your needs. Consider the following examples to give you a better idea of what to expect: 

  • If you plan on trading day-to-day, then accessibility will be of paramount importance, which means that a software wallet is probably the right choice for you if you intend to do so frequently. 
  • On the other hand, if you are planning on storing a lot of crypto assets for the long-term and value security over convenience, hardware cryptocurrency wallets may be a good choice for you. 

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cryptocurrency wallets. In terms of strengths, use cases, and trade-offs, each type of wallet has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it ultimately comes down to you to decide what works best for you and your specific needs.

Does the Cryptocurrency Value Grow in a Wallet?

Yes, your cryptocurrency value increases or decreases over time when kept in a wallet. Depending on the current market conditions, their prices will fluctuate. Cryptocurrencies follow the same rules as gold when it comes to location and value. Regardless of where they are located, their value remains the same worldwide. The same goes for all types of wallets, whether they are paper wallets, hardware wallets, or software wallets. 

How to cash out your cryptocurrency wallets?

It is impossible to convert cryptocurrency to cash whenever you want, but it is possible to sell your cryptocurrency anonymously on the blockchain in exchange for the fiat currency of your choice whenever you wish. An exchange can handle the transaction on your behalf and find you a buyer, making it easy to convert your cryptocurrency into cash. 

Fiat currency transfers to your bank account can take up to three days after the cryptocurrency sale has been completed, depending on the wallet. AximTrade gives you an edge with a wide array of 35+ cryptocurrencies to choose from, allowing you to diversify your investment portfolio.  

AximTrade allows crypto investors and advocates to deposit and withdraw using USDT(TRC20), USDT(ERC20), and BEP-20 from anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds. AximTrade takes 0% commissions for cryptocurrency withdrawals.


What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

While crypto proponents have a good story to tell about these currencies, there are also serious risks associated with them, at least in their current form. Generally, crypto investments are deemed risky due to price volatility and sentimental vulnerability. Before investing your money in cryptocurrencies, you should become well-versed in them.  

There has been a rapid decline in cryptocurrency prices since the end of November, with bitcoin falling below $20,000 for the first time in 18 months. Consequently, the crypto market is currently experiencing a contraction period, known as ‘crypto winter.’ Your trading decisions will be more informed and accurate if you take the following factors into account.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Cryptocurrencies

Despite market volatility and unpredictability, a bold player will always find an opportunity even in an uncertain market, which is what crypto trading is all about. While the market is in a downtrend, investing in crypto now or buying a dip during that time gives you no assurance of profits and can result in significant losses. Despite this, it is worth considering crypto trading and its benefits. Crypto trading presents some good opportunities to make money because you will be able to trade both upward as well as downward price movements as there is the possibility to go both long and short in this market. 

AximTrade is the ideal choice for crypto traders and investors seeking the best conditions to access the market and start trading with a minimal capital amount. Transparency and integrity are at the core of AximTrade’s quality standards, making it one of the best platforms for worldwide traders. You can open a trading account in a few simple steps and start trading cryptocurrency easily through AximTrade accounts.

Here you will learn the advantages of trading crypto with AximTrade and how the broker exceeds the expectations of clients in many different ways.

Is it a good idea to trade Crypto during a market crash?

The answer to this question will depend on how much time you spend studying this market and its reasons for the crash. However, there are always opportunities in the financial markets, no matter the geopolitical or economic conditions and that’s what history shows. Nevertheless, your success in crypto trading depends completely on your tactics and your cleverness. Having a well-planned trading strategy and knowing the crypto markets well can make a huge difference. 

While several members of the crypto community have expressed concerns over the possibility of a crypto winter in light of the recent cryptocurrency crash. Some may believe that the days of ‘Lambos’ and ‘get-rich-quick schemes’ are over in the crypto world. However, I remain optimistic about the possibility of gaining a reasonable profit even in uncertain cryptocurrency markets, but I don’t believe there is a huge gain in the short term.  

We have put together the top 5 ways to manage your crypto trading during the market fall that include profit-taking strategies to help crypto traders overcome their emotions through proper planning, as well as gain the confidence to make money regardless of market conditions. However, in order to achieve success, it is important to keep in mind that every strategy is highly individualized, so it must also be flexible and market-driven.


What does the future look like for digital or crypto wallets?

According to a report released by Juniper Research, a UK-based research company, the number of digital wallet users is expected to grow from 2.6 billion in 2025 to 4.4 billion by 2050. A number of emerging markets, such as the UK and US, will lag behind China and India in terms of the adoption of digital wallets, with China and India expected to account for nearly 70% of digital wallet transactions in the near future. 

The digital wallet has played a significant role in regions with low card penetration and a high mobile phone use rate, according to John Mitchell, the CEO of payment technology provider Episode Six. The digital wallet providers have prospered in regions such as Southeast Asia where consumers have gone straight from cash to mobile wallets. 

Cryptocurrencies are currently the most in-demand of all the alternative forms of digital currency, adopted by the world at a quick pace. With the advent of digital wallets in the future, not only will they be able to store and manage payment transactions, but they will also allow users to access these alternative digital assets on demand and seamlessly. Furthermore, you will be able to use these varying payment sources to complete financial transactions in addition to storing your funds.

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