#### New to Algorand? # Start here. Welcome to the future of finance, minus the complexity. On Algorand, you can send money globally, collect unique digital items, or access a new world of financial tools. Transactions settle instantly, and fees stay ultra-low. The first step is to choose a crypto wallet. ## Choose a crypto wallet A cryptocurrency wallet is the gateway to the Algorand ecosystem. It's where you send and receive instant payments, earn rewards on your holdings, and securely manage your digital holdings. Some wallets are mobile-friendly, and some are only accessible via a browser extension. “Cold storage” wallets like Ledger Nano are hardware wallets that store your funds offline. **See the list of supported wallets for more info:** - ##### Pera Android - iOS - Web **Features:** Self-custodial Hardware wallet support NFT support Connect to dApps Buy Algo with fiat in the wallet* _*Not available to US persons._ LiquidAuth passkey support WalletConnect support Swap Algo (ASA) tokens Charts and market data Non-fungible domain support Pera Wallet is open-source.[See Github](https://github.com/perawallet). [**Get Pera ->**](https://perawallet.app/) - ##### Defly **Features:** Self-custodial Hardware wallet support NFT support Connect to dApps Multi-sig support Native DEX support Swap Algo (ASA) tokens Charts and market data Non-fungible domain support [**Get Defly ->**](https://defly.app/) - ##### Ledger Nano Hardware wallet **Features:** Self-custodial Multi-chain Hardware wallet support Connect to dApps NFT support Buy Algo with fiat in wallet Sell Algo for fiat in the wallet Swap Algo (ASA) tokens Non-fungible domain support [**Get Ledger ->**](https://shop.ledger.com/pages/classic-ledger-nano-signers) - ##### Exodus Android - iOS - Browser extension - Desktop **Features:** Self-custodial Multi-chain Connect to dApps Hardware wallet support NFT support Buy Algo with fiat in wallet Swap Algo (ASA) tokens [**Get Exodus ->**](https://www.exodus.com/) - ##### Lute Browser Extension - Web Wallet **Features:** Self-custodial Hardware wallet support NFT support Connect to dApps HD Wallet support Multi-sig support Non-fungible domain support [**Get Lute ->**](https://lute.app/) ## Fund your crypto wallet To begin using Algorand, load your wallet with Algo, stablecoins or other supported digital currencies. You can buy directly with fiat, transfer from an exchange, or bridge your assets from other networks in minutes. ### Wallet funding, simplified - centralized exchanges (CEX) Already have an account with a CEX like Coinbase or Binance? You can simply buy ALGO on their platform and transfer it to your Algorand wallet address. New to CEXs? No problem. Use one of the partners below to buy ALGO (and other supported tokens) instantly using your credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Then send the ALGO from the CEX directly to your wallet. /Binance.jpeg)\ \ Binance](https://www.binance.com/) /Coinbase.png)\ \ Coinbase](https://www.coinbase.com/) /Crypto.com.jpeg)\ \ Crypto.com](https://crypto.com/) /HTX.jpeg)\ \ HTX](https://www.htx.com/) /Kraken.jpeg)\ \ Kraken](https://www.kraken.com/) /KuCoin.jpeg)\ \ Kucoin](https://www.kucoin.com/) /MEXC.jpeg)\ \ MEXC Global](https://www.mexc.com/) /OKX.jpeg)\ \ OKX](https://www.okx.com/) [View all CEXs](https://algorand.co/ecosystem/directory?tags=CEX) ### Fund your wallet directly with a card or bank transfer - fiat on-ramps Buy crypto instantly, right in your wallet. Services like built-in "on-ramps" let you buy ALGO without using a CEX. Some, like MoonPay, allow you to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a credit card to deposit crypto directly into your balance in seconds. It’s as easy as any other online checkout. /Pera.jpeg)\ \ Pera\ \ Non-custodial & user-friendly wallet with built-in browser for dApps](https://perawallet.app/) /OnRamp.png)\ \ Onramp\ \ Easy & convenient fiat to Web3 money conversion](https://onramp.money/) /AlchemyPay.jpeg)\ \ Alchemy Pay\ \ Fiat-crypto bridge for payments & onboarding](https://alchemypay.org/) /MoonPay.jpeg)\ \ MoonPay\ \ Web3 infrastructure for payments & digital assets](https://www.moonpay.com/) ### Bring your assets with you - cross-chain options Do you have assets on other blockchains? If you already hold crypto on other networks like Ethereum or Solana, you can easily transfer your funds over to Algorand. Our integrated partners let you move your stablecoins and tokens in minutes, so you can start enjoying faster speeds and lower fees immediately. \ \ Allbridge\ \ Enabling seamless cross-chain stablecoin swaps](https://allbridge.io/) \ \ SimpleSwap\ \ Instant crypto exchange with over 2500 assets available](https://simpleswap.io/) /Algomint.jpeg)\ \ Algomint\ \ Bridge for crypto assets across different blockchains](https://algomint.io/) \ \ Wormhole\ \ A leading interoperability platform powering multichain applications and bridges at scale.](https://wormhole.com/) ## What's next? With your cryptocurrency wallet funded, you’re ready to dive into the Algorand ecosystem. Explore DeFi, manage stablecoins, or discover tokenized real-world assets. ### Instant, secure swaps from your crypto wallet - decentralized exchanges (DEX) Trade on your own terms. Skip the middleman. Use DEXs to swap tokens instantly, directly from your crypto wallet. You keep full control of your funds throughout every trade—no permission required. \ \ Haystack\ \ Haystack delivers the first mobile-native DeFi experience on the Algorand blockchain, providing best-execution trades, real-time portfolio analytics, and yield opportunities](https://hay.app/) /Pact.jpeg)\ \ Pact\ \ Decentralized automated market maker for swapping & providing liquidity](https://www.pact.fi/) /Tinyman.png)\ \ Tinyman\ \ DeFi protocol for swapping, exchanging and providing liquidity](https://tinyman.org/) /Vestige.png)\ \ Vestige\ \ Asset explorer with portfolio tracking, price charts and token trading](https://vestige.fi/) ### Put your ALGO to work - staking rewards Your assets don’t need to just sit there. By staking your ALGO, you are participating in the network, and you can collect rewards on your holdings. It’s a simple way to invest your balance while helping to keep the Algorand network secure and decentralized. \ \ xAlgo Liquid Staking](https://app.folks.finance/liquid-staking) \ \ Tinyman Liquid Staking](https://app.tinyman.org/liquid-stake) \ \ Pact’s consensus-compatible liquidity pools](http://pact.fi/) \ \ Myth Finance](https://myth.finance/) \ \ Retí Pooling with Nodely](https://reti.nodely.io/) \ \ Valar](https://stake.valar.solutions/) \ \ Bitpanda](https://www.bitpanda.com/en) /Bitrue.jpeg?width=400&height=400&name=Bitrue.jpeg)\ \ Bitrue](https://www.bitrue.com/flexible-staking/algo) \ \ Gate.io](https://www.gate.io/staking/ALGO) [Learn more & start staking](https://algorand.co/staking-rewards) ### Access a new world of open finance - DeFi on Algorand Explore global lending markets, trade assets 24/7, or discover tokenized real-world assets on Algorand like real estate, powered by the network’s instant settlement and fees that cost less than a penny. Interact with confidence as many of the ecosystem's most popular apps use stablecoins on Algorand. Your Algorand wallet is the key to a suite of decentralized apps built for your independence. \ \ Alpha Arcade\ \ Decentralized prediction market on the Algorand blockchain](https://www.alphaarcade.com/) /CompX.jpeg)\ \ CompX\ \ DeFi suite with aggregation, token streaming, & portfolio tracking tools](https://core.compx.io/) /Folks%20Finance.webp)\ \ Folks Finance\ \ Leading Algorand DeFi protocol that offers lend & borrow markets, swaps & more](https://folks.finance/) \ \ Haystack\ \ Haystack delivers the first mobile-native DeFi experience on the Algorand blockchain, providing best-execution trades, real-time portfolio analytics, and yield opportunities](https://hay.app/) /Lofty.jpeg)\ \ Lofty\ \ Fractionalized real estate marketplace](https://www.lofty.ai/) /NFDomains.png)\ \ NFDomains\ \ Algorand name service and marketplace for trading non-fungible “.algo” domains](https://app.nf.domains/) /Pact.jpeg)\ \ Pact\ \ Decentralized automated market maker for swapping & providing liquidity](https://www.pact.fi/) /Tinyman.png)\ \ Tinyman\ \ DeFi protocol for swapping, exchanging and providing liquidity](https://tinyman.org/) /Vestige.png)\ \ Vestige\ \ Asset explorer with portfolio tracking, price charts and token trading](https://vestige.fi/) [Explore the full ecosystem](https://algorand.co/ecosystem/directory) ###### FAQ ## Getting started on Algorand - ##### How do I choose the best cryptocurrency wallet for Algorand? Choosing the best cryptocurrency wallet for Algorand depends entirely on how you plan to interact with the network. Here is how to find the right fit for your needs: - **If you prefer the convenience of your phone**, a mobile crypto wallet like Pera or Defly is best for you, as they are iOS and Android compatible. - **If you want to manage your assets across all your devices**, the Exodus wallet is a great choice because it works seamlessly on mobile, desktop, and as a browser extension. - **If you are looking for the highest level of security**, a hardware-based cryptocurrency wallet like the Ledger Nano is the best option to keep your assets offline. - **If you plan to use a computer to explore DeFi on Algorand**, a browser extension wallet like Lute or the Exodus extension is perfect for connecting directly to Algorand apps. - **If you want to trade and track markets**, a specialized defi wallet like Defly offers advanced features like charts and market data right in the app. - ##### What is an open-source wallet, and why does it matter for security? An open-source crypto wallet, such as Pera, is one where the software code is made public for anyone to inspect, audit, and verify. Open source code is generally scrutinized by many developers, meaning that bugs and security issues are more likely to be found and fixed. - ##### What is the difference between a "hot" and a "cold" wallet? - **Hot Wallet:** A wallet that is connected to the internet. - **Cold Wallet:** A wallet that remains offline, not connected to the internet. - ##### What does "self-custodial" mean? Most wallets in the Algorand ecosystem, including Pera, Defly, and Exodus wallets, are self-custodial. This means you are the only one who holds the private keys to your funds. Unlike a centralized exchange (CEX), where the company controls access to your assets, a self-custodial defi wallet gives you direct access to your assets and responsibility for their security. - ##### Can I use more than one type of wallet? Yes, many users use a "hybrid" approach. You might keep your long-term savings in a Ledger Nano (cold storage) for maximum security, while keeping a smaller amount in a mobile crypto wallet like Pera for daily payments on Algorand or exploring new DeFi on Algorand projects. - ##### How can I fund my Algorand wallet? You can load your cryptocurrency wallet with ALGO by purchasing directly with fiat (credit/debit card or bank transfer) through built-in on-ramps like MoonPay. Alternatively, you can transfer ALGO from a centralized exchange like Coinbase or Binance directly to your crypto wallet address. - ##### How do I transfer assets from other blockchains like Ethereum? If you hold assets on other networks, you can use cross-chain bridges from integrated partners to move your tokens to Algorand in minutes. - ##### What are the benefits of using stablecoins on Algorand? Many popular apps use stablecoins on Algorand to provide a consistent value for trading and lending. Because of the network’s design, transactions with these assets settle instantly with fees that typically cost less than a penny. - ##### How can I access DeFi on Algorand? Your Algorand wallet is the key to a suite of decentralized apps. Once you fund your wallet, you can explore DeFi on Algorand, for example, by participating in global lending markets or providing liquidity to earn rewards. - ##### Can I invest in tokenized real-world assets on Algorand? Yes, the network supports tokenized real-world assets on Algorand, such as fractionalized real estate through platforms like Lofty. These RWA on Algorand benefit from the blockchain's transparency and instant settlement. - ##### How do I earn rewards on my ALGO holdings? You can put your ALGO to work by staking it. Staking helps keep the network secure and decentralized while allowing you to collect rewards on your balance.