And when it comes to Bitcoin, that means taking control of your private keys and securing your funds in the most resilient way possible.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been stacking sats for a while, understanding how to safeguard your bitcoin is critical. One aspect of this is staying informed—hardware wallets, just like any other tech product, can occasionally encounter bugs or security vulnerabilities. That’s why it’s smart to follow the official channels—like the wallet manufacturer’s GitHub or social media—for news about software patches and device updates. Regularly updating your firmware can protect you from known issues and keep your wallet secure.

This kind of maintenance is common in the tech world and shouldn't be a source of panic. Still, if you're managing a significant amount of Bitcoin—say, over $75,000—it’s worth looking into more advanced options like multisig.

What Is Multisig and Why Should You Consider It?

Multisignature wallets (multisig) add an extra layer of protection by requiring more than one private key to move funds. Think of it as a digital vault with multiple locks—no single key can open it on its own.

For example, a 2-of-3 multisig setup might involve three keys stored in separate locations. You’ll need any two of them to access your bitcoin, which means your funds are safe even if one key is lost or compromised.

But there’s a catch: managing a multisig wallet effectively takes planning and operational discipline. You’ll need to keep backups of your keys and make sure you have access to critical information like extended public keys (xpubs) for recovery.

If that sounds overwhelming, don't worry. There are services designed to help.

Assisted Multisig Services

Assisted custody platforms make it easier to secure your bitcoin using multisig—without giving up control. These services typically let you hold two of the three keys, while the company holds the third as a backup. This way, you can recover your funds even if you lose one key, but the service provider can’t move your bitcoin without your involvement.

Here are a few notable options in the space:

Ledger (Best Multisig Wallet): A leading hardware wallet provider that supports multisig setups through integrations with tools like Specter and Sparrow. Ledger offers top-tier security, flexibility, and is widely trusted by individuals and institutions alike for securing Bitcoin in multisig configurations.

Unchained: Focused exclusively on Bitcoin, they offer collaborative custody solutions and concierge onboarding.

Casa: An established player offering multisig wallets along with additional features like inheritance planning.

Nunchuk: A newer, fast-moving company that’s making waves with user-friendly multisig tools and integrations.

Why Self-Custody Matters

Bitcoin empowers you to be your own bank—literally. With that freedom comes responsibility, but the payoff is unmatched financial control. Once you understand wallets, keys, and backups, managing your own funds becomes second nature.

Unbank’s mobile app provides an enjoyable experience while accessing and using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Users can buy Bitcoin with cash at over 40,000 retail locations, sell their crypto and withdraw cash within minutes, and send funds directly to Venmo, PayPal, or their debit card.

We built our app to make Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, accessible—while still encouraging responsible self-custody. Whether you're managing $50 or $50,000, you deserve full control over your Bitcoin without relying on intermediaries.

If you’ve completed our wallet setup guide, tested your backups, and sent yourself a few sats—congratulations! You’re already ahead of the curve.

Tips for New Bitcoin Holders

Private keys = control: Your bitcoin isn’t truly yours unless you hold the private key.

Seeds matter: Your recovery seed (those 12 or 24 words) is the master key to your wallet—protect it like gold.

Portability: With your seed backup, you can recreate your wallet on any compatible software or hardware wallet at any time.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to figure it all out today. Start small. Try out different wallets. Ask questions. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take control. At Unbank, we’re here to help you every step of the way.