Privacy wallets
Coldcard
Coldcard is the air-gapped Bitcoin-only hardware wallet.
- Website
- coldcard.com
- KYC
- optional KYC — Bitcoin-only hardware wallet. Purchasable with crypto from the manufacturer (Coinkite) or via resellers without identity. Air-gapped operation by design.
- Status
- active
- Fiat on-ramp
- no
- Payment
- crypto, card (KYC)
- Jurisdiction
- Canada (operator-disclosed)
- Founded
- 2018
- Open source
- yes
- Custodial
- no
- Last verified
- Sources
- 2
Overview
What Coldcard is#
A Bitcoin-only hardware wallet built around air-gapped signing — microSD or QR code, never USB.
Threat-model fit#
When Bitcoin-only and air-gapped are both binding requirements.
Strengths
- Air-gapped signing — the device never connects to a computer, only via microSD card or QR codes.
- Bitcoin-only firmware reduces attack surface compared to multi-coin hardware wallets.
- Manufacturer accepts crypto payment and ships pseudonymously.
- Reproducible firmware builds.
Caveats
- Shipping address binds the device to a physical location; using a forwarding address or PO box is the standard pattern.
- The Coinkite operator is Canadian; legal jurisdiction matters for the corporate, not for the device.
- Bitcoin-only — not appropriate as a multi-coin hardware wallet.
- Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).
Verdict
Coldcard is the air-gapped Bitcoin-only hardware wallet. Purchase with crypto and ship to a forwarding address and the manufacturer never sees an identity. The Bitcoin-only firmware is the defining choice — narrower attack surface, no multi-coin features. Best fit for users who hold Bitcoin and want a hardware wallet that does Bitcoin only.
FAQ
- Does Coldcard require KYC?
- Coldcard has optional KYC; you can use the service without it for the basic flow. Bitcoin-only hardware wallet. Purchasable with crypto from the manufacturer (Coinkite) or via resellers without identity. Air-gapped operation by design.
- What payment methods does Coldcard accept?
- Coldcard accepts: crypto, card (KYC).
- Where is Coldcard based?
- Operating jurisdiction listed as Canada (operator-disclosed). This is best-known information; corporate structure can be opaque.
Sources
- Coldcard documentation · accessed
- Coldcard source · accessed
Mentioned in
Guides
Alternatives to Coldcard
- BlueWallet none kyc · independent
- BitBox02 optional kyc · Switzerland
- Cake Wallet none kyc · United
- Edge none kyc · United
- Feather Wallet none kyc · independent
- Foundation Passport optional kyc · United
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