Blockchain.com: crypto brokerage, self-custody wallet, and explorer

Blockchain.com is one of the oldest companies in crypto. It began in 2011 as a Bitcoin block explorer and now offers a custodial trading account, a self-custody DeFi Wallet, an exchange, the Explorer, and rewards products. It is headquartered in London, with a US headquarters in Dallas since November 2025.

What it is

Blockchain.com combines two different kinds of product in one app, and it matters which one you use:

Trading account (custodial): Blockchain.com holds your crypto for you. You can buy, sell, and convert with a bank card or bank transfer, and support can help with account access. In return you trust the company with your funds, and identity verification is required.
DeFi Wallet (self-custody): you hold the keys through a recovery phrase. Blockchain.com cannot access or recover your funds. The DeFi Wallet connects to decentralized apps and, since 2026, offers perpetual futures through Hyperliquid and funding by card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Key features

Buy and sell: purchase crypto with a card or bank transfer in supported countries.
Exchange: an order-book exchange at exchange.blockchain.com for more active traders.
Rewards: earn products, including fixed-term rewards, on some assets. Rates vary and are not guaranteed, and custodial rewards carry company risk.
Explorer: the public block explorer for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other chains, free to use without an account.
Institutional services: custody and staking for businesses.
Learning portal: beginner guides on crypto basics.

Costs and risks

Buying through the trading account usually includes a spread on top of any card or bank fee, so the price you pay can be higher than the market rate shown elsewhere. Network fees apply when you withdraw to an outside wallet. Products such as perpetual futures in the DeFi Wallet use leverage, which can lose more than a small price move would suggest and can lead to liquidation. Rewards products pay variable rates that depend on market conditions. Check the fee summary on each screen before you confirm, and start with small amounts while you learn how each product works.

Regulation and company

Blockchain.com holds a MiCA licence from Malta's financial regulator, granted in October 2025, covering custody, brokerage, and wallet services across the European Economic Area.
Products and features vary by country. Some services are not available in the United States or other regions.
In 2026 the company filed confidentially for a US public listing. That does not change how the app works for users.

Security

Account protection: PIN, biometric login, and two-factor authentication. Use an authenticator app rather than SMS where possible.
Back up the DeFi Wallet: write down its recovery phrase offline. If you lose it, Blockchain.com cannot restore that wallet.
Know the difference: assets in the trading account are custodial. For long-term holdings you may prefer the DeFi Wallet or a hardware wallet.
Phishing: Blockchain.com users are frequent phishing targets. Log in only at blockchain.com, and never share your recovery phrase or 2FA codes.

How to get started

Download the Blockchain.com app or go to blockchain.com.
Sign up with your email, set a strong password, and turn on two-factor authentication.
Complete identity verification if you want to use the trading account.
Create the DeFi Wallet separately if you want self-custody, and back up its recovery phrase.
Use the Explorer to check transactions on public blockchains.

Vaulta relevance

We found no sign that Blockchain.com supports Vaulta (A) in its trading account or DeFi Wallet. Vaulta users should use a Vaulta wallet such as Anchor, and an exchange that lists A, to move funds in and out.

Pros and cons

Pros

Long history and a well-known free block explorer.
Choice of custodial and self-custody products in one app.
Regulated in the EU under MiCA.
Beginner-friendly buying and selling.

Cons

The trading account is custodial and requires identity verification.
Card purchases and spreads can be costly.
Features differ by country, and some are high risk, such as leveraged perpetual futures.
No Vaulta (A) support.

FAQ

Is Blockchain.com a wallet or an exchange?

Both. It offers a custodial trading account, a self-custody DeFi Wallet, and an exchange.

Does Blockchain.com hold my keys?

For the trading account, yes. For the DeFi Wallet, no: you hold the recovery phrase.

Can I use the Explorer without an account?

Yes. The Explorer is public and free.

This listing is informational and is not financial advice. Please exercise caution. BlockzHub does not assume responsibility for any problems, damages, or losses that may result from using the services described here.

Blockchain.com