Founder’s guide to building a cryptocurrency wallet app

Key features users expect from day one

These are the essential features that shape trust, usability, and whether users will come back after their first transaction.

Let users unlock the app with biometrics or a PIN, and manage access to their cryptocurrency wallet by importing or exporting private keys or seed phrases, since in a non-custodial setup, the key is the account.

Fast, easy transfers with QR support are the heartbeat of your app. It's a core part of blockchain wallet app development and has to feel seamless.

Users expect a clean, searchable log of what happened, when it happened, and where it went, especially when something feels off.

From “funds received” to “gas is insane right now,” smart alerts build confidence and keep users engaged without opening the app.

Give people the ability to label and save trusted addresses. No one wants to double-check a 42-character string every time.

Let users track performance without switching apps, because real-time context turns a crypto wallet into a dashboard.

Display a simple, accurate total that reflects everything users hold, even across chains, and make it feel more like progress than math.

Whether it’s a new memecoin or a verified asset, users should be able to add tokens easily and feel confident they’ve got the right one.

As more users bridge across networks, your cryptocurrency wallet should too — clean switching, clear labels, and zero RPC errors.

Provide one-tap access to detailed on-chain data through trusted explorers, giving users more control and confidence.

Let people set custom alerts for the tokens they care about, because no one likes checking prices 20 times a day.

Encrypt keys locally, auto-lock the app, and monitor for clipboard tampering. Users won’t see this stuff, but they’ll feel it when it works.

Advanced features to consider

These features go beyond the basics. They’re what help a crypto wallet stand out, deepen engagement, and serve more experienced users without overcomplicating things for beginners.

Turn your wallet into a programmable tool that can handle things like gasless transactions, social recovery, or custom signing rules without a seed phrase required.

Let users explore DeFi, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 tools right from the wallet, instead of jumping between apps or tabs.

Make it easy to connect with dApps by scanning a code, especially useful when users switch between mobile and desktop.

Allow users to buy or sell crypto using cards or bank transfers, but keep in mind that this usually involves KYC through third-party providers.

Support bridging between networks for users moving assets across chains, though make sure the UX explains what’s happening under the hood.

People still like seeing what they own. Show NFTs with images, names, and metadata, even if your app isn’t built just for collectibles.

Add badges, streaks, or mini-challenges that reward engagement. This is especially effective in mobile apps and Telegram environments.

Help users find and claim eligible airdrops based on what’s in their cryptocurrency wallet, turning discovery into part of the experience.

Let users set up sends or swaps to trigger later — whether by time or price — just like limit orders in trading tools.

Give users a way to track token prices with alert triggers they define, so they don’t have to check the chart every 10 minutes.

Offer access to staking pools or native staking features for supported tokens. This will help users grow their assets without leaving the app.

Show simple charts, trends, or token summaries that help users understand what’s performing and what’s dragging them down.

Flag tokens with wild price swings or low liquidity, so users don’t blindly dive into something they’ll regret five minutes later.

If you’re targeting DeFi-savvy users, consider offering opt-in access to lending protocols for borrowing or collateralized loans.

Let users exchange tokens inside the crypto wallet using integrated DEXs without the need to copy addresses or sign in elsewhere.

Use AI to surface helpful tips, explain wallet actions, or flag unusual behavior, especially for users still getting comfortable with crypto.

Extra touches that shape the user experience

These features don’t always make the headlines, but they’re often the reason users stay, recommend your app, or feel safe trusting it in the first place.

Let users spend their crypto via virtual or physical cards connected to their cryptocurrency wallet balance, making their wallet usable in everyday life.

Allow users to move between wallet, email, and browser without friction, so the setup feels fast and frustration-free.

Double-check that users saved their recovery phrase by making them reassemble the words in the correct order before completing setup.

If your app integrates fiat or regulated features, speed up verification by scanning ID documents and faces automatically, so users aren’t stuck in long upload flows.

Offer a future-proof option for verifying users via self-sovereign identity without relying on traditional KYC flows.

Let users share referral links and get rewarded, using tools like AppsFlyer to track conversions and attribute bonuses accurately.

Make local authentication feel secure and intuitive, giving users the choice of biometric login or PIN on supported devices.

Display recovery words one at a time so users can back them up safely, even in public or shared spaces.

Give users a way to get help when they need it, instead of bouncing them to a website when they’re already stuck.

Let users choose what they see on the main screen — balances, NFTs, charts, watchlists — so the wallet feels personal, not one-size-fits-all.

Make recovery steps easy to find without forcing users to leave the app or search on Google when something goes wrong.