MetaMask

MetaMask's basic wallet is free. Costs arise when you transact: network charges vary, and MetaMask's swap guide lists a 0.875% service fee in addition to the quoted exchange rate and network fee. Extra services, including provider-powered trading, can have separate terms and regional availability.

Choose Create a new wallet after installing from the official download links. You can secure it with a 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase or use a supported social login. The phrase route does not require a hosted MetaMask account. Record the words in their original English order and keep the backup offline; possession of those words gives control of the wallet.

The social option changes recovery responsibilities. Google or Apple credentials, or Telegram in the extension, work together with the MetaMask password. Keep access to both. MetaMask cannot reset a lost password for this method. Wallets subsequently created or imported into that instance become linked to the same social account, so use a separate instance if that association is unwanted.

For a swap, select the asset and network you are sending from, then the destination token and network. Enter the amount and inspect the quote before confirmation. This distinction matters when the same token exists on several chains. MetaMask collects quotes from external providers; a bridge transfer can also take longer than its estimate.

The wallet's availability does not establish access to every connection or financial feature. Its default infrastructure provider, Infura, restricts service in listed sanctioned regions; advanced users can choose other compatible network connections, subject to applicable rules. The homepage separately flags regional limits on integrated products. Check the particular service before funding it. Token prices can fall sharply, and signing a malicious request can put funds at risk.