> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.solflare.com/solflare/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.solflare.com/solflare/self-custody/benefits-of-non-custodial-wallets.md).

# Benefits of Non-Custodial Wallets

Self-custody gives users control over their crypto and direct access to on-chain apps. It also makes them responsible for protecting their wallet.

#### What are the benefits of a non-custodial wallet?

A non-custodial wallet gives you three things a custodial account cannot: access to your funds whenever the blockchain is running, direct use of on-chain apps, and no intermediary that can freeze or block your assets. With Solflare, your tokens, NFTs, and staked SOL stay on Solana under your control.

{% hint style="info" %}
A crypto wallet connects you to a blockchain and the apps built on it.
{% endhint %}

#### Control over funds

Funds in a Solflare non-custodial wallet are available as long as the Solana network is running. No exchange decides when you can withdraw, and no one can close or freeze your account on your behalf. You can hold, send, swap, and [trade](https://www.solflare.com/trading/) digital assets directly from the wallet.

#### A safer place to hold assets in unstable economies

A self-custody wallet lets users hold stablecoins such as USDC without keeping them in a bank or exchange account. This can provide another way to access dollar-denominated assets where local currencies fluctuate, or banking access is limited.

USDC is designed to track the US dollar, but stablecoins carry risks. They can lose their peg, and issuers may be able to freeze tokens. Self-custody does not remove those risks.

#### With great power comes great responsibility

A non-custodial wallet puts the full responsibility for security on the user. The two biggest risks are:

* **Losing your recovery phrase.** If you lose a wallet's recovery phrase, you lose access to the funds in it. [Solflare support cannot recover a recovery phrase](https://help.solflare.com/en/articles/9264203) because Solflare never has a copy yours.
* **Signing something malicious.** Connecting to a fake site or clicking a [phishing](https://www.solflare.com/crypto-101/what-is-phishing-in-crypto-and-how-to-avoid-it/) link can lead you to approve a transaction that drains your wallet. These attacks often use [wallet drainers](https://www.solflare.com/glossary/wallet-drainer/) disguised as airdrops or mints.

Good habits can manage both risks.