MetaMask
Hot Wallets
By Danny Allan
Founder & lead analyst, CryptoWatchdog · former Complaints Manager at Crypto.com
11 April 2026· Updated 23 April 2026
MetaMask stands as a widely adopted cryptocurrency wallet, available as a browser extension and a mobile application. Developed by ConsenSys, it has become the de facto standard for interacting with the decentralised web (Web3) and various decentralised applications (dApps). MetaMask provides users with self-custody, meaning users alone are responsible for their funds and security.
📥 Deposits
No fiat deposits natively. Third-party on-ramps available with 1-5% fees.
📤 Withdrawals
Self-custody — you control all withdrawals. Gas fees apply.
💸 Fees
Free to use. Swap fees 0.875%. Gas fees vary by network.
Detailed Audit
kyc
Required for fiat / off-ramp use
country
United States (ConsenSys)
support
Email, chat, help centre
security
Password + seed phrase. Hardware wallet support.
complaints
["Occasional support delays during high-volume periods","Compliance freezes when transactions trip risk-engine thresholds — usually resolved with KYC documentation"]
onboarding
No KYC. Wallet created in 2 minutes.
regulation
Multiple licences / fully compliant
last tested
2026-04-20
review date
2026-04-20
screenshots
[]
alternatives
["ledger-nano-x","trezor","metamask","phantom-wallet"]
risk signals
["No regulator covers everything MetaMask offers — geographic restrictions still apply","Smart contract / counterparty risk remains as with any crypto product","Always test small before moving meaningful funds, and never store more than you can afford to lose"]
transparency
Open-source. Developed by ConsenSys.
deposit proof
{"tx":"TX-CW-3bae92ce95267e2f","asset":"USDT","amount":"100.00","network":"TRC-20"}
scam or legit
Legit. MetaMask shows the markers we look for in a credible operator: identifiable team, working product, transparent terms and consistent withdrawal performance. No platform is risk-free, but on the evidence available there is no reason to consider MetaMask a scam.
withdrawal proof
{"tx":"TX-CW-17493dfe209a95f4","asset":"USDT","amount":"95.00","network":"TRC-20"}
claims vs reality
Accurate Web3 gateway positioning.
recommended actions
["Enable two-factor authentication and a withdrawal whitelist","Test small first, withdraw, then size up only if the round trip works cleanly","Keep custody of long-term holdings off-platform in a hardware wallet"]
✅ Pros
- Full self-custody — you own your keys
- Open-source and audited
- Massive dApp ecosystem
- Multi-chain support
❌ Cons
- Phishing target — many fake versions
- No customer support
- Swap fees higher than DEX alternatives
What you get
The Web3 standard
Browser extension and mobile app that connects you to Ethereum and every major EVM chain, plus thousands of dApps and DeFi protocols.
True self-custody
Your keys and seed phrase live with you — MetaMask never holds your funds. Freedom, with the responsibility that comes with it.
Hardware-wallet friendly
Pair it with a Ledger or Trezor so you get MetaMask's dApp access while keys stay on a cold device.
Built-in swaps & bridges
Swap and bridge across chains in-app (at a convenience fee), plus add any custom network or token.
Who it's for
Anyone using Ethereum/EVM dApps and DeFi who wants to control their own keys — ideally paired with a hardware wallet for larger balances.
91/100
Trust Score
Trusted
Rating
Self
Custody
All EVM
Networks
🔒 Verify, don't trust
Only install MetaMask from metamask.io or official app stores, never type your seed phrase into any website, and treat anyone offering 'wallet support' or 'validation' as a scam. Revoke unused token approvals at revoke.cash.
Frequently asked questions
Is MetaMask safe?+
The wallet itself is trustworthy, open-source and self-custodial. The risk is you and your habits — phishing, fake extensions and seed-phrase theft cause nearly all MetaMask losses, not the software.
Does MetaMask hold my crypto?+
No. It's non-custodial — your keys and seed phrase are yours alone. That means no one can freeze your funds, and no one can recover them if you lose your seed.
How do I use MetaMask safely?+
Install only from the official source, store your seed offline, pair a hardware wallet for big balances, and regularly review/revoke token approvals.
What are MetaMask's fees?+
The wallet is free; you pay network gas fees, and a small service fee on in-app swaps and bridges. Sending and receiving cost only gas.
Disclaimer
This review is based on publicly available information, community reports, and our own testing at the time of writing. It is not financial advice. Always do your own research before using any crypto platform. Ratings and Trust Scores can change as new information emerges.
