Uphold Wallet is a versatile digital finance platform that allows users to buy, hold, convert, and trade a wide range of asset types including cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, and precious metals. With support for over 250 assets and a unique “anything-to-anything” trading mechanism, Uphold has become popular among both beginners and advanced investors.
The standard Uphold wallet is custodial, meaning Uphold controls the private keys of your assets. However, they store the majority of user funds in cold storage and claim full reserve backing. For users who want more control, the Uphold Vault provides an assisted self-custody option. It uses a multi-signature system where the user controls two of three keys, while Uphold holds one for recovery support.
Uphold offers multiple funding methods, including bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and Apple Pay or Google Pay (depending on region). Withdrawals can be made to bank accounts or crypto addresses, though some assets may have limitations based on support tier or regulatory compliance.
The Uphold Vault is a subscription-based feature that provides a higher level of security through assisted self-custody. It’s ideal for users who want to reduce risk without fully managing private keys on their own. If a user loses access to one key, the remaining two can be used to recover the wallet — striking a balance between control and convenience.
Uphold doesn’t charge traditional trading fees but makes money through spreads — the difference between buy and sell prices. These spreads can vary by asset and market conditions. The Vault feature costs around $4.99/month or $49.99/year after a free trial. Most deposit methods are free, though credit card funding may incur additional fees.
Uphold is ideal for users who want a simple, all-in-one platform to manage various types of digital and real-world assets. Beginners will appreciate the ease of use, while more advanced users can benefit from features like Vault and cross-asset trading. However, if you're someone who prioritizes full control and privacy, a non-custodial or hardware wallet may be a better fit.