Are you tired of using different wallets for storing various cryptocurrencies? Do you want a wallet that is secure, easy to use, and supports only established digital assets?
Arculus Wallet is one such solution that has gained a lot of popularity among crypto investors and enthusiasts.
In this Arculus review, we’ll dive deep into security measures and explore its features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Quick Verdict 💡: Should You Buy Arculus Key Card?
Arculus is a cold storage hardware wallet that uses a metal card with NFC technology to store your private keys and sign transactions. It also has a unique 3-factor authentication system that combines your biometrics, PIN, and card to protect your assets. With the Arculus app and card, you can easily buy, swap, send, and receive crypto and NFTs, and connect to various DeFi apps with WalletConnect. Arculus has the highest level of security hardware classification and never stores or shares your recovery phrase. Arculus is created by CompoSecure, a leader in security hardware and financial payment solutions for over 20 years.
Arculus Cold Wallet Review: Key Specifications
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Arculus Wallet |
| Price | $99 |
| Type | Mobile Wallet with cold storage of private keys using a KeyCard |
| Connectivity | NFC technology |
| Supported Coins | 40+ including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more |
| Security Features | Biometric authentication, 3FA, Cold Storage, PIN |
| User Interface | Simple and User-friendly |
| Mobile Platforms | iOS and Android |
| Payment methods | USD |
| Supported countries | United States only |
| Transaction Fees | 5% for using fiat-gateway, network fees depends on congestion |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Chat and Email Support |
What is Arculus Wallet?
Founded in 2019 by the security experts at CompoSecure, Arculus is a hardware wallet that utilizes NFC technology to keep your cryptocurrencies and NFTs safe and secure within a Web3-enabled ecosystem.
And with CompoSecure’s reputation for offering secure payment solutions to prominent banks, you know that you can trust Arculus to keep your digital assets safe.
What sets Arculus apart from other hardware wallets on the market?
Well, for one thing, Arculus comes with an exclusive metal key card and advanced protocols that ensure the secure storage of private keys for over 40 different cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
And to further bolster user fund protection, the Arculus Wallet App – available on both Android and iOS – is linked with the key card and requires 3FA to access and use any of the digital assets stored within.
But that’s not all – the Arculus Wallet App also includes an integrated gateway to purchase cryptocurrency, making it easy for you to instantly trade and store crypto on your Arculus card.
Key Features of Arculus Wallet
- The secure cold storage of private keys and NFTs.
- Mobile App for Android and iOS devices
- Supports 45+ digital assets
- 3FA authentication is implemented to provide unparalleled security.
- A top-quality metal keycard for seed phrase storage.
- Built-in swaps for popular cryptocurrencies
Pros & Cons of Arculus
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| High level of security due to its offline storage | Relatively expensive compared to other wallets |
| Integration with DeFi and NFT apps | Limited storage capacity |
| Supports 40+ cryptocurrencies | |
| Comes with a built-in Swap feature | |
| Durable and well-built |
Read: Best Bitcoin Hardware Wallets
Arculus Wallet Features Reviewed
1. KeyCard For Storing Seed Phrase Offline
The Arculus KeyCard is a small device designed to store your cryptocurrency seed phrase securely offline.
It is a physical hardware wallet that is easy to use and can be carried with you wherever you go.
The KeyCard is small enough to fit in your wallet or on your keychain, and it uses NFC technology to communicate with your mobile phone.
This means you can use the KeyCard to securely store and access your seed phrase without the need for a USB cable or any other additional equipment.
The Arculus KeyCard features a CC EAL6+ certified secure element, which is one of the highest levels of security certification for hardware devices.
This secure element provides a high level of protection against physical attacks and tampering.
2. Cold Storage Security Measures Review
The device utilizes various security measures to ensure that your digital assets are safe from unauthorized access and theft.
Here are some of the cold storage security measures that the Arculus KeyCard employs:
- CC EAL6+ certified secure element: The KeyCard features a secure element that has been certified by the Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 6+. This certification is one of the highest levels of security certification for hardware devices and ensures that the device has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its security.
- Pin protection: The Arculus wallet requires a PIN code to be entered each time it is used, which prevents unauthorized access to your digital assets.
- NFC communication: The KeyCard uses NFC technology to communicate with your mobile device, which ensures that there are no wires or ports that can be used to access the device’s memory.
- 3FA: Arculus Wallet require the user to provide three types of authentication factors such as something they know (password), something they have (a physical device like the KeyCard), and something they are (biometric data like a fingerprint or facial recognition).
3. Built-in Fiat Gateway
Arculus Wallet does provide a built-in fiat gateway that allows you to buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrencies using USD or EUR.
With the built-in fiat gateway, you can easily swap popular cryptocurrencies with USD or EUR using Simplex, a third-party payment provider.
Simplex requires users to go through a KYC (Know Your Customer) process to verify their identity before using the fiat gateway.
This is a common requirement for compliance with various financial regulations.
Additionally, there are fees associated with using the Simplex fiat gateway, which currently includes a 5% transaction fee. These fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific transaction and payment method used.
4. NFT and DeFi Integration
Users can leverage WalletConnect to connect to the platform and explore DApps like OpenSea to take benefit of this capability. Arculus customers can quickly buy an NFT with ETH by entering their pin number and scanning their Arculus card after being authenticated with a QR code.
The entire procedure is then quick and hassle-free thanks to the Arculus app, which confirms the transaction and completes the purchase.
5. Supported Cryptocurrencies
Arculus Wallet supported a range of cryptocurrencies (44), including but not limited to Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Ripple (XRP).
The wallet also supported ERC-20 tokens, which are tokens that operate on the Ethereum blockchain and comply with a set of standards for seamless integration with other Ethereum applications.
Arculus Wallet Fees and KeyCard Price
In terms of the KeyCard, it was available for purchase through the Arculus website for a price of $99. The KeyCard is a one-time purchase and is only available in the United States.
The Wallet charged a 5% fee for using its built-in fiat gateway provided by Simplex. This fee is charged on top of the exchange rate for the cryptocurrency being exchanged and covers the cost of the third-party payment processing service.
Arculus vs Ledger vs SafePal vs ELLIPAL Titan
| Arculus | Ledger | SafePal | Ellipal Titan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Supported Cryptocurrency | 40+ | 5,000+ | Unlimited on 54+ blockchains | 10,000+ |
| Hardware cost | $99 | $79-$279 | $49.99 | $139 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Visit Ledger | Visit Safepal | Visit ELLIPAL |
Arculus Mobile App Review
The Arculus mobile app provides a user-friendly way to manage digital assets, including cryptocurrencies. The app supports a range of cryptocurrencies and ERC-20 tokens and also offers a built-in fiat gateway provided by Simplex.
The app’s key feature is its integration with the Arculus KeyCard, which provides an offline and secure storage solution for seed phrases. Additionally, the app allows for NFT and DeFi integration through WalletConnect.
Customer Support
Arculus Wallet provided customer support through its website and email. The website includes a comprehensive FAQ section that covers a wide range of topics related to using the wallet and the KeyCard.
Users can also contact customer support by sending an email to: support@arculus.com.
Is Arculus Wallet Safe and Legit?
Arculus is a digital wallet that prioritizes security by utilizing an exceptional architecture and form factor in preserving crypto private keys. To achieve the highest level of protection, the company subjects its NFC-enabled key card and companion app to rigorous security evaluations.
Unlike typical digital wallets that could endanger user information, Arculus cannot access any private key data. Moreover, obtaining entry to the wallet demands three-factor authentication via the app and key card, augmenting the security layer.
Arculus stands out from its digital wallet counterparts, notably by utilizing NFC technology. Contrary to Bluetooth technology, which could transmit data over a more extensive distance and hence more vulnerable to hacking attempts, NFC can only transfer data a few centimeters away, rendering it an optimal preference for secure transactions.
Related:
- Best Multisig Crypto Wallets
- Cryptotag Zeus Review
- Best Open-Source Crypto Wallets
- Best Mobile Crypto Wallet
- Best air-gapped crypto wallet
How to Get Started With Arculus Wallet?
- Download the Arculus Wallet app from your app store (iOS or Android).
- Open the app and select “Create New Wallet.”
- Follow the instructions to set up a PIN code for your wallet.
- Choose whether to use the Arculus KeyCard for added security. If you have the KeyCard, follow the instructions to set it up.
- Once you’ve set up your PIN and KeyCard (if applicable), the app will generate a seed phrase. Write down this phrase and keep it in a secure place.
- Verify your seed phrase by selecting the correct words in the correct order.
- After verifying your seed phrase, you will be asked to set up three-factor authentication (3FA). You can choose to use Google Authenticator or email verification.
- Once 3FA is set up, you can start adding funds to your wallet. To add cryptocurrency, select the “Receive” button and copy the wallet address provided. Send cryptocurrency from an external wallet to this address.
- To buy cryptocurrency with a credit or debit card, select the “Buy” button and follow the instructions provided by Simplex.
- You can also use the app to manage and store NFTs, connect to DeFi applications, and more.
Final Thoughts: Is Arculus Wallet Worth Your Investment
Arculus Wallet is a reliable and secure option for managing digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and ERC-20 tokens. The wallet offers a range of features, including support for the Arculus KeyCard, three-factor authentication (3FA), and a built-in fiat gateway provided by Simplex.
Additionally, the wallet supports NFT and DeFi integration through WalletConnect.
The Arculus team appears to be responsive and engaged with its user community, providing timely support and updates on product developments.
While no digital wallet can be 100% secure, the Arculus wallet offers a range of security features to help protect user assets.
FAQs
What if my Arculus Card is lost or stolen?
If your Arculus KeyCard is lost or stolen, you should take the following steps to ensure the security of your digital assets:
- Immediately deactivate your KeyCard by logging into your Arculus Wallet app and navigating to the KeyCard settings.
- Contact the Arculus support team to report the loss or theft of your KeyCard.
- Follow the instructions provided by the support team to recover your funds and secure your account. This may include resetting your PIN, verifying your identity, and providing proof of ownership of the account.
How do I receive cryptocurrency in my Arculus App?
To receive cryptocurrency into your Arculus wallet, follow these steps:
- Open your Arculus wallet app and select the cryptocurrency you want to receive. For example, if you want to receive Bitcoin, select the “Bitcoin” option.
- On the main screen of the wallet, select the “Receive” button. This will generate a unique wallet address for the selected cryptocurrency.
- Copy the wallet address or scan the QR code provided.
- Provide this wallet address to the person or entity sending you the cryptocurrency. They will need to send the cryptocurrency to this address in order for it to appear in your Arculus wallet.
- Wait for the transaction to be confirmed on the blockchain. The time it takes for the transaction to be confirmed can vary depending on network congestion and other factors.
