Crypto custody: the account login is only part of the story
Compare who controls your assets, what recovery means and what happens when access fails.
A password reset feels routine on a shopping website. It is a poor model for understanding every crypto wallet. Before choosing a custody arrangement, write down who can authorize a transaction and who can restore access. These are separate questions.
With self-custody, control of the relevant private keys rests with the user. With third-party custody, a provider manages keys on the user's behalf. Neither arrangement eliminates risk: personal mistakes matter in one case, while the provider's security and operating arrangements matter in the other.
Consider two hypothetical emergencies. Your phone disappears, but your recovery method remains secure. Alternatively, you can log in to a provider's website, but withdrawals have stopped. The same account balance on a screen does not solve both problems. Ask the provider to explain each scenario in writing before relying on it.
Build a one-page access plan: the type of wallet, where its official recovery instructions are found, who owns the account and the date you last reviewed the plan. Do not put recovery words or private keys in that document, email them to yourself or send them to support agents. A plan should explain your process without becoming another copy of the secret.
For a custodian, investigate asset segregation, withdrawal restrictions, fees and what happens if it fails. For self-custody, think carefully about secure backups and loss of access. If you cannot explain the responsibilities, pause before transferring value. This comparison is a research aid, not a recommendation to choose one model.