As of 2025, precise cost estimation of building a crypto wallet is an acute topic. The widespread usage of blockchain technology in several industries, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and greater institutional investment, has widely grown the crypto ecosystem.
Such growth of adoption gives rise to sophisticated economic trends like changing regulation patterns and an even greater need for strong security protocols. Additionally, fluctuations in developer rates, infrastructure expenses, and the continuous evolution of technology contribute to cost volatility. This is why we decided to answer the question, “How much does it cost to create a cryptocurrency wallet?”
Highlights:
- Discover how blockchain adoption and economic trends are changing the cost of development.
- Understand how technology decisions and security protocols impact your budget.
- Discover the benefits of outsourcing over in-house development teams.
- Learn how to plan a budget and avoid surprise costs.
For a more detailed exploration of the cost factors, read our comprehensive guide on crypto wallet app development.
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Table of contents:
- Cost of Building a Crypto Wallet App – Process Breakdown
- In-House vs. Outsourcing Cost in 2025 – Which is More Profitable?
- Cost by Wallet Type & Features
- How IdeaSoft Estimates Your Crypto Wallet Development Cost
- Start Your Crypto Wallet Development with IdeaSoft
Cost of Building a Crypto Wallet App – Process Breakdown
Developing a crypto wallet app requires careful planning, technical expertise, and an investment strategy. The price varies depending on the blockchain of your choice, security requirements, and whether you opt for a custom or off-the-shelf solution. Below, we provide the step-by-step development process and how each stage influences costs.
| Stage | Estimated Cost Range (% of Total Budget) |
| Planning & Research | 5-10% |
| UI/UX Design | 10-15% |
| Backend Development | 20-25% |
| Blockchain Integration | 15-20% |
| Security & Compliance | 15-20% |
| Testing & QA | 10-15% |
| Deployment & Maintenance | 5-10% (initial), ongoing varies |
Key Development Phases and Cost Impact
So, let’s discuss key development phases and how they influence crypto wallet app development cost.
Planning & Research
The process of wallet development starts with thorough research and planning. In this phase, you:
- Define project scope, features, and user requirements
- Investigate market trends and competitor wallets
- Select the appropriate blockchain and tech stack
- Identify likely security threats and compliance laws
Cost impact. ~5-10% of total budget.
A well-researched plan prevents costly changes later in development. More complex activities with custom features can require extensive research, increasing costs.
UI/UX Design
An intuitive and smooth user experience is vital for the adoption of crypto wallets. The design process includes:
- Wireframing and prototyping
- User interface (UI) design
- Branding and visual elements
- UX testing for navigational simplicity
Cost impact. ~10-15% of total budget.
A custom UI/UX design specific to your brand is more expensive than pre-made templates. However, a custom design increases user trust and engagement, and the investment is worth it.
Backend Development
Backend is the central nervous system of a crypto wallet, handling transactions, authentication, and storage. This stage involves:
- Server infrastructure configuration and database management
- Developing APIs for integration with blockchain networks
- Processing transactions and updating in real time
- Ensuring scalability for future growth
Cost impact. ~20-25% of total budget.
Backend development is typically one of the most expensive parts of the project. A highly scalable and secure backend requires more investment in cloud services and advanced security measures.
Blockchain Integration
Blockchain choice significantly affects the cost due to the differences in transaction fees, infrastructure, and smart contract complexity. The common choices include:
- Ethereum. High security and developer support but higher gas fees.
- Solana. Increased speed and lower fees, highly suitable for high-frequency trading.
- Polygon. Scalable and inexpensive, highly suitable for DeFi applications.
- Custom blockchain. Maximum flexibility but requires large-scale development and maintenance.
Cost impact. ~15-20% of total budget.
Public blockchains like Solana and Polygon reduce the infrastructure cost, while custom blockchains are more resource-intensive in terms of development and maintenance.
Security & Compliance
Security is a top priority for crypto wallets as there is a risk of cyber attacks. Some of the most important security measures include:
- End-to-end encryption
- Multi-signature confirmation
- Biometric authentication
- Smart contract audits
- KYC/AML regulatory compliance
Cost impact. ~15-20% of total budget.
The more layers of security, the more the costs. Regular audits and regulatory compliance also require additional investment but are essential for user trust and regulatory approval.
Testing & Quality Assurance (QA)
Rigorous testing ensures a bug-free and secure wallet. This phase includes:
- Functional testing (ensuring features work correctly)
- Load testing (testing under intense traffic)
- Security testing (penetration testing to prevent hacker attacks)
- Cross-platform testing (for mobile, web, and desktop compatibility)
Cost impact. ~10-15% of total budget.
Comprehensive testing prevents security issues and functionality errors, which save costs on post-launch patches.
Deployment & Maintenance
Once the app is tested and refined, it’s deployed on app stores and blockchain networks. Maintenance entails:
- Regular security updates
- Feature updates
- Customer support and bug fixing
- Compliance updates due to new legislation
Cost impact. ~5-10% (initial launch), ongoing maintenance varies
Post-launch maintenance is crucial for user retention and security issue avoidance. The more complex the wallet, the more long-term maintenance expenses.
Optimizing Costs with Seasoned Web3 Development Team
The development of a crypto wallet app requires deep blockchain expertise and cost-optimization measures. A seasoned Web3 Development Company like IdeaSoft can help optimize costs by:
- Recommending the most economical blockchain network
- Building scalable backend infrastructure
- Optimizing security without unnecessary overhead
- Reducing long-term maintenance costs with optimized code
By working with experienced blockchain developers, you can strike the right balance between cost and performance in delivering a secure and scalable crypto wallet solution.
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In-House vs. Outsourcing Cost in 2025 – Which is More Profitable?
If you plan to develop a crypto wallet app either in-house or by outsourcing, knowing the cost is important. In 2025, having the right strategy can make a big difference in your project budget, timeline, and scalability. The following forms the cost to open a crypto wallet.
| Cost Factor | In-House Development | Outsourcing Development |
| Developer Salaries | $100,000 – $150,000 per year | $40,000 – $80,000 per year |
| Tech Stack Setup & Maintenance | High (Training, Tools, Licensing) | Low (Ready-to-use solutions) |
| Hidden Costs | Office space, HR, equipment, etc. | Minimal (Mostly management) |
| Training & Knowledge Upkeep | Continuous internal training | No need for training (external expertise) |
| Recruitment & Onboarding | High (Recruitment, hiring process) | Outsourcing handles recruitment |
| Time to Market | Slower (Internal processes) | Faster (Experienced teams) |
Developer Salaries
In-House. Having a full-time team of blockchain developers, designers, and other personnel involves significant investment in the form of salaries, benefits, and training.
- Blockchain developers. $100,000 – $150,000 per year
- Designers & QA engineers. $70,000 – $110,000 per year
- Other Expenses. Health insurance, office, equipment, etc.
Outsourcing. While outsourcing, you pay for the service rather than full-time employees. This is relatively less expensive.
- Blockchain developers. $40,000 – $80,000 per year (depending on location)
- Designers & QA engineers. $30,000 – $60,000 per year
Cost impact. Outsourcing offers a clear advantage in reducing total payroll expenses.
Blockchain and Tech Stack Costs
In-House. Developing a custom blockchain or using a specific technology stack requires investment in specialized tools and training. Additionally, maintenance and ongoing updating of the tech stack require extra resources.
In-house teams need lots of know-how and possibly more software tools to handle deployment and updates.
Outsourcing. Outsourced teams with experience are usually up to date with the latest tech and probably already have the tools and infrastructure required. They will more likely complete it faster and more efficiently, saving money on tooling and setup.
Outsourcing teams tend to be able to pick the most suitable, cost-friendly framework based on your requirements. This saves you on infrastructure setup and licensing when forming a price to develop your own crypto wallet.
Cost impact. Outsourcing saves both time and money on the tech stack and blockchain integration.
Hidden Costs
In-House. There are typically hidden costs when you employ an in-house team, such as:
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Employee turnover
- Office space, utilities, and equipment
- HR and administrative overhead
Outsourcing. Although there will be some additional communication and management costs, outsourcing eliminates most of the hidden costs of full-time employees. External teams handle their infrastructure, hiring, and management themselves.
Cost impact. Outsourcing eliminates or reduces many hidden costs, while in-house teams require additional management and operations assistance.
Why Outsourcing is the Right Choice
Outsourcing offers several strong advantages, and in most cases, it is the most cost-effective choice:
- Faster time to market. With an experienced outsourcing team, your project will likely be completed faster, getting your product to market earlier.
- Access to experienced teams. Outsourcing allows tapping into experienced professionals who have worked on a variety of blockchain technologies. This expertise can mean greater quality deliverables and faster development.
- Scalability. Outsourcing offers greater flexibility to scale the team up or down based on project demands, which is ideal for dynamic or evolving projects.
Our blockchain development team can guide you through the most cost-effective solutions, providing the best results within your budget. Hire blockchain developers right now!
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Cost by Wallet Type & Features
Selection of wallet type and features forms a critical input while developing a crypto wallet for defining the overall cost. Differences in functionalities, security levels, and user interaction are possible on the basis of wallet types. We split here the crypto wallet cost associated with each type of wallet on the basis of core and premium features.
| Wallet Type | Core Features Cost | Advanced Features Cost |
| Custodial Wallet | $30,000 – $50,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Non-Custodial Wallet | $40,000 – $60,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Multi-Currency Wallet | $35,000 – $55,000 | $12,000 – $22,000 |
| DeFi Wallet | $50,000 – $80,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Hardware Wallet | $60,000 – $90,000 | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Smart Contract Wallet | $70,000 – $100,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
Custodial Wallets
These wallets are managed by a third-party service provider, i.e., private keys are transferred to the provider by the users. They are easier to use but come with less fund control.
- Core features. User registration, deposit/withdrawal activities, secure private key storage
- Advanced features. Multi-factor authentication, recovery features, insurance for funds
Non-Custodial Wallets
Non-custodial wallets give users complete control of their private keys and assets. They are favored by users who appreciate security and decentralization.
- Core features. Private key management, encryption, transaction signing
- Advanced features. Multi-signature wallets, hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallets, biometric authentication
Multi-Currency Wallets
Multi-currency wallets can support multiple cryptocurrencies and allow users to hold different tokens in one place, making them very versatile.
- Core features. Support for multiple tokens, conversion between tokens
- Advanced features. Native addition of custom tokens, native exchange capabilities, real-time market information
DeFi Wallets
DeFi wallets are specifically designed to communicate with applications in decentralized finance, allowing complex transactions like lending and staking.
- Core features. DeFi connectivity, wallet-to-wallet transfer, support for ERC-20 tokens
- Advanced features. Staking options, yield farming connectivity, liquidity pool connectiviness.
Hardware Wallets
Hardware wallets store private keys on a physical device, providing high-protection security by keeping keys offline. Hardware wallets are appropriate for long-term storage of funds.
- Core deatures. Offline secure storage, PIN locking
- Advanced features. Multi-currency support, password manager, touch-screen functionality
Smart Contract Wallets
Smart contract wallets are programmable wallets that allow users to set up advanced smart contract interactions, offering high flexibility for decentralized applications.
- Core features. Smart contract execution, wallet address management
- Advanced features. Optimized gas fee, individualized contract interactions, cross-chain compatibility
The crypto wallet app pricing will depend on how many of these optional features you incorporate. As long as basic features are needed for all types, advanced functionality allows you to vary but increases the cost.
We at IdeaSoft are always ahead in terms of crypto development trends. Our experienced professionals help you pick the perfect features for your budget so that you can have a quality wallet as per your needs.
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How IdeaSoft Estimates Your Crypto Wallet Development Cost
At IdeaSoft, we understand that the development of a crypto wallet is a significant investment, and accurate cost estimation is the foundation of making the correct decisions. We take a multi-step approach to estimating crypto wallet development costs to ensure we deliver a solution that meets your needs within budget. Here’s how we do it.
Project Scope Analysis
Our initial step in the estimation process is thoroughly reviewing your project scope. We work together with you to understand the wallet’s use case, end-users, and desired functionalities you would want.
Feature Selection
To develop crypto wallet app, you need to understand the necessary and complimentary features. Feature selection directly affects the overall cost. We sit down with you and determine the most critical features, distinguishing the must-have from the nice-to-have features.
Security & Compliance Requirements
Security is the most critical factor when dealing with crypto wallets, and adherence to industry standards and legal stipulations is paramount.
If your wallet must comply with regulations such as GDPR or specific financial industry requirements, this will affect development time and cost. Compliance testing and legal consultation can add to the total estimate.
Tech Stack Choice
Our selection of technology stack for your crypto wallet decides its scalability, performance, and cost. We consider your project needs to select the most suitable tech stack.
Custom vs. Template-Based Solutions
A key decision in the cost estimation process is whether to go for a custom-developed wallet or utilize template-based solutions.
We help you weigh the pros and cons of both approaches based on your project’s budget and goals, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Start Your Crypto Wallet Development with IdeaSoft
We’ve covered the key cost factors—tech stack, security, compliance, and team structure. Transparent pricing and expert planning are essential for success. We develop crypto exchange solutions even with very strict budgets.
“We ensure cost transparency and smart budget allocation for every project.” — Herman Stohniiev, CTO of IdeaSoft
Why IdeaSoft?
- Proven Expertise. 10+ blockchain projects, from DeFi to crypto wallets.
- Top Security. Multi-layer encryption, biometric access, and audits.
- Compliance Ready. Built to meet global financial regulations.
- Web3 Future-Proof. Scalable, next-gen solutions for evolving blockchain needs.
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