Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Bitcoin self-custody and how Bitcoin Butlers can help.
About Bitcoin Butlers
What is Bitcoin Butlers?
Bitcoin Butlers connects you with verified self-custody experts for one-on-one video consultations. Hardware wallet setup, multisig configuration, seed phrase backup, inheritance planning - whatever you need, a Butler walks you through it in real-time. We hold your hand, not your keys. Browse our Butlers.
Do you hold or have access to my Bitcoin?
Never. We don't touch, hold, or have access to your private keys or Bitcoin. Our Butlers guide you through the process - you maintain full control the entire time. That's the whole point of self-custody.
Who are the Butlers?
Butlers are verified Bitcoin self-custody experts with demonstrated knowledge of hardware wallets, multisig, seed phrase security, and inheritance planning. Each Butler has a public profile with their specialties, hourly rate, and reviews from past clients. You pick who you work with. See all Butlers.
Is this only for beginners?
No. We work with everyone from first-time self-custodiers to experienced holders upgrading to multisig, setting up inheritance plans, or auditing their existing security. Butlers tailor each session to where you are and where you want to be.
Consultations & Booking
How do consultations work?
Browse the Butler directory, pick an expert based on their specialties and availability, and book a time slot. Consultations happen over video call. Your Butler guides you through whatever you need - from unboxing a hardware wallet to configuring a 2-of-3 multisig quorum.
How much does a consultation cost?
Each Butler sets their own hourly rate. You can see rates on their profile before booking. No hidden fees, no upsells during the call.
Can I pay with Bitcoin?
Yes. We accept Lightning and fiat (credit/debit via Stripe). A Bitcoin self-custody service should accept Bitcoin. Both options are presented at checkout.
I don't know what I need help with. Where do I start?
Start with the Master Concierge. It's a free interactive guide that assesses your current setup, identifies gaps, and recommends specific next steps. Takes a few minutes and gives you a clear picture of where you stand before you talk to anyone.
Can I buy a consultation as a gift?
Yes. Gift tokens are cryptographically signed vouchers that can be redeemed when booking. Buy one for someone who needs to get their Bitcoin off an exchange - it's a better gift than another Amazon card.
Self-Custody
Why should I take my Bitcoin off an exchange?
You're not holding Bitcoin on an exchange. You're holding a promise from a company that they'll give you Bitcoin when you ask. That promise is exactly as good as the company - and history shows that's not good enough. Self-custody means your Bitcoin is controlled by keys only you hold. No counterparty, no permission needed. Read why this matters.
Can I lose my Bitcoin with self-custody?
Yes - if you lose your seed phrase and have no backup, your Bitcoin is gone. That's the tradeoff: you're responsible for your own security. But that risk is manageable. Proper seed phrase backup on steel, geographic separation of backups, and multisig setups make loss virtually impossible if done right. That's exactly what a Butler consultation covers - building a setup where no single failure can cost you your Bitcoin.
What is a hardware wallet?
A signing device that stores your private keys offline and signs transactions without ever exposing them to the internet. It's the foundation of self-custody. We sell devices from Coldcard, Foundation Passport, Blockstream Jade, SeedSigner, and more - and a Butler can help you choose the right one for your situation. 2026 hardware wallet comparison · Shop signing devices.
How do I protect my seed phrase?
Never store it as plain text on a connected device - not in a photo, not in a notes app, not in unencrypted cloud storage. Physical backups on steel are the baseline (paper burns and degrades). Encrypted digital backups are also an option when done properly. The right strategy depends on your setup, your threat model, and how many backups you maintain. A Butler can help you design one. Seed phrase security guide.
What is multisig and do I need it?
Multisig requires multiple keys to authorize a transaction -2-of-3 means any 2 of your 3 keys must sign. Lose one key, your Bitcoin is still safe. A thief with one key can't steal anything. Whether you need it depends on how much you hold and your risk tolerance. If a single hardware wallet keeps you up at night, multisig is the fix. How multisig works · Multisig concierge.
Inheritance Planning
What happens to my Bitcoin when I die?
If you don't have a plan, your family almost certainly can't access it. They don't know your seed phrase. They've never used a hardware wallet. They wouldn't know where to start. You spent years protecting your Bitcoin from everyone - including, accidentally, your own heirs. An inheritance plan fixes that without weakening your security while you're alive. Bitcoin inheritance planning guide.
How does Bitcoin inheritance planning work?
There are several approaches and the right one depends on your situation. Letters of instruction with a trusted attorney, multisig setups where heirs hold partial keys, and timelock-based solutions that enable recovery after a period of inactivity. Each involves different tradeoffs between complexity, security, and trust. A Butler can help you design a plan that fits your family and holdings. Try the Inheritance Planner to explore your options.
Privacy & Account
Do I need to provide ID or go through KYC?
No. You can sign up with a username and password, or log in with a Nostr key using a browser extension like nos2x or Alby. We don't require identity verification. Your privacy is yours to keep.
Are consultations private?
Yes. One-on-one video calls between you and your Butler. We don't record calls and we don't store details about your holdings or setup. The guidance happens in real-time - nothing about your specific security configuration is kept on our servers.
What is Nostr and why do you support it?
Nostr is a censorship-resistant, decentralized protocol for identity and communication. Your identity isn't controlled by a company - it's controlled by a key that you own. That aligns with everything Bitcoin Butlers stands for. If you believe in self-custody for your money, it makes sense to self-custody your identity too.
Products & Tools
What hardware do you sell?
Signing devices (Coldcard, Foundation Passport, Blockstream Jade, SeedSigner, and more), steel seed phrase backups, and entropy tools. All sourced directly from manufacturers, shipped sealed. A Butler can help you pick the right device before you buy. Visit the shop.
What free tools do you offer?
DCA Time Machine, DCA Goal Calculator, Inheritance Planner, Security Checkup, Fiat Decline Tracker, CBDC Tracker, KYC Breach Tracker, Codex32 Workshop, and more. No login required. See all tools.
What is the Master Concierge?
A free interactive guide that assesses your current self-custody setup, identifies gaps, and gives you specific recommendations. Takes a few minutes. You can customize it and share it with friends or family who need a starting point. Try it now.
For Professionals
I'm an attorney or financial advisor. Can I offer Bitcoin self-custody services to my clients?
Yes. We offer white-label infrastructure so attorneys, financial advisors, CPAs, and wealth managers can provide self-custody guidance under their own brand. Your clients get expert support, you get a trusted partner without building the expertise in-house. White-label details · For advisors · For family offices.
We're an exchange or fintech. Do you work with companies?
Yes. We help exchanges and fintechs provide self-custody education and transition support for their users. If your platform wants to help customers move to self-custody without losing them as customers, we can build that bridge. For exchanges.
Can I become a Butler?
We're building a network of verified Bitcoin self-custody experts. If you have demonstrated expertise in hardware wallets, multisig, inheritance planning, or Bitcoin security, get in touch.
Still have questions?
Talk to a Butler. One consultation can answer everything.