Arculus offers a minimalist, credit-card-sized cold storage wallet featuring NFC, PIN, and biometric authentication. Designed for secure crypto and NFT storage without cables or screens, this card-style gadget balances portability with protection. In this review, we’ll explore its strengths, limitations, real-world use cases, pricing, and how it stacks up against traditional hardware wallets.
Table Of Content
Quick Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Pros:
- True cold storage: private keys stored offline on a CC EAL6+ secure element
- 3-factor authentication (biometric, PIN, NFC tap) adds robust security
- Sleek, metallic, portable form factor without cables or power
- Supports around 40+ major cryptocurrencies and NFTs
- NFC unlock eliminates battery failure risk
Cons:
- NFC-only: transaction signing via phone app, no on-device confirmation
- Limited coin support versus Ledger/Trezor; around 41 assets currently
- App dependency introduces software vulnerabilities
- Reports of recovery phrase issues, lost coins—support sometimes unable to fully resolve
Key Features & Specifications
- Form Factor: NFC-enhanced steel key card (credit-card size)
- Authentication Layers: Biometric unlock + 6-digit PIN + physical card tap
- Secure Element: CC EAL6+ chip stores private keys offline
- Asset Support: ~41 coins (BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, ADA, SOL, HBAR, DOGE, NFTs, and Web3 DApps)
- App Platforms: iOS and Android; NFC tap required for all transactions
- Fiat Gateway: Built-in fiat on-ramp via Simplex with KYC, ~5–10% fees
- Recovery: 12 or 24-word BIP39 phrase; “Advanced Restore” tool available
- Price: $99 MSRP (Black, Silver, and limited edition Litecoin versions)
Real-World Use Cases & Benefits
- On-the-Go Crypto Management: Fits in wallets—ideal for frequent travelers or daily users.
- NFT & Web3 Access: Supports WalletConnect; manage NFTs and interact with DApps securely
- Backup for Hot Wallets: Secure long-term storage option complementing active wallets.
- Gifting & Swaps: NFC ease makes peer-to-peer transfers and gifting simple.
User Reviews & Social Proof
“Works great! Easy to connect using NFC rather than a cord. I have a Ledger also and it’s very clunky.” — Kelly
“Easy to use! A must for keeping your crypto safe!” — Amazon reviewer
However, Reddit warnings highlight risks:
“My recovery phrase only recovered an empty wallet… I strongly believe my keys were compromised before delivery.”
“4087 XRP was stolen; support says passphrase was compromised.”
Expert Insights & Industry Commentary
- Stablecoin Insider: “3-factor authentication and encrypted NFC provide exceptional security without sacrificing convenience.”
- Cult of Money: Notes user-friendly design, Web3 compatibility, and sound security, but highlights limited asset support
- Bitcoin Magazine: Criticizes dependence on phone for security and claims of “leading-edge privacy”
Comparison with Top Alternatives
| Feature | Arculus | Ledger Nano S+ | Trezor Model T | Tangem Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | NFC Card | USB Dongle | USB + Touchscreen | NFC Card |
| 3-Factor Auth | ✓ | PIN + Buttons | PIN + Screen | PIN + Tap |
| Asset Support | ~41 | 5,000+ | 1,000+ | ~50 |
| NFC/Tap | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| On-device Confirmation | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fiat Gateway | ✓ (Simplex) | ✗ (via apps) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Price | $99 | $79 | $169 | $49–144 |
Arculus combines NFC convenience with cold storage security at a moderate price—though at the cost of limited currency support and app dependencies.
Pricing & Value Analysis
- Standard Card: $99 (Black, Silver, or Litecoin version) reddit.com+15stablecoininsider.com+15reddit.com+15
- No subscription; no platform fees—blockchain and Simplex fees only (~5–10%).
- Card firmware upgrade available free for early users to unlock support for ADA, SOL, HBAR, DOGE, LTC, XLM and ERC-20 tokens
Who Should – and Shouldn’t – Buy
Ideal For:
- Mobile crypto users who value minimalist design
- NFT and Web3 fans needing secure blockchain access
- Those seeking simple, cold storage without cables or batteries
Avoid If:
- You hold many altcoins beyond the supported list
- You need on-device transaction confirmation
- You’re uncomfortable relying on smartphone security
FAQs
Q: How many coins does Arculus support?
A: Around 41 major assets including BTC, ETH, LTC, ADA, SOL, HBAR, DOGE, XRP, and NFTs.
Q: What if I lose my NFC card?
A: Use your 12/24‑word recovery phrase with the app to restore on a new card via “Advanced Restore”.
Q: Are there any fees?
A: No platform fees; pay only blockchain and Simplex fees (~5–10%).
Q: Is it truly cold storage?
A: Private keys stay offline on a secure chip; NFC uses phone only for authentication. Experts warn app exposure can pose risks.
Final Verdict & Next Steps
Arculus delivers accessible, secure cold storage in a slick, NFC-enabled credit-card form factor. Its 3-factor authentication and durable build make it attractive for mobile users and NFT collectors. However, dependence on the app and limited coin support are constraints. If you’re a minimalist who holds mainstream crypto, it’s a smart pick.
