Unchained offers professional storage of Bitcoin in collaborative vaults. This allows customers to have the benefits of a Bitcoin security partner while staying in total control of their Bitcoin.
Unchained is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company holds about 2 billion dollars worth of Bitcoin for its customers. This Bitcoin is held in cold storage (in hardware wallets not connected to the internet).
So why would you want to store your bitcoin in one of these vaults?
Security Using Three Keys
Unchained vaults have three keys, with two of those keys required to approve a spend. You hold two keys, while Unchained holds the third one. This setup ensures that even if one of your two keys is lost or stolen, your Bitcoin remains safe, and Unchained can help you recover your funds as long as you have access to at least one of your keys.
Access To Financial Services
Collaborative custody services allow users to arrange inheritance plans and IRAs. Users can also make use of financial services like Bitcoin-backed loans. With these loans, Bitcoin in your vault is used as collateral.
Help With Your Vault
Unchained has good customer support. They assist with setting up the vaults and answer other Bitcoin questions. Many people find this support helpful when dealing with large amounts of money.
Unchained Service Fees
Collaborative custody multi-signature vaults:
- No fees for personal vaults, including account fees, deposits, and withdrawals.
- $20 per cosignature for collaborative withdrawals.
Bitcoin-backed loans:
- Interest rates: 6% for a 1-month loan, 15.65% for a 6-month loan, and 15.65% for a 12-month loan.
- Origination fees: 14.00% for a 1-month loan, 14.00% for a 6-month loan, and 15.00% for a 12-month loan.
- Minimum loan amount: $10,000.
- No prepayment penalties.
- Late payment fee: $10 per late payment.
- Collateral sale fee: Charged by Unchained Trading, LLC (see trading desk fees).
- Forced liquidation fee: 2% selling fee per liquidation.
Bitcoin purchases and sales:
- 0.50% fee for Bitcoin purchases and sales.
Unchained IRA:
- Setup fee: $995 (includes the first-year account fee).
- Annual account fee: $250.
- Bitcoin purchases and sales: 0.50% fee.
Additional services:
- Returned ACH fee: $15 per returned payment.
- Inheritance Protocol (for Trusts): $250 per year.
- Unchained Signature “Perks” (as defined in the Unchained Terms of Service): Annual subscription fee of $5,000 per year.
Summary
Unchained is a trustworthy company with good customer support. They offer a good solution for people who want to hold their Bitcoin in secure cold storage but do not want to do this themselves. The access to other financial services is also compelling.
