The recovery phrase, also known as the seed phrase, is the foundation of your crypto wallet’s security.
Lose it, and you could lose access to your funds forever.
This is why any smart investor knows to safely store their recovery seed phrase on a durable, offline metal card.
Billfodl is a metal device that is designed to store your recovery phrases.
In this Billfodl review, we will go over its functions, review its features, and compare it to other popular recovery cold card wallets.
What is Billfodl?
Billfodl is a steel case designed to store and protect your 24-word recovery phrase.
It uses letter/character tiles to recreate and spell your recovery phrase within the steel plate.
It’s a strong offline cold wallet for your seed phrase that is less vulnerable to destruction than a paper backup.
Created by Ledger, it pairs with all hardware wallet devices from the same manufacturer and many other hardware wallets.
A seed phrase is a set of 12 to 24 randomly generated words that are used to recover your crypto wallet in case it is lost or stolen.
It’s crucial that you back up your wallet, as there is no other way to gain access to your crypto again.
Key Features of Billfodl
The Billfodl is made from 316 stainless steel, a high-grade material known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Its sturdy build helps to secure your seed phrase, even in extreme conditions.
It’s easy to assemble, using laser-etched letter tiles.
➡️Fire-resistant, up to temperatures of 1200°C
➡️Waterproof
➡️Corrosion-proof
The Billfodl is designed to work with BIP39 seed phrases, which are the standard for most crypto wallets.
It supports a variety of popular wallets, with space to add up to 24 words.
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Setup Your Billfodl
The package includes a stainless steel Billfodl device plate, a set of engraved steel letter tiles, and an instruction guide.
Although the setup is easy, we have to warn that it is time-consuming and requires patience.
1️⃣Select the Tiles and Prepare Your Seed Phrase
- Start by identifying your 12, 18, or 24-word seed phrase.
- Double-check the phrase for accuracy before placing the engraved tiles into the device.
2️⃣Arrange the Letter Tiles
- Open the Billfodl device by unscrewing the top plate and sliding its locking mechanism open.
- Use the provided engraved tiles to spell out the first four letters of each word in your seed phrase. (Only the first four letters are needed, as they uniquely identify each word in the BIP39 word list.)
- Slide each tile into the slots, one word at a time, in the correct order.
3️⃣Secure the Device
- Once all the tiles are in the correct place, close the Billfodl securely.
- Lock the device to make sure that the tiles stay in place.
Important Tips To Remember
- Always double-check spelling before closing the device. Errors in the seed phrase can result in permanent loss of access to your crypto!
- Store your seed phrase recovery wallet in a safe place. A home safe is always a great spot.
- Don’t store your recovery phrase cold wallet along with your hardware wallet. In case of a break-in, you don’t want both devices side-by-side.
Billfodl Versus Other Crypto Cold Card Recovery Wallets
Securing your recovery phase is just as important as storing your private keys in a secure wallet. Let’s see how Billfodl compares against leading competitors like Material DIY, Cryptosteel, and Cryptotag.
Billfodl vs. Material DIY
Material DIY is one of the best crypto cold card wallets available for several reasons.
It is made from high-quality stainless steel that is virtually indestructible, as it is fire-proof, water-proof, and shock-proof.
It’s simple to use as you engrave your seed phrase onto the steel plate with the provided tungsten pen.
You control whether you want to write the first four words or the entire seed phrase yourself as there are no character limits.
It’s a single-piece design, so you don’t need to worry about losing tiles or other parts.
Additionally, as Material Wallets are one of the leading crypto cold wallets for maximum security of your private keys, they pair beautifully with the Material DIY for no-frills, easy-to-use, crypto safety.
| Feature | Material DIY | Billfodl |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | Material DIY uses a metal-engraving process that eliminates the risk of losing individual tiles. | Modular systems like Billfodl can result in misplaced or lost tiles. |
| Affordability & Price | Material DIY is more cost-effective while providing top protection, retailing at $59. | Billfodl is made from high-quality materials but comes in priced higher, retailing at $89. |
| Custom Engraving | Ensures the seed phrase is permanently etched by you! | Billfodl is a much more time-consuming process, with room for human error. |
🧑⚖️Final Verdict: Material DIY is durable, affordable, and overall secure, making it the most reliable choice for safeguarding your crypto assets with a better price point and ease of use.
Billfodl vs. Cryptosteel
Cryptosteel is a reliable metal crypto wallet for seed phrase backup, storing your Bitcoin seed phrases.
It’s compatible with many hardware wallets and comes in two versions, the Cassette and the Capsule.
The Cassette is a similar design to the Billfodl, with steel titles for spelling out your recovery phrase.
The Capsule also uses pre-engraved titles but is cylindrical in shape.
They both are waterproof and fireproof.
| Feature | Cryptosteel | Billfodl |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Higher cost, aimed at users who want a premium option. Prices ranging from $89 – $159. | More affordable compared to Cryptosteel. Retailing at $89. |
| Ease of Use | The assembly process can be even more time-consuming, especially for the capsule model. | Although assembly is straightforward, it is time-consuming. |
| Design | A polished aesthetic prioritizes uniqueness. | Simple and functional design. |
🧑⚖️Final Verdict: If you prefer a stylish aesthetic for your backup and don’t mind paying the extra price, then Cryptosteel is a great choice. However, Billfodl does provide the same protection for a cheaper price point than the Capsule.
Billfodl vs. Cryptotag
Cryptotag offers 4 different titanium seed phrase wallets. There are the Loki, Zeus, Thor, and Odin models.
They each are designed to be durable, withstand extreme conditions, and are compatible with BIP39 and SLIP39.
The difference between each model is its design, ranging from a one or two-plate titanium design to a hexagon multi-share solution.
| Feature | Cryptotag | Billfodl |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Made from titanium, with high resistance to extreme conditions. | Made from stainless steel, providing strong durability but less than titanium. |
| Price | Premium build comes with a higher price, ranging from $89 to $299. | More affordable option at $89. Very similar to Cryptotag’s Loki model. |
| Functionality | Designed as a high-end luxury solution for those prioritizing premium quality. | Provides practical and reliable seed phrase protection with a simpler design. |
🧑⚖️Final Verdict: Billfodl is a bit more practical and affordable alternative, but for those who want advanced features and want to splurge on high-end materials, Cryptotag is a great choice.
Expert and User Reviews
From some popular experts found online and on YouTube, both NTC Reviews and Crypto Beau have nothing but positive things to say in their Billfodl reviews.
They praise its affordability in comparison to other wallets and its durability.
However, it’s a time-consuming process as you need to push out each engraved letter, place them in order, and slide them into the metal protector.
The real test though comes from user testimonials.
Feedback from users is mixed, with insights into both the strengths and weaknesses of the product:
Some users have raised concerns about its design and functionality. For example, one reviewer found the device insufficient for longer seed phrases, stating that its 96 slots couldn’t accommodate their 24-word, 120-letter phrase (not wanting to only place the first 4 letters, but rather the full word).
Another pointed out quality issues, mentioning that the metal parts used to open the device didn’t return to their initial position, and there was a risk of the metal letters falling out, potentially leading to the loss of the seed phrase.
On the other hand, many users like its overall functionality and security benefits.
Some pointed out that it takes a bit of getting used to but liked having control over their keys.
Is Billfodl the Right Choice for You?
The Billfodl wallet appeals to users who want durability but can fall short for those who want a simple product.
With screws, sliding plates, and pre-engraved tiles, there are many components to the Billfodl metal backup wallet.
Alternatively, Material DIY, offers reliable recovery solutions, with higher customization options, is more affordable, and much more user-friendly.
Paired with Material Wallets, the combination provides the highest protection for your crypto.
FAQs
What is a recovery phrase, and why does it need protection?
- A recovery phrase is a set of 12–24 words that is the only way to recover your crypto if your private keys are lost or stolen.
Is Billfodl compatible with my wallet?
- Yes, Billfodl is compatible with most wallets that use BIP39 seed phrases.
How does Billfodl compare to other backup tools?
- Billfodl is durable, but alternatives like Cryptotag or Material DIY may provide better features and ease of use.
How long does Billfodl last under normal conditions?
- Made from stainless steel, Billfodl is designed to withstand wear and tear, as well as extreme conditions like fire and water damage.
Can Billfodl store other types of sensitive information?
- Yes, it can also be used to secure other important data, such as passwords or security codes. It’s up to you to add the individual pre-engraved letters to spell out any word combinations you desire.
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