Sugi wallet review January 2019 | key features & is it safe? | finder.com
finder US
US
Aus
NZ
UK
US
Aus
NZ
UK
Exclusive Offers
finder.com > Cryptocurrency > Wallets
Advertiser Disclosure

Sugi cryptocurrency card wallet – January 2019 review

We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But we may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.

Sugi Wallet
Sugi Wallet
Find out more Go to site

Keep your crypto on a secure mobile-compatible card.

Quick verdict

Great for:
  • Lower priced hardware wallet
  • Storing major cryptos and ERC20 tokens
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Tap to authenticate with NFC
  • Cold (offline) storage
Not so great for:
  • Fiat functionality not yet available

Check out our full list of pros and cons or read on.

Product Name Sugi Wallet
Wallet Type Hardware
Mobile
Supported Cryptocurrencies BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, BCH, ERC20

Pros

  • The first true NFC card as a hardware wallet
  • Authenticate payments by tapping the card to your phone
  • In-store payments and ATM withdrawals coming soon
  • Will enable both fiat and cryptocurrency payments
  • Cards will be customisable
  • Competitive price compared to other hardware wallets

Cons

  • Sugi cards start from €59,90
  • Requires mobile app
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.

What is Sugi wallet?

The Sugi wallet is a new breed of hardware wallet from the former technical lead of the popular Mycelium bitcoin wallet. It is unique in the cryptocurrency market as an actual PIN-protected near field communication (NFC) card hardware wallet. Like other hardware wallets, it securely manages your cryptocurrency private keys — they never leave the device and are always kept offline.

It aims to let you actually spend and send your cryptocurrency as easily as using a bank card, and even more safely.

You still hold complete control of all your funds on the wallet itself. Unlike bank cards, Sugi cannot touch or block your funds even if it wants to.

However, it can assist you with funds recovery in the event of you losing your card or forgetting your PIN. It can provide this service, despite not actually having access to your funds or keys, through the use of a secret sharing scheme.

Which cryptocurrencies can I store?

Sugi can hold bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC) and all ERC20 tokens.

Learn more about ERC20 tokens in our comprehensive guide.

How much does it cost?

The Sugi card wallet starts from €59,90.

It’s expected to ship in January 2019 and is available for preorder now.

Go to Sugi Wallet's website

What’s it like to use Sugi wallet?

The card is used alongside the Sugi mobile app, so you can authenticate payments by tapping the card on your phone. It works with both iOS and Android devices.

This gives it a considerable advantage over the more typical USB hardware wallets, which need to be used alongside a PC or laptop.

The end result is that Sugi is one of the only actually portable hardware wallets that can be used with your phone.

This design also makes it uniquely easy to use. If you can tap a card, you can use Sugi — no real crypto experience necessary.

If you want to be able to securely carry, transfer and transact with cryptocurrency anywhere in the world, Sugi might be the card for you.

How do I make payments with my Sugi?

To make payments, open the app, enter your Sugi PIN and tap the card to your phone.

How do I add cryptocurrency to my wallet?

To add cryptocurrencies, send them to the Sugi mobile wallet app like you would with any other mobile wallet.

By going into the app you can see your Sugi address.

Unlike other mobile wallets, the cryptocurrency private keys are securely held offline in the Sugi card, which accompanies the app and is used to sign transactions.

How do I make payments with my Sugi?

To make payments, open the app, enter your Sugi PIN and tap the card to your phone.

How safe is Sugi wallet?

Sugi offers best-in-class security equivalent to other hardware wallets, and greater than that typically offered by mobile wallets by themselves. It was created by some of the team behind the popular Mycelium bitcoin wallet, which was built by some of the most experienced engineers in the cryptocurrency space, active in the industry since 2009.

Your keys are kept offline in the PIN-protected card itself. Making transactions requires both the card and the app.

As with other hardware wallets, new Sugi cards come with a backup phrase which can be used to restore access in the event of a lost card.

Go to Sugi Wallet's website

What’s next for Sugi Wallet?

Going forward, Sugi’s creators expect to get registered and licensed as an entirely digital neobank, which will allow more seamless integration of fiat currency options and eventually let you use cryptocurrencies as seamlessly as you can any local fiat currency.

In the future Sugi intends to offer fiat currency functionality in addition to cryptocurrency by partnering with banks in Europe.

Where can I get this wallet?

You can order a Sugi through its online store to take advantage of the launch sales and get free shipping.

Pros and cons

In a nutshell

Pros

  • The first true NFC card as a hardware wallet.
  • Authenticate payments by tapping the card to your phone.
  • In-store payments and ATM withdrawals coming soon.
  • Will enable both fiat and cryptocurrency payments.
  • Cards will be customizable.
  • Competitive price compared to other hardware wallets.

Cons

  • Sugi cards start from €59,90.
  • Requires mobile app.
  • Full fiat functionality not yet available.
Go to Sugi Wallet's website

Next steps

You can preorder your Sugi now and download the app when available.

Compare Sugi against other cryptocurrency wallets

Name Product Wallet type Supported Cryptocurrencies
Uphold Digital Money Platform
Uphold Digital Money Platform
Mobile
Web
BTC, LTC, ETH, BAT, BCH, DASH, BTG, XRP
Buy, send and convert more than 35 currencies at the touch of a button.
Go to site
More Info
Atomic Wallet
Atomic Wallet
Desktop Client
BTC, LTC, ETH, TRX, XMR, DGB, QTUM, XLM, ZEC, XRP, BCH, ETC, DASH, AWC, BTG, DOGE, TPAY, VET, VTHO, DCR, and 280+ more
Store, buy and sell 300+ cryptocurrencies using Atomic Wallet's in-built atomic swap exchange.
Go to site
More Info
Ledger Nano S Wallet
Ledger Nano S Wallet
Hardware
BTC, BCH, BTG, ETH, ETC, LTC, DOGE, ZEC, XRP, DASH, STRAT, KMD, ARK, EXP, UBQ, VTC, VIA, NEO, XST, XLM & 1,000+ more
Securely store some of the world's leading cryptocurrencies on the Ledger Nano S hardware wallet.
Go to site
More Info

Compare up to 4 providers

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
Go to Sugi Wallet's website

Andrew Munro

Andrew writes for finder.com, comparing products, writing guides and looking for new ways to help people make smart decisions. He's a fan of insurance, business news and cryptocurrency.

Was this content helpful to you? No  Yes

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site