TapSigner
NFC card hardware wallet for Bitcoin signing - tap your phone to securely authorize transactions without exposing your private key.
Why We Recommend TapSigner
TapSigner is manufactured by Coinkite, the company behind the well-regarded COLDCARD hardware wallet. The device generates and stores your private key (XPRV) entirely within a secure element chip - the key never leaves the card. Key generation uses verifiable entropy combining user-supplied chain code with the card's internal randomness, ensuring you can verify the key wasn't pre-generated.
Each card includes a factory certificate signed by Coinkite that can be cryptographically verified through their open-source Python tools (cktap) or by tapping the card to visit tapsigner.com/start. This certificate chain allows you to confirm your card is genuine and hasn't been tampered with. The NFC protocol is fully open, enabling any compatible wallet to integrate with TapSigner.
As a self-custody solution, there are no third-party servers involved in key storage or signing. Your Bitcoin security depends solely on the physical card and your PIN, with no centralized points of failure.
Best For
TapSigner is ideal for Bitcoin users who want hardware wallet security with smartphone convenience. The NFC tap-to-sign workflow makes it perfect for those who find traditional hardware wallets cumbersome for regular transactions.
Beginners benefit from the simple setup process and familiar tap-to-pay style interaction. The low price point (around $20) makes it an accessible entry into hardware-based self-custody without the $100+ investment of full-featured devices.
Advanced users appreciate TapSigner for multisig setups, where multiple cards can serve as cosigners in 2-of-2 or 2-of-3 configurations. It's also useful for Lightning Network channel management, PSBT signing, and message authentication. Developers can integrate TapSigner into their applications using the open NFC protocol and cktap library.
The card form factor makes it practical as a secondary signing device you carry daily, while keeping larger holdings on more secure air-gapped devices like COLDCARD.
Services & Features
- NFC tap-to-sign transactions
- Secure element key storage
- Multisig cosigning support
- Lightning channel signing
- PSBT and HWI compatible
- Encrypted backup export
- Factory certificate verification
- Works with Nunchuk and Sparrow
Considerations
TapSigner has no screen, so you cannot verify transaction details on the device itself - you must trust your companion wallet app. The encrypted file backup system (no seed phrase) requires careful handling of both the backup file and the printed decryption key. Best suited for moderate amounts rather than life savings due to these trade-offs.
