Paper is where most people start. Is it worth upgrading to steel? This comparison is part of our metal seed phrase backups guide.
At a glance
| Question | Paper | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Almost nothing | Modest to moderate |
| Setup time | Minutes | 30 minutes to a couple of hours |
| Fire | Burns | Stainless steel survives typical house fires |
| Water | Damaged unless sealed | Very resistant |
| Fading | Possible over the years | None |
| Theft | Readable | Readable |
| Hidden easily | Yes | Bulkier |
| Mistakes | Easy to fix | Hard to fix |
When paper is enough
Paper suits you if the amount you hold is small, you are new to self-custody, or you want a quick, private backup. Use acid-free paper and a good pen, and keep it in a sealed bag. Follow our guide on how to write down a seed phrase.
Paper's weaknesses are real, but they are manageable if you keep two copies in separate places. See how many backups you need.
When metal is worth it
Consider metal if:
- A loss would seriously hurt you.
- You live somewhere prone to fire or flood.
- You want a backup to last for decades.
- You do not want to rely on a second location.
Read about what metal backups survive.
What metal does not solve
A steel plate makes you think that the job is done. But a metal backup:
- Can still be stolen, or read by anyone who finds it.
- Can still be lost.
- Must still be checked for errors.
- Cannot protect you from scams.
Combining the two
A common setup is a metal backup in your main location, and a paper or second metal copy somewhere else. Paper is also a handy working copy while you prepare the steel.
When you have finished your metal backup, securely destroy any spare paper copies that you no longer need. Burn or shred them thoroughly.
Which metal backup?
There are several designs, covered in tiles vs stamped plates vs capsules. Our comparison of metal backups looks at the options, and you can also make your own.