BIP38 Wallet Overview

A BIP38 wallet is a type of cryptocurrency wallet that offers an additional layer of security by encrypting the private key associated with the wallet. BIP38 stands for Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 38, which introduced the concept of password-protected private keys for Bitcoin wallets.

With a BIP38 wallet, the private key is encrypted using strong encryption algorithms and can only be decrypted with a passphrase chosen by the wallet owner. This passphrase acts as an extra layer of protection, making it significantly more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access the private key and steal the funds.

BIP38 wallets are often used for cold storage or offline storage of cryptocurrencies, where the private keys are kept securely offline to minimize the risk of hacking or theft. By encrypting the private key, even if an attacker gains access to the encrypted key file, they would need to know the passphrase to decrypt it and access the funds.

Overall, BIP38 wallets provide enhanced security for cryptocurrency holders, allowing them to protect their private keys from unauthorized access and secure their digital assets more effectively.

BIP38 Wallet Options

We produce brand new BIP38 wallets. There are several option to getting a BIP38 card.

Option 1 – We create a brand new BIP38 wallet and encrypt it with a random passphrase. Both are etched or imprinted onto the wallet

Option 2 – You create BIP38 encrypted keys using your own password or passphrase and send the keys to us to us. We will put them onto the wallet along with QR codes. These will be useless to anyone without the PassPhrase you created and kept safe. CAUTION:: It is not advised to use any public or common phrase, book passages, songs, etc without injecting some randomness. There are bots that try common phrases, literature, and lyrics to try and discover passphrases.

BIP38 Wallet Redeem / Transfer Information

Image 1 – Back of BIP38 Wallet

If you purchased one of our Gold Plated, Stainless Steel, or other BIP 38 style wallet, the current design on the back should look like the one in image 1. With one of our default BIP 38 wallets, the Private Key is encrypted by the Passphrase. To transfer money from the wallet, you will need to decrypt the Private Key using the Passcode on the back of the wallet. The Passcode is hidden beneath a scratch off. Use your fingernail or a coin to scratch off the coating and reveal the passphrase.

To Redeem / Transfer from BIP 38 Wallet, follow the instructions below or on the back of the card. You can reveal your private key through the opensource https://bitaddress.org or through opensource https://www.balletcrypto.org/#/. Ballet crypto.org may be easier for some users as you can directly scan in your key via QR code.

To reveal private key using bitaddress.org

  1. Go to bitaddress.org
  2. Click on “Wallet Details”
  3. Enter the Private Key from your Wallet (You can scan the Private Key QR code, copy the text result, and paste the code into the text box or enter it manually)
  4. Check the BIP38 Encrypt Checkbox
  5. Enter the BIP38 Passphrase from the back of the wallet under the scratch-off.
  6. Click the View Details button.

This will reveal the unencrypted private key. Copy or save the private key and enter it into your favorite wallet app so you can transfer the bitcoin from the wallet. Once the Passphrase is revealed, it is recommended to transfer the crypto immediately.

To reveal private key using balletcrypto.org

  1.  Go to https://www.balletcrypto.org/#/
  2. Click the link under the first text box that says “Switch to standard input box for entering generic BIP38 passphrases.”
  3. Enter the Passphrase from the back of the wallet card. It is under the scratch-off.
  4. Go to the instructions on the right in the next section
  5. Enter your BIP38 encrypted Private Key or click the “Scan” button to scan it in via the QR code on the back of the wallet.

This will reveal the unencrypted private key. Copy or save the private key and enter it into your favorite wallet app so you can transfer the bitcoin from the wallet. Once the Passphrase is revealed, it is recommended to transfer the crypto immediately.