How to move Bitcoin from an exchange to your wallet
Prepare self-custody, verify a withdrawal address and check the amount that actually reaches your wallet.
The quick answer
An on-chain withdrawal sends BTC from an exchange-controlled wallet to your wallet's receive address. First make sure your backup and receiving network are ready.
A withdrawal request is not yet a network transaction
An exchange may review, delay or batch withdrawals. Its fee and minimum can differ from the Bitcoin network fee. Custody changes when funds reach a destination whose spending keys you control.
Step by step
- 1
Prepare and check your wallet
Follow its official backup-check process. Generate a mainnet Bitcoin address and verify it on a trusted screen.
- 2
Preview the withdrawal
Select native BTC and Bitcoin mainnet. Review the full address, withdrawal charge, minimum and expected received amount.
- 3
Track delivery
If useful, start with a small test that meets the minimum. Save the transaction ID after broadcast and verify receipt and confirmations in your own wallet.
Worked example
A requested withdrawal of 100,000 sats with a 2,000-sat deduction would deliver 98,000. Some providers add the fee instead; the preview decides.
Before you continue
A related question
Can I use Lightning instead?
Only if both the exchange and receiving wallet support the compatible Lightning withdrawal flow. A Lightning invoice is not an on-chain address.
Try it with a tool
Sources & further reading
Source links checked on 15 Oct 2026. Examples explain the mechanics; provider fees and features can change.
- Kraken Support support.kraken.com
- Bitcoin.org bitcoin.org
