// Overview
Edge isn’t just entries — it’s logistics. Your ramp must be predictable: known limits, known fees, known timing. Build a primary path and a backup so you can fund quickly, extract cleanly, and avoid “surprise” holds.
// Ramp Paths
Bank → Exchange → Wallet (Spot)
Fund via ACH/wire → convert in spot pairs → withdraw to self-custody.
Pros: simple, broad pairs • Cons: ACH holds; wires cost/time.
Fiat Stable Path
Bank → fiat/stablecoin → internal transfer → trade → on-chain withdraw.
Pros: faster redeploys • Cons: stable fees/withdraw mins; chain choice matters.
Exchange → Bank (Cash Out)
Sell to fiat/stable → fiat out via ACH/wire. Prefer wire for size/speed certainty.
Keep memo/refs precise to avoid bank flags.
Broker/Aggregator Route
Use regulated onramp APIs for card/Apple Pay. Convenience tax applies.
Good for small tops-ups; avoid for size due to fees/limits.
// KYC & Limits
Tiering
Complete the KYC tier that unlocks your required daily/weekly deposit & withdraw sizes.
Pre-clear before you need it; upgrades during volatility get delayed.
Name Match & Docs
Bank account names must match exchange KYC. Keep recent proof-of-address and ID scans on hand.
Mismatch = review queue = time loss.
Jurisdiction Rules
Some rails vary by region. Know which fiat routes (ACH, SEPA, FPS, wire) your venue supports.
Maintain a backup venue with equivalent limits.
Velocity Flags
Frequent large swings in/out can trigger reviews. Batch sensibly; keep records tidy.
// Fees & Friction
Funding Fees
ACH often free but slower/hold-prone; wires faster with flat fees; cards fastest but expensive.
Trading Costs
Maker/taker tiers based on 30d volume. Route orders to earn maker where sane; avoid paying taker on chop.
Withdrawal Costs
On-chain: choose chain for fee + reliability (L2s cheap, mainnet robust). Fiat: wire fee & bank receipt fee.
Hidden Friction
Min withdrawal sizes, burst limits, weekend settlement gaps. Model these into your plan.
// Settlement Timing
Banking Hours Reality
ACH/SEPA batches, wire cutoffs, and weekend closures = delays. Plan buffer days for fiat legs.
Exchange Holds
ACH-funded balances are often withdraw-limited for X days. Don’t assume instant exits.
Chain Congestion
Fees/latency spike during events. Keep gas funded on ramp chains; pre-approve in calm hours.
Operational Cadence
Bundle movements at consistent times. Repetition reduces mistakes and flag risk.
// Security Practices
Venue Hygiene
Unique email + strong password + app-based 2FA (not SMS). Withdraw allowlist locked with cooldown.
Address Discipline
Test sends on first use/new chain. Verify chain & tag/memo. Bookmark official domains.
Custody Split
Trading stack on venue; treasury stack in self-custody (HW wallet). Don’t store size on exchange.
Paper Trail
Keep PDFs of deposits/withdrawals and bank statements. Speeds resolution if questioned.
// Common Mistakes
Last-Minute KYC
Needing limits during volatility = stuck in review. Pre-clear tiers.
All Eggs, One Venue
Single-point failure on outages/holds. Maintain a funded alternate path.
Wrong Chain / Missing Memo
Avoidable losses. Test, verify, then size.
Underestimating Banking Clocks
Expecting Sunday wires or instant ACH exits. Reality check your timeline.
// Checklist
Before Funding
KYC tier unlocked • Deposit/withdraw limits cover size • Primary + backup venue ready.
Fee path chosen • Settlement timing understood • Docs organized.
Before Withdrawal
Chain selected • Address/memo verified • Allowlist set • Test send done if first time.
Bank receiving method confirmed (ACH/SEPA/wire) • Cutoff times checked.
