> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.paymento.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.paymento.io/bring-your-own-wallet/use-an-existing-wallet.md).

# Use an Existing Wallet

Use this setup when you already have a wallet that you trust and can provide the public wallet information Paymento requires.

Paymento never needs your private key or recovery phrase. The information you provide depends on whether the selected asset uses a UTXO-based or account-based network.

### Before you begin

Make sure that:

* You control the wallet and can access its backup.
* The wallet supports the asset and network you want to accept.
* You can identify the correct account and address type.
* You can send and receive a small test transaction.
* You are using the wallet's official application or documentation.

For business use, consider using a separate wallet or account rather than a personal spending wallet.

### UTXO-based networks

Supported UTXO-based assets require an extended public key, commonly called an **xPub**.

Current examples include:

* Bitcoin
* Litecoin
* Dogecoin
* Bitcoin Cash

An xPub allows Paymento to derive public receiving addresses for payment requests. It cannot be used to create signatures or spend funds.

#### Why a regular address is not enough

A regular wallet address represents one receiving destination. Paymento uses an xPub to generate separate receiving addresses for supported UTXO-based payments, helping associate incoming transactions with the correct order.

Do not paste a regular Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, or Bitcoin Cash receiving address into an xPub field. Paymento will reject it as invalid.

#### Export the correct account

Wallets may support several:

* Accounts
* Address types
* Derivation standards
* xPub formats

Export the xPub for the account your wallet actually monitors. If Paymento derives addresses from a different account or address format, the addresses may be valid on-chain but may not appear automatically in your wallet.

See [How to Export xPub Keys](/accept-crypto-payments/get-started/how-to-export-xpub-keys.md) for wallet-specific guidance.

### Account-based networks

Supported account-based networks generally use a public wallet address rather than an xPub.

Current examples include:

* Ethereum and supported ERC-20 tokens
* Solana and supported SPL tokens
* Tron and supported TRC-20 tokens

The native asset and supported tokens on the same network generally use the same underlying account. For example, ETH and supported ERC-20 tokens can use the same Ethereum address.

Always select the correct network. An Ethereum address does not mean that Paymento can detect the same token sent through Tron, Solana, or another network.

### Add the wallet to Paymento

1. Select **Bring Your Own Wallet** before adding the store.
2. Enter the store information and select the assets you want to accept.
3. For each UTXO-based asset, provide the required xPub and account information.
4. For each account-based network, provide the public wallet address or use an available wallet-connection option.
5. Review every network, address, and account before continuing.
6. Complete a test payment before enabling the store for live transactions.

The labels and exact order in the merchant panel may vary as Paymento updates the onboarding experience.

### Can I use an exchange deposit address?

An exchange deposit address may technically work for some supported account-based assets, but it is not recommended.

Exchange-controlled addresses can introduce risks:

* The exchange controls the private keys.
* Deposit addresses or supported networks may change.
* Some deposits require a memo, tag, or other identifier.
* Unsupported tokens may not be credited.
* Deposits may be delayed or held for compliance review.
* Paymento cannot help recover funds rejected or withheld by the exchange.

For reliable non-custodial payment acceptance, use a wallet whose private keys or recovery credentials you control.

Exchange accounts generally do not provide usable xPubs for UTXO-based payment processing.

### Verify the configuration

Before accepting live payments:

1. Compare the wallet information in Paymento with the source wallet.
2. Create a test payment.
3. Confirm that the displayed receiving information uses the expected network.
4. Send a testnet or low-value payment.
5. Confirm that Paymento detects the payment.
6. Confirm that your wallet displays the received funds.
7. Confirm that you can spend from the receiving address.

For UTXO-based assets, verifying that you can spend from a derived address is especially important. Seeing an address in Paymento is not sufficient proof that your wallet is using the same account and derivation settings.

### If your wallet does not expose an xPub

Some mobile and custodial wallets do not provide access to extended public keys.

You can:

* Use a compatible wallet that exposes the required xPub.
* Create a dedicated payment wallet and import it into a compatible mobile wallet.
* Use Paymento Embedded Wallet instead.

See [Generate a Dedicated Wallet.](/bring-your-own-wallet/generate-a-dedicated-payment-wallet.md)