How to Create Wallets on Ethereum

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Creating wallets on Ethereum is a foundational step for developers and businesses integrating blockchain technology into their applications. Whether you're building a Web3 platform, launching NFT collections, or offering digital asset services, enabling seamless wallet creation enhances user onboarding and improves overall experience. This guide walks you through how to create custodial wallets on Ethereum efficiently and securely using modern developer tools.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand how to:

Let’s dive in.

Setting Up Your Development Environment

To begin creating wallets on Ethereum, you’ll need access to a reliable infrastructure provider that abstracts blockchain complexity. One effective approach is leveraging an API-first platform that supports custodial wallet creation—allowing you to generate wallets tied to familiar identifiers like email addresses or user IDs.

There are typically two environments available for development:

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While both environments serve critical roles, it's recommended to start in staging to validate your integration before going live.

Creating a Developer Account and API Key

Before making any API calls, you need authentication credentials. Most platforms require a server-side API key with defined scopes to ensure secure and permissioned access.

Here’s how to proceed:

  1. Sign up for a developer account on your chosen platform.
  2. Navigate to the Developers > API Keys section in the dashboard.
  3. Generate a Server-side API Key, which is more secure for backend operations.

  4. Assign the following essential scopes:

    • wallets.read – Allows retrieval of wallet information.
    • wallets.create – Enables creation of new wallets.

These scopes are crucial for managing wallet lifecycle functions programmatically. Store your API key securely—never expose it in client-side code or public repositories.

How to Create Custodial Wallets on Ethereum

With your API key ready, you can now create Ethereum wallets programmatically. A custodial wallet means the service provider (in this case, the API platform) manages private keys on behalf of users, simplifying security and recovery.

You can associate each wallet with either:

This allows non-custodial-like experiences while maintaining ease of use for beginners.

Step-by-Step Code Implementation

Create a JavaScript file (e.g., createWallet.js) and use the following sample code:

const options = {
  method: "POST",
  headers: { 
    "X-API-KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY", 
    "Content-Type": "application/json" 
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    email: "[email protected]",
    chain: "ethereum"
  }),
};

fetch("https://api.platform.com/v1-alpha1/wallets", options)
  .then((response) => response.json())
  .then((data) => console.log("Wallet created:", data))
  .catch((error) => console.error("Error:", error));

Replace:

Alternatively, use a userId instead of an email:

body: JSON.stringify({
  userId: "unique-user-123",
  chain: "ethereum"
})

Run the script using Node.js:

node createWallet.js

Upon successful execution, you’ll receive a JSON response similar to:

{
  "chain": "ethereum",
  "publicKey": "0xabc123..."
}

The publicKey field contains the Ethereum wallet address—this is where assets can be sent and from which transactions can be verified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a custodial wallet?
A: A custodial wallet is one where a third party holds and manages private keys on behalf of the user. It simplifies recovery and reduces the risk of loss due to forgotten keys, making it ideal for mainstream applications.

Q: Is it safe to create wallets via API?
A: Yes, as long as you use secure practices—store API keys server-side, limit scopes, and avoid exposing secrets in frontend code or logs.

Q: Can I create wallets for multiple blockchains?
A: Many platforms support multi-chain wallet creation. Simply change the chain parameter (e.g., "polygon", "solana") depending on availability.

Q: Do users own their wallets?
A: In custodial setups, users control access via login methods (email, ID), but full ownership depends on whether private keys are transferable. For self-custody options, consider non-custodial SDKs later in the user journey.

Q: Are there costs involved in creating wallets?
A: Wallet creation itself is usually free, but blockchain interactions (like sending tokens) may require gas fees or platform credits.

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Best Practices for Ethereum Wallet Integration

To ensure scalability and security when creating wallets:

Additionally, consider using webhook notifications to track wallet activity or confirm successful creation asynchronously.

Expanding Beyond Wallet Creation

Once wallets are in place, you can build powerful features on top:

Platforms that support Ethereum also often enable similar workflows on Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum or Polygon, helping reduce transaction costs.

Final Thoughts

Creating wallets on Ethereum doesn’t have to be complex. With the right tools and APIs, you can onboard thousands of users seamlessly by tying blockchain identities to simple identifiers like emails or user IDs. This lowers the barrier to entry and makes Web3 more accessible to everyday users.

Whether you're launching a gaming platform, social app, or digital marketplace, integrating wallet creation early sets the foundation for a smooth, secure, and scalable product.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Building on Ethereum opens doors to decentralized finance, NFTs, and tokenized ecosystems. Start small—create one wallet, test it, then automate at scale.

And remember: simplicity drives adoption.

👉 Jumpstart your Ethereum integration with powerful tools designed for developers.