The Vault Key Card and app-only signing are two authorization modes inside Zypto App.

Both are valid. The difference is not about access or usability, but about how transaction approval is controlled. Understanding when each mode is used depends on context, not preference or balance size.

The choice between the Vault Key Card and app-only signing is determined by whether a wallet is attached to the card.

App-Only Signing: Default and Flexible

App-only signing is the standard authorization mode in Zypto App.

When a wallet is not attached to the Vault Key Card, transactions can be reviewed and approved directly in the app. Balances remain visible, interactions remain fluid, and no physical card is required.

This mode supports fast, frequent activity and wallets that are not linked to the Vault Key Card.

Using the Vault Key Card for Physical Authorization

When a wallet is attached to the Vault Key Card, transaction approval requires physical card presence.

Transfers, swaps, and other on-chain actions must be confirmed by tapping the physical Vault Key Card on the device using NFC. Without the card present, approval cannot occur.

This adds an offline, physically gated approval layer without changing how the app itself is used.

Choosing Between the Two Modes

The choice between app-only signing and Vault Key Card authorization is made at the wallet level.

Wallets that are attached to the Vault Key Card require physical approval. Wallets that are not attached use app-only signing. Each wallet behaves independently, and the authorization mode can be changed when the physical card is available.

This allows different wallets to follow different authorization rules based on how they are used.

When the Vault Key Card Is Applied

The Vault Key Card can be applied to any wallet.

Users may choose to attach it selectively or more broadly, depending on how they prefer to control transaction approval. When applied, physical authorization replaces app-only signing without isolating assets or limiting visibility.

When App-Only Signing Is Used

App-only signing is available for any wallet that is not attached to the Vault Key Card.

Users may rely on app-only signing for certain wallets or usage contexts, while applying physical authorization to others. Both modes operate within the same app environment and can coexist without restriction.

Switching Between Modes

Authorization mode is not permanent.

When the physical Vault Key Card is present, wallets can be attached to or detached from the card inside Zypto App. When detached with the card present, wallets return to app-only signing. When attached, physical authorization is enforced.

If the card is unavailable, the wallet must be restored using its seed phrase before operating without card-based authorization.

No balances are reset and no assets are moved during this process.

Control Without Forcing a Single Approach

When a wallet is attached to the Vault Key Card, app-only signing is replaced by physical authorization. Wallets that are not attached continue to use app-only signing.

This allows users to decide when physical authorization is appropriate and adjust that decision as usage changes.

Security adapts to real-world behavior rather than forcing all activity into one model.

Explore the Vault Key Card in Practice

→ What Is the Vault Key Card?
→ How the Vault Key Card Works With Zypto App
→ What the Vault Key Card Protects (and What It Doesn’t)
→ What Happens If You Lose the Vault Key Card?
→ Do You Need the Vault Key Card for Every Transaction?
→ When to Use the Vault Key Card vs App-Only Signing
→ Who Is the Vault Key Card For?
→ Vault Key Card vs Device-Based Hardware Wallets (When VKC Makes More Sense)
→ Is the Vault Key Card Worth Using If You’re New to Crypto?

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