Nova Wallet has positioned itself as one of the most complete tools for engaging with the Polkadot ecosystem.
Built for mobile users, it allows direct staking, on-chain governance, asset management, and decentralised application access, all in one interface.
With over 100,000 active users and more than $300 million staked via the platform, Nova continues to gain momentum as a core product in the Polkadot and Ethereum ecosystems.
Its emphasis on self-custody, simplicity, and open-source development reflects the values of decentralised finance while offering practical solutions for everyday users.
What Is Nova Wallet?
Nova Wallet is a mobile application designed to give users full control over their assets on Polkadot and Ethereum-compatible networks.
Unlike custodial services, it does not hold private keys or request access to user data. Instead, all sensitive information remains on the user’s device, ensuring that only the user can sign transactions or manage tokens.
The wallet supports over 100 networks and facilitates more than 400 cross-chain token transfers. This level of compatibility makes it suitable for users managing assets across Polkadot parachains, Substrate-based chains, and EVM-compatible protocols.
Tokens such as DOT, KSM, AZERO, and many others can be sent, received, and managed within the app.
Nova also provides users with access to DApps via a built-in browser and WalletConnect integration.
This functionality enables interaction with decentralised exchanges, lending platforms, NFT marketplaces, and governance tools directly from the wallet.
Users can even track other wallet addresses through watch-only mode, monitor transaction history with fiat-equivalent values, and receive push notifications for critical updates.
From a technical perspective, Nova is built by Novasama Technologies, a team also responsible for other Polkadot-native tools such as Polkadot Vault and Nova Spektr.
The wallet’s open-source code is publicly accessible and regularly audited by the community, ensuring transparency and accountability.
How Does Nova Wallet Secure User Funds?
Security in Nova Wallet begins with its self-custodial foundation. This means that users generate and store their private keys locally.
The wallet does not sync data with external servers or rely on third parties to approve transactions. In effect, this gives users complete control over their assets at all times.
This model reduces the risks of centralised hacks and data breaches, two common issues faced by custodial platforms.
To further reinforce security, Nova integrates with hardware wallets such as Ledger and Polkadot Vault. These tools allow users to approve transactions using physical devices, making it extremely difficult for malicious software or phishing attempts to gain unauthorised access.
The app also includes PIN protection and manual approval for each transaction, reducing the risk of accidental transfers.
Nova implements anti-phishing mechanisms as well. It maintains an open-source blocklist that automatically warns users about known malicious addresses or suspicious smart contracts.
This list is regularly updated and reviewed by the community. All sensitive operations, including signing and authorisation, are kept strictly local to the user’s environment.
In addition to these technical measures, Nova’s transparent development process contributes to its security.
The wallet’s source code is available for inspection on GitHub, allowing developers and security researchers to review, suggest improvements, or report issues. Open-source auditing builds trust in the system and helps identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
How Does Nova Wallet Support Staking and Governance?
Nova Wallet makes it easier to participate in staking and governance by removing common complexities.
Staking is handled directly on-chain with no intermediaries, ensuring that rewards are delivered from the network itself. There are no commissions or service fees deducted by Nova, which allows users to receive their full staking returns.
The wallet supports staking for a variety of tokens, including DOT, KSM, AZERO, GLMR, MOVR, and more. The staking interface is designed for simplicity, helping users start earning in just a few steps.
There is no need to manually select validators or configure nomination pools. Nova’s system helps users stake efficiently while reducing the learning curve often associated with these features.
Governance tools are also integrated into the app through support for Polkadot OpenGov. Users can view proposals, vote on referenda, delegate their votes, and participate in treasury discussions.
Nova provides real-time vote tallies, proposal timelines, and contextual information that helps users make informed decisions. All governance activity is processed directly through the blockchain, reinforcing transparency and user sovereignty.
Crowdloan participation is another key feature. Nova Wallet allows users to contribute DOT or KSM to support parachain slot auctions. These contributions are visible in the app and are fully compatible with the ecosystem’s reward systems.
By combining staking, referenda, delegation, and crowdloans in one mobile interface, Nova makes full ecosystem participation more accessible than ever before.
What Features Make Nova Wallet Useful Beyond Staking?
While staking and governance are essential parts of the Polkadot experience, Nova Wallet offers a much broader set of features.
It acts as a complete asset management platform where users can send, receive, buy, and swap tokens across supported networks. With support for over 200 tokens, Nova helps users manage multi-chain portfolios without needing multiple wallets.
Each transaction recorded in the wallet is paired with historical fiat values, helping users track performance over time.
Nova also includes a visual history page and plans to introduce a detailed portfolio view, including price charts and category filters. This will enable better analysis and decision-making within the app itself.
One unique feature is the watch-only wallet mode. Users can observe any wallet address by simply entering it into Nova, without importing keys or compromising privacy. This is helpful for tracking shared wallets, team funds, or multisig accounts from a safe distance.
Nova’s compatibility with DApps adds another layer of functionality. Through the in-app browser or WalletConnect, users can interact with DeFi protocols, DAOs, NFT platforms, and more.
This access extends across both Substrate and EVM networks, allowing users to operate in the Polkadot and Ethereum environments seamlessly.
The wallet roadmap continues to expand, with planned additions such as multisig wallet support, off-ramp integrations, and seamless DApp browser upgrades.
By delivering more tools in a single mobile environment, Nova is becoming a daily-use wallet for users across the decentralised economy.
What Is the Nova Wallet Debit Card?
One of the latest and most practical additions to Nova Wallet is the Nova x Mercuryo debit card. Developed in collaboration with Mercuryo and powered by Mastercard, the card allows users to top up using DOT and spend it like fiat currency.
This means Polkadot assets can now be used to pay for goods and services without first converting to cash through a centralised exchange.
The debit card is currently available in the European Economic Area and supports spending in more than 100 million locations worldwide. It is fully compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing users to tap their phones at checkout terminals and pay directly with crypto.
Transactions are settled in euros, and users can freeze or unfreeze the card at any time via the Nova app.
Importantly, the Nova debit card does not compromise the self-custody model of the main wallet. While the card itself operates through a custodial balance to enable fiat payments, the core wallet remains entirely in the user’s control.
The spending layer is optional and separate, maintaining the privacy and independence Nova users expect.
There are no charges for everyday purchases made in euros, and the only fee is a 1.5 percent top-up cost, with a €3 minimum.
Limits include €5,000 per transaction, €10,000 daily, and €40,000 monthly. For users looking to spend DOT without giving up control of their main assets, this debit card offers a practical bridge between on-chain value and real-world use.
Conclusion
Nova Wallet delivers a complete experience for users in the Polkadot ecosystem. With native support for staking, governance, DApps, and real-world spending, it combines essential Web3 tools in a secure and easy-to-use mobile format.
Its self-custodial structure ensures that users remain in control of their assets, and the team’s consistent delivery of updates and features reflects a strong commitment to community-driven development.