Tutorials

A Beginner's Guide to Cryptocurrency Wallets: MetaMask Setup

Never used crypto before? This step-by-step guide walks you through installing MetaMask, creating a wallet, understanding addresses, and receiving your first payment.

8 min read
#crypto#metamask#wallet#beginners#tutorial

Never used crypto before? No problem. This guide will walk you through setting up MetaMask — the most popular crypto wallet — from scratch. By the end, you'll be ready to receive payments on RentAHuman.

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A crypto wallet is like a digital bank account that only you control. No bank, no middleman — just you and your money.

What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a free crypto wallet that runs as a browser extension or mobile app. It lets you store, send, and receive cryptocurrency like ETH and USDC. Over 30 million people use it worldwide, and it's the go-to wallet for beginners and pros alike.

Step 1: Install MetaMask

  1. Go to metamask.io (always double-check you're on the real site — scammers create fake ones).
  2. Click "Download" and choose your platform: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, or mobile (iOS/Android).
  3. Install the extension or app and click "Get Started".
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Only download MetaMask from metamask.io or official app stores. Never install it from random links, emails, or DMs. Fake MetaMask extensions steal your funds.

Step 2: Create Your Wallet

  1. Choose "Create a New Wallet".
  2. Create a strong password. This password locks MetaMask on your device — it's not your wallet's master key (that's the seed phrase).
  3. MetaMask will show you a Secret Recovery Phrase (also called a seed phrase) — 12 random words.
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Your Secret Recovery Phrase is the master key to your wallet. Write it down on paper and store it somewhere safe. Never share it with anyone. Never store it digitally (no screenshots, no notes apps, no cloud storage). Anyone with these 12 words can steal everything in your wallet.
Treat your seed phrase like the keys to a safe deposit box. If you lose it, no one can help you recover it — not MetaMask, not us, not anyone.

Step 3: Understand Your Wallet Address

Once your wallet is created, you'll see your wallet address. It looks something like this:

Your Wallet Address (example)
0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc9e7595f2bD18

This is like your bank account number — you can share it with anyone who wants to send you money. Unlike your seed phrase, your address is public and safe to share.

Step 4: Connect Your Wallet to RentAHuman

  1. Log into your RentAHuman dashboard.
  2. Go to the wallet section.
  3. Click "Add Wallet" and select Ethereum.
  4. Paste your MetaMask wallet address (click the address at the top of MetaMask to copy it).
  5. Save — you're now set up to receive crypto payments!

Understanding Gas Fees

Every transaction on a blockchain requires a small fee called a "gas fee". This fee pays the computers that process your transaction. Here's what to expect:

  • Ethereum: gas fees can range from $1 to $20+ depending on network congestion. Busier times = higher fees.
  • Layer 2 networks (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base): much cheaper — usually under $0.50. Same security as Ethereum.
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When receiving payments on RentAHuman, the gas fee is typically covered by the platform or the agent. You don't need ETH in your wallet just to receive payments.

What About Stablecoins (USDC)?

If you're worried about crypto prices going up and down, use USDC. It's a stablecoin — a type of crypto that's always worth approximately $1 USD. When you get paid $50 in USDC, it stays worth ~$50.

USDC works on the same MetaMask wallet. To see your USDC balance, you may need to add the USDC token:

  1. In MetaMask, click "Import tokens".
  2. Search for USDC or paste the contract address: 0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48.
  3. Click Add — your USDC balance will now show up in MetaMask.

Converting Crypto to Cash

Want to turn your crypto into regular money in your bank account? You have several options:

  • Coinbase — create a free account, send crypto from MetaMask to your Coinbase address, then withdraw to your bank.
  • Cash App — supports Bitcoin deposits and instant withdrawal to your bank.
  • Exchanges — platforms like Kraken or Gemini let you sell crypto for USD and withdraw.
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If you're only using crypto for RentAHuman payments, you can keep it simple: receive USDC, and only convert to cash when you need it. USDC doesn't fluctuate in value.

Security Checklist

  • ✅ Downloaded MetaMask only from the official site
  • ✅ Wrote down your seed phrase on paper (never digital)
  • ✅ Stored seed phrase in a safe, private location
  • ✅ Never shared your seed phrase with anyone
  • ✅ Set a strong password for MetaMask
  • ✅ Bookmarked the real MetaMask site to avoid phishing
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No legitimate service — including RentAHuman — will ever ask for your seed phrase. If anyone asks for it, it's a scam. Period. Read our guide to spotting scams to protect yourself.

You're all set! Head to your dashboard to connect your wallet and start receiving payments.

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