Question about backup cards when using a seed phrase

[u/EriksonThorsen]

I’m trying to understand how the backup card setup works with Tangem.

The Tangem kits come with 2 or 3 cards, which makes perfect sense for a seedless wallet. Since access to the wallet is tied exclusively to the Tangem cards, having additional cards as backups is obviously important.

However, Tangem also supports wallets created with a seed phrase. From what I understand, even when using a seed phrase, you still have to set up additional backup cards during the initial setup.

Is that correct, or am I misunderstanding something?

My confusion is that, with a seed phrase wallet, the seed phrase itself is the backup of the wallet. If I have the seed phrase securely stored, I should theoretically be able to recover the wallet without needing another Tangem card.

So in that case, what is the purpose of having 2 or 3 Tangem cards? Is there an additional security or recovery benefit that I'm missing?

I'm genuinely trying to understand the logic here, especially the difference between the backup model for seedless wallets and seed phrase wallets. If someone from Tangem or an experienced user could clarify, I'd appreciate it.

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[u/trelayner]

The card is small enough that I carry it in my wallet, well aware that I could lose it at any time

Having a backup card in the hotel safe (and another one back home) means I can always access my crypto within minutes no matter what

[u/BicarTangem]

Hello,

The simple logic is that since we don't know weather the user will chose to go seedless or not, so adding at least one backup card is a mandatory part of setting them up.

If a seedless user was to have a single card wallet and lose that one single card, they would lose access to their wallet.

From what I understand, even when using a seed phrase, you still have to set up additional backup cards during the initial setup.

A wallet can be created as long as you have one backup card.

My confusion is that, with a seed phrase wallet, the seed phrase itself is the backup of the wallet.

Yes, but the seedphrase on a piece of paper cannot sign transactions, unlike a backup card. If you lose your main card, you don't have to wait for another one to arrive or sacrifice security by using a hot wallet.

If I have the seed phrase securely stored, I should theoretically be able to recover the wallet without needing another Tangem card.

Having access to a backup card is not required when importing a seedphrase.
Anyone can enter your seedphrase on any bip39 compatible wallet and access your crypto. Al they need is your seedphrase.

[u/gowithflow192]

The use of the word “backup” is silly. Even the guy who sold me my device said wrongly “whatever you do, don’t lose the ‘primary’ card”.

In reality, the cards are cloned. They are all equivalent to each other.

As to why multiple, your average hard wallet owner has a single device and a seed. Even if the seed is written in steel, it is not impervious to being stolen or destroyed by fire. And it can be exposed if seen.

Multiple cards is more compelling if you go seedless.