> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.coca.xyz/coca/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.coca.xyz/coca/the-bank-we-all-deserve/where-is-my-money-stored-and-who-controls-it.md).

# Where is my money stored and who controls it?

Traditional finance apps store your money in accounts they control and show you a balance in their system. COCA is built differently – you own your money.

<figure><img src="/files/ewjBamvjR5RIkScsrEen" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Your money stays in the wallet you control

In COCA your 'Banking Account' is actually a blockchain **smart wallet** that you control. COCA provides the **bank-like interface** (app, card, support, compliance rails), but the funds are not under our control.

Think of it as:

* **Bank app experience**
* **Cash-style ownership**

#### What “smart wallet” means (without the crypto headache)?

COCA uses **smart contract wallets** (EIR-4437, [EIP-7702)](https://eip7702.io/) and this is what makes COCA feel like a normal bank:

* All your funds are stored on the blockchain and controlled by you
* You have safer sign-in and recovery flows without a seed phrase
* You set rules (limits, permissions, spending controls)
* The wallet approves actions in a user-friendly way without you doing “crypto steps” every time

It’s the tech that makes blockchain adoption possible.

### How payments work with COCA card?

When you pay with the COCA card, the merchant requests an **authorization** (e.g., €42.70). COCA’s system is designed so that:

1. A card authorization happens (like any card)
2. Your smart contract wallet **approves that specific amount** for that specific payment
3. Only the authorized amount is moved for settlement – not your whole balance

So instead of “COCA can access everything”, it works like this:

> Pay this merchant, this amount, right now – and nothing else.

You are also protected by:

* Daily/weekly spending limits
* Merchant or subscription permissions
* Instant freeze controls

This is how COCA creates a Self-Banking experience: it feels like a bank while treating your money like it belongs to **you**, not to COCA.