How to track portfolio exposure across exchanges and wallets
Track crypto exposure by listing every exchange account and wallet with read-only access. Record cost basis when you acquire crypto, not only when you sell.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 6, 20263 min readFact-checked
On this page
- List each exchange, wallet, and DeFi position.
- Use read-only keys or public addresses.
- Group by asset and chain to avoid double counting.
- Record cost basis and dates for tax reporting.
To track portfolio exposure across exchanges and wallets, you gather each account into one list, connect read-only data where you can, and value holdings by asset and chain. It takes a full inventory and a record of what you paid.
What you need before you start
Find every place you hold crypto. That includes exchange accounts, hot wallets, hardware wallets, and DeFi positions such as staking or lending. Write down the name, type, and assets for each place.
How to track exposure step by step
Work from your inventory and keep one master view. A tracker needs API access or manual entries to see every account. Wallet balances can miss staking, lending, and liquidity positions.
- 1List every account and walletStart with your inventory. This is the base for one exposure view.
- 2Add read-only accessCopy public wallet addresses and create read-only exchange API keys. Do not share a seed phrase or private key.
- 3Enter manual balancesFor an exchange with no API, type balances by hand and mark the date. This keeps the view complete.
- 4Group and total exposurePut each holding under its asset and chain. Count the underlying asset once when a token represents a deposit.
What records and security to keep after
Keep records of when you acquired each asset and what you paid. The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, so cost basis and holding period matter for US tax reporting. Refresh and secure the view after changes.
Frequently asked questions
Track that account with manual entries, noting each balance by asset and chain and the date you checked it.
Treat each chain as its own line and count a wrapped or bridged asset once.
Yes, NFTs and memecoins you hold count as exposure, so record their cost and acquisition date.
A spreadsheet can work if you update it by hand and note missing positions, but it will not connect on its own.
