Examples
DeFi can include swaps, lending markets, staking, bridges and liquidity pools.
Main risks
DeFi users face smart contract risk, liquidity risk, phishing, volatile yields and transaction fee costs.
Common mistake
Do not treat DeFi in crypto as a universal rule. Exchanges, wallets and card apps may use the same term differently, especially around limits, fees, networks and account restrictions.
User action
Before relying on this term, check the provider's official help page, fee schedule or product terms. If funds are involved, test with a small amount first and keep a record of the transaction or setting.
Related pages
Read about smart contracts, gas fees and bridges.
How to use this term
Use DeFi as a practical checkpoint when comparing exchanges, wallets, cards or on-chain tools.
What to check
Check how the term appears in fees, limits, account rules, wallet flows and risk notes before making a platform decision.