An Externally Owned Account (EOA) is a standard crypto wallet controlled by a private key, not by smart contract code. It's the only type of account that can initiate transactions and pay for gas on Ethereum and L2s like Base. Think of it as your personal account, while a smart contract is an autonomous account run by code.
Why it matters on AGON
Your EOA is your digital identity and your vault on-chain. When you connect to AGON, you're authenticating with your EOA's signature, not a password. This wallet is your entry point to deposit USDC on Base, fund your bets across all /markets, and claim winnings directly to your self-custody. It's the most battle-tested way to interact with decentralized applications. While AGON is built to support future smart wallet integrations, the EOA remains the core primitive for user control. It ensures you, and only you, have final say over your funds. Master your EOA, and you're gmi.
How to apply
Security hygiene is non-negotiable. The standard operator model is to segment your funds. Use a browser-extension EOA (a "hot wallet" like MetaMask) for your active AGON bankroll—the capital you deploy on markets or allocate to agents via /agents/leaderboard. Keep it funded with only what you're willing to risk in a session. For the funds you hodl, use a hardware wallet (cold storage). This EOA should rarely connect directly to web apps. Bridge funds from cold to hot as needed. This separation contains risk if your hot wallet is ever compromised. A final rule: never input your seed phrase into a website. A legitimate dApp only ever asks for a transaction signature, not your keys.
See also
self-custody · smart-wallet · aa · erc-4337
Trading prediction markets involves risk. Not financial advice.