The Manual
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to My Bitcoin DCA
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started
2. Binance Setup & API Keys
3. Mobile App Setup
4. Using the System
5. Web Dashboard
6. Settings & Customization
7. Security Best Practices
8. Troubleshooting
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Getting Help
1. Getting Started
Welcome to My Bitcoin DCA! This guide will walk you through every step of setting up your automated Bitcoin Dollar Cost Averaging strategy with privacy-first security.
What You'll Need
- A Binance/Kraken account with recurring deposits
- A Bitcoin hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor, ColdCard, etc.)
- A static IP address (from your VPN provider or ISP)
- A smartphone (iOS or Android)
- Email address for account registration
Step 1.1: Create Your Account
- Go to the registration page: Visit mybitcoindca.com/register
- Enter your details:
- Full name
- Email address
- Secure password (use a password manager!)
- Login: Use your credentials to sign in
2. Exchange Setup & API Key Creation
Supported Exchanges
We currently support Binance and Kraken. The instructions below are for Binance. For Kraken, the same principles apply - create API keys with trading permissions and configure withdrawal address whitelists in your Kraken security settings.
Security First!
Your API keys will NEVER be sent to our servers. They stay encrypted on your mobile device only. Follow these steps carefully to ensure maximum security.
Step 2.1: Prepare Your Binance Account
- Deposit Funds: Transfer your local currency to your Binance account via recurring bank transfer (e.g., SEPA for EUR, ACH for USD)
🚨 CRITICAL SECURITY STEP 🚨
Enable Withdrawal Address Whitelisting
This is MANDATORY to protect your Bitcoin from theft. Address whitelisting ensures that even if your API keys are compromised, withdrawals can ONLY go to addresses you've pre-approved.
⚠️ WITHOUT THIS PROTECTION:
- Anyone with your API keys could withdraw to ANY Bitcoin address
- Your Bitcoin could be stolen and sent to an attacker's wallet
- Transactions are IRREVERSIBLE - you cannot get your Bitcoin back
✅ WITH THIS PROTECTION:
- Withdrawals can ONLY go to your whitelisted hardware wallet address
- Even if API keys leak, your Bitcoin remains safe
- You maintain complete control over your funds
STEP 2.1.1: Enable Address Whitelisting (REQUIRED)
- Log into Binance and go to your account settings
- Navigate to Security Settings:
- Click your profile icon (top right)
- Select "Security"
- Find "Withdrawal Address Management"
- Enable "Whitelist Withdrawal Addresses"
- Toggle this setting ON
- Complete 2FA verification
- Confirm via email
⏰ Important Timing Note:
After enabling whitelisting, you MUST wait 24 hours before you can add addresses to the whitelist. This is Binance's security measure. Plan accordingly!
STEP 2.1.2: Add Your Hardware Wallet Address (REQUIRED)
- Get a Bitcoin receive address from your hardware wallet:
- Open your hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor, ColdCard, etc.)
- Navigate to Bitcoin
- Generate a new receive address
- VERIFY the address on your hardware wallet screen
- Add it to Binance's withdrawal whitelist:
- Go to Binance → Wallet → Fiat and Spot
- Click "Withdraw" next to Bitcoin
- Select "Whitelist Address Management"
- Click "Add Address"
- Paste your hardware wallet Bitcoin address
- Label it clearly (e.g., "My Hardware Wallet")
- Complete 2FA and email verification
- ⏰ Wait 24 hours for activation
- Binance requires a 24-hour waiting period for new whitelisted addresses
- This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized address additions
- You cannot withdraw to this address until the 24 hours have passed
- Triple-check the address:
- Bitcoin transactions are IRREVERSIBLE
- Verify the first AND last 6 characters match
- Consider sending a small test withdrawal first
✅ Security Checkpoint
Before proceeding, verify you have completed:
- ✅ Enabled withdrawal address whitelisting on Binance
- ✅ Added your hardware wallet Bitcoin address to the whitelist
- ✅ Waited 24 hours for address activation
- ✅ Triple-checked the address is correct
Step 2.2: Create Binance API Keys
Note: These instructions are for securing your API keys with IP whitelisting and minimal permissions.
- Navigate to API Management:
- Log into Binance
- Click your profile icon (top right)
- Select "API Management"
- Create New API Key:
- Click "Create API"
- Choose "System Generated"
- Label it: "My Bitcoin DCA"
- Complete 2FA verification
- Configure IP Access Restrictions:CRITICAL: This step is essential for security!
- Enable "Restrict access to trusted IPs only"
- Add your static IP address (get this from your VPN provider or ISP)
- DO NOT use "Unrestricted" mode
- Set API Permissions:Enable:
- ✅ Enable Reading
- ✅ Enable Spot & Margin Trading
- ✅ Enable Withdrawals (if using App Withdrawal Mode)
Disable:- ❌ All other permissions
- Save Your API Credentials:Important: Copy both the API Key and Secret Key. You'll need these for the mobile app. The Secret Key is only shown once!
- Copy the API Key
- Copy the Secret Key (shown only once!)
- Store them temporarily in a password manager
Withdrawal Modes Explained
App Withdrawal Mode: Enable "Withdrawals" permission. You can execute withdrawals to your whitelisted address through our app.
Manual Withdrawal Mode: Disable "Withdrawals" permission. You'll receive notifications with instructions to manually withdraw.
3. Mobile App Installation & Configuration
Step 3.1: Download the Mobile App
Step 3.2: Initial App Configuration
- Open the app and sign in with your My Bitcoin DCA credentials
- Set up app passcode:
- Create a secure passcode for withdrawal approvals
- This adds an extra security layer
- Enter your Binance API credentials:Privacy Guarantee: Your API keys are encrypted and stored only on this device. They will never leave your phone.
- Tap "Settings" → "Exchange API Keys"
- Paste your Binance API Key
- Paste your Binance Secret Key
- Tap "Save"
- Configure your hardware wallet address:
- Tap "Settings" → "Withdrawal Address"
- Enter your whitelisted Bitcoin address
- Verify the address is correct (triple-check!)
- Save
- Set up your DCA schedule:
- Tap "Settings" → "DCA Schedule"
- Set your preferred purchase amount in your chosen currency (e.g., 35 per week)
- Enable push notifications:
- Grant notification permissions when prompted
- You'll receive alerts for optimal purchase and withdrawal times
Setup Complete!
Your mobile app is now configured. The system will monitor network fees and notify you when it's time to act.
4. Using the System
Step 4.1: Weekly Purchase Workflow
Receive Purchase Notification
You'll get a push notification when it's time for your weekly Bitcoin purchase
Week 1
Execute Purchase
- Open the mobile app
- Review the purchase amount (e.g., 35 of your chosen currency worth of Bitcoin)
- Tap "Execute Purchase"
- Confirm with your passcode
The app connects directly to Binance using your API keys to execute the market buy order.
Action Required
Purchase Tracked
The system automatically records your purchase in your dashboard for tracking
Automatic
Step 4.2: Monthly Withdrawal Workflow
Withdrawal Window: Withdrawals occur during a 1-week window starting from the last Friday of each month, and when network fees are optimal.
Withdrawal Window Opens
The system begins monitoring Bitcoin network fees starting the last Friday of the month
Last Friday
Fee Monitoring via Mempool.space
The system tracks real-time network fees and waits for optimal conditions
Monitoring
Optimal Fee Alert
When network fees drop to your threshold, you receive a push notification
Notification
Execute Withdrawal
If using App Withdrawal Mode:
- Open the mobile app
- Review withdrawal details (amount, address, network fee)
- Tap "Approve Withdrawal"
- Confirm with your passcode
- The app executes the withdrawal directly from Binance to your Bitcoin address
If using Manual Withdrawal Mode:
- Open the notification
- Follow the instructions to manually withdraw from Binance
- Log into Binance and complete the withdrawal yourself
Action Required
Bitcoin Arrives in Your Wallet
Your Bitcoin is sent to your hardware wallet. The system tracks the transaction and updates your dashboard.
Complete
Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins
Your Bitcoin goes directly from Binance to your hardware wallet. It never sits on an exchange longer than necessary, and our servers never have access.
5. Using the Web Dashboard
Access your comprehensive analytics dashboard at mybitcoindca.com/dashboard
Dashboard Features
Monthly Progress Charts
Visual representation of your DCA progress over time, showing Bitcoin accumulated and fiat spent
Complete Transaction History
Detailed records of every purchase and withdrawal with timestamps, amounts, and fees
Fee Tracking
Monitor both trading fees (Binance) and network fees (Bitcoin) to optimize your strategy
Total Bitcoin Accumulated
See your total Bitcoin stack growth and average purchase price
Performance Analytics
Track your DCA performance, total invested, and unrealized gains/losses
Anomaly Detection
Automatically detect unusual patterns in your DCA activity, including missed purchases, unexpected fee spikes, and irregular transaction amounts
DCA Insights
Personalized insights and recommendations based on your DCA history, including optimal timing suggestions and strategy improvements
6. Settings & Customization
Available Settings
Pro Tip: Review your settings monthly to ensure they align with your accumulation goals and changing Bitcoin network conditions.
7. Security Best Practices
Your Security Checklist
Follow these best practices to keep your Bitcoin safe.
Essential Security Measures
Use a Hardware Wallet
Never store significant amounts of Bitcoin on an exchange. Use Ledger, Trezor, ColdCard, or similar hardware wallets for cold storage.
Enable IP Whitelisting on Binance API
CRITICAL: Always restrict your API keys to your static IP address. Never use unrestricted mode.
Whitelist Your Withdrawal Address
On Binance, enable withdrawal address whitelisting and only add your verified hardware wallet address.
Use Minimal API Permissions
Only grant Reading, Spot Trading, and Withdrawals (if needed). Disable all other permissions.
Verify Withdrawal Addresses
Always triple-check your hardware wallet address before saving it in the app. Bitcoin transactions are irreversible.
Enable 2FA Everywhere
Use two-factor authentication on My Bitcoin DCA, Binance, and your email account.
Use a Password Manager
Generate and store unique, strong passwords for all services using a reputable password manager.
Keep Your Phone Secure
Since API keys are stored on your phone, use device passcode/biometrics and keep your OS updated.
Regular Security Audits
Periodically review your API key permissions, withdrawal addresses, and account activity.
What We NEVER Have Access To:
- Your Binance API keys (stored only on your device)
- Your Bitcoin (goes directly to your hardware wallet)
- Your fiat currency (stays on Binance until you purchase BTC)
- Your private keys
8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Still Need Help?
If you're experiencing issues not covered here:
- Check the Support Center for more FAQs
- Contact us via the Contact page
- Review our Security documentation
9. Advanced Topics
Understanding Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)
Dollar Cost Averaging is an investment strategy where you invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of the asset's price. This reduces the impact of volatility by spreading purchases over time.
Benefits of DCA:
- Removes emotional decision-making (no trying to "time the market")
- Reduces the impact of short-term price volatility
- Builds discipline through consistent accumulation
- Lower average cost during bear markets
- Accessible - you can start with small amounts
Why Withdraw to Your Own Wallet?
"Not your keys, not your coins"
When you keep Bitcoin on an exchange, you don't actually own it - the exchange does. History is full of exchange hacks, bankruptcies, and funds frozen.
Reasons to Self-Custody:
- Security: You control your private keys, not a third party
- Censorship Resistance: No one can freeze or confiscate your Bitcoin
- Counterparty Risk: Eliminates risk of exchange bankruptcy or hacks
- True Ownership: You have full sovereignty over your wealth
Optimizing Network Fees
Bitcoin network fees vary based on network congestion. My Bitcoin DCA monitors mempool.space to help you withdraw when fees are lowest.
Fee Optimization Strategies:
- Monthly Withdrawals: Consolidate weekly purchases into one monthly withdrawal to save on fees
- Wait for Low-Fee Periods: The 1-week withdrawal window allows flexibility to wait for optimal fees
- Set Fee Threshold: Only withdraw when fees drop below your acceptable level
- Weekend Timing: Fees are often lower on weekends and holidays
Choosing Between Withdrawal Modes
App Withdrawal Mode
Best For:
- Users who want full automation
- Those comfortable granting withdrawal API permissions
- Users with static IP protection
Security Requirements:
- Static IP whitelist on API (mandatory)
- Withdrawal address whitelisting on Binance (mandatory)
- App passcode protection
Manual Withdrawal Mode
Best For:
- Maximum security-conscious users
- Those who prefer manual control
- Users without static IP
How It Works:
- Receive notification when fees are optimal
- Manually log into Binance
- Execute withdrawal yourself
- API doesn't need withdrawal permission
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Getting Help & Support
Community Support
This is an open-source project. You can also view the source code, report issues, or contribute on GitHub.
Ready to Start Your Bitcoin DCA Journey?
Take control of your Bitcoin accumulation with privacy-first automation