> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fellow.money/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Set up your Fellow account and start making instant transfers between any financial platform in minutes

Get up and running with Fellow in under 5 minutes. Connect your accounts, verify your identity, and start making instant transfers between any financial platform.

<Info>
  **New to Fellow?** You'll get both a traditional bank account and a crypto wallet automatically when you sign up - no need to choose between them.
</Info>

## Quick Setup Overview

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Account">
    Sign up with your phone number and complete basic verification
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Accounts">
    Link your existing banks and crypto wallets to Fellow's router
  </Step>

  <Step title="First Transfer">
    Make your first instant transfer between any connected platforms
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Banking">
    Explore Fellow's full banking features and earning opportunities
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 1: Account Setup

### Create Your Fellow Account

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Phone Verification" icon="phone">
    Use your phone number to create your Fellow account instantly through our simple SMS verification process
  </Card>

  <Card title="Identity Verification" icon="id-card">
    Complete basic KYC powered by Cred.ai for secure account access and compliance
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**What You Get Automatically:**

* **Fellow Bank Account**: Traditional banking capabilities with routing/account numbers
* **Privy Crypto Wallet**: Secure wallet for cryptocurrency transactions
* **Router Access**: Instant transfer capabilities between any connected platforms

<Tip>
  Your phone number serves as your universal identifier across the Fellow network - no need to remember multiple wallet addresses or account numbers.
</Tip>

***

## Step 2: Connecting Your Accounts

Connect your existing financial accounts to Fellow's router through secure integrations:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Traditional Banking">
    **Bank Account Connection**

    We use Plaid's secure API to connect your existing bank accounts:

    * **Security**: Bank-grade encryption with read-only access
    * **Speed**: Connection typically takes under 60 seconds
    * **Coverage**: Works with major banks, credit unions, and online banks

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Select Your Bank">
        Choose from thousands of supported financial institutions
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter Credentials">
        Securely log in through Plaid's encrypted interface
      </Step>

      <Step title="Choose Accounts">
        Select which accounts you want to connect to Fellow
      </Step>

      <Step title="Confirm Connection">
        Verify account details and connection status
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Crypto Wallets">
    **Wallet Integration**

    Connect your crypto wallets by pasting wallet addresses:

    * **Multiple Networks**: Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, and more
    * **Any Wallet Type**: MetaMask, Phantom, hardware wallets, exchange wallets
    * **Simple Process**: Just paste your public wallet address

    <Warning>
      Only paste **public wallet addresses** - never share private keys or seed phrases with any service.
    </Warning>

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Select Network">
        Choose the blockchain network (Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Paste Address">
        Copy and paste your public wallet address
      </Step>

      <Step title="Verify Ownership">
        Sign a verification message with your wallet
      </Step>

      <Step title="Name Your Wallet">
        Give your wallet a memorable name for easy identification
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Exchanges & Brokerages">
    **Platform Connections**

    Link your trading and investment accounts:

    * **Crypto Exchanges**: Connect to major crypto trading platforms
    * **Brokerages**: Link investment and trading accounts
    * **Fintech Apps**: Connect digital payment and banking apps

    <Note>
      API connections provide secure access for balance checking and transfers. Each platform may have different connection requirements.
    </Note>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  **Need to see what's supported?** Check our complete [Platform Integrations](/using-fellow/supported-platforms) page for the full list of compatible financial services.
</Tip>

***

## Step 3: Your First Transfer

Ready to experience instant cross-platform transfers? Here's how to make your first transfer:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Choose Source" icon="arrow-up-from-bracket">
    Select which account you want to send money from
  </Card>

  <Card title="Select Destination" icon="arrow-down-to-bracket">
    Pick where you want the money to arrive instantly
  </Card>

  <Card title="Confirm & Send" icon="paper-plane">
    Review the 40-80 basis point fee and confirm transfer
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Example Transfer Scenarios

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Crypto to Bank">
    **Scenario**: Moving profits from Coinbase to your checking account

    1. **Source**: Coinbase (select from connected accounts)
    2. **Amount**: \$1,000
    3. **Destination**: Chase Checking
    4. **Fee**: \~\$4-8 (40-80 basis points)
    5. **Settlement**: Instant in Chase, 2-4 days for final ACH
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bank to Crypto">
    **Scenario**: Funding your crypto wallet from savings

    1. **Source**: Wells Fargo Savings
    2. **Amount**: \$500
    3. **Destination**: MetaMask Wallet
    4. **Fee**: \~\$2-4 (40-80 basis points)
    5. **Settlement**: Instant in MetaMask, 2-4 days for ACH
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Cross-Platform Trading">
    **Scenario**: Moving between brokerages for better rates

    1. **Source**: Robinhood Account
    2. **Amount**: \$2,000
    3. **Destination**: Schwab Trading Account
    4. **Fee**: \~\$8-16 (40-80 basis points)
    5. **Settlement**: Instant access in Schwab
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Check>
  **Success!** You've just made an instant transfer that would normally take 1-3 business days.
</Check>

***

## What's Next?

Now that you're set up, explore Fellow's full capabilities:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Banking Features" icon="piggy-bank" href="/using-fellow/banking-features">
    Discover Fellow's full banking capabilities and financial tools
  </Card>

  <Card title="Become Your Own Bank" icon="coins" href="/using-fellow/become-your-own-bank">
    Learn how to earn yield by providing liquidity to the network
  </Card>

  <Card title="Supported Platforms" icon="link" href="/using-fellow/supported-platforms">
    See the complete list of integrated financial platforms and capabilities
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Need Help?

<Note>
  **Questions?** Check out our [FAQ](/reference/faq) or contact our support team for personalized assistance with account setup.
</Note>