Cardano uses the extended unspent transaction output model, or EUTXO. A transaction consumes specific inputs and creates new outputs instead of updating a single account balance. This affects how wallets estimate transactions, display change and interact with smart contracts.
Compare Cardano-native services
Use Cardano wallets to manage keys, ADA, native assets and staking functions. Portfolio trackers can summarize supported addresses and positions, while crypto tax tools differ in how they import rewards, transfers and token activity.
Understand what the wallet is building
- Inputs and outputs: the wallet may combine several UTXOs and return change to a new output.
- Fees: ADA pays standard transaction fees.
- Collateral: some smart-contract interactions require a separate collateral input in case script validation fails.
- Network: mainnet and testnets use different environments and address indicators.
Cardano is not an EVM chain. Select tools that explicitly support Cardano and review the complete transaction summary, including assets leaving the wallet, new outputs and any collateral requirement.
