FAQ
Quick answers to common questions about Ratehopper.
Getting Started
What is Ratehopper?
Ratehopper is an intelligent DeFi platform that helps you find the best lending and borrowing rates across multiple protocols and automate position switching to maximize your returns. In addition, we have different strategies that allow you to deploy different investing strategies based on your risk appetite.
One important benefit to Ratehopper is that users are not selling their collateral, rather they are just borrowing against it which has the benefits of 1. not triggering capital gains and 2. allow a tax deductible write off against the interest paid to lower your taxes (*please check with your country on the eligibility of this).
Is Ratehopper free to use?
Yes! Ratehopper itself is free. You only pay standard blockchain gas fees and protocol fees, just like using DeFi protocols directly. If we do ever turn on the fee model, we will let you know.
Which wallets are supported?
We support all major Web3 wallets including:
MetaMask
Coinbase Wallet
WalletConnect (for mobile wallets)
Ledger
OKX Wallet
Trust Wallet
Phantom
Which blockchains does Ratehopper support?
Currently, we support:
Base (primary network - lowest fees)
Ethereum Mainnet (coming soon)
More networks coming soon!
Do I need crypto experience to use Ratehopper?
Basic crypto knowledge is helpful, but our guides are designed for beginners. Start with our Getting Started guide.
Security & Safety
Is my money safe?
Yes! Ratehopper is completely non-custodial:
We never hold your funds (they are held in a Safe wallet that you won and control)
All funds stay in established DeFi protocols
You maintain full control of your assets
All transactions require your approval
Can Ratehopper steal my funds?
No. We never have access to move your funds. Our smart contracts can only:
Switch positions between approved protocols
Cannot withdraw to different addresses
Cannot change ownership
All actions require your permission
We do this via Safe modules that allow only certain actions to be taken
What if a protocol gets hacked?
We only integrate with well-audited, battle-tested protocols. However:
DeFi always carries some risk
Diversify across multiple protocols
Only invest what you can afford to lose
Consider DeFi insurance options
Is my wallet address private?
Your on-chain activity is public (standard for blockchain). However:
We don't collect personal information
No email or KYC required
Your strategies are private
We don't share data with others
Using Ratehopper
How do I explore historical rates?
Check the Dashboard for "Savings Opportunities"
Or use Rate Comparison to explore all rates
What is APY vs APR?
APY (Annual Percentage Yield) - Includes compounding
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) - Simple interest, no compounding
APY is always higher than APR for the same rate
How often should I check for better rates?
With automation: Weekly monitoring is enough as we will automate the switching for you. Of course, if you would like to check more that's perfect by us!
Should I switch for a 0.1% improvement?
Usually no! Gas fees might cost more than you save (depending on the chain). General rule:
Minimum 0.5% improvement for positions >$10k
Minimum 1% improvement for positions <$10k
Always check the estimated savings vs gas cost
Automation
How do AI agents work?
AI agents:
Monitor rates across all protocols 24/7
Compare against your current positions
Calculate if switching would be profitable (after gas)
Execute switches automatically when beneficial
Can I trust the automation?
Yes, because:
Agents are transparent and auditable
You set all the rules and limits
Agents can't access funds, only switch positions
You can pause/stop anytime
Optional Safe Module for extra security
What is Safe Module?
An additional security layer where:
Agent proposes switches
You approve each switch
Extra protection for large positions
Slight delay but maximum security
How much does automation cost?
Deployment: Free
Monitoring: Free
Execution: Standard gas fees (typically $0.01 per switch) plus a protocol success fee (if enabled by protocol)
Can automation lose money?
Agents are designed to save money, but:
Gas fees can reduce net savings
Very small rate improvements might not be worth it
That's why we have minimum thresholds
Net results are typically positive ROI over time as we recommend using the 7+ Day Moving Average (MA) for more reliable results
Rates & Protocols
Why do rates change?
DeFi rates change based on:
Supply and demand for assets (it uses a bonding curve)
Protocol utilization rates
Market conditions
Borrower activity (whether borrowers pull from or enter the pool)
Which protocol has the best rates?
It varies constantly! That's why Ratehopper exists:
Best rate changes daily or even hourly
Different assets have different winners
We show you the current best in real-time
Some protocols gives you an interest on your collateral (ie: Aave) while some don't. *We use the true APY of your position to determine whether to switch!*
What are the safest protocols?
Generally considered safest (most audited, longest track record):
Aave V3
Compound V3
Morpho (built on top of Aave/Compound)
But remember: all DeFi carries some risk.
Can I use protocols not on Ratehopper?
We're adding more protocols regularly! Suggest protocols you'd like to see in our Telegram.
Positions & Switching
What happens to my interest during switching?
Interest accrues until withdrawal
You receive all earned interest
Start earning at new protocol immediately
No interest is lost
Can I switch only part of my position?
Not currently, but this feature is coming soon. For now:
Split positions manually first
Then set up different agents for each
What if the switch fails?
Your funds stay in current protocol
Gas fee is still paid (blockchain standard)
Check error message for reason (we will have this)
Contact support
How do I withdraw my funds manually?
Ratehopper doesn't currently support automated withdrawals through the UI. To withdraw:
Access your Safe wallet directly via app.safe.global
Use the protocol's interface (Aave, Compound, etc.)
Follow our Manual Withdrawals Guide for step-by-step instructions
For closing positions completely, see Unwinding Positions Guide
Fees & Costs
What fees does Ratehopper charge?
None! Ratehopper is currently free to use.
What are gas fees?
Blockchain transaction costs paid to miners/validators:
Typical switch: $0.01 to 0.10 on Base
Varies with network congestion
Higher on Ethereum mainnet
Agents optimize for low gas periods
What are protocol fees?
Standard DeFi protocol costs:
When switching between debt assets (ie: USDT to USDC), there is a minor flashloan/trade fee
That goes to protocol, not Ratehopper
Same as using protocols directly
In the future, if Ratehopper charges a success fee, we will let you know (depending on governance)
Achievements & Leaderboards (Soon)
What are NFT achievements?
Digital badges you earn for DeFi activities:
Mint on blockchain
Show in your wallet
Collectible and tradeable
Tiered (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
How do I earn achievements?
Complete activities like:
First position switch
Total volume milestones
Savings thresholds
Consistency rewards
And more!
What are leaderboards?
Competitive rankings showing:
Top savers
Most active switchers
Highest volumes
Best strategies
Are leaderboards public?
Yes, but:
Shows wallet address only (no personal info)
Optional: use ENS name for branding
Can opt-out if preferred
Troubleshooting
My wallet won't connect
Try:
Refresh the page
Try different wallet
Clear browser cache
Check network connection
Make sure you're on supported network (Base)
I don't see my positions
Make sure:
Wallet is connected
You're on the correct network
You have actual DeFi positions
Refresh the page
Check supported protocols
Agent not switching
Check:
Is agent active (not paused)?
Enough ETH for gas?
Better rates available?
Rate improvement meets threshold?
Check agent logs for details
Contact & Support
How do I get help?
Check this FAQ - Most questions answered here
Read docs - Comprehensive guides available
Join Telegram - Community and mod support
Email support - [email protected]
Is there a community?
Yes! Join our Telegram for:
Quick support
Strategy discussions
Feature requests
Community events
How do I report a bug?
Join Telegram #bug-reports channel
Or email [email protected]
Include:
What you tried to do
What happened instead
Screenshots if possible
Wallet address (optional but helpful)
Can I suggest features?
Absolutely! We love feedback:
Telegram #feature-requests
Email [email protected]
Vote on our public roadmap
Still Have Questions?
Can't find your answer? We're here to help:
💬 Join Telegram - Live community support
📧 Email us - [email protected]
📚 Read more docs - Browse all guides
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