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

# Smart account providers

> Choose the smart account implementation behind your Rhinestone account.

The account provider determines the contract implementation, deployment address, and provider-specific configuration. It does not replace your signer choice.

## Recommended default

Use **Nexus** unless you need compatibility with another account ecosystem. `@rhinestone/sdk` 2.16.1 selects Nexus when you omit `account.type`.

## Supported choices

| Provider     | Choose it when                                                                                                                                    |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Nexus**    | You are creating a new account and do not need another provider's compatibility. It is the SDK default and the supported EIP-7702 implementation. |
| **Safe**     | You need the Safe account ecosystem or must reproduce a Safe-based account configuration.                                                         |
| **Kernel**   | You need compatibility with a Kernel account configuration.                                                                                       |
| **Startale** | You need compatibility with a Startale account configuration.                                                                                     |
| **HCA**      | You need Rhinestone's specialized HCA account with ENS ownership. HCA does not support recovery, session keys, or additional modules.             |

Choose [bring your own account](/wallets/custom-signer/account-setup/account-types-and-providers/bring-your-own-account) if the account already exists and you need to preserve its address and deployment data. Choose a [plain EOA](/wallets/custom-signer/account-setup/account-types-and-providers/eoa) when you do not need a smart account.

<Warning>
  Changing the provider, version, salt, nonce, or owner configuration can change a counterfactual account address. Preserve the complete configuration you use in production.
</Warning>

<Card title="Configure a smart account provider" icon="settings" href="/wallets/custom-signer/configuration/smart-account-providers">
  Select a provider and set its supported version, salt, nonce, or adapter options.
</Card>