> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chamberfi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chamberfi.com/deposit/overview.md).

# Overview

Chamber vaults are onchain, non-custodial, and open to anyone with a wallet. When you deposit, your funds go into the vault contract, not to the manager, not to Chamber. The manager trades the vault within rules enforced by the [Guard System](/security/guard-system.md). You can withdraw at any time.

This section walks through how depositing works, how to pick a vault, and what to know before committing capital.

## What depositing actually does

You deposit assets (usually a stablecoin or native token) into a vault through the Chamber app, which routes the call through the vault contract. In return, the contract mints you **vault shares**: a receipt token that represents your proportional claim on everything the vault holds. Never transfer assets directly to the vault address; only deposits made through the proper flow mint shares.

* If the vault grows, your shares are worth more.
* If the vault loses money, your shares are worth less.
* You can withdraw your shares any time (after the [24-hour lockup](/deposit/lockup-withdrawals.md)), either for a single asset or for the underlying basket.

The manager can trade the vault's assets but **cannot withdraw, reassign, or seize your shares**. Custody is onchain and yours.

## Before you deposit

* **Pick a vault that matches your risk tolerance.** Strategy, fees, track record, and chain all matter. See [Find a vault](/deposit/find-a-vault.md).
* **Understand the fees.** Entry, exit, performance, management: these are set by the manager and vary per vault. See [Fees](/deposit/fees.md).
* **Know the risks.** Smart contracts, market exposure, manager decisions, oracle risk. See [Risks](/deposit/risks.md).
* **Plan your horizon.** Every deposit has a 24-hour lockup. Withdrawals are always available after that, but fee structures reward longer holds.

## What's in this section

* [Find a vault](/deposit/find-a-vault.md): filtering by chain, strategy, fees, and vault score.
* [Deposit](/deposit/deposit.md): the deposit flow end-to-end.
* [Lockup & withdrawals](/deposit/lockup-withdrawals.md): the 24h post-deposit lockup and how withdrawals work (single-asset or basket).
* [Fees](/deposit/fees.md): what you pay and when.
* [Insurance](/deposit/insurance.md): coverage options.
* [Risks](/deposit/risks.md): the honest list.