diff --git a/packages/provider/README.md b/packages/provider/README.md
index 8c2f6cf7ae38..66524f61dff9 100644
--- a/packages/provider/README.md
+++ b/packages/provider/README.md
@@ -1,8 +1,15 @@
 # Optimism Provider
 
+Note: It is recommended to use a normal Web3 provider for now unless you
+need to access the additional properties that the Optimism Node attaches
+to RPC responses or the `eth_sign` based transaction signing.
+The full geth RPC is supported, and most users will not need these
+additional fields.
+
 The `OptimismProvider` extends the ethers.js `JsonRpcProvider` and
-implements all of the same methods. It will submit transactions
-to the Optimism Sequencer and needs a `Web3Provider` based provider
+implements all of the same methods. It will sign transactions using `eth_sign`
+and submit transactions to the Optimism Sequencer through a new endpoint
+`eth_sendRawEthSignTransaction`. It needs a `Web3Provider` based provider
 to manage keys for any transaction signing.
 
 ## Usage