Aqua vs Fold

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Fold is best if you want a custodial rewards card to earn sats on everyday spending, with account‑based recovery and KYC. Aqua fits if you prefer self‑custody for sending and receiving, Liquid privacy features, and a 12‑word seed backup. Compare custody, KYC, supported networks, and mobile experience below.

Aqua vs Fold — full comparison (Spend Bitcoin)
Platform	Hot Wallet Bitcoin rewards card
Supported Networks	Bitcoin + Lightning + Liquid Visa Debit Card, Credit Card, Giftcards
Features	Bitcoin, Lightning & Liquid wallet Privacy benefits with confidential transactions on Liquid Built-in swap between on-chain and Liquid Higher Lightning fees Relies on Boltz for Lightning swaps Bitcoin rewards on everyday spending Seamless integration of Bitcoin into traditional finance Most features US only Custodial until withdrawn High fees possible on some services
Custody & Control	Non-custodial Custodial (until withdrawn)
KYC Required	No Yes
Recovery Method	12-word seed + optional passphrase Custodial account
Open Source	Yes No
User Experience	0.0 out of 5 rate (0) 0.0 out of 5 rate (0)
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 4.3 Android: 4.4 iOS: 4.8 Android: 4.6
Profile Founder(s)	Samson Mow Will Reeves
Company description	Aqua Wallet, originally launched by Blockstream, later taken over by Jan3, is a mobile app designed for easy saving and spending in Bitcoin. It's a non-custodial, open-source wallet using a 12-word se... Aqua Wallet, originally launched by Blockstream, later taken over by Jan3, is a mobile app designed for easy saving and spending in Bitcoin. It's a non-custodial, open-source wallet using a 12-word seed phrase for user control, and a unified balance across on-chain Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid Network transactions, defaulting to Liquid for low-fee, private payments. It offers sending, receiving, and swapping Bitcoin (on-chain to Liquid or vice versa) but for Lightning payments they rely on Boltz, a third party which can occur higher swap fees. This might affect daily usability for some users. Aqua Wallet, originally launched by Blockstream, later taken over by Jan3, is a mobile app designed for easy saving and spending in Bitcoin. It's a non-custodial, open-source wallet using a 12-word seed phrase for user control, and a unified balance across on-chain Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid Network transactions, defaulting to Liquid for low-fee, private payments. It offers sending, receiving, and swapping Bitcoin (on-chain to Liquid or vice versa) but for Lightning payments they rely on Boltz, a third party which can occur higher swap fees. This might affect daily usability for some users. The app has an intuitive interface - although the design could use some work - and offers seamless swaps between on-chain Bitcoin and Lightning or Liquid. JAN3's mission is to onboard billions to Bitcoin, with a vision to expand Aqua with debit card integration, credit/loans, and global on/off-ramps. Beginners love its simple setup and versatility, but some find stablecoin options and swap fees confusing. Fold aims to make Bitcoin accessible by integrating it into daily financial activities. It offers a Visa prepaid debit card, gift card purchases, and bill payments, all rewarding users with Bitcoin (s... Fold aims to make Bitcoin accessible by integrating it into daily financial activities. It offers a Visa prepaid debit card, gift card purchases, and bill payments, all rewarding users with Bitcoin (sats). Users can also buy Bitcoin with low or no fees, depending on their plan, and deposit Bitcoin into their Fold account for insured custody. Fold aims to make Bitcoin accessible by integrating it into daily financial activities. It offers a Visa prepaid debit card, gift card purchases, and bill payments, all rewarding users with Bitcoin (sats). Users can also buy Bitcoin with low or no fees, depending on their plan, and deposit Bitcoin into their Fold account for insured custody. What sets Fold apart is how it combines traditional finance functions like bill pay and debit card usage with Bitcoin rewards in one simple interface. Users don't need to juggle multiple apps or wallets. Rewards can be earned on nearly every transaction, from daily spending to mortgage payments, with bonus sats for gift card purchases. Fold also allows external Bitcoin deposits and provides low-fee conversions from paycheck to BTC, making it easy to live on a Bitcoin standard while minimizing taxable events. Users praise the ease of use, the ability to stack Bitcoin passively, and the clear design of the app. Some power users run most of their household finances through Fold, using the gift card section for groceries and shopping, and setting up recurring buys with leftover balances at the end of each month. The ability to earn rewards even on ACH bill pay is seen as a unique benefit. Fold's vision is to be the ultimate platform for living on a Bitcoin standard, making it easy to earn, spend, and save Bitcoin while navigating a fiat world, giving users control and flexibility without the complexity of traditional exchanges or wallets.
Founded in	2024 2019
Website	aqua.net foldapp.com
Availability	Available globally Available in North America, Europe

FAQs

Does Fold support Lightning and is it custodial?

Fold is a custodial app focused on Bitcoin rewards through a card and gift cards. Funds are custodial until withdrawn to your own wallet. It is not a Lightning wallet, though you can move funds out to self-custody when desired.

Is Aqua non-custodial and how do Lightning sends work?

Aqua is non-custodial and open-source. Lightning payments are handled via Boltz swaps rather than native channels. The app also integrates Liquid and on-chain Bitcoin, giving users privacy features and asset support while retaining control of keys.

Can I get a card from Aqua or only from Fold?

Fold provides a rewards card and custodial account features, with gift card options. Aqua is a wallet for Bitcoin, Lightning via swaps, and Liquid; it does not issue a spending card. Choose Fold for rewards card features; Aqua for self-custodial wallet capabilities.