Breez vs Fold

Q: Is Breez non-custodial and how do channels/liquidity work?

Yes. Breez is self-custodial and automates Lightning channel management and liquidity for you. A cloud backup helps restore wallet and channel state. This combines native Lightning with convenience while keeping keys under your control via seed-based recovery.

Q: Does Fold support Lightning and do I need KYC?

Fold centers on custodial rewards and card features, with account KYC required. You can withdraw to your own wallet for self-custody. Fold itself is not a Lightning wallet; it focuses on earning and spending via its card and gift cards.

Q: Can I get a card from Breez or only from Fold?

Card and gift card rewards are a Fold feature. Breez is a Lightning wallet with POS tools and a creator ecosystem but does not issue a spending card. Choose Breez for native LN and tools; choose Fold for a rewards card experience.

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Choose Fold if you want Bitcoin-back rewards and a debit card; Lightning use is mainly for gift cards and in-app spends. Pick Breez for self-custody Lightning with automatic channels and a POS mode. Many users will earn on Fold and self-custody/pay via Breez for lower-friction Lightning payments. Compare more below.

Breez vs Fold — full comparison (Spend Bitcoin)
Platform	Hot Wallet Bitcoin rewards card
Supported Networks	Bitcoin + Lightning Visa Debit Card, Credit Card, Giftcards
Features	Self-custodial Podcast player with streaming sats Point-of-Sale mode for merchants In beta Cloud backup required for recovery Not ideal for micro payments (<100 sats) 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on everyday spending Seamless integration of Bitcoin into traditional finance Most features US only Custodial until withdrawn High fees possible on some services
Custody & Control	Non-custodial: you hold your own keys Custodial (until withdrawn)
KYC Required	No Yes
Recovery Method	Seed phrase + cloud backup 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: 3.7 Android: N/A iOS: 4.8 Android: 4.6
Profile Founder(s)	Roy Sheinfeld Will Reeves
Company description	Breez (Misty Breez) focuses on making Lightning Network payments fast and easy. It stands out with its non-custodial mobile app, letting users control their Bitcoin, and a unique Point-of-Sale mode fo... Breez (Misty Breez) focuses on making Lightning Network payments fast and easy. It stands out with its non-custodial mobile app, letting users control their Bitcoin, and a unique Point-of-Sale mode for merchants to accept instant payments. It offers sending, receiving, and storing Bitcoin via Lightning, plus a podcast player to support creators with Bitcoin tips. Breez (Misty Breez) focuses on making Lightning Network payments fast and easy. It stands out with its non-custodial mobile app, letting users control their Bitcoin, and a unique Point-of-Sale mode for merchants to accept instant payments. It offers sending, receiving, and storing Bitcoin via Lightning, plus a podcast player to support creators with Bitcoin tips. The app has a simple interface and no-setup payments, though some users report issues with cloud backups and wallet restoration. Breez's mission is to drive Bitcoin adoption for everyday use, with a vision to expand Lightning payments across apps using its Breez SDK, a free developer tool. The app currently suits everyday payments rather than very small transactions. Beginners love its ease and merchant tools, but some find technical issues frustrating. 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	2018 2019
Website	breez.technology foldapp.com
Availability	Available globally Available in North America, Europe

FAQs

Is Breez non-custodial and how do channels/liquidity work?

Yes. Breez is self-custodial and automates Lightning channel management and liquidity for you. A cloud backup helps restore wallet and channel state. This combines native Lightning with convenience while keeping keys under your control via seed-based recovery.

Does Fold support Lightning and do I need KYC?

Fold centers on custodial rewards and card features, with account KYC required. You can withdraw to your own wallet for self-custody. Fold itself is not a Lightning wallet; it focuses on earning and spending via its card and gift cards.

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

Card and gift card rewards are a Fold feature. Breez is a Lightning wallet with POS tools and a creator ecosystem but does not issue a spending card. Choose Breez for native LN and tools; choose Fold for a rewards card experience.