Aqua vs Fold

Updated: January 2026

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	Mobile Wallet (Layer 2) Bitcoin rewards card
Supported Networks	Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid with USDt swaps via partners Visa Prepaid debit, ACH bill pay, gift card marketplace, bitcoin buys and withdrawals
Features	Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid in one balance Confidential Liquid transactions for added privacy Direct peg-in turns on-chain BTC into L-BTC without extra steps Lightning depends on Boltz swaps Swaps can cost more than native Lightning wallets Daily Rewards Wheel and gift cards earn sats without needing the Fold Card Push to Card and bitcoin automations convert between BTC and USD in minutes Custodial custody Top rewards require an active Fold+ subscription
Custody & Control	Non-custodial (keys stored on your device) Custodial (USD via Sutton Bank, BTC via BitGo until you withdraw)
KYC Required	No Yes
Recovery Method	12-word seed created in-app (optional passphrase) Custodial account with KYC; withdraw bitcoin to your own wallet
Open Source	Core wallet is open source; marketplace modules are closed No
User Experience	N/A N/A
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 4.2 Android: 4.5 iOS: 4.2 Android: Not available
Profile Founder(s)	Samson Mow Will Reeves
Company description	Aqua is JAN3's mobile wallet that keeps Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning funds in one place. The app is self-custodial, so you write down a 12-word seed and control every transaction. Aqua is JAN3's mobile wallet that keeps Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning funds in one place. The app is self-custodial, so you write down a 12-word seed and control every transaction. Aqua is JAN3's mobile wallet that keeps Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning funds in one place. The app is self-custodial, so you write down a 12-word seed and control every transaction. Aqua leans on Liquid for privacy and low fees, while Boltz swaps unlock Lightning spending without running your own channels. You can peg-in on-chain BTC, hold USDt on Liquid, and bridge to other networks when required. Optional extras such as the Dolphin Card and future marketplace services build on the same wallet, so newcomers can start with simple payments and grow into more advanced features as they get comfortable. 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	aquawallet.io foldapp.com
Availability	Available globally Available in United States

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.