Breez vs Fold

Updated: January 2026

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	Lightning Node (Mobile) Bitcoin rewards card
Supported Networks	Lightning only, with on-chain deposits and withdrawals via submarine swaps Visa Prepaid debit, ACH bill pay, gift card marketplace, bitcoin buys and withdrawals
Features	Runs a full Lightning node on your phone Built-in POS mode and Podcasting 2.0 streaming Automatic channel setup—no manual work Requires continuous encrypted cloud backups 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 (LSP-backed) Custodial (USD via Sutton Bank, BTC via BitGo until you withdraw)
KYC Required	No Yes
Recovery Method	Encrypted cloud backup + Breez recovery key Custodial account with KYC; withdraw bitcoin to your own wallet
Open Source	Yes No
User Experience	N/A N/A
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 3.6 Android: 3.5 iOS: 4.2 Android: Not available
Profile Founder(s)	Roy Sheinfeld Will Reeves
Company description	Breez is a beginner-friendly Lightning wallet designed to make everyday bitcoin payments effortless on mobile. The app runs a Lightning node behind the scenes, pairing a simple interface with automati... Breez is a beginner-friendly Lightning wallet designed to make everyday bitcoin payments effortless on mobile. The app runs a Lightning node behind the scenes, pairing a simple interface with automatic channel management so anyone can spend or receive sats in seconds. Breez is a beginner-friendly Lightning wallet designed to make everyday bitcoin payments effortless on mobile. The app runs a Lightning node behind the scenes, pairing a simple interface with automatic channel management so anyone can spend or receive sats in seconds. Beyond standard wallet features, Breez adds a merchant-focused Point-of-Sale mode, podcast streaming with bitcoin tips, and one-tap Lightning addresses. Instant channel setups and automatic swaps keep the experience seamless while Breez encrypts your channel data to your cloud account after every payment. Compared with Phoenix's recovery phrase backups or Muun's dual on-chain approach, Breez focuses on automation: it handles all the technical channel work for you, but requires encrypted cloud backups and charges a 0.4% setup fee when new receiving capacity is needed. 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 United States

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.