Fold vs Muun

Updated: January 2026

Quick take

Fold is best if you want a custodial rewards card for everyday purchases, with account-based recovery and KYC. Muun fits if you prefer self-custody with an email-based recovery kit and automatic routing between on-chain and Lightning. Compare custody, KYC, Lightning behavior via swaps, recovery approach, and mobile experience.

Fold vs Muun — full comparison (Spend Bitcoin)
Platform	Bitcoin rewards card Hybrid Bitcoin Wallet
Supported Networks	Visa Prepaid debit, ACH bill pay, gift card marketplace, bitcoin buys and withdrawals Bitcoin + Lightning
Features	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 Auto chooses Lightning or on-chain Simple user interface Emergency kit for recovery Not lightning native: higher fees No Lightning address support Email required for backup
Custody & Control	Custodial (USD via Sutton Bank, BTC via BitGo until you withdraw) Non-custodial (2-of-2 multisig)
KYC Required	Yes No
Recovery Method	Custodial account with KYC; withdraw bitcoin to your own wallet Emergency kit with email and recovery code
Open Source	No Yes
User Experience	N/A N/A
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 4.2 Android: Not available iOS: 4.3 Android: 4
Profile Founder(s)	Will Reeves Dario Sneidermanis
Company description	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. Muun is a non-custodial Bitcoin and Lightning wallet focused on giving users full control with minimal complexity. It separates itself from other wallets through its unique security and backup model: ... Muun is a non-custodial Bitcoin and Lightning wallet focused on giving users full control with minimal complexity. It separates itself from other wallets through its unique security and backup model: users recover access using an email, password, and encrypted recovery code—removing the need to manage a traditional 12-word seed phrase. This makes onboarding easier for beginners without compromising self-custody. Muun is a non-custodial Bitcoin and Lightning wallet focused on giving users full control with minimal complexity. It separates itself from other wallets through its unique security and backup model: users recover access using an email, password, and encrypted recovery code—removing the need to manage a traditional 12-word seed phrase. This makes onboarding easier for beginners without compromising self-custody. Muun's key differentiator is how it handles both Lightning and on-chain Bitcoin in one seamless balance. Users don't have to manage channels or worry about liquidity—Muun automates that behind the scenes. You can send or receive Bitcoin however you want, and the wallet figures out whether to use Lightning or regular Bitcoin based on speed, cost, and availability. This hybrid approach appeals to users who want convenience but still own their funds. Users praise Muun for its simple design, clear recovery process, and solid privacy. It's especially recommended for first-time users who want a secure but low-friction experience. However, some note that Muun doesn't support Lightning addresses and that Lightning transactions may route via on-chain swaps. This means unpredictable fees, especially when onchain activity rises. Muun's mission is to provide a simple, secure way to use Bitcoin daily without needing technical knowledge. It prioritizes non-custodial access, user control, and cross-platform consistency, helping new users enter Bitcoin while retaining ownership from day one.
Founded in	2019 2019
Website	foldapp.com muun.com
Availability	Available in United States Available globally

FAQs

Is Muun custodial?

No. Muun is self-custodial, using an Emergency Kit with keys, descriptors, and a recovery code instead of a traditional seed phrase. Funds remain under your control, and the design emphasizes simplicity over user-managed Lightning channels.

Does Fold require KYC?

Yes. Fold is a custodial finance app offering a rewards card and gift cards. Account features require KYC. You can withdraw to your own wallet for self-custody, but funds in-app are custodial while using Fold’s services and card program.

Does Muun really do Lightning?

Yes. Muun supports Lightning via swaps while keeping a single on-chain balance. Fees and speed depend on network conditions and swap steps rather than channel management. It favors a simpler experience without users opening or maintaining Lightning channels.