Hodlhodl vs River

Hodl Hodl is a peer-to-peer Bitcoin marketplace that removes the custodial step most exchanges require. When you buy or sell on a typical platform, the exchange holds your funds and decides when you can withdraw. That reintroduces the same counterparty risk Bitcoin was designed to eliminate. Hodl Hodl takes a different approach: each trade locks bitcoin in a 2-of-3 multisig escrow that you, the counterparty, and Hodl Hodl support control together. Neither side can move the funds alone, which means trades settle directly between wallets without Hodl Hodl ever holding custody. That shifts trust from a centralized company to verifiable on-chain contracts.

You can sign up with an email and start trading without submitting identity documents. Hodl Hodl supports over 100 fiat currencies and lets sellers post offers using bank transfers, cash in person, Revolut, PayPal, and other payment rails you already trust. Premiums vary by offer and tend to be higher for new accounts until you complete a few trades and build reputation. The platform uses a limit tier system: as your reputation score grows through successful contracts and reviews, you unlock higher daily and lifetime trading caps.

The web interface is straightforward. You filter offers by country, currency, and payment method, read the seller's instructions, and open a contract. Both parties chat inside the contract, upload payment proof, and coordinate the release once fiat clears. If something breaks, you can open a dispute and Hodl Hodl support co-signs the multisig based on the evidence. A Testnet environment lets you rehearse the full workflow with valueless coins before risking real sats, so you learn the escrow flow, chat prompts, and dispute process without capital at stake.

Hodl Hodl fits users who want non-custodial trading and are comfortable managing their own wallets, confirming payments, and negotiating premiums. You bring your own Bitcoin wallet to every trade, which means no withdrawal limits or custodial freezes. The trade-off is that you handle more of the process yourself compared to a custodial exchange that automates order matching and holds funds. Choose Hodl Hodl when self-custody and privacy matter more than instant card funding or automated recurring buys.

River helps U.S. based customers invest in Bitcoin simply and securely with a focus on long-term saving. Unlike many platforms, River holds all Bitcoin in full-reserve cold storage with multi-signature security and gives users transparency through real-time proof of reserves. This might sound inviting to people who don't want to hold Bitcoin in self-custody but it also means more centralization within Bitcoin.

It supports things like inheritance planning, business accounts, and joint accounts, making it attractive for people who want to treat Bitcoin like serious money. Users can buy Bitcoin instantly, set up automated savings, and send Bitcoin via on-chain or Lightning payments. On top of that, you can earn 3.8% Bitcoin interest on your cash. The app has a clean interface and is designed to be easy to use, earning high ratings on both iOS and Android.

River's mission is to provide a trusted, high-quality experience for people who want to build wealth in Bitcoin without distractions. It aims to give users full control and transparency. While some users note strict ID verification and limited availability outside the U.S., River is praised for its reliability, personal customer service, and focus on security.