River vs Strike

Q: Are recurring buys free?

Both Strike and River offer free recurring buys after the first transaction.

Q: Which supports Lightning?

Strike and River support Lightning for payments.

Updated: January 2026

Quick take

Strike focuses more on self-custody and offers to live fully on Bitcoin. River is more focused on long-term investing and offers a more traditional savings experience. Compare app experience, KYC posture, recurring features, and supported payments.

River vs Strike — full comparison (Buy Bitcoin)
Platform	Exchange Bitcoin App
Features	Free recurring orders Earn interest on cash US only Incentivizes custodial saving KYC required Live on bitcoin with Bill Pay Recurring bitcoin buys with fee waivers Bitcoin-backed loans ACH deposits must clear before withdrawals
Fees Processing fees	Based on monthly trading volume up to $1,000,000: 1% $1,000,000 - $5,000,000: 0.70% $5,000,000 - $15,000,000: 0.40% $15,000,000 and up: 0.25% Based on monthly trading volume < $250: 0.99% $250 - $2,000: 0.95% $2,000 - $5,000: 0.89% $5,000 - $50,000: 0.79% $50,000 - $500,000: 0.69% $500,000 - $5,000,000: 0.59% $5,000,000 - $15,000,000: 0.49% $15,000,000+: 0.39%
DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)	Yes: Recurring orders are free Yes: Recurring orders are free
Payment Methods	Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer, Direct Deposit Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer
Custody & Control	Custodial Custodial
KYC Required	Yes Yes (government ID required)
Open Source	No No
User Experience	N/A N/A
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 4.9 Android: 4.8 iOS: 4.8 Android: 4.5
Profile Founder(s)	Alex Leishman Jack Mallers
Company description	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-signatur... 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. 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. Strike is a custodial bitcoin app focused on fast buys and cash like payments. The mobile interface puts bank, card, and direct deposit funding beside instant Lightning withdrawals, so you can move fr... Strike is a custodial bitcoin app focused on fast buys and cash like payments. The mobile interface puts bank, card, and direct deposit funding beside instant Lightning withdrawals, so you can move from fiat to bitcoin and back with minimal steps. Strike is a custodial bitcoin app focused on fast buys and cash like payments. The mobile interface puts bank, card, and direct deposit funding beside instant Lightning withdrawals, so you can move from fiat to bitcoin and back with minimal steps. Funding options cover fee-free ACH, debit cards with a small processor fee, and same day wires. ACH deposits trade instantly yet stay pending for roughly five business days before you can withdraw, while wires settle in about one business day and debit card purchases clear immediately. Recurring purchases waive the Strike fee after the first cycle, and optional auto-withdrawals move your balance to self custody once it reaches the threshold you set. Customer prompts inside the app highlight fee tiers, settlement speed, and the 12 hour cancel window Strike gives you before broadcasting auto-withdrawals.
Founded in	2019 2020
Website	river.com strike.me
Availability	Available in United States Available globally

FAQs

Which is better, River or Strike?

Strike focuses more on self-custody and offers to live fully on Bitcoin. River is more focused on long-term investing and offers a more traditional savings experience.

Are recurring buys free?

Both Strike and River offer free recurring buys after the first transaction.

Which supports Lightning?

Strike and River support Lightning for payments.