Hodlhodl vs Relai

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Hodlhodl provides non‑custodial P2P trades with many payment methods. Relai offers a mobile app with recurring buys and automatic withdrawals to your address. Compare custody expectations, KYC posture, payment rails, and whether desktop marketplace or a mobile app suits you.

Hodlhodl vs Relai — full comparison (Buy Bitcoin)
Platform	P2P Exchange
Features	No KYC Non-custodial Many payment methods Required to build reputation on closed platform High premium without reputation No recurring buys Self-custodial wallet included Bitcoin will automatically be sent to your wallet Fees on recurring buys Minimum buy amount EU only
Fees Processing fees	0.5% €50 - €100 per month: free up to €1.200 €1200 and above: 1%
DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)	No Yes: but free only on the first €1.200
Payment Methods	Bank Transfer, Revolut, Cash in Person, Wise, SEPA, PayPal SEPA, Credit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Custody & Control	Non-custodial Custodial
KYC Required	No Yes
Open Source	No No
User Experience	0.0 out of 5 rate (0) 0.0 out of 5 rate (0)
Interface	Desktop only Mobile only
App Ratings	No app available iOS: 4.6 Android: 4.1
Profile Founder(s)	Max Keidun Julian Liniger & Adem Bilican
Company description	Hodl Hodl is a peer-to-peer (p2p) Bitcoin trading and lending platform based in London that stands out by being fully non-custodial and privacy-focused. Instead of holding funds, it uses multisig escr... Hodl Hodl is a peer-to-peer (p2p) Bitcoin trading and lending platform based in London that stands out by being fully non-custodial and privacy-focused. Instead of holding funds, it uses multisig escrow contracts, so users retain control of their Bitcoin until both parties agree to release it, shifting trust from the exchange to individual traders, as trades happen directly between user's Bitcoin wallets rather than a centralized entity. Hodl Hodl is a peer-to-peer (p2p) Bitcoin trading and lending platform based in London that stands out by being fully non-custodial and privacy-focused. Instead of holding funds, it uses multisig escrow contracts, so users retain control of their Bitcoin until both parties agree to release it, shifting trust from the exchange to individual traders, as trades happen directly between user's Bitcoin wallets rather than a centralized entity. What separates Hodl Hodl from custodial platforms is its ability to let people trade without KYC (Know Your Customer) or central control, supporting over 100 currencies and various payment methods including cash, bank transfers, even PayPal. You do pay a higher premium on Bitcoin set by the seller, especially when you're a beginner and have to build a reputation on the platform. The web-based interface is beginner-friendly, praised by users for easy signup without mandatory ID checks, though users note clunky navigation and scam risks from unresponsive traders. To unlock significant transaction amounts, users must build trust through reviews and completed trades, as higher limits depend on a strong reputation score. Hodl Hodl's vision is to foster a decentralized Bitcoin economy, ideal for beginners who want self-custody and anonymity, but users should be careful, stay informed, and follow best practices during trades. Relai, founded in 2020 in Zürich, Switzerland, is an app designed for beginners to buy and save Bitcoin easily. It stands out from competitors with its non-custodial wallet, meaning users control thei... Relai, founded in 2020 in Zürich, Switzerland, is an app designed for beginners to buy and save Bitcoin easily. It stands out from competitors with its non-custodial wallet, meaning users control their Bitcoin via a 12-word seed phrase. After purchasing Bitcoin, it will be directly sent to your wallet. Relai, founded in 2020 in Zürich, Switzerland, is an app designed for beginners to buy and save Bitcoin easily. It stands out from competitors with its non-custodial wallet, meaning users control their Bitcoin via a 12-word seed phrase. After purchasing Bitcoin, it will be directly sent to your wallet. Relai offers purchases starting at €50 \| 54,205 sats, one free buy up to €100 \| 108,409 sats monthly, until you hit €1200. After that you pay a 1% fee for any transaction. For businesses and wealthy individuals Relai offers personal service and expert guidance. Its app, rated 4.5 stars on iOS, is praised by users for simple onboarding and smooth navigation, though some users report verification delays or high card fees. Relai focuses on privacy and self-custody, with optional KYC for small transactions. Its vision is to make Bitcoin saving accessible across Europe, with plans to add Lightning Network support for faster payments. Beginners love its straightforward design and security, but it's limited to Europe and lacks advanced savings features.
Founded in	2018 2020
Website	hodlhodl.com relai.app
Availability	Available in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania Available in Europe

FAQs

Does HodlHodl require KYC?

No. HodlHodl can be used without mandatory KYC; it’s a non-custodial P2P marketplace with multisig escrow.

Can Relai do weekly or monthly DCA?

Yes. Relai supports recurring buys (DCA) in its mobile app and automatically withdraws to your address, with fees that kick in after the free threshold.

Which offers higher fiat limits?

They handle limits differently. HodlHodl limits depend on counterparties, account age and reputation. Relai sets app-defined tiers and fee thresholds.