Hodlhodl vs Strike

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.

Strike's goal is to make worldwide payments in Bitcoin as easy as possible, it offers free on‑chain and Lightning withdrawals, making it flexible and cost‑effective to hold your Bitcoin in self-custody. Its recurring buy feature at no fee costs after the initial setup, makes DCA (dollar‑cost averaging) simple and efficient. Strike also functions as a Lightning wallet, enabling quick micropayments with features like unique payment links and cash-to-Bitcoin transfers, and offers responsive customer support praised by users.

Strike's vision goes beyond being merely another payment app. It aims to democratize financial access, reduce dependency on traditional banks, and promote financial sovereignty by empowering individuals to manage their money independently. Their user-friendly app interface, available on both iOS and Android, highlights simplicity and accessibility with a minimalistic design.

In the US, Strike now offers a powerful Bill Pay feature aiming to reduce reliance on fiat currency and combat inflation by leveraging Bitcoin's appreciating value, with automated tax reporting to simplify the process.

Another Strike feature is the Bitcoin‑backed loan that lets users pledge Bitcoin as collateral and borrow USD with no origination or early repayment fees. Loans can be repaid anytime without penalties.