Hodlhodl vs Swan

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Hodlhodl is non‑custodial P2P with privacy‑leaning trades and multisig escrow. Swan is a custodial broker focused on recurring buys and education, encouraging withdrawals. Compare custody expectations, KYC posture, recurring features, and which interface you’ll use most.

Hodlhodl vs Swan — 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 First $10.000 no fees Education focused Bitcoin retirement products US only Fees on recurring buys KYC required
Fees Processing fees	0.5% up to $10,000: 0% $10,000 and up: 0.99%
DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)	No Yes: but with fees after the first $10.000
Payment Methods	Bank Transfer, Revolut, Cash in Person, Wise, SEPA, PayPal Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer
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 & Desktop
App Ratings	No app available iOS: 4.8 Android: 4.6
Profile Founder(s)	Max Keidun Cory Klippsten
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. Swan Bitcoin, launched by Cory Klippsten and based in California, is a platform focused on making it easy for beginners to buy and save Bitcoin. Swan Bitcoin, launched by Cory Klippsten and based in California, is a platform focused on making it easy for beginners to buy and save Bitcoin. Swan Bitcoin, launched by Cory Klippsten and based in California, is a platform focused on making it easy for beginners to buy and save Bitcoin. What makes Swan distinct is its focus on self-custody support and education. It automatically withdraws BTC weekly to your own address and provides guides for self-custody, while also offering Swan Guard with fraud protection and identity verification tools. Swan prioritizes teaching users about Bitcoin's value for financial freedom. Swan also targets long-term savers by offering IRA products making Bitcoin tax-advantaged retirement savings easier. Swan offers zero-fee purchases on the first $10,000, a low 0.99% fee for recurring buys, and free withdrawals to personal wallets, encouraging self-custody. Its app is praised for its clean design and simple setup. However, some users report slow customer support and issues with account restrictions. Its vision is to onboard 10 million Bitcoin users by promoting Bitcoin as better money for a decentralized future.
Founded in	2018 2019
Website	hodlhodl.com swanbitcoin.com
Availability	Available in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania Available in United States

FAQs

Does Swan support IRAs?

Yes. Swan offers Bitcoin retirement products (IRAs) alongside its savings features.

Is Swan U.S.-only?

Yes. Swan currently serves U.S. residents; international availability is limited.

How are HodlHodl disputes handled?

HodlHodl uses non-custodial multisig escrow. If there’s a dispute, the escrow flow and contract rules govern release of funds without the platform taking custody.