Relai vs River

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Relai offers a mobile app with recurring buys and automatic withdrawals to your address. River is a custodial app with recurring orders and Lightning support. Compare KYC posture, recurring features, withdrawal behavior, and which app experience fits your habits.

Relai vs River — full comparison (Buy Bitcoin)
Platform	Exchange Exchange
Features	Self-custodial wallet included Bitcoin will automatically be sent to your wallet Fees on recurring buys Minimum buy amount EU only Free recurring orders Earn interest on cash US only Incentivizes custodial saving KYC required
Fees Processing fees	€50 - €100 per month: free up to €1.200 €1200 and above: 1% 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%
DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)	Yes: but free only on the first €1.200 Yes: Recurring orders are free
Payment Methods	SEPA, Credit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer
Custody & Control	Custodial Custodial
KYC Required	Yes Yes
Open Source	No No
User Experience	0.0 out of 5 rate (0) 0.0 out of 5 rate (0)
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 4.6 Android: 4.1 iOS: 4.9 Android: 4.8
Profile Founder(s)	Julian Liniger & Adem Bilican Alex Leishman
Company description	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. 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.
Founded in	2020 2019
Website	relai.app river.com
Availability	Available in Europe Available in United States

FAQs

Does Relai support credit cards?

Yes. Relai supports credit/debit cards and Apple Pay/Google Pay, alongside SEPA.

River recurring buys fee-free?

Yes. River supports recurring orders and after the initial transaction, there are no fees.

Which offers proof of reserves?

River has a proof of reserves program. Relai does not hold users funds.