River vs Swan

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Both lean heavily towards long term savings and investing in Bitcoin while focusing on the US market. Swan prioritizes education and it incurs fees after the first $10.000 while River offers a more traditional savings experience without recurring fees. Compare KYC posture, recurring features, and which platform fits your habits.

River vs Swan — full comparison (Buy Bitcoin)
Platform	Exchange Exchange
Features	Free recurring orders Earn interest on cash US only Incentivizes custodial saving KYC required First $10.000 no fees Education focused Bitcoin retirement products US only Fees on recurring buys KYC required
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% up to $10,000: 0% $10,000 and up: 0.99%
DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)	Yes: Recurring orders are free Yes: but with fees after the first $10.000
Payment Methods	Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer 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 & Desktop
App Ratings	iOS: 4.9 Android: 4.8 iOS: 4.8 Android: 4.6
Profile Founder(s)	Alex Leishman Cory Klippsten
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. 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	2019 2019
Website	river.com swanbitcoin.com
Availability	Available in United States Available in United States

FAQs

Which is better, River or Swan?

Does Swan offer IRAs?

Yes. Swan offers Bitcoin retirement (IRA) products.

Which supports business accounts?

Both River and Swan support business accounts as well as a concierge service for larger amounts.