Buy Bitcoin

Strike delivers one of the cleanest Bitcoin buying experiences available, with trading fees starting around 0.99% for small purchases and dropping to 0.39% for larger volumes—consistently undercutting Cash App and PayPal on both trading costs and transfer fees. The app leans heavily on the Lightning Network, enabling near-instant payments with minimal fees, which makes it genuinely useful for everyday transactions rather than just buy-and-hold. Free ACH deposits, straightforward recurring purchases for dollar-cost averaging, and the ability to convert part of your paycheck directly into bitcoin round out a feature set designed for practical daily use.

On the trust side, Strike operates as a fully-reserved custodian, explicitly stating that customer assets are held 1:1 rather than rehypothecated. The company maintains SOC 2 Type II compliance, adheres to global AML and data protection standards, and has pursued licensing in stricter jurisdictions including El Salvador's digital assets regime. For users who prefer self-custody, bitcoin can be withdrawn to personal wallets via on-chain or Lightning at any time, reducing ongoing counterparty exposure.

River stands out as one of the most security-focused Bitcoin exchanges in the United States, built around a full-reserve custody model where all client Bitcoin is held 1:1 with no rehypothecation or lending. Their in-house multisignature cold storage system distributes keys across geographically separated vaults, eliminating single points of failure. Unlike many exchanges that outsource custody, River built and operates their own infrastructure. They publish cryptographically verifiable proof of reserves on a recurring basis, allowing clients to independently confirm that liabilities are fully backed—a transparency measure that became increasingly important after industry collapses revealed hidden insolvency at other platforms.

The platform operates under U.S. regulatory frameworks with annual financial and SOC audits, maintaining licenses in every state where they operate. For cash deposits in their interest-bearing accounts, River partners with FDIC-member Lead Bank, providing up to $250,000 in federal deposit insurance per depositor. This structure keeps fiat deposits protected while ensuring Bitcoin remains in reserve rather than being lent out for yield—a critical distinction from platforms that generated yield by taking on counterparty risk with customer funds.

Cash App stands out as the most accessible Bitcoin on-ramp for mainstream Americans, seamlessly integrating cryptocurrency purchases into an app millions already use for peer-to-peer payments. Operated by Block, Inc. (formerly Square), the platform benefits from the institutional credibility of a publicly-traded company with deep roots in payments infrastructure. The app employs PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, data encryption in transit and storage, 24/7 fraud monitoring, and biometric authentication. Cash balances qualify for FDIC pass-through insurance up to $250,000 via partner banks like Sutton Bank and Wells Fargo when users have an activated Cash Card.

Block's commitment to Bitcoin extends beyond mere trading—the company holds Bitcoin on its balance sheet and has invested significantly in Bitcoin development through initiatives like Spiral. Cash App has prevented an estimated $2 billion in scams since 2020 and covers unauthorized transactions when reported promptly. While this is a custodial service where Block holds your Bitcoin keys, the platform offers withdrawal functionality so users can move their Bitcoin to self-custody wallets when ready.

Fold secures Bitcoin holdings through institutional-grade cold storage provided by BitGo, one of the most established digital asset custodians in the industry. This custody arrangement includes up to $250 million in insurance coverage protecting against loss, theft, or mismanagement of funds. USD balances held within the app may qualify for FDIC insurance, adding another layer of protection for users who maintain dollar positions alongside their Bitcoin.

As a publicly traded company, Fold operates under regulatory scrutiny that requires transparent financial reporting and governance standards. The platform emphasizes clear pricing with no hidden account fees, publishing its fee structure openly including the spread on Bitcoin transactions. This combination of insured custody, public company accountability, and transparent fee disclosure provides meaningful assurances for users entrusting their funds to the platform.

Unchained operates as a U.S.-regulated bitcoin financial services company founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas. The platform has secured billions of dollars in bitcoin and originated over $500 million in bitcoin-backed loans, establishing a multi-year track record in the industry. Their collaborative custody model uses standard bitcoin multisignature technology where clients typically hold 2 of 3 keys, meaning Unchained cannot unilaterally move funds—a verifiable security property that eliminates the counterparty risk that led to failures at centralized exchanges.

The security architecture allows clients to independently verify their holdings using external wallet software and open-source tools, avoiding the opaque off-chain accounting that has plagued custodial services. For those wanting additional institutional backing, Unchained offers multi-institution custody arrangements where keys are distributed among the client, Unchained, and independent third-party key agents like Bakkt. This design prevents any single entity from accessing funds while maintaining professional recovery options if a client loses access to their keys.

Non-custodial 2-of-2 multisig escrow. Swiss company (Zurich). No KYC for trades under CHF 1,000/day. Verifiable source code (MIT-CC license). End-to-end encrypted chat. Lightning and on-chain support.

Operating since 2013. Bitcoin-only, self-funded, no VC backing. Never holds customer bitcoin—direct to your wallet. PSAN registered in Europe. New platform launched April 2025 with rebuilt infrastructure.

Aureo holds a Bitcoin Service Provider (BSP) license from El Salvador and states full compliance with Mexican regulations. The platform operates with explicit AML/KYC controls and cooperates with authorities as required by law.

The team brings experience from established Bitcoin companies including Bull Bitcoin, Unchained Capital, Wasabi, Bitrefill, Bitcoin Well, and Zaprite. Aureo raised $1.1 million USD in pre-seed funding from Early Riders, followed by a 10 BTC seed round from the same investor.

For institutional clients, Aureo offers Multi-Institution Custody (MIC) in partnership with Onramp, distributing keys across multiple independent institutions for enhanced security and resilience.

Bringin operates on a fully self-custodial model where your Bitcoin keys are stored securely on your device and the company never holds custody of your funds. This eliminates exchange-style counterparty risk on the Bitcoin side.

For fiat services, Bringin partners with licensed Estonian VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) holders and regulated European financial institutions. Each user receives a personal virtual IBAN in their own name rather than a pooled omnibus account, providing clear ownership and reducing commingling risk.

The Lightning wallet can be used without KYC, and Bringin explicitly states they do not monitor Lightning transactions or know your Lightning balance. The company is based in Lithuania and operates within European regulatory frameworks, providing compliance-friendly infrastructure for Bitcoin users who need reliable banking access.

Founded 2016. Pioneered non-custodial P2P trading and lending. 2-of-3 multisig escrow. No fiat gatekeepers. Escrow extraction tool for emergency recovery. Based in Latvia.

MoneyBadger is a South African fintech company that has deployed its payment infrastructure to over 1,600 retail outlets including Pick n Pay stores. The company has processed over 20,000 transactions and secured R7.2 million (approximately $400,000 USD) in pre-seed funding from P1 Ventures along with Bitcoin-focused angel investors.

The platform operates as a payment gateway rather than holding customer funds. Merchants receive instant conversion to South African Rand at current exchange rates, eliminating volatility risk. Settlement options include ZAR, Bitcoin, or stablecoins with next-business-day ZAR payouts.

MoneyBadger has established partnerships with major South African payment providers including Ecentric Payment Systems, Peach Payments, Zapper, and Scan to Pay, integrating with their existing infrastructure. The head of legal and compliance chairs the Crypto Asset Association of South Africa, indicating regulatory engagement in the local market.

2-of-3 multisig vault with keys held by 3 separate institutions (Onramp, BitGo, Coincover). No single entity can move funds. On-chain auditable. Full-reserve model.

No account required. No app required. Vouchers redeem directly to your own wallet. Available worldwide at retail locations and online stores.

Bitcoin Well stands out by eliminating the custody risk that has plagued centralized exchanges. When you buy bitcoin here, it goes straight to your personal wallet—the platform never holds your coins, which means you're protected from exchange hacks or bankruptcies. The 1.2% spread on verified accounts is competitive with other Canadian bitcoin services, and the transparent pricing across different account tiers makes it easy to understand what you're paying. Lightning Network integration for instant selling is a thoughtful feature that most mainstream platforms lack.

As a publicly traded Canadian company with nearly a decade of operating history and FINTRAC registration, Bitcoin Well offers meaningful regulatory oversight and corporate transparency. The familiar banking-style interface with Interac e-Transfer funding and bill payment features makes the transition to self-custody less intimidating than managing a pure wallet-to-wallet setup. Trustpilot reviews averaging around 4.0/5 generally praise the direct-to-wallet delivery and reliable recurring purchases, though some users report occasional delays with customer support.

Bisq stands alone as a truly decentralized exchange where you never give up control of your bitcoin. Unlike centralized platforms that hold your funds and require identity verification, Bisq uses multisignature escrow so bitcoin only moves when both parties complete their obligations. All traffic routes through Tor, there's no central server to hack or subpoena, and no account to create means no personal data to leak. The entire system is open-source and governed by the Bisq DAO, where community members vote on fees, security deposits, and protocol changes using BSQ tokens.

The security model is elegant: both buyer and seller lock security deposits into multisig escrow, creating strong financial incentives to complete trades honestly. If disputes arise, they escalate through decentralized mediation and arbitration rather than corporate customer support. Trading fees run about 1.3% combined (0.15% maker, 1.15% taker) in BTC, or roughly half that when paying in BSQ tokens. While higher than centralized exchange fees, you're paying for genuine privacy and the elimination of counterparty risk. The newer Bisq Easy feature removes deposits and trading fees entirely for smaller trades under a few hundred dollars, using seller reputation instead of escrow.

Speed Wallet combines Bitcoin Lightning with stablecoins in a way that makes everyday payments genuinely practical. The standout feature is USDT-L, a wrapped USDT on Lightning that enables near-instant, low-cost stablecoin transfers—solving the problem of expensive on-chain USDT fees. Platform fees typically run 1–1.5% with no hidden spread, which compares favorably to Cash App's 2.5–4% effective cost for Bitcoin purchases. The app pulls BTC prices from multiple exchanges rather than marking up independently, and fee breakdowns are shown in-app before transactions complete.

The Mini Apps ecosystem sets Speed apart from typical wallets. Instead of downloading separate apps or creating new accounts, users can access games, shopping, crowdfunding (via Geyser Fund), and gift card purchases (via Bitrefill) directly inside the wallet with one tap. The Speed Rewards system pays sats back on spending, creating a genuine incentive loop for regular use. Security includes two-step verification, biometric authentication, and end-to-end encrypted transactions. The company has processed thousands of transactions for hundreds of merchants across 20+ countries, demonstrating real-world traction beyond a simple wallet app.

Bitcoin Jungle operates as a nonprofit, open-source community project built on the proven Bitcoin Beach/Galoy wallet codebase, which has been battle-tested in El Salvador's circular economy. The project maintains transparency through its open-source foundation, allowing anyone to audit the underlying code.

The wallet implements daily transaction limits and automated internal audits for suspicious activity to protect users. Data is encrypted in transit, and the project does not hold bank accounts, reducing counterparty risk. With over 380 merchant locations accepting Bitcoin in Costa Rica and average payments under 20,000 colones (~$35 USD), the system is designed for everyday spending rather than large-value storage.

Bitcoin Jungle is a member of the Bitcoin Association of Costa Rica and has built strong local trust since launching in late 2021, with 80% of users being Costa Rican residents. The project operates without fees or commissions, demonstrating its community-first, non-commercial mission.

Pouch Philippines, Inc. is licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as an Operator of Payment Systems, providing regulatory oversight for its operations. The parent company is registered in the United States as a money services business with FinCEN, adding an additional layer of regulatory compliance.

For business accounts, Pouch partners with Netbank to offer PDIC-insured PHP deposit accounts, meaning business funds held in these accounts receive government deposit insurance protection. The platform emphasizes a non-custodial philosophy for long-term Bitcoin savings, explicitly encouraging users to withdraw their Bitcoin to personal self-custody wallets rather than storing it on the platform.