Buying bitcoin has never been easier today, but finding the right bitcoin-only app isn’t that simple. To help you find a bitcoin app that covers your needs as an investor, we’ve created this guide.
Read on to discover the best bitcoin-only apps and exchanges, with a focus on custody, fees, and security.
Relai
Relai is a bitcoin-only app that is built for European investors looking for a simple, compliant, and non-custodial way to buy, save, and trade bitcoin. By focusing exclusively on bitcoin, Relai reduces distractions and risks that are often found on multi-asset exchanges.
The Swiss Bitcoin App Relai operates in line with FINMA regulations and Swiss AML/KYC rules. Since launching in 2020, the exchange has processed hundreds of millions of euros in bitcoin purchases and is also one of Europe’s most downloaded bitcoin apps.
What It Offers
- Purchases via SEPA transfers and several payment providers
- Non-custodial wallet with user-controlled private keys
- Automated repeat buys (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- No mandatory KYC for low-volume purchases
- Business accounts for companies to buy and hold BTC
Custody
Relai uses a non-custodial model, meaning you, by default, hold the private keys of the bitcoin you transact. Every bitcoin purchased is transferred directly to your wallet, and that ensures full ownership from the moment of transaction settlement. This makes Relai one of the few major European Bitcoin apps that don’t store user funds.
Fees
The standard purchase fee on Relai is 1%. However, with an invite code, the fees drop to 0.9%. Relai charges zero fees for auto-purchases up to EUR 100 monthly. For Relai Private clients, fees can go as low as 0.1%. Third-party payment processors have their own fees you might have to pay.
Security
Relai is designed to give you full control of your bitcoin. Even the wallet you use on the platform is non-custodial. You can easily export your keys or move funds at any time. That also means the risk of a platform-wide hack is minimal, especially when compared to its custodial competitors.
Best For
Relai is ideal for users in Europe who want a straightforward, automated, and fully self-custodial way to purchase and accumulate bitcoin.
Cash App
Cash App is a mobile finance platform developed by Block (formerly Square) and has grown to become one of the most used personal finance apps. It was originally built as a peer-to-peer payments tool, but it has evolved into a platform where you can invest and buy bitcoin.
Cash App offers retail bitcoin buyers a simple interface and fast transaction processing. It integrates bitcoin into everyday financial activity and, using the Lightning Network, enables instant and low-cost transfers.
What It Offers
- Bitcoin purchases through both balance and debit card
- Fast and low-cost transfers through the Lightning Network
- Auto-invest for recurring BTC purchases
- Simple buying interface for beginners
- Withdrawal to self-custody
Custody
Cash App uses a custodial model, meaning bitcoin purchased on the platform is held by Cash App until withdrawn. That also means you need to set up a self-custody wallet elsewhere and move your bitcoin there immediately after purchase. The platform makes it easy to buy and also to transfer your assets to other wallets.
Fees
Cash App charges variable fees depending on market conditions, payment method, and order size. These fees typically range from 1.5% to 2.25% with a spread added into the conversion rate. Lightning transactions are free, making it one of the lowest-cost mainstream fiat-to-Lightning ramps.
Security
Cash App uses encryption, device protection features, and identity verification to secure accounts. As a US-based, publicly traded company, Block is subject to compliance and reporting obligations. While the platform is custodial, it hasn’t had any major bitcoin-related security breaches.
Best For
Cash App is best suited for users in the U.S. who want an all-in-one finance app that makes buying bitcoin simple, especially through the Lightning Network.
River
River is a bitcoin-only platform that serves individuals, families, and businesses in the U.S. that want to buy and hold bitcoin. It is built to help its users with long-term accumulation. It also emphasizes regulatory compliance and being an alternative to mainstream exchanges.
The exchange is a custodial one and, therefore, is designed to hold customer assets in a cold-storage infrastructure until it is needed. That means it is popular with those who prefer a hands-off approach to custody and security.
What It Offers
- Multisig cold storage for all customer bitcoin
- Lightning Network support
- Bitcoin analytics and portfolio tools
- Business accounts for institutions and companies
Custody
River is a fully custodial platform, meaning it stores your bitcoin in its own cold storage until you need it. You have to trust it with the assets. It has always promised that it doesn’t lend or leverage the bitcoin in its possession.
Fees
River charges purchase fees, generally between 1.2% and 1.7%, depending on order size. For businesses and larger investors with corporate accounts, River offers tailored fee structures.
Security
All funds are held in cold storage with multisignature protection. They are also audited and protected through compliance frameworks. Users also have access to account security features, such as 2 factors authentication, which they can use to secure their assets.
Best For
River is best for high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and bitcoin users in the U.S. who prefer the technical aspects of custody of bitcoin being handled by a regulated institution.
Strike
Strike is a Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments app built to facilitate sending and receiving money. Developed by Zap, Strike presents a simple interface where users can settle over the Lightning Network. It allows users to interact with Bitcoin rails without needing to manage private keys, understand mining fees, or handle volatility.
By leveraging Bitcoin as a settlement layer, Strike offers speed, predictable costs, and financial accessibility. This makes it an option for individuals and businesses looking to move money internationally without the friction of legacy banking systems.
What It Offers
- Lightning Network payments
- Low-cost global remittances
- Fiat-to-BTC and BTC-to-fiat conversion
- User-friendly mobile interface
Custody
Strike uses a custodial structure, holding user balances within the app until they are withdrawn. While users can move bitcoin to self-custody wallets, most functionality is designed to work inside Strike’s ecosystem. This approach allows Strike to offer near-zero fees for conversions and remittances.
Fees
Strike markets itself as a low-fee bitcoin platform, and sometimes it has charged no commissions on buys or sells in some regions. However, a spread may apply during conversions, and on-chain withdrawals include standard miner fees.
Security
Strike operates under US and international compliance standards. The platform encrypts financial data, uses multi-factor authentication, and leverages secure Bitcoin infrastructure partnerships to protect user balances.
Best For
Strike is best for users who want a low-cost way to buy bitcoin and send Lightning payments, especially for cross-border transfers.
Which Bitcoin-Only Platform Is the Best?
Each platform in this guide takes a different approach to buying and holding bitcoin.
Relai provides a streamlined, self-custodial option for European users, Cash App blends everyday finance with bitcoin accessibility, River caters to users who prefer institutional-grade custody, and Strike focuses on cost-effective Lightning payments and transfers.
Your ideal fit will depend on your region, how hands-on you want to be with custody, and the type of bitcoin activity you have in mind.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this guide should be interpreted as investment or financial advice. The platforms mentioned may carry risk, and readers should independently verify all information before making decisions.