River review

River is built for people who want to buy bitcoin on a schedule and hold it, not for trading many coins. One-time buys and sells cost 1.00% on orders up to $1,000,000, with lower rates above that, and River may include a spread. Recurring buys become free after the first week: daily or hourly plans are zero-fee from the 8th day, and weekly plans from the second order. Payroll deposits set to convert automatically to bitcoin are free up to $30,000 a month per account title. Cash in a River account earned 3.50% APY as of October 3, 2026, paid in bitcoin, and USD is FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, though that does not protect against River's own failure. Standard withdrawals are free, while instant cash withdrawals cost 1%, with a $1 minimum and $150 maximum.

Who it is for

Long-term savers who only want bitcoin

Price

Free account; one-time buys 1.00% up to $1,000,000; recurring buys zero-fee after 7 days.

Up to $1,000,000 1.00%
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Recurring buys become zero-fee after 7 days
• Free automatic bitcoin conversion of payroll deposits up to $30,000 a month
• 3.50% APY on cash paid in bitcoin, as of October 3, 2026
• Cash FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank
• Standard withdrawals are fee-free

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Zero-fee recurring buys after the first week
• Strength: Interest on cash is paid in bitcoin
• Strength: Fee schedule fits on one short help page
• Weakness: One-time buys cost 1.00% plus any spread
• Weakness: Instant cash withdrawals cost 1%, from $1 to $150
• Weakness: Built around bitcoin, so it does not suit altcoin traders

Key facts

• One-time buy fee: 1.00% up to $1,000,000
• Recurring buys: Zero-fee after 7 days
• Payroll conversions: Free up to $30,000 per month
• Cash APY: 3.50% paid in bitcoin (October 3, 2026)
• Instant withdrawal: 1%, $1 minimum, $150 maximum

Where it ranks

River is No. 7 in our Best Crypto Exchanges verdict.