Strike
Global Bitcoin app with Lightning-fast payments, low-fee remittances, and dead-simple mobile experience.
Why We Recommend Strike
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 For users who prefer self-custody, bitcoin can be withdrawn to personal wallets via on-chain or Lightning at any time, reducing ongoing counterparty exposure.
Best For
Strike is ideal for Bitcoin-focused users who want a simple, low-friction mobile app for buying and holding bitcoin without the complexity of traditional exchanges. The recurring purchase feature makes it particularly attractive for consistent dollar-cost averaging, while the clean interface appeals to beginners who find platforms like Coinbase or Kraken overwhelming. If you want a Venmo-style experience but built on Bitcoin rails, Strike fits perfectly.
Remittance users will find Strike especially compelling. The app excels at sending money internationally to countries like Mexico, the Philippines, and Kenya, using Lightning Network infrastructure to deliver funds faster and cheaper than traditional money transfer services. Recipients can receive payouts directly to local bank accounts or mobile money, often without needing to understand Bitcoin at all.
Merchants and Lightning enthusiasts who want to accept or send Lightning payments without running their own node will appreciate Strike's straightforward invoice handling. The app bridges the gap between wanting Lightning functionality and not having the technical chops to operate infrastructure, making it a practical on-ramp for Bitcoin's payment layer.
Services & Features
- Bitcoin purchases from 0.39% fee
- Lightning Network payments
- Global remittances to 100 countries
- Recurring auto-invest purchases
- Paycheck-to-bitcoin conversion
- USDT support in select regions
- On-chain BTC withdrawals
- Gift card purchases
- Free ACH deposits
Considerations
Strike is custodial, so you're trusting their security unless you withdraw to self-custody. ACH-funded purchases can have delayed availability, and feature sets vary significantly by country—some U.S. states like New York still lack access. Not suitable for users wanting multi-asset trading beyond Bitcoin and USDT.
