6 Most Trusted Bitcoin Investment Sites (What to Know in 2024)

Bitcoin invest­ment sites, also known as exchanges or “onramps,” are an impor­tant part of the industry. Onramps allow people to easily buy and sell Bitcoin with their local currency.

In the last year, we’ve seen a new class of trusted onramps focusing specif­i­cally on Bitcoin, the largest and most reputable cryptocurrency.

These "Bitcoin-only" onramps repre­sent a notice­able change from past ICO-mania where question­able exchanges exploded onto the scene. Many of these oppor­tunistic 'invest­ment sites' have since been hacked, become insol­vent, or shut down for many other reasons.

In this article, we we’ll cover:

• Why going Bitcoin-only is a smart business decision

• The benefits of setting up automatic recur­ring Bitcoin purchases

• Support Bitcoin-only onramps

If you are short on time and just want to know the top 6 Bitcoin investment sites and their rating as of May 12th, 2024, here they are. You can jump to any section below by clicking on the link.

Let’s take a closer look at each Bitcoin investment site…

Account Minimum: No account minimum
Fees: 0.99%*
Custody Provider: BitGo Trust Company
Trustpilot Rating: 4.6/5 from +1.02k reviews
Apple App Store: 4.8/5 from +1.2k reviews
Google Play Store: 4.5/5 from 512 reviews, +50,000 downloads

Swan Bitcoin simplifies the process of investing in Bitcoin with a focus on recurring purchases. Below are some detailed insights into what Swan offers:

• Website: Learn more on the Swan Bitcoin website.

• Simple Connection: Users can easily link any major U.S. bank account to start their investment journey.

• Recurring Investment Options: Swan provides options for daily, weekly, or monthly recurring buys, allowing users to steadily convert dollars into Bitcoin savings.

• Bitcoin-Only Focus: Swan prides itself on being a “Bitcoin-only” investment company, which they believe gives them a competitive advantage.

• User Accessibility: Aimed at being the most user-friendly platform for acquiring Bitcoin, Swan caters to a broad audience.

• Swan Private: For high net-worth individuals, family offices, or corporations looking to invest $100,000 or more, Swan Private offers customized services.

• Educational Commitment: Swan emphasizes education about Bitcoin, offering extensive resources, including YouTube videos.

• Security and Custody: The company offers robust custody services to ensure the safe storage of Bitcoin assets.

• Bitcoin IRA Options: Swan provides unique investment options, such as a Bitcoin IRA, ideal for younger investors who anticipate higher future earnings. It also offers a specific Bitcoin Roth IRA.

• Platform Support: Available for both Android and iOS devices.

Swan Bitcoin is dedicated to making Bitcoin investment as accessible and straightforward as possible. Swan places a strong emphasis on education, security, and customer service.

• Automatic recur­ring buys
  Users can easily set up automatic recur­ring Bitcoin buys. Swan believes 'Recurring Buys' is the most effec­tive way to accumu­late Bitcoin. Select daily, weekly, or monthly.

• Educa­tional content
  Swan focuses on creating educa­tional content to improve the entire Bitcoin ecosystem. You can read the latest articles from the Swan team and their friends at Swan Signal.

• Best-in-industry customer service: Swan support

  Swan Support provides industry best customer support and boosts a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating with 78% providing a 5-star rating with +1k reviews.

• Instant buys
  Buy Bitcoin instantly and be billed for it afterward via ACH.

• Referral program
  Swan is currently offering a referral program. When you refer a friend to Swan Bitcoin with Swan Force, they receive $10, and you receive 25% of their fees.

• Auto-withdrawals
  Users can schedule periodic Bitcoin withdrawals to move a certain amount of Bitcoin to a wallet of their choice.

• Swan Vault

  Swan recently launched Swan Vault, a seamless self-custody solution with:

  • Best-in-class user experience for secure self-custody

  • Secure key backup to minimize the risk of loss

  • Concierge onboarding available

  • Inheritance planning for Swan Private clients

Fees: 0.99% of Bitcoin purchases and sales
Amber Black Members: 0% of Bitcoin purchases and sales
Custody Provider: Concierge Service Self Custody
Trustpilot Rating: 4.1/5 from 42 reviews
Apple Store App: 4.4/5 from 256 reviews
Google Play Store: 4.4/5 from 291 reviews, +10,000 downloads

About Amber

Amber is a streamlined application designed for recurring Bitcoin purchases. Here are the key aspects of the app:

• Core Function: Amber specializes in facilitating easy and automatic recurring purchases of Bitcoin, making it accessible for regular investors.

• Design and Usability: The app is known for its clean design and user-friendly interface, emphasizing simplicity in acquiring Bitcoin.

• Global Reach: Amber serves a wide range of regions, including the U.K., Europe, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the MENA region, Africa, South and Central America, and Canada, as well as the United States with exceptions in Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, New Hampshire, Texas, and Virginia.

• Venture Support: Amber has robust backing from prominent venture firms such as Morgan Creek Digital Assets and Fulgur Ventures.

Amber aims to democratize Bitcoin investments by offering an easy, repetitive buying scheme that caters to beginners and seasoned investors alike, supported by significant venture capital to ensure reliability and growth.

• Mobile app
  Amber is avail­able on both Android and iOS.

• Automatic recur­ring buys
  Users can set up recur­ring buys every day, week, or month. $5 minimum purchase. Users can also make one-time purchases as they desire. 

• Educa­tion
  The Amber team, led by Aleks Svetski, produces high-quality Bitcoin content that’s avail­able to the public. We recom­mend checking out Bitcoin Times. 

Fees: No fees for buying Bitcoin, 0.5 — 1.25% sell Bitcoin fee
Custody Provider: Non-custodial, Bull Bitcoin self-custody wallet
Trustpilot Rating: 4.9/5 from 205 reviews
Apple Store App: No Rating
Google Play Store: 5.0/5 from 9 reviews, +500 downloads

Bull Bitcoin is a prominent Bitcoin exchange focusing on the Canadian and Costa Rican markets. Here are the essential details:

• Website: Explore more about Bull Bitcoin on their official website.

• Exchange Type: Bull Bitcoin operates as a fixed-rate exchange, providing a stable trading experience for users.

• User Demographic: The platform, specifically tailored for Canadians and Costa Ricans, facilitates the buying, selling, and spending of Bitcoins online.

• Philosophy and Leadership: The exchange is led by individuals who identify as Cypherpunks and Bitcoin Maximalists. 

• Privacy and Security: Bull Bitcoin places a high emphasis on user privacy, security, and the ability for users to maintain full custody of their Bitcoins.

• Innovative Development: The team has also created Cyphernode.io, a modular Bitcoin full-node microservices API server architecture. This toolkit helps developers build scalable and secure applications/services without relying on third parties.

• Partnership: Bull Bitcoin has partnered with Bitcoin Jungle, enhancing Bitcoin services in Costa Rica.

• Unique Offering: This collaboration marks Bull Bitcoin as the first and only exchange in Costa Rica to offer Bitcoin ↔ Colones conversions.

• Integration with SNIPE: They utilize SNIPE, the national fiat mobile payment system, allowing transactions to be processed with just a phone number over the Lightning Network.

This partnership between Bull Bitcoin and Bitcoin Jungle is pioneering the way for practical and accessible Bitcoin transactions in Costa Rica, utilizing advanced technologies for efficiency and security.

• Non-custo­dial
  Bull Bitcoin never takes control of users' Bitcoin. Instead, users are fully sover­eign over their Bitcoin at all times. 

• Instant withdrawal
  Users can withdraw their funds at any time.

• Buy Bitcoin Directly

  Buy Bitcoin directly to your own Bitcoin Wallet using Interact E-Transfers and other Canadian bank transfer options. Non-custodial Instant withdrawal No withdrawal fees Privacy and security by default Lightning Network compatible No transaction limits.

• Bylls Integra­tion
  A service that enables users to pay their Canadian bills or for Costa Rican’s to spend colones by converting Bitcoins to Canadian dollars or colones for everyday purchases.

• Automated recurring buys
  Users can schedule recur­ring buys at the frequency they desire (daily, weekly, etc.). 

• Bull Bitcoin Prime
  VIP advisory service for high-net-worth individuals and business clients looking to take their Bitcoin journey to the next level. A personalized 1-on-1 service with direct oversight from legendary Bitcoin expert Francis Pouliot.

Fees: Linked bank account transfer $0, linked debit card 0.5% — 1.75%, minimum of $0.25
Custody Provider: Cash App maintains custody of all user assets
Trustpilot Rating: 1.4/5 from 4.31k reviews
Apple Store App: 4.8/5 from +6.3M reviews (Ranked #1 in Finance)
Google Play Store: 4.6/5 from +3.05M reviews, +10M downloads

About Cash App 

Cash App is a versatile financial application available on iOS and Android platforms, designed to streamline various monetary transactions. Here are some key points about Cash App:

• Platform Availability: Cash App is available for iOS and Android and offers a user-friendly experience similar to Venmo and PayPal.

• Financial Services: It enables users to buy stocks and Bitcoin, catering to both traditional and cryptocurrency investors.

• Popularity: Recognized as one of the most popular financial apps in the app store, Cash App stands out for its accessibility and ease of use.

• Founder: The app was developed by Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Square (now known as Block) and former CEO of Twitter. Dorsey is known for his strong support of Bitcoin.

• User Experience (UX): Cash App is praised for its excellent user interface, making the process of buying Bitcoin straightforward and appealing.

• Reception: Despite its popularity, Cash App has received mixed reviews, as evidenced by its 93% 1-star rating on Trustpilot.

• Pioneering Bitcoin Sales: Square, the company behind Cash App, was the first publicly-traded company to sell Bitcoin. This move has been pivotal in promoting Bitcoin adoption. Learn more about this from their press release.

• Buy/sell Bitcoin
  Users can buy and sell Bitcoin through Cash App. $10k weekly purchase limit. 

• Purchase stocks
  Users can acquire as little as $1 worth of U.S. stock.

• Direct deposit paychecks
  Users can elect to have their paychecks direct deposited into Cash App.

• Cash card
  Users can receive a Visa debit card attached to their Cash App account. 

• Inter­na­tional payments
  Users can now send payments between the U.S. and the U.K. 

Starting October 20th, 2023, Cash App may charge a small fee when you buy or sell Bitcoin. If so, the fee will be listed on the trade confirmation screen before you complete the transaction.

Cash App may also include a spread on the exchange rate we use to price Bitcoin buys and sells on our platform. The spread we apply to our exchange rate may be between 0% and 1%, depending on market conditions.

Fees: Variable fee structure
Custody Provider: In-House Bitcoin Custody Solution
Trustpilot Rating: 4.0/5 from 20 reviews
Apple Store App: 4.7/5 from +15.3k reviews
Google Play Store: 4.4/5 from +14.5k reviews, +500,000 downloads

About Strike 

Strike App is designed to integrate Bitcoin seamlessly into everyday financial activities, offering a modern solution for digital transactions. Here’s a detailed look at what Strike offers:

• User Interface: Strike App boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and execute transactions.

• Payment Processing: It features Lightning network-speed payment processing, enhancing the efficiency of sending and receiving Bitcoin. More details can be found on their blog about transparent pricing.

• Instant Transactions: The app allows individuals and businesses to send and receive Bitcoin instantly, eliminating delays typical of traditional banking systems.

• Security and Decentralization: By leveraging Bitcoin’s decentralized network, Strike App offers high security and efficiency, setting a new standard for money transfers.

• Financial Inclusion: Strike App is part of a broader movement toward financial inclusion, making banking and financial services accessible to a broader audience through the power of cryptocurrency.

Strike App is revolutionizing the way we think about and handle financial transactions, combining ease of use with the robust capabilities of Bitcoin’s network.

• Instant Transactions: Strike App enables instant peer-to-peer transactions, allowing users to send and receive Bitcoin quickly and efficiently.

• Global Accessibility: With Strike, geographical barriers vanish. Users can transfer Bitcoin across borders seamlessly, facilitating international payments without the need for traditional banking intermediaries.

• No Fees: Unlike traditional payment methods, Strike App typically charges little to no fees for transactions, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious users.

• Seamless Integration: The app integrates effortlessly with existing financial systems and platforms, enabling users to incorporate Bitcoin into their daily transactions without hassle.

• User-Friendly Interface: Strike App features an intuitive interface that makes it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate and utilize its functionalities.

• Cross-Currency Compatibility: Strike App supports transactions in various fiat currencies, making it convenient for users to convert and transact in Bitcoin regardless of their local currency.

On April 24th, 2024, Strike App launched in Europe.

Fees: 0.8 — 1.2%
Custody Provider: 100% full reserve custody, all assets on River are held 1:1
Trustpilot Rating: No Rating
Apple Store App: 4.9/5 from +1.9k reviews
Google Play Store: 4.1/5 from 48 reviews, +5,000 downloads

River Financial is a platform that specializes in providing financial services specifically for Bitcoin enthusiasts and investors. Below are key details about what River offers:

• Focus on Bitcoin: River Financial is similar to a Fidelity brokerage account, but it is exclusively for Bitcoin. This focus allows it to integrate advanced Bitcoin technologies deeply.

• Advanced Bitcoin Technologies: River offers access to sophisticated Bitcoin technologies, including Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions (PSBTs) and native multi-signature capabilities. Additionally, they utilize a scripting language known as Script Descriptors.

• Bitcoin-Only Operation: By focusing solely on Bitcoin, River can allocate more resources towards enhancing features native to Bitcoin technology.

• Availability in the U.S.: River Financial services are available to clients across the United States, with specific exclusions. To be eligible, clients must reside in an approved state or territory.

• Exclusions: River does not currently operate in New York or Nevada.

• Limited Operations in Certain States: River only serves existing clients in Idaho.

• Territory Support: The platform is available in U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico.

Website: More information can be found on the River website.

River Financial stands out by dedicating itself to enhancing the Bitcoin investment experience through cutting-edge technologies and focusing on security and accessibility within the United States.

• Zero fees on recur­ring buy orders
  This feature allows users to set up an automatic purchase order of Bitcoin at pre-de­ter­mined inter­vals.

• Perfor­mance tracking
  River provides users with tools to track how well your Bitcoin invest­ments are performing.

• Deposits and withdrawals
  Users can add Bitcoin to their River wallet and move it from River to another wallet. 

• Insti­tu­tional accounts
  Enables finan­cial insti­tu­tions to buy, sell, and use Bitcoin. 

• Damus integration

  River recently integrated Damus to enable Lightning payments via Nostr. River also provides a Bitcoin IRA option. See how it compares here.

• River Link

  Facilitates the seamless transfer of Bitcoin through text messages, offering users a straightforward and user-friendly experience that eliminates the complexities often associated with Bitcoin transactions.

While fans of alter­na­tive cryptocur­ren­cies might complain that their favorite token is being excluded for ideolog­ical reasons, the reality is: going Bitcoin-only is a logical business decision. 

Businesses should go Bitcoin-only because it is a secure and efficient way to store and transfer value. Bitcoin transactions are fast, reliable, and safe, with low fees compared to traditional payments like credit cards or bank transfers.

Why Bitcoin-only?

• Lower fees
  By focusing on a single asset, compa­nies can maintain lower support costs, leading to better service with lower user fees.  

• Bitcoin has the majority of the volume
  Focusing on Bitcoin-only that attracts high volume makes sense as a business.

• Increased focus
  If you want to be the best website to invest in Bitcoin, the only way is to focus on Bitcoin alone. Going Bitcoin-only means your company will have no distractions/temptations from penny stock-like altcoins.

• Domain exper­tise
  By focusing on a single asset, your team will become experts in that asset. Eventu­ally, your exper­tise will enable you to out-compete compa­nies who took a less focused approach. This compounds over time and leads to better products/services, attracting long-term customers.

• Long-term success
  A business built on trading altcoins might be lucra­tive for a short period. These altcoin onramps pop up in bull markets, rise to fame, and quickly crash in just a few months. On the other hand, Bitcoin-only onramps are more robust and will outlive all the altcoin exchanges.

• More secure
  Onramps that focus exclu­sively on Bitcoin allow for increased security. Every time you offer another asset, your engineers are forced to develop increas­ingly complex security methods. Focusing on Bitcoin exclu­sively allows engineers to take advan­tage of Bitcoin’s native features, such as multi-sig, which results in a more secure infrastructure.

• Less Regula­tory Burden
  Bitcoin-only onramps come with fewer regula­tory risks as Bitcoin has been given a pass by most regula­tors globally.

• Aligned incen­tives
  Compa­nies that focus exclu­sively on Bitcoin share aligned incen­tives with Bitcoiners. Both parties want Bitcoin to remain secure and increase in value over the long term.

• Shared infra­struc­ture
  As more compa­nies focus on Bitcoin’s native function­ality (multi-sig, partially signed Bitcoin trans­ac­tions, etc.), we’ll see more open-source standards emerge. For example, Unchained Capital open-sourced a multi-sig protocol called Caravan that anyone can leverage.

Learn more about the benefits of going Bitcoin-only:

• Aleks Svetski explains why Amber is a Bitcoin-only Business.

• Francis Pouliot explains why Bitcoin-only makes business sense on the Tales From The Crypt podcast, episode #84 (starting at the ~23:00 mark). 

How to Delete Your Coinbase Account — the most notorious U.S. company promoting altcoins.

Here at Swan, we believe that setting up automated recur­ring Bitcoin purchases is the best strategy. In investing terms. This is commonly called “dollar cost averaging” (DCA).

Recurring Buys 

Recurring buys or (DCA) is an investing strategy that allows you to spread out the risk associated with trying to time the market. 

Traders Lose, Stackers Win

By investing a set amount of money regularly, you can continue to increase your holdings and benefit from asset appreciation over time.

This helps even out your average purchase price over time, reducing the risk of significant losses due to drastic swings in share prices. It also makes it easier for investors who don’t have enough money to make a single big investment at once.

1. No one can perfectly time the market.

2. 'Recurring Buys' minimizes the risk of volatile price swings. 

3. Set it and forget it. No need to log in every week.

4. Remove your cogni­tive biases. Avoid fear and FOMO. The market and media are constantly trying to manip­u­late you.

5. Avoid tax burden and fees of active trading.

6. Get rich slowly. Think long-term with a low-time preference investment strategy.

As businesses realize the benefits of going Bitcoin-only, we’ll see more legit Bitcoin invest­ment sites focused exclu­sively on Bitcoin. Post FTX collapse, companies will only be willing to stick their necks out for Bitcoin-only approaches that include holding the private keys themselves or self-custody through a corporate partner like BitGo.

This trend will likely continue as Bitcoin-only compa­nies will outcom­pete compa­nies that are spread too thin, supporting 100s of illiquid tokens. 

We highly recom­mend three things:

1. Investing in your personal Bitcoin educa­tion (we recom­mend our Swan Signal blog and Swan Signal Live podcast.

2. Setting up an automated recur­ring Bitcoin purchase.

3. Watching our recently launched free 1-hour Welcome to Bitcoin: 101 Series. It’s the best way to orange-pill your friends and family members.

P.S. After you join, pass around your unique referral link. Both you and your friends will receive $10 worth of free Bitcoin for each person who signs up. Also, make sure to check out this article and see where Swan ranks for the top Bitcoin IRAs and Crypto IRAs.

Swan is the easiest way to buy Bitcoin using your bank account automatically every week or month, starting with as little as $10. Sign up or learn more here.