True cost · Updated 2026-10-15
River Bitcoin fees in 2026 — the true cost
River offers free recurring buys from the second order onward, full-reserve cold storage, and one free on-chain withdrawal per month. The first order pays the standard fee (~1%). Spread size isn't publicly fixed, so our 0% spread is labeled an estimate.
At $100/week for 1 year, River costs about $1.00 all-in (0.02% of $5,200.00) — #2 of 6 US platforms we track.
Modeled path: Weekly recurring buys — zero fee from 2nd order; assume free monthly withdraw.
All-in cost model
Buy fees + estimated spread + modeled custody, 52 weekly buys. Network miner fees excluded. Methodology.
| Weekly | Buy fees | Spread | Custody | All-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25/wk | $0.25 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.25 (0.02%) |
| $100/wk | $1.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $1.00 (0.02%) |
| $500/wk | $5.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $5.00 (0.02%) |
Hidden costs to watch
- The first recurring order pays the standard fee (~1% modeled).
- Spread on priced orders is not publicly fixed — our 0% is an ESTIMATE until measured.
- Only one free on-chain withdrawal per month; extra sends pay network fee by speed.
Cheaper path on River
Stick to scheduled recurring buys and batch withdrawals into the one free monthly send.
- Funding: ACH; free recurring buys from 2nd weekly order; free payroll conversion up to $30k/mo.
- Withdrawals: 1 free on-chain send/month; additional sends pay network fee by speed.
- Custody: Full-reserve cold storage; monthly Proof of Reserves; no client BTC lending.
FAQ
- Are River recurring buys free?
- River states recurring buys are free from the second weekly order onward. The first order pays the standard fee.
- Does River charge to withdraw Bitcoin?
- River includes one free on-chain withdrawal per month; additional sends pay a network fee based on speed.
- Is River full reserve?
- River publishes monthly Proof of Reserves and states it does not lend client bitcoin.
Sources
- River fees help article · accessed 2026-10-15
- River Proof of Reserves · accessed 2026-10-15
River may include a spread on priced orders; size not publicly fixed — marked estimate 0% for free recurring path until measured.
How River compares
See the full ranking: Cheapest Bitcoin DCA in the US (2026)
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