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River

Bitcoin-only exchange focused on simplicity and security.

centralized
Proof of Reserves
Beginner Friendly
Mobile App
Reviewed by Sarah Lin, Staff Writer — Exchanges Last verified: 2026-03-09Scoring methodology

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you sign up or make a purchase through these links. This does not influence our editorial evaluations. Learn more

Best For

Bitcoin-only investors in the US

Pros

  • Bitcoin-focused simplicity
  • Clean interface
  • Lightning support
  • US compliance

Cons

  • Bitcoin only
  • US only
  • Higher fees

Regulatory Status

U.S.-based. Holds state Money Transmitter Licenses. No material enforcement actions on record.

Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction and changes frequently. Always verify current licensing with your local regulator before depositing funds.

Why This Trust Score Is Not Higher

Bitcoin-only means no diversification capability. U.S.-only availability limits global utility. Fees are higher than most competitors.

Trust scores are calculated using our published scoring methodology. Score changes are documented in our corrections log.

Key Information

Type
centralized
Maker Fee
1.0-1.5%
Taker Fee
1.0-1.5%
Proof of Reserves
Yes
Mobile App
Yes
Staking
Not Available

Country Availability

Available in:

US

Availability can change without notice. Verify directly on the exchange's website for your specific country and region.

Deposit Methods

bank transfer
wire

Supported Chains

Frequently Asked Questions

Is River safe?+
River publishes proof of reserves, meaning you can verify they hold the assets they claim. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction — check the "Regulatory Status" section above for details specific to River. No exchange is 100% safe — consider moving large holdings to a self-custody wallet after purchasing. Enable 2FA and withdrawal whitelisting for extra security.
Is River good for beginners?+
Yes, River is considered beginner-friendly with a straightforward interface and educational resources. If you're new to crypto, start with small amounts and use the "simple" buy interface if available.
What are River's fees?+
River's fees vary by trade type and volume. Check the "Key Information" section above for current maker/taker rates. Many exchanges also charge different fees for their "simple" vs "advanced" trading interfaces — the simple interface is usually more expensive. Always check the fee schedule on River's website before trading.
Should I keep my crypto on River?+
For active trading, keeping funds on River is practical. For long-term holding or large amounts, move crypto to a self-custody wallet. Exchanges can freeze accounts, get hacked, or face regulatory issues. The safest approach: buy on the exchange, then transfer to your own wallet.
R

River

centralized Exchange

Proof of Reserves

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you sign up or make a purchase through these links. This does not influence our editorial evaluations. Learn more

R

River

Exchange

8.0

Editorial Score

Trust Score: 8.5/10

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