Article Summary
This article explains how to send bitcoin from River, including destination types, funding methods, send speeds, network fees, and verification requirements.
Above images are for demonstrative purposes only.
Above images are for demonstrative purposes only.
Step 1: Locate send button
If you are using river.com, click "Transact" in the bottom-left corner of your River homepage, then click "Send bitcoin." If you are using the River app, tap "Send" on your homepage.
Step 2: Enter destination
Enter your bitcoin address, Lightning invoice, LNURL-Pay, or Lightning address, then click "Continue." If you are using the River app, tap "Continue."
Step 3: Enter details
Enter the amount of bitcoin you would like to send, denominated in either BTC or USD.
Your bitcoin balance is selected by default. To pay with cash instead, click the line below the amount that begins with "Using," then choose "Cash balance" or your linked bank account under "Funding method." If you are using the River app, tap the same line, then tap "Cash balance" or your linked bank account. For more information on sending bitcoin using cash, please see this Help Center article.
Then, click "Continue." If you are using the River app, tap "Continue."
Please note that the minimum on-chain send amount is 0.0001 BTC. When you pay with cash, the minimum is $0.25 from your cash balance or $10 from a linked bank account.
Step 4: Choose send speed
If River asks for your two-factor verification code, enter it on the "Verify it’s you" screen. For on-chain sends, choose "Standard" or "Priority" under "Network fee" on the "Preview send" screen. If your free send is available, "Standard" is labeled "FREE." If you are using the River app, enter your verification code if asked. For on-chain sends, choose "Standard" or "Priority" on the preview screen.
Please note that you have one free standard send per month.
Step 5: Confirm details
Review your transaction details and click "Send now" to initiate your transaction. If you are using the River app, review your details and tap "Send now."
If you send from your bitcoin balance, the total amount of bitcoin leaving your account will be the amount you have specified plus any Bitcoin network fees quoted on this page. Network fees are based on River's estimate of Bitcoin network costs. If you pay with cash, your total also includes River's buy fee, and the bitcoin price includes a spread.
Step 6: Bitcoin send initiated
You will receive an immediate confirmation via email. You can expect your bitcoin to arrive at the intended destination within a few hours. You are able to track the status of your transaction from the mobile app. For more information, please see this Help Center article.
Please note that if you're sending 10 or more BTC, your transaction may take up to 24 hours to process on our end.
On-chain vs. Lightning sends: What’s the difference?
Not sure which method to use? On-chain is best for larger or more important bitcoin sends. Lightning is best when speed and low fees matter most.
Feature |
On-chain Send |
Lightning Send |
| What it is | Transactions are sent directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, the most established and secure way to send Bitcoin | Transactions are sent over the Lightning Network, Bitcoin's faster "layer 2" |
| Speed | Usually takes minutes to hours, depending on how busy the Bitcoin network is | Near-instant, most arriving within seconds |
| Fees | Fees vary based on network activity and can be higher during congestion | Fees are very low, often near zero |
| Best for | Larger transfers or long-term storage | Smaller, everyday payments |
| Privacy | Transactions are publicly visible on the blockchain, which anyone can look up | Payment details aren't all recorded on-chain, so it's a more private option |
| How to send in River | Enter a Bitcoin address | Enter a Lightning invoice, LNURL, or Lightning address |