Article Summary
This article explains how to claim a River Link, including claim methods, network fees, status labels, supported wallets, and arrival times.
Step 1: Click your River Link
Locate and click the River Link sent to you if sent to you in a messaging app. If the River Link has been printed, scan the QR code with your phone or follow the River Link URL in a search browser.
Step 2: Claim bitcoin
Click "Claim Bitcoin" to accept the bitcoin. If required, you may need to first enter an access key to claim the River Link.
Step 3: Select your claim method
Select how you would like to claim the bitcoin:
- Claim the bitcoin to your existing River account.
- Claim the bitcoin to a new River account.
- Claim the bitcoin to your external wallet.
Please note that if you claim bitcoin to a new or existing River account, there are no network fees. However, if you claim bitcoin to an external wallet, network fees apply.
Step 4: Follow corresponding instructions
Follow the instructions provided for the claim method you selected.
Do I need to create a new River account before claiming the bitcoin?
If you don't have a River account and want to claim your River Link to one, you can create an account during the claim process. There's no need to sign up before starting your claim.
How soon will a claimed River Link reach my wallet?
If bitcoin is received on-chain, it will take several hours for the bitcoin to reach your external wallet. After claiming your bitcoin, you can revisit the River Link URL to check the status of your external wallet claim.
If bitcoin is received with the Lightning network or to a River account, the bitcoin should populate immediately.
What do the status labels mean for River Link?
You may see a status update associated with your River Link.
- Expired: The River Link expired after not being claimed for 30 days
- Pending: There are additional security steps in place before the River Link can go through
- Already claimed: The River Link has already been claimed.
- Canceled: The link has been canceled by the sender or by River
- Your bitcoin has been sent: The River Link claim is processing
Where can I see how much network fees are?
After you click on "External Wallet" and enter the wallet details, you will see the Bitcoin network fee, which is determined by your destination.
What external wallets can claim a River Link?
River accepts a bitcoin address, a Lightning invoice, a Lightning address, or LNURL-Pay. River cannot accept a Lightning invoice with an amount attached.
For more information on River Link, please see this Help Center article.