Strike is one of the most user-friendly on-ramps to Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments available. Founded by Jack Mallers, the app excels at making Bitcoin's Lightning Network accessible to everyday users who just want fast, cheap payments without understanding the underlying technology. Sending money internationally for near-zero fees is genuinely impressive, and the ability to buy bitcoin with no added spread on purchases is a standout feature. The interface is clean and intuitive, feeling more like Cash App than a crypto wallet. However, Strike's availability is limited to certain countries, and it's fundamentally tied to Bitcoin's ecosystem — if you want broader crypto exposure, look elsewhere. The custodial nature means you're trusting Strike with your funds, which goes against Bitcoin's self-sovereignty ethos. For its specific use case of cheap global payments and simple bitcoin purchases, though, it's hard to beat.
Near-instant, extremely low-fee global payments via Lightning Network No added spread on bitcoin purchases, making it very cost-effective Clean, intuitive interface accessible to non-technical users Supports direct deposit and pay-me-in-bitcoin features Custodial service — users don't hold their own keys by default Limited geographic availability compared to broader fintech apps Bitcoin-only focus means no support for other cryptocurrencies