Puerto Rico
Compare fees, payment methods, and features to find the best way to buy Bitcoin in Puerto Rico.
River
Bitcoin-only exchange with 0% fees on recurring buys. Available to PR residents with ACH deposits. Regulated by FinCEN.
Gemini
Regulated by NY DFS and FinCEN. Buy Bitcoin with ACH, PayPal, Apple Pay, or wire transfer.
River Private Client
For Bitcoin investments of $100k+. Dedicated relationship manager, priority support, and high limits.
Coinbase Advanced
Coinbase's pro trading interface — same account, lower fees. Use limit orders and advanced charts for more control.
Swan Bitcoin
Bitcoin-only platform for long-term investors. Automate weekly or monthly BTC purchases via ACH.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What If You Bought Bitcoin?
See how much you would have made if you bought Bitcoin in the past.
Transaction Fees
A look at the transaction fees for each exchange, both spread and commission.
- Spread fee: Exchanges may charge a higher price than the actual price of Bitcoin.
- Fee: Exchange fee for the transaction.
- Total fees: The sum of the spread fee and the fee.
| Exchange | Spread Fee | Fee | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan Bitcoin |
0.3% | 0.99% | 1.29% |
| River |
0.3% | 1.0% | 1.3% |
| Gemini |
0.5% | 2.99% | 3.49% |
Actual fees may vary. Fees are subject to change. Fee estimates based on our research and testing. Some exchanges may charge less depending on volume.
Estimated Fees on $100
An estimate of the fees for buying $100 worth of Bitcoin using a bank account.
| Exchange | Total Cost on $100 |
|---|---|
| Swan Bitcoin |
$1.29 |
| River |
$1.3 |
| Gemini |
$3.49 |
History of Bitcoin in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has become an emerging cryptocurrency hub, particularly after the 2017 tax incentives that attracted many crypto entrepreneurs and investors. Act 60 (formerly Act 20/22) offers significant tax benefits for crypto businesses and individuals who become bona fide residents, including a 4% corporate tax rate and zero capital gains tax on crypto assets.
The territory has seen the rise of 'Crypto Rico' communities, particularly in areas like San Juan and Dorado, where blockchain entrepreneurs have established a growing ecosystem. Several cryptocurrency conferences and events are regularly hosted on the island, contributing to its reputation as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction.
Financial & Regulatory Licenses
| Exchange | Licenses & Regulation |
|---|---|
| River |
Registered MSB with FinCEN. |
| Gemini |
New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). |
| River Private Client |
Registered MSB with FinCEN. |
| Coinbase Advanced |
Chartered by New York State Department of Financial Services for virtual currency. |
| Swan Bitcoin |
Swan connects users to licensed custodians Bakkt, BitGo, and Equity Trust, ensuring compliance with state laws. Bakkt is BitLicensed and FinCEN registered; BitGo and Equity Trust operate under their own regulations. |
Deposit Fees
These are fees exchanges may charge for deposits. Fees are subject to change.
| Exchange | Deposit Fees |
|---|---|
| Coinbase Advanced |
ACH: Free Wire: $10 USD SEPA: €0.15 EUR SWIFT: Free |
| Gemini |
ACH: $0 Wire: $0 SEPA: $0 SWIFT: $0 |
| River Private Client |
ACH: $0 Wire: $0 |
| River |
ACH: $0 Wire: $0 |
Bitcoin Scams in Puerto Rico
While Puerto Rico's crypto-friendly environment has attracted legitimate businesses, it has also faced challenges with fraudulent schemes. In 2022, several cases of crypto investment fraud were reported to the Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIF), prompting increased regulatory scrutiny of crypto operations on the island.
The OCIF has issued multiple public warnings about unauthorized crypto investment platforms targeting Puerto Rican residents. The territory's authorities work closely with federal agencies to combat crypto fraud, and residents are advised to verify that any crypto investment opportunity is properly registered with OCIF and to be particularly cautious of high-yield investment programs.
Mobile App Support
| Exchange | iOS App | Android App |
|---|---|---|
| River |
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| Gemini |
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| River Private Client |
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| Coinbase Advanced |
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| Swan Bitcoin |
Earn Interest & Rewards
The following table shows interest rates offered by exchanges.
| Exchange | Interest Rate & Details |
|---|---|
| River |
3.8%
Earn 3.8% interest on FDIC-insured cash, paid out in Bitcoin. No fees or minimums. Withdraws allowed anytime.
|
| River Private Client |
3.3%
Earn 3.3% interest on FDIC-insured cash, paid out in Bitcoin. No fees or minimums. Withdraw anytime.
|
| Coinbase Advanced |
4.70%
Earn 4.70% APY rewards by holding USDC on Coinbase. USDC is fully backed 1:1 by US dollars. Minimum $1.
|
Exchange snapshots
River
| River snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.9
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.6
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Bank Account, Wire Transfer |
| Review | Read our review |
Gemini
| Gemini snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.8
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.2
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Bank Account, Wire Transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
River Private Client
| River Private Client snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Wire Transfer, Bank Account |
Coinbase Advanced
| Coinbase Advanced snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.7
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.6
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Bank Account, PayPal, Apple Pay, iDEAL, SEPA, Interac e-Transfer, Instant Verification, Google Pay |
Swan Bitcoin
| Swan Bitcoin snapshot | |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| iOS app score |
4.8
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Android app score |
4.3
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
|
| Deposit Methods | ACH, Bank Account, Wire Transfer |