What it does
Wallet of Satoshi provides mobile Bitcoin and Lightning payments, QR or address entry and a dollar-balance interface. It now has two custody models: Classic holds keys for the user, while the Spark-based self-custody mode gives the user control through a recovery phrase. Availability depends on region.
The wallet mode changes both recovery and fees. Classic uses an email-based account recovery process. Self-custody uses a 12-word phrase that the owner must record offline; Wallet of Satoshi cannot replace it. Where both modes are supported, switching is available in Settings.
Sending and receiving in self-custody mode
Select Send and scan a QR code or paste an address or invoice. The app detects the payment type. Check the amount, recipient details and displayed fee before confirming Send.
Receive initially shows a Lightning address or LNURL. Use Amount and Note when a fixed-amount invoice is needed. The BTC button at the bottom opens an on-chain receiving address and its applicable charges.
Fees differ by payment route
The current disclosure lists a 1.95% charge for Bitcoin on-chain top-ups in either mode. For outgoing on-chain payments, Classic charges 1.95% plus a fixed processing fee that includes settlement costs; self-custody charges 1.95% plus the miner fee. Outgoing Lightning routing fees vary. Incoming Lightning has no Wallet of Satoshi platform charge, although underlying Spark or operator costs can apply to self-custody.
The dollar balance uses USDB, a stablecoin issued by Brale on Spark. It is not a bank deposit or legal-tender dollar balance. Conversions may include spreads, slippage and outside-provider charges, so the quoted conversion and the wallet mode both matter.
Strengths
- Both wallet modes receive an automatically assigned Lightning address
- The self-custody payment screen identifies Bitcoin addresses and Lightning invoices
Watch out for
- Available custody modes and conversion services depend on region
- Self-custody recovery requires retaining the 12-word phrase
- On-chain top-ups incur a percentage charge as well as any external sending costs
Best for
- People comparing Classic account recovery with self-custody recovery
- Users making Bitcoin payments through QR codes and Lightning invoices
Sources
- Wallet of Satoshi payment features (Oct 27, 2026)
- Wallet of Satoshi disclosure v1.23, 25 August 2026 (Oct 27, 2026)
- Self-custody send and receive instructions (Oct 27, 2026)
- Classic and self-custody differences (Oct 27, 2026)
- Back up a self-custody wallet (Oct 27, 2026)
- Wallet of Satoshi Lightning addresses (Oct 27, 2026)