Easy
Can we buy cryptocurrency with your bank?
Yes, but only in rare cases. The traditional bank with whom you have an account generally does not offer the possibility of directly acquiring virtual currencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum . Certain recent banking entities, however, have started there. For the majority of beginners, the most widespread way remains to go through centralized exchanges ( Binance , Okx, Coinbase , Bitvavo ...) where you can convert your euros into crypto-active after a simple transfer. In this article, we will understand why it is not easy to buy cryptocurrency via your bank, and what alternatives exist if you want to manage your digital assets with confidence.
Table of contents
Can we buy crypto money with your bank: centralized exchanges, the most used method
Before seeing whether or not you can buy tokens from your bank, let us immediately specify that the most common way to acquire digital assets goes through specialized exchange platforms On these sites, it is possible to create an account, to make a deposit by bank card or by transfer, then to convert the fiduciary currency (often the euro or the dollar) to token . Here is why these centralized exchanges are popular:
- Quick registration: simple identity check ( KYC ) is enough most of the time.
- Simple interface: the majority of beginners can navigate easily.
- Large choice: there is a wide variety of A ltc OOS , from Bitcoin to more exotic projects.
- transaction costs , depending on the chosen platform and the volume exchanged.
In short, before you even question the offer of your traditional bank , note that the simplest solution is to go through an actor already established in the purchase and sale of crypto-assets . However, the question remains: " Can we buy crypto currency with your bank ?" The answer is almost always negative, and we will see why.
Why do most banks don't sell crypto?
The very nature of virtual currencies largely explains why conventional banking establishments do not offer the purchase/sale of cryptocurrencies . Bitcoin , for example, is designed to do without intermediaries. The blockchain which supports this currency decentralizes the processes of verification and validation of transactions, which leaves little room for traditional services billed by banks (account holding costs, management of transfers, etc.). It is therefore logical, from a purely economic point of view, that a large part of the banking sector is reluctant to do so.
The initial idea of cryptocurrencies: do without intermediaries
The first blockchain (that of Bitcoin ) appeared in 2008, in the midst of a financial crisis, with the desire to propose a monetary exchange system without central authority. This technology has introduced the possibility of making peer-to-peer transactions, validated by a set of nodes spread over the network. Thus, no traditional banking body comes to endorse or supervise the exchange, each transaction being secured by cryptography and inscribed immutably in a block .
Thanks to this mechanism, virtual currency emancipates costs and deadlines imposed by third parties, such as banks or financial operators. The smart contract ( introduced later, in 2015, with Ethereum Ethereum go even further, by automating certain contract clauses - all without requiring the intervention of a notary, a administrator or a third -party manager. It is therefore obvious that this technological discontinuity does not have the banking sector in its traditional model.
A use that does not benefit banks
When you make a transfer, you pay an overview or take out a credit, your bank often takes commissions and benefits from your deposits. In the universe of cryptocurrency , these functions are largely replaced by the blockchain , the proof of stake (to secure the network via staking ), or the DEFI (decentralized finance), which offers loans and loans without going through the usual channels. The result is a lack of interest to see a clear warning, often not very justified, on the part of the banks to encourage the adoption of this competitor ecosystem, where they would be less asked and often deprived of their usual margins.
Can we buy crypto money with its bank: regulatory distrust around cryptocurrencies
In addition to the fact that virtual currencies question the economic model of banks, the legal and regulatory framework is still cautious, even complex, for banks wishing to offer Crypto services. In France, for example, establishments that offer trading crypto-active conservation must be registered as PSAN (service providers on digital assets) with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) . It is a heavy approach that imposes:
- Strict controls in the fight against money laundering (KYC/AML).
- Transparent and secure management of user funds.
- An internal governance structure adapted to this new activity.
- Specific rules in the event of a tokenization NFT management .
Faced with these requirements, most banks prefer to abstain, especially since there are still uncertainties on crypto taxation and the volatility of these markets. The banking sector, by definition, is very supervised and must justify its smallest decisions. There is therefore a form of wait -and -see: to wait for the legal framework to become more stable, or that customer demand becomes so strong that it would be impossible to ignore it.
Some banks that offer the purchase of cryptocurrencies
Despite this, some crypto-friendly banks are starting to emerge. These may be initiatives emanating from traditional banks, brokers having obtained a banking license, or specialized neobancs. On the French market, we find for example:
- Banque Delubac & Cie PSAN status with the AMF, it allows you to invest in Bitcoin , Ethereum Ethereum Tezos Tezos a dedicated account.
- Deblock : A French neobank merging a non-heberged digital portfolio integrated cryptocurrencies
- Revolut : establishment of British origin, technically closer to a fintech than a conventional bank, allowing the purchase, sale and even staking of certain cryptos ( Ethereum , Cardano , etc.).
- Trade Republic : Originally a German mobile broker, now holding a banking license. It authorizes access to around fifty cryptocurrencies and also pays for deposits in euros.
These rare examples are still the exception. However, they illustrate an emerging trend: that of banks or brokers transforming their supply to meet growing demand into digital active ingredients . The costs, the financial solidity and the security of the funds vary from one actor to another, it is therefore essential to compare their conditions before entrusting your crypto-actives to a banking organization.
How are these solutions rare?
For a traditional establishment, launching a crypto represents a risk on several levels: first, in terms of reputation, because investing in volatile markets can scare savers; Then, on the technical and regulatory level, because it is necessary to set up secure infrastructure (portfolios, custody , etc.) and comply with the requirements of the AMF or other national regulators. It is therefore a deep paradigm change.
Can we buy crypto money with your bank: centralized exchanges, the most accessible response
If you are not fortunate enough to have a crypto-friendly bank, the most obvious way to buy tokens remains to turn to the centralized exchanges . As a reminder, a centralized exchange is a platform that plays the role of confidence intermediary, storing your virtual currencies and ensuring conversions with the currency of your choice. Among the best known:
These platforms have millions of users, offer a wide range of cryptocurrencies and even develop associated services such as staking , savings or advanced trading . Their model is therefore very different from banks, since they are mainly remunerated via transaction costs , conversions or even the issue of flow card linked to your crypto-active .
How to buy your step -by -step cryptos thanks to the exchanges
For those who start, buying cryptocurrency through an Exchange remains the simplest route. Here are a few steps how to proceed:
- Choose a platform : Select a renowned site, check its regulation and consult the user reviews.
- Create an account : Provide your personal information and complete the KYC .
- Place funds : make a SEPA transfer or use your bank card to credit your balance to euros.
- Go to purchase : on the exchange interface, select the crypto you want to acquire (ex: Bitcoin , Ethereum , etc.).
- Store your assets : keep your tokens on the platform or move them to a wallet , for example a physical wallet.
At this point, you will have bought your first virtual currencies without going through your bank, it only intervening for the initial transfer. The vast majority of private investors operate in this way. Some also regularly transfer euros from their bank account to an Exchange to expand their portfolio.
The limits of this solution
The centralized exchange crypto-active purchases . In return, you are strongly dependent on the reliability of the platform: if it goes bankrupt or undergoing hacking, your funds can be compromised. In addition, you remain dependent on transaction costs which may vary depending on the volume exchanged or the type of cryptocurrency.
To strengthen your safety, many users prefer to repatriate their virtual currencies to an offline wallet ( cold wallet ), such as EDGER or Tangem . This guarantees you total control of your private keys , but requires a little more technical knowledge. In any case, this solution does not directly imply the services of a traditional bank .
Can we buy cryptocurrency with your bank: and the deffi in all of this?
A word on the DEFI (decentralized finance): this expanding ecosystem aims to offer the same services as the bank (loans, loans, exchanges, yield) but based on dApp and smart contract contracts . It largely eliminates the use of banking intermediaries. Defi 's projects proliferate on several blockchains like Ethereum , Polygon , or the BNB Chain .
Here again, logic is head -to -bid on that of banks: in the DEFI , you lend or borrow without intermediary, thanks to autonomous contracts which manage collateral, interest rate and liquidation in the event of defect. This model, although risky because of the volatility specific to the youth of cryptocurrencies, eclipses the traditional role of banks.
How does it dissuade traditional banks even more?
The DEFI is the illustration of what virtual currencies can do: offer an almost autonomous financial ecosystem, where blockchain replaces usual institutions. It is therefore logical that the vast majority of banking establishments are slow to adopt this technology, or even consider it with distrust. The sharing of power between thousands of knots, the refusal of centralization and the radical transparency of the blockchain shake up the secular approaches of the bank. Difficult therefore for an entity aimed at the profit through intermediation to embrace this decentralized vision.
Can we buy crypto money with your bank: future prospects, towards more integration?
Despite all these brakes, there is a progressive evolution. Large banks like JPMorgan or Goldman Sach are experimenting on private blockchains or invest in the digital asset . The role of banks could redraw around services such as the secure conservation of cryptocurrencies ( Custody ) or the implementation of more conventional derivatives. MiCA regulations establish a common framework that could encourage certain banks to take the plunge.
A change in progressive discourse
Many banking leaders now recognize the growing place of cryptocurrencies in the economy. If it becomes inevitable to offer such products to remain competitive, then banks will commit. The example of certain fintechs proves that there is a real demand for hybrid services, combining fiduciary currency and virtual currency . However, these transformations will take time and involve increased compliance, in particular on the issue of Crypto taxation PSAN bonds and risk management.
Can you buy crypto currency with your bank: how to use your bank despite everything to acquire crypto?
If your banking establishment does not directly offer the purchase of crypto-assets , you can still use it indirectly:
- Make a transfer to a centralized exchange : this is the most common method. You deposit euros on the platform, then you convert into Bitcoin or other tokens .
- Use your bank card: some platforms directly accept card payment to buy cryptocurrencies , although the costs are sometimes higher than by transfer.
- Monitor neobanque offers: if you are a service customer like Revolut or N26 , you can have access to a “crypto” section integrated in their application. However, these options remain limited if you want to trading advanced or transfer your virtual currencies to an external wallet
In any case, you should carefully read the conditions of your bank. Some impose restrictions on transfers for foreign exchanges, or may temporarily block a payment deemed suspicious. Depending on the country of implantation of the exchange platform, it sometimes happens that banks carry out a reinforced examination of transactions.
The limits to consider
- Potential blocking exchange transfer if they believe that there is a risk of fraud or money laundering.
- Bank costs : Check that your bank does not charge additional commissions for this type of international transfers.
- Difficult withdrawals : if you sell your cryptocurrencies on an exchange and wish to recover your euros, the bank can request proof of the origin of the funds.
Can we buy crypto currency with your bank: zoom in on the automated services by cryptos
To properly grasp what is problematic to banks, let us recall everything that cryptocurrencies make it possible to do without intermediary:
- Make a transfer of funds to the other end of the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no excessive expense.
- Secure transactions in a ledger , unfarable and available by all.
- Automate the management of certain rights or payments thanks to smart contract contracts .
- Create stablecoin indexed to official currencies, in order to circumvent fluctuations and facilitate exchanges.
- Authorize the creation of dApp or decentralized autonomous organizations ( DAO ) capable of operating without a fixed hierarchy.
These functions partly undermine the role of intermediary that the bank usually exercises. In a purely decentralized model, it is only an optional operator for simple Euro-Crypto conversion. This observation largely explains why the majority of establishments have no immediate interest in offering the purchase or sale of cryptocurrency .
Special case: the tokenization of titles
It is necessary to qualify the table by mentioning the tokenization of financial assets (shares, bonds, funds of funds). Institutional actors and some banks are starting to consider blockchain as a means of simplifying the custody and the transfer of titles, making the regulation-livage more effective. In this perspective, the bank would retain a role of custody of assets, and would receive commissions on the implementation of these infrastructures. We then speak of private blockchain or consortium, which sometimes moves from the philosophy of a cryptocurrency . Nevertheless, this type of development shows that the border between traditional finance and decentralized finance can end up in the long term.
Conclusion: the bank, a secondary player for the purchase of cryptos
The answer to the question " Can we buy crypto money with your bank ?" Most of the time negative. Traditional banks do not offer (yet) this service, because blockchains and decentralization question their economic model. They also fear the volatility of cryptocurrencies , regulatory uncertainty and the complexity of an entirely new infrastructure. Some rare establishments or neobancs stand out, but remain the exception rather than the rule.
In the meantime, beginner and confirmed investors most often find satisfaction via centralized exchanges , where it is enough to make a transfer from your bank account to acquire tokens . Some then favor the DEFI to make their digital assets and bypass the limits of the banking system. Banks, for their part, focus on the services that are historically profitable for them and slowly adapt to the new regulations imposed by national and international bodies.
If you are looking for a 100 % banking solution to invest in virtual currencies , check the offers of certain specialized players such as Delubac & Cie , Trade Republic or Deblock . Otherwise, the most direct path remains to open an account on a centralized exchange and to send your funds to it from your bank, while respecting the rules of Crypto taxation and declaration of your winnings. Ultimately, it is not excluded that banks integrate more solutions to respond to the enthusiasm of individuals, especially if European regulations ( MiCA ) prove to be stable and incentive. But for the moment, it is decentralized finance that draws the market and pushes innovation, leaving the bank behind.
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Yohan Uzzan
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
