5 Best Ways to Buy Bitcoin With a Bank Account

Buying Bitcoin with a bank account is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get started. Bank transfers often come with lower fees, higher limits, and added security compared to credit or debit cards—making them ideal for larger or recurring purchases.

Whether you’re building a long-term Bitcoin position or making your first buy, several platforms make the process fast and beginner-friendly. Some specialize in recurring purchases, while others offer instant trades or commission-free investing.

In this guide, we’ll compare five top options—Coinbase, Kraken, Swan Bitcoin, Robinhood, and Cash App—covering their fees, transfer methods, and unique features so you can choose the one that fits your needs best.

5 Best Platforms to Buy Bitcoin With a Bank Account

The platforms below make it simple to link your bank account and start buying Bitcoin. We’ve compared them based on fees, transfer speed, supported payment methods, and unique features so you can quickly find the one that matches your goals.

1. Coinbase

Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world and a top choice for buying Bitcoin with a bank account. Its simple interface and broad payment support make it appealing for both new and experienced buyers.

How to Get Started

1. Create an account on the Coinbase website or mobile app with your email and password.
2. Confirm your identity by uploading the required documents.
3. Connect your bank account by entering your routing and account numbers or by using Coinbase’s secure online bank link.
4. Add funds through ACH transfer, wire transfer, SEPA transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, then purchase Bitcoin.

Fees and Limits

• 1.49% fee for Bitcoin purchases with a bank account.
• ACH deposits are free; wire transfers cost $10; SEPA transfers cost €0.15.
• Purchase limits depend on your verification level and can be increased with additional checks.

Pros:

• Easy for beginners
• Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies
• High liquidity for fast transactions

Cons:

• Higher fees than some competitors
• May have brief service delays during high trading volume

Security & Support

Coinbase protects accounts with two-factor authentication, offline storage for most funds, and insurance coverage for online balances. Help is available by email, phone, and an extensive support library.

2. Kraken

Kraken is a long-standing cryptocurrency exchange known for low fees, strong security, and a wide selection of digital assets. It’s a solid option for buying Bitcoin with a bank account, whether you’re making a one-time purchase or trading regularly.

How to Get Started

1. Open an account on the Kraken website or mobile app using your email and password.
2. Complete identity verification by submitting the required documents.
3. Add your bank account by providing routing and account numbers or linking instantly through Kraken’s secure bank connection.
4. Fund your account with an ACH transfer, wire transfer, or SEPA transfer, then place your Bitcoin order.

Fees and Limits

• Instant Buy: 1.5% fee for Bitcoin purchases plus small processing fees.
• Kraken Pro: fees start at 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker and decrease with higher trading volume.
• ACH deposits are free; wire and SEPA transfer fees vary by region.
• Daily and weekly limits depend on your verification level.

Pros:

• Low fees on Kraken Pro
• Advanced trading options
• Large selection of cryptocurrencies

Cons:

• Instant Buy costs more than Kraken Pro
• Platform may be complex for complete beginners

Security & Support

Kraken uses cold storage for most funds, two-factor authentication, and PGP email encryption. Support is available through live chat, email, and a detailed online help center.

3. Swan Bitcoin

Swan Bitcoin is designed for people who want to buy and hold Bitcoin over time. Its focus on automatic recurring purchases makes it a popular choice for building a position gradually through your bank account.

How to Get Started

1. Sign up on the Swan Bitcoin website with your email and password.
2. Verify your identity by uploading the required documents.
3. Connect your bank account by entering your routing and account numbers or logging in through Swan’s encrypted bank link.
4. Choose a one-time purchase or set up a recurring plan, then confirm your order.

Fees and Limits

• ACH transfers: 0.99% fee
• Wire transfers: 0.5% fee
• No minimum purchase amount
• ACH purchases limited to $10,000 per day

Pros:

• Easy recurring purchase setup
• Transparent pricing
• Focused on Bitcoin only

Cons:

• No other cryptocurrencies offered
• Lacks advanced trading tools

Security & Support

Swan stores funds in cold wallets, uses two-factor authentication, and encrypts all transactions. Customer support is available by email, live chat, and social media.

4. Robinhood

Robinhood lets you buy Bitcoin alongside stocks, ETFs, and options in a single account. Its commission-free pricing and instant ACH deposits make it a convenient choice for buyers who want flexibility across different investments.

How to Get Started

1. Create an account on the Robinhood website or mobile app using your email and password.
2. Confirm your identity by submitting the required documents.
3. Link your bank account by entering your routing and account numbers or connecting through Robinhood’s secure bank login.
4. Add funds through an ACH transfer and navigate to the crypto section to purchase Bitcoin.

Fees and Limits

• No commission fees for Bitcoin transactions
• ACH transfers are free
• No support for wire, SEPA, or SWIFT transfers
• Purchase limits depend on your account type and funding history

Pros:

• Commission-free Bitcoin trading
• Combines crypto, stocks, and ETFs in one platform
• Instant buying power for linked bank accounts

Cons:

• Limited cryptocurrency selection
• Not suited for advanced crypto trading

Security & Support

Robinhood protects accounts with two-factor authentication, encryption, and regular security checks. Support is available through in-app chat, email, and the online help center.

5. Cash App

Cash App is a mobile payment platform that also allows you to buy and sell Bitcoin. Its simple design and quick transactions make it a good choice for users who want to purchase Bitcoin directly from their bank account without using a traditional exchange.

How to Get Started

1. Download Cash App from the App Store or Google Play and create an account with your phone number or email.
2. Verify your identity by submitting the required documents.
3. Add your bank account by entering your routing and account details or linking through the app’s secure bank connection.
4. Go to the Bitcoin section in the app to make your purchase.

Fees and Limits

• Around 1.75% fee for Bitcoin purchases
• Daily limit: $10,000; Weekly limit: $50,000
• ACH transfers are free; wire deposits have a 1.5% fee

Pros:

• Very easy to use
• Instant Bitcoin purchases
• Can also send and receive money

Cons:

• Higher fees than some competitors
• Bitcoin only—no other cryptocurrencies

Security & Support

Cash App offers two-factor authentication, account alerts, and encryption for all transactions. Support is available through in-app chat, email, and social media.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Bitcoin Buying Platforms

Choosing the right platform comes down to fees, payment options, limits, and extra features. The table below breaks down the key details for all five options so you can quickly see which one fits your buying style.

Platform	Bank Transfer Fees	Other Payment Methods	Daily/Weekly Limits	Unique Features
Coinbase	1.49% (ACH free, Wire $10)	PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay	Varies by verification level	Beginner-friendly, many cryptocurrencies
Kraken	Instant Buy: 1.5% + fees; Kraken Pro: 0.16%/0.26% (ACH free)	Debit/Credit Cards, SWIFT	Varies by verification level	Low fees on Kraken Pro, advanced trading tools
Swan Bitcoin	0.99% ACH; 0.5% Wire	None (Bank only)	$10,000/day ACH	Built for Bitcoin dollar-cost averaging
Robinhood	Free (ACH only)	None (Bank only)	Varies by account type	Commission-free crypto and stock trading
Cash App	≈1.75% (ACH free; Wire 1.5%)	Debit/Credit Card	$10,000/day; $50,000/week	Instant Bitcoin buys, easy money transfers

Final Thoughts

Buying Bitcoin with a bank account is a straightforward and secure way to get started. Lower fees, higher purchase limits, and strong payment security make bank transfers a top choice for both beginners and experienced buyers.

Coinbase and Kraken stand out for their large selection of cryptocurrencies and strong track records. Swan Bitcoin is ideal for automatic recurring purchases, while Robinhood works well if you want to trade Bitcoin alongside stocks and ETFs. Cash App offers a simple, mobile-first option for quick Bitcoin buys.

Compare the fees, payment options, and features of each platform to decide which fits your needs. Once you’ve chosen, linking your bank account and making your first purchase takes only a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy Bitcoin using a bank account?

Yes, buying Bitcoin with a bank account is generally safe when using a reputable platform. The services in this article use security measures like two-factor authentication, encryption, and offline storage for most funds. Always choose a trusted provider and watch out for phishing attempts or fake websites.

Is it possible to buy Bitcoin with a bank account instantly?

Most bank transfers are not instant. ACH transfers in the U.S. usually take 1–5 business days, while wire transfers and SEPA transfers often take 1–3 business days. In the UK, Faster Payments can complete within hours. If you need Bitcoin immediately, a debit card or certain instant transfer services may be faster, but they usually come with higher fees.

Are there any additional fees when buying Bitcoin with a bank account?

Yes, most platforms charge a transaction fee for buying and selling Bitcoin, and deposit fees can vary by transfer method. ACH transfers are often free, while wire and SEPA transfers may have a fixed cost. Always review your platform’s fee schedule before making a deposit.

Can I sell Bitcoin and withdraw the funds to my bank account?

Yes, nearly all platforms that allow bank account deposits also let you sell Bitcoin and send the proceeds back to your bank. Withdrawal fees and processing times vary, with ACH transfers typically taking 1–3 business days and wire or SEPA transfers arriving sooner but at a higher cost.

Why should I use a bank account instead of a credit card?

Bank transfers typically have lower fees, higher spending limits, and stronger fraud protections compared to credit cards. They also reduce the risk of chargebacks for both the buyer and the platform. While credit cards offer faster transactions, the added cost often makes bank transfers the more cost-effective choice for larger purchases.

Can you buy Bitcoin at a bank?

Most traditional banks still do not sell Bitcoin directly. However, some are beginning to offer cryptocurrency services, such as custody solutions or investment products, and a few have announced plans to enable direct Bitcoin purchases in the near future.

Until these services become more widely available, the fastest way to buy Bitcoin with a bank account is through a cryptocurrency exchange or platform that supports bank transfers, like the ones listed in this article.