How to buy Bitcoin (BTC) with a bank transfer from the UK

By   |   Verified by Andrew Boyd   |   Updated 21 Oct 2022

A bank transfer is one of the most hassle-free and inexpensive ways to buy Bitcoin. There are many brokers that accept funds via bank transfers.

Scroll down for our step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with a bank transfer in the UK.

Unsure about what exchange to use?

Where to buy Bitcoin with a bank transfer

eToro Crypto

On website

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

eToro Crypto

Highlights

  • Trade and stake a range of crypto assets with low fees.
  • Copy successful traders. Practice with a demo account.
  • eToro is regulated by CySec, FCA and ASIC.

Pros

  • The user-friendly website and app make it easy to trade from anywhere.
  • Trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 60+ other crypto assets.
  • With its CopyTrader feature, you can replicate the moves of other investors.
  • Start trading with just $10.

Cons

  • There is a 1% fee that is added to the market price.
  • Other exchanges have more selections of crypto coins and tokens.
Coinsmart

On website

Coinsmart

Highlights

  • Get $20 in BTC with your first deposit.
  • Trade major coins and popular altcoins including Dogecoin, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, and Polygon.
  • Fund your account with wire transfers, credit / debit cards, or crypto with access to trade funds the same day.

Pros

  • Low trading fees.
  • Deposits are cleared within the day.
  • Supports CAD, EUR, and USD.
  • Get 24/7 customer support.

Cons

  • Limited coins.
  • Fee applies to credit card and debit card deposits.

First time buying?

How to buy Bitcoin with a bank transfer

Step 1: Choose what exchange to use

The first step is to open an account with an exchange that supports Bitcoin and accepts deposits via a bank transfer.

It’s easy to compare crypto exchanges with Finty. Things to consider include their fees to trade, deposit and withdraw fiat, and available coins.

Step 2: Verify your account

Once you have completed your account setup, you’ll need to verify your identity. This typically requires proof of identification, such as a driver’s licence.

Step 3: Decide how much to allocate

Bitcoin is a volatile asset that is notoriously difficult to forecast, oscillating from bull runs to bear markets.

It’s important to keep this volatility in mind and only allocate what you can realistically afford to an investment in Bitcoin.

Step 4: Deposit funds in your account

Bank transfers are one of the most widely-supported methods of depositing funds in your account. Be careful when setting up the transfer so the funds are sent to the correct account.

Step 5: Configure an order

After transferring funds to your account, you can configure an order to buy Bitcoin.

Most crypto exchanges offer a choice of orders. Market buys are the easiest way to buy Bitcoin. They require very little, if any, configuration. Once submitted, your exchange will buy at the next available price.

You can set up a trigger order to buy Bitcoin at a target price or, alternatively, set up a recurring order to buy more Bitcoin on a regular basis. You’ll need to make sure you have adequate account funds to execute this strategy.

Step 6: Buy

With everything completed, fill out the order form and buy Bitcoin.

Still not sure?

Pros and cons

  • Low deposit fees. Fees charged by exchanges to deposit funds with a bank transfer are significantly lower than they would be to do so with a credit card.
  • Widely supported. Bank transfers are supported by practically every crypto exchange.
  • No interest. Unlike credit card payments, bank transfers are drawn from funds you already have, so you are less likely to get into debt.
  • Multiple options. Various types of bank transfers are available including Faster Payments and SWIFT
  • May have a longer processing time. Bank transfers can take several days to clear into your account.

Extra help

FAQs

How long does it take for funds to transfer using a bank transfer?

It can take several days for funds to clear into your exchange account depending on the type of bank transfer used.

Can I buy Bitcoin with a bank transfer anonymously?

Yes, you can purchase bitcoins with a bank transfer anonymously on some platforms.

Can I buy other cryptocurrencies with a bank transfer?

Yes, you can buy other cryptocurrencies with a bank transfer. After funding your account, select the desired cryptocurrency and execute the transaction.