Can I Buy Bitcoin or Crypto using Barclays Bank?
Barclays Bank does not directly offer the option to purchase cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. However, customers of Barclays Bank can use their accounts to transfer funds or use their cards to make GBP (British Pound) deposits on a reputable cryptocurrency exchange in the UK. These platforms enable you to safely and confidently invest in the asset class in a regulated environment.
How to Buy Crypto with Barclays Bank
Barclays Bank customers can conveniently invest in digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum by depositing GBP into a licenced crypto exchange such as eToro, known for fast GBP transfers and offering over 3,000 tradable assets. Their platform offers instant and cheap GBP deposits via bank transfer, Faster Payments, Barclays credit cards, debit cards and other methods.
Follow this short and easy guide to get started:
- Open a free account on eToro and complete the verification process.
- Click 'Deposit Funds', select a method, and transfer GBP from Barclays Bank.
- Go to the search bar, find the desired token, and click 'Trade'.
- Enter the amount you wish to purchase and click 'Open Trade'.

Barclays Bank Cryptocurrency Policy
Barclays Bank exhibits a pragmatic approach towards cryptocurrency, enabling its customers to send and receive funds from regulated digital asset exchanges for crypto transactions.
Acknowledging the growing popularity and demand for digital currencies, Barclays Bank facilitates secure transactions with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated brokers within the UK. This approach underscores the bank's dedication to fostering innovation and financial inclusivity in the era of digital currencies.
Deposit and Trading Fees
If you're investing in cryptocurrencies via Barclays Bank, consider these potential costs:
- Deposit Fees: While most trading platforms don't charge for deposits, Barclays Bank may apply transfer charges. Always check these details with your bank. Barclays Credit Card deposits will generally incur a fee over 2%.
- Trading Fees: Cryptocurrency platforms typically charge a spread—a percentage of each transaction. The spread varies by cryptocurrency and platform, but averages around 1%. Additional fees may apply for holding positions overnight or over weekends.
Remember, fees can differ across platforms. Always check the most recent fee information with your trading platform and Barclays Bank.
The Bottom Line
While Barclays Bank does not offer direct purchasing of cryptocurrencies, its customers can leverage their accounts to buy digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum on licensed cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK. Banks like Barclays facilitate transactions with regulated brokers, exemplifying their support for innovation and financial inclusivity.
When investing, one must be aware of potential costs such as deposit and trading fees. To get started, users can open an account on an exchange like eToro, deposit funds from Barclays, and proceed to trade. Always ensure to check the latest fee structures with your chosen trading platform and Barclays Bank to make informed investment decisions.