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Most Crypto-Friendly Banks: Top Picks, Features, and Security

  • Writer: The Master Sensei
    The Master Sensei
  • Sep 4
  • 9 min read

Updated: Sep 9

Traditional banks still block or restrict cryptocurrency transactions, leaving investors frustrated when they try to move money between their bank accounts and crypto exchanges. Some banks even freeze accounts without warning if they spot crypto-related activity. That’s a major headache for anyone investing in digital assets or running a crypto business.


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Crypto-friendly banks let customers buy, sell, and transfer cryptocurrencies freely, while still offering regular banking services. These financial institutions get that crypto isn’t going anywhere, so they’ve updated their policies to help customers who want to use both traditional money and digital assets.


The best crypto-friendly banks in 2025 are mostly digital-only. They focus on innovation over old-school banking. Many partner directly with major crypto exchanges, offer crypto investment products, and sometimes even let you buy crypto right in their apps. Basically, they bridge the gap between the old financial world and the new digital asset ecosystem.


Key Takeaways



  • Digital-only banks usually offer more crypto-friendly services than traditional banks because they’re built around new tech


  • The top crypto-friendly banks let you move money to and from major crypto exchanges without hassle—and often offer extra crypto perks


Banks that partner with crypto exchanges and follow regulations are the safest bets for crypto investors


What Makes a Bank Crypto-Friendly?


A crypto-friendly bank bridges traditional banking with digital currencies by offering features that regular banks just don’t. They’ve built new business models to serve people who want access to both worlds, instead of shutting the door on crypto activity.


Key Features of Crypto-Friendly Banks


These banks offer a handful of core services that set them apart. The big one? You can move easily between fiat and digital currencies on a single platform.


Direct Cryptocurrency Services:


  • Buy, sell, and hold various cryptocurrencies


  • Crypto custody and secure storage


  • Integration with major crypto exchanges


  • Real-time crypto price tracking and alerts


Enhanced Payment Options:


  • Debit cards tied to crypto balances


  • ACH transfers to crypto platforms


  • Faster payment processing for crypto buys


  • Multi-currency support for both fiat and crypto


Many also offer lending services, letting you use your crypto as collateral for loans. Some even provide crypto-backed mortgages or business loans.


Advanced Features:


  • Staking with competitive yields


  • Tokenization of traditional assets


  • NFT custody and management


  • API access for businesses


Types of Crypto Banking Models


The crypto banking world isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are a few main models, each with its own pros and cons.


Traditional Banks with Crypto Services—think JPMorgan Chase—still do regular banking but add crypto features. You get FDIC insurance and regulatory compliance, plus digital asset support.


Digital-Only Crypto Banks like Revolut are mobile-first and make crypto trading a core feature. They usually support a ton of coins and offer solid exchange rates.


Crypto-Native Financial Platforms such as Juno build everything around blockchain and digital assets. They tend to offer the most crypto features, though sometimes miss out on classic banking stuff.


FinTech Hybrid Solutions (like Wirex) mix payment processing with crypto services. You get debit cards, basic banking, and broad crypto support—often across several countries.


Comparing Crypto-Friendly Banks to Traditional Banks


Most traditional banks block or restrict crypto transactions. They see digital currencies as risky and might even close your account for trading crypto.


Crypto-friendly banks, on the other hand, embrace blockchain and digital currencies as legit financial tools. They process crypto transactions without penalties, and their support teams actually understand crypto.


Transaction Processing Differences:


  • Traditional banks use SWIFT for international transfers


  • Crypto-friendly banks use blockchain for faster, cheaper transactions


  • You get processing times from minutes to hours, not days


  • Lower fees on cross-border payments and currency swaps


Regulatory Approach:


  • Crypto-friendly banks stick to existing financial rules


  • They get licenses for digital asset services


  • Compliance programs address crypto-specific risks


  • Protection measures cover both fiat and crypto assets


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Top Most Crypto-Friendly Banks in 2025


Several banks now offer direct crypto services or make it easy to connect with exchanges like Coinbase. You’ll find everything from global platforms with built-in Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to regular banks that just don’t block crypto transfers.


1) Revolut: Integrated Crypto Services


Revolut stands out as a global financial platform blending classic banking with strong crypto features. You can trade 200+ cryptocurrencies in the app—Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, you name it.


The platform offers crypto ETFs and sector-based baskets for those who prefer a diversified approach. Revolut X brings advanced trading tools, lower fees, and tighter spreads for more experienced users.


On the security side, most digital assets stay in cold storage, and you get virtual payment cards for crypto spending. Trading fees start at 0.49%, but premium plans knock those down further.


Key features:


  • Direct crypto trading and storage


  • Prepaid debit cards that work with both fiat and crypto


  • Currency conversion tools for international use


  • Savings rates up to 4.25% APY for premium members


2) Ally Bank: Indirect Crypto Exposure


Ally Bank takes a different route—offering crypto-friendly banking via exchange connectivity, not direct crypto trading. You can link your Ally account to exchanges like Coinbase and move funds easily.


Their investment platform, Ally Invest, offers crypto-related products like Bitcoin ETFs and crypto trusts. This way, you get exposure to digital assets without holding crypto directly.


Ally doesn’t usually block legit crypto transactions, and their interest rates are decent—0.25% on savings, 4%+ on CDs.


Benefits:


  • FDIC insurance on deposits


  • Easy links to top crypto exchanges


  • Access to crypto ETFs and trusts


  • Solid security with two-factor authentication


3) Mercury: Banking for Crypto Businesses


Mercury focuses on business banking for startups and crypto companies—especially those that other banks turn away. They get the unique needs of crypto businesses and blockchain startups.


They offer business checking accounts tailored for digital asset companies. Mercury supports ACH transfers to crypto exchanges and doesn’t flag crypto transactions by default.


Features include expense management, both virtual and physical debit cards, and integration with business software. Their rates and fees are built for growing companies.


Business-focused services:


  • Dedicated support for crypto and fintech businesses


  • Integration with accounting and payment tools


  • Multi-user access with permission controls


  • API access for automated banking


Current, Cash App, and Other Notable Choices


Cash App gives one of the easiest ways to buy Bitcoin in the US. You can buy, sell, and store Bitcoin for as little as $1, and send it to other users instantly.


The app supports the Lightning Network for fast Bitcoin transactions and offers automatic Bitcoin investing. Cash App also covers classic banking basics—direct deposit, savings accounts with up to 4.5% APY, and more.


Current is all about mobile banking and has some crypto-friendly policies. While it doesn’t offer direct crypto trading, it generally lets you connect to exchanges.


Other options worth mentioning:


Quontic Bank lets you use crypto as collateral for some loans, and fintechs like Evolve Bank & Trust and Sutton Bank partner with others to offer crypto services.


These platforms usually offer:


  • Mobile-first banking


  • Support for crypto exchange connections


  • Competitive interest on deposits


  • Modern security and account controls


Core Services and Features Offered


Crypto-friendly banks offer services that connect traditional banking with digital assets. You’ll find direct trading, reward programs, secure storage, and easy fiat-to-crypto swaps.


Direct Crypto Purchases and Trading


Most crypto-friendly banks let you buy and sell cryptocurrencies right in their apps. Revolut supports over 210 coins, while Ally Bank gives access to 260+ digital assets through partnerships.


These platforms usually include real-time trading and solid exchange rates. You can trade crypto inside your banking app without sending money to an external exchange.


Advanced tools like price alerts and automated trading are common. JPMorgan Chase offers institutional-grade trading for bigger clients via its Onyx platform.


Key trading features:


  • Instant crypto buys with debit cards


  • Automated buys at set price points


  • Portfolio tracking and management


  • Integration with major crypto markets


Some banks focus on specific coins. Cash App is all about Bitcoin and lets you withdraw straight to your own crypto wallet.


Crypto Rewards and Checking Accounts


Several banks now offer checking accounts with crypto rewards. They work like regular checking, but you earn Bitcoin or other crypto for using them.


Wirex gives up to 8% cashback on card payments through its crypto rewards program. You rack up crypto rewards for everyday spending.


Bitcoin rewards checking accounts let you build up digital assets through normal banking activity. Some banks offer higher rewards for using their debit cards at certain merchants.


Typical perks:


  • Crypto cashback on spending


  • Extra rewards for direct deposits


  • Bonus crypto for opening an account


  • Staking options for earned rewards


Juno even lets you get your paycheck in crypto, so you don’t have to convert fiat deposits yourself.


Custody, Cold Storage, and Wallet Integration


Secure digital asset custody is a big deal for crypto-friendly banks. AMINA Bank, for example, offers institutional-grade custody with tough security for storing crypto.


Banks usually provide cold storage for long-term holding. Keeping assets offline protects them from hacks and unauthorized access.


Many banks also integrate with external wallets, so you can move funds easily between your bank and your own storage. DBS Bank even offers its own custody services, plus third-party wallet compatibility.


Security features:


  • Multi-signature wallet protection


  • Insurance for stored assets


  • Regular security audits and compliance


  • Segregated storage for customer funds


Some banks go further—AMINA Bank, for instance, offers NFT custody alongside crypto storage.


Fiat Deposits, Transfers, and Exchange Integration


Crypto-friendly banks shine when it comes to connecting fiat deposits with crypto platforms. Mercury lets you transfer funds to major exchanges without getting blocked.


Most banks support faster payments to crypto exchanges, cutting down wait times. Monzo, for example, enables quick deposits to Coinbase through its partnerships.


They often offer good exchange rates for fiat-to-crypto swaps. Wirex even has zero currency exchange fees for web3 accounts.


Transfer capabilities:


  • Same-day ACH transfers to exchanges


  • International wires for crypto buys


  • Multi-currency support for global payments


  • API access for automated transfers


Many crypto platforms now integrate directly with these banks, so you can move money smoothly between your bank and your crypto investments—no extra steps or headaches.


Security, Compliance, and Risk Management


Modern crypto-friendly banks layer their defenses, using regulated frameworks, advanced authentication, and risk protocols built for digital assets. These institutions walk a tightrope—pushing innovation but sticking to strict compliance, all while guarding both regular deposits and crypto holdings.


Regulatory Standards and FDIC Insurance


Crypto-friendly banks have to follow tough regulatory rules, and the details change depending on where they operate. In the U.S., big names like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs offer full FDIC insurance—up to $250,000 per depositor, but only for traditional banking services.


FDIC Protection Limitations:


  • Only covers fiat deposits


  • Leaves out cryptocurrency holdings


  • Applies to checking and savings accounts


  • Protects against bank failure, not crypto market swings


Across Europe, the standards shift. SEBA Bank, for example, follows Swiss FINMA rules, while other EU banks have to deal with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.


Most financial institutions keep crypto services separate from regular banking. By splitting things up, they can protect FDIC-insured deposits and still offer digital asset services—usually through subsidiaries or partners who specialize in crypto.


Some banks go out and get extra licenses just for digital assets. With these, they can hold crypto, handle blockchain transactions, and work on tokenization projects, all while staying on the right side of local laws.


Account Protection: Two-Factor Authentication and KYC


Crypto-friendly banks don’t mess around with security. Two-factor authentication is just the start; many insist on extra steps for crypto transactions.


Standard Security Features:


  • Multi-signature wallets for institutional crypto storage


  • Know Your Customer (KYC) checks for everyone


  • Real-time monitoring for suspicious transactions


  • Cold storage for most crypto assets


KYC rules have gotten tougher for crypto. Banks need to verify who you are, where your money comes from, and why you’re making transactions. It’s all about stopping money laundering and keeping up with anti-terrorism rules.


Some banks use biometric authentication and device fingerprinting. Even if someone nabs your password, these tools can keep your account safe.


Web3 support throws in a few more challenges. Banks that help with NFT custody or DeFi protocols rely on smart contract audits and multi-party computation systems to keep digital assets secure.


Risk Considerations and Digital Asset Protection


Managing digital assets brings up risks that old-school banks just didn't have to worry about. Crypto exposure can throw a bank's portfolio into wild swings, so they need some pretty specialized ways to manage risk and run stress tests.


Primary Risk Categories:


  • Market volatility that can swing crypto values up or down fast


  • Regulatory changes that might suddenly block or alter services


  • Technical risks from problems in the blockchain’s network


  • Custody risks tied to managing private keys


Banks that offer crypto ETFs or Bitcoin ETFs need to keep collateral and hedging strategies on point. They watch asset prices and liquidity pretty closely—there’s really no room for sloppiness here.


Stablecoin operations? Those add a whole other layer of compliance headaches. Banks have to make sure stablecoin reserves actually match the tokens in circulation, and they’ve got to juggle different reserve rules across countries.


When blockchain companies team up with banks, they go through a deep-dive due diligence process. People look at the tech, check for regulatory boxes, and poke at security setups to see if they hold up.


Most banks cap their crypto exposure at a certain percent of total assets. That move helps them keep systemic risk in check, but still lets them get a piece of the digital asset action. Some even buy separate insurance just for crypto custody and operational stuff—probably a smart call, honestly.

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