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Buy Bitcoin with Ally Bank

[✓] last verified 2026-01-28·Reviewed by BankToBTC Team

Data from bank docs & FinCEN registers · How we verify · Report an error

Very crypto-friendly.

Crypto Compatibility Score: 60/100 (Fair)

Score Breakdown:

  • Payment methods: 10/35 pts
  • Bank transfer reliability: 23/25 pts
  • Limits: 12/20 pts
  • Cost: 8/10 pts
  • Evidence: 7/10 pts

Supported payment methods: ach

Last verified:

Quick Verdict

Ally doesn't sell crypto, but it's one of the friendlier US banks for funding exchanges. ACH linking is easy and transfers go through without drama, just skip the debit card.

  • [✗]

    Can you buy Bitcoin in the app?

    No, use an external exchange

  • [✓]

    Can you fund an exchange?

    Yes, using ACH Transfer

  • [›]

    Best funding method

    ACH Transfer

  • [!]

    Potential issue

    Debit card purchases can be inconsistent

Top Exchanges for Ally Bank

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with Ally Bank

Ally Bank users usually buy Bitcoin by funding a FinCEN registered exchange through ACH Transfer. Here is how to get started.

  1. Pick a regulated US exchange
    Use a FinCEN-registered and state-licensed exchange and plan to fund by ACH rather than card.
  2. Create your exchange account
    Register and enable two factor authentication.
  3. Complete identity verification
    Submit ID and required details so you can deposit.
  4. Link Ally for ACH
    Connect your Ally Bank account in the exchange, often through instant bank linking, then complete any verification if prompted.
  5. Send funds using Ally Transfers
    In the Ally Bank app, go to Transfers then Make a transfer, add the external account if needed, and approve the ACH; keep names and account details matching.
  6. Wait for the deposit to settle
    ACH deposits usually take 1 to 3 business days, and the first link can add an extra day.
  7. Purchase Bitcoin
    Buy BTC once funds show as available.
  8. Secure your Bitcoin
    Withdraw BTC to a wallet if you are holding long term.

[!] Troubleshooting

  • If ACH linking fails, retry using Ally's "Manage external accounts" flow and confirm the routing number is the ACH (not wire) routing number.
  • If an ACH pull is marked pending for days, try a push ACH from Ally instead, as some exchanges treat pulls more conservatively.
  • If a debit card deposit fails, switch to ACH since card MCC rules vary by merchant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy Bitcoin with Ally Bank?

Yes. Ally is widely used as a funding bank for Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini because ACH linking is straightforward. Ally does not offer native Bitcoin buying inside Ally Bank, so you buy on the exchange after your deposit clears. Ally publishes an ACH timetable with a typical 3 business day delivery window, and it notes wires should be sent early for same day delivery if you need speed.

Does Ally Bank offer an in-app crypto purchase option, or is Ally mainly used to fund exchanges?

Ally Bank is mainly used to fund exchanges. Ally's published banking support focuses on transfers, wires, and fees rather than a native spot crypto buy and custody feature inside the Ally Bank app.

Why does an Ally card crypto purchase fail more often than an ACH transfer?

Cards are real-time authorizations and can be declined by risk controls at the bank, card network, or merchant. ACH funding is usually more repeatable once the exchange is linked, which is why many Ally users rely on transfers instead of repeated card attempts.

Can I link Ally directly to an exchange for bank funding, and what should I double-check first?

Yes, but you must be exact with routing and account numbers and keep the beneficiary name consistent. Start with a small test transfer, then scale up after the exchange confirms the bank account link is working end-to-end.

Does Ally charge wire fees when sending a large deposit to an exchange?

Ally publishes wire transfer and direct deposit instructions and related details in its wire transfer documentation. Review the current wire fee and requirements in Ally's wire transfer document before you submit a high-value exchange deposit.

Ally is online-only, how does that affect transfer speed for exchange deposits?

Because Ally is built around digital transfers, your speed is mostly determined by the payment rail you choose. For routine deposits, ACH timing depends on processing windows, while wires are designed for faster delivery when timing matters.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 4 sources: Ally Bank Fees & Rates, Ally Wire Transfer Guide, Ally Zelle. Information was compiled from official sources and user reports.

Sources:

How we verify · Report an error

Information can change without notice. Always verify current policies directly with your bank and exchange before making transactions.