Buy Bitcoin with bunq

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

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

Offers native Bitcoin trading via ₿ Crypto tab with Kraken custody. Also supports transfers to external exchanges.

Crypto Compatibility Score: 92/100 (Excellent)

Score Breakdown:

  • Payment methods: 30/35 pts — fast deposit rails available
  • Bank transfer reliability: 23/25 pts
  • Limits: 20/20 pts
  • Cost: 10/10 pts
  • Evidence: 7/10 pts
  • Crypto policy: In-app crypto (+10)

Supported payment methods: ideal, sepa, sepa-instant

Last verified:

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Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with bunq

bunq gives you two clean routes: buy in app using bunq Crypto, or fund an external exchange using SEPA bank transfer (and SEPA Instant when supported).

  1. Choose your route
    Decide if you want to buy inside the bunq app (Crypto tab) or deposit EUR to an external exchange first.
  2. If using bunq Crypto, open the Crypto tab
    In the bunq app, go to the Crypto tab and tap your crypto wallet.
  3. Buy Bitcoin in app
    Select Bitcoin, review the quote and fee shown before you confirm, then slide to buy.
  4. If using an external exchange, create your account
    Sign up and complete verification so you can access EUR deposit details (IBAN plus reference).
  5. Grab the exact deposit instructions
    Copy the beneficiary name, IBAN, and the reference the exchange gives you. The beneficiary is often a legal entity name, not the brand.
  6. Send a SEPA transfer from bunq
    In bunq, make a bank transfer to the exchange IBAN and paste the reference into the payment description exactly as shown.
  7. Use SEPA Instant when it is available
    If the exchange bank supports SEPA Instant, bunq can send it as an instant payment. If not, a standard SEPA transfer is the fallback.
  8. Secure your Bitcoin
    If you plan to hold long term, move BTC to a personal wallet. If you trade actively, keeping a smaller working balance on platform is usually easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Bitcoin with bunq?

Yes. bunq supports in app crypto trading through the ₿ Crypto tab, so you can buy Bitcoin directly inside the bunq app. bunq states crypto custody is handled through Kraken, and your trades can be protected by Safety Shield, which can add a 24 hour hold on proceeds from a sale for security.

Does bunq allow transfers to external crypto exchanges from a bunq IBAN?

Generally yes. You can send EUR out from your bunq Bank Account by SEPA transfer to an exchange deposit IBAN, as long as you follow the beneficiary instructions the exchange provides. For smooth processing, copy the legal beneficiary name exactly and include the deposit reference if the exchange gives you one.

What is bunq Safety Shield and why does my crypto sale show a 24 hour hold?

Safety Shield is bunq's security delay for crypto. bunq explains that money received from selling crypto can be held for 24 hours before it is released to your Bank Account, giving you time to spot suspicious activity. bunq also says Safety Shield is enabled by default, and if you switch it off there is still a 24 hour waiting period before it fully disables.

What are bunq's iDEAL and Instant Payments limits that can affect crypto funding?

If you use iDEAL to top up, bunq documents a per top up limit that can be very high, but your personal limits still apply. For Instant Payments, bunq lists different caps depending on the destination bank, including per transaction limits and daily limits. If a deposit fails, check whether you hit the Instant Payments cap or your overall daily payment limit.

Why did bunq decline my card payment to a crypto platform?

Card payments are filtered differently from bank transfers. bunq lets you manage card limits inside the app, and if your online payments or card limits are set low, a crypto merchant charge can fail even when SEPA transfers work. If you want fewer surprises, use SEPA transfer for larger funding and keep card payments for small tests only.

How do I avoid beneficiary name mismatches when sending from bunq to an exchange IBAN?

Treat the exchange as a corporate beneficiary. Use the exact beneficiary name shown in the exchange deposit instructions, not the brand name you recognise. If the exchange provides a reference, add it in the transfer details so the deposit is matched to your account without manual support checks.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 4 sources: bunq Crypto Features, bunq Safety Shield Protection, bunq Crypto FAQ. Information was compiled from official sources and user reports.

Sources:

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