Buy Bitcoin with Citibank

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

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

Relatively crypto-friendly.

Supported payment methods: ach, wire

Last verified: Jan 28, 2026

Top Exchanges for Citibank

• Kraken
• Coinbase
• Gemini

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with Citibank

With Citibank, the typical path is ACH Transfer to a FinCEN registered exchange for USD funding. Follow along to get set up.

1. Pick a regulated US exchange
   Choose a FinCEN-registered and state-licensed exchange, especially if you plan to move larger amounts.
2. Create your exchange account
   Sign up and enable two factor authentication before depositing.
3. Complete identity verification
   Submit your ID and details so deposits are enabled.
4. Link your Citibank account for ACH
   Use the exchange bank linking flow and connect your Citi account, then complete any ownership checks.
5. Send funds using Citi Mobile
   Open Citi Mobile, tap Payments then Transfers, add the exchange as an external account if needed, and send the ACH; keep the transfer memo clean if the exchange gives one.
6. Wait for the deposit to clear
   ACH deposits typically post in 1 to 3 business days, and first transfers may be held for verification.
7. Purchase Bitcoin
   Buy BTC after the ACH deposit is available for trading.
8. Secure your Bitcoin
   Withdraw to a wallet if you are holding long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Bitcoin with a Citibank account?

Yes. Citi does not offer a retail Bitcoin buy button in Citi Mobile, but you can buy BTC by transferring USD to Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini and trading there. If you need speed for a larger deposit, Citi notes domestic wires are generally sent the same business day if submitted before its cutoff time, which is usually faster than ACH.

Can Citibank customers buy crypto directly inside Citi, or is Citi only used to move money?

For typical consumer banking, Citi is used to move money (ACH, wire, Zelle) into an exchange where trading happens. Citi's consumer documentation is focused on transfer services rather than a native spot crypto buy and custody feature inside checking.

If my Citi card purchase for crypto fails, what funding method is more predictable?

If the card purchase fails, use a bank transfer route instead of retrying multiple card authorizations. Citi provides clear consumer wire transfer details, and once an ACH relationship is set up with an exchange, funding tends to be more consistent than cards for repeat deposits.

What are Citi's standard consumer wire fees for sending money to an exchange?

Citi publishes consumer wire transfer fee ranges and typical pricing on its wire transfer services page, including incoming and outgoing wire fee details and notes about possible fee waivers depending on your relationship tier.

How fast are Citi wires compared with ACH when you need to fund quickly?

Wires are designed for same-day receipt in many cases, while ACH is slower but used for routine deposits. Citi's wire transfer guidance highlights wires as a fast electronic transfer method, which is why many time-sensitive exchange deposits use wire rather than ACH.

Does Citi Zelle work for exchange funding or should I avoid it?

Zelle is meant for sending money to people you trust, and it is not built for exchange deposits. If you want repeatable exchange funding with clearer reconciliation, use ACH or wire instead of trying to send Zelle to an exchange.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 4 sources: Citi Wire Transfer Services, Citi Zelle, Citi Source. Information was compiled from official sources and user reports.

Sources:

• Citi Wire Transfer Services
• Citi Zelle
• Citi Source
• FinCEN MSB Search

How we verify · Report an error

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