Buy Bitcoin with Desjardins

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

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

Generally allows crypto exchange transfers.

Crypto Compatibility Score: 74/100 (Good)

Score Breakdown:

  • Payment methods: 28/35 pts — fast deposit rails available
  • Bank transfer reliability: 17/25 pts
  • Limits: 12/20 pts
  • Cost: 10/10 pts
  • Evidence: 7/10 pts

Supported payment methods: interac-etransfer, eft-canada

Last verified:

Quick Verdict

No crypto in AccèsD. Interac e-Transfer to a FINTRAC-registered exchange works once recipients are verified, first-time transfers can be delayed by extra checks.

  • [✗]

    Can you buy Bitcoin in the app?

    No, use an external exchange

  • [✓]

    Can you fund an exchange?

    Yes, but with restrictions

  • [›]

    Best funding method

    Interac e-Transfer

  • [!]

    Potential issue

    New recipient verification can delay first transfer

Top Exchanges for Desjardins

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with Desjardins

For Desjardins users, the standard route is Interac e-Transfer to a FINTRAC registered exchange. Follow along to get set up.

  1. Pick a FINTRAC-registered exchange
    Choose a FINTRAC-registered MSB for more predictable Interac deposits from Desjardins.
  2. Create your exchange account
    Register and enable two factor authentication.
  3. Complete identity verification
    Verify identity so deposits are enabled.
  4. Get Interac recipient details
    Select Interac e-Transfer deposit and note the recipient email and any reference text.
  5. Send Interac e-Transfer in AccesD
    Open AccesD, go to Transfers then Interac e-Transfer, add the exchange email as recipient, and send; expect extra confirmation for new recipients.
  6. Wait for funds to arrive
    Autodeposit is often minutes, but first transfers can be delayed by recipient verification inside AccesD.
  7. Purchase Bitcoin
    Buy BTC once credited.
  8. Secure your Bitcoin
    Withdraw to a wallet if you want self custody.

[!] Troubleshooting

  • If your first transfer is delayed, AccèsD often verifies new recipients. Wait for approval before retrying.
  • Use Interac e-Transfer with Autodeposit when available to avoid security question errors.
  • If a transfer is returned, check that the sender name on your Desjardins profile matches the exchange account name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Bitcoin with Desjardins?

Yes. Desjardins members typically fund Bitcoin purchases using Interac e-Transfer to a FINTRAC-registered platform, or by linking their account with EFT when supported. AccesD is the banking channel, so spot Bitcoin trading is not inside AccesD itself. Desjardins Online Brokerage can access listed crypto ETFs. For fewer payment issues, use Canadian platforms on FINTRAC's registry.

What are Desjardins Interac e-Transfer limits for funding an exchange?

Desjardins caps are often around $5,000 per 24-hour period and higher amounts over weekly rolling windows. The exact limits depend on your account type and settings, so check in AccesD before sending. For larger deposits, use EFT where the platform supports it.

AccesD to exchange: should I use Autodeposit or a security question?

Autodeposit is usually cleaner because it removes security-answer mismatches. If the platform requires a security question, keep the answer simple and consistent. Typos or punctuation differences are a common source of stuck deposits.

How fast do Desjardins Interac deposits arrive for crypto buys?

Interac e-Transfers often land within minutes when the recipient uses Autodeposit. First-time payments or large transfers can take longer due to verification. If speed matters, send a small test transfer first during business hours.

Can I link Desjardins to a crypto platform using EFT?

Yes, if the platform supports Canadian EFT. EFT is slower than Interac, but it usually supports higher amounts and is less likely to trigger rolling limit issues. Expect verification steps on the platform side before larger limits are enabled.

Does Desjardins block crypto platform funding?

Desjardins does not publish a blanket block on all platforms, but fraud controls can still pause or decline individual transfers. Using FINTRAC-registered Canadian platforms and staying within limits helps. If a transfer fails, avoid rapid retries and send a smaller test amount first.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 4 sources: FINTRAC MSB Registry, EQ Bank EFT vs e-Transfer Guide, Interac e-Transfer Guide. 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.