Buy Bitcoin with Intesa Sanpaolo

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

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

SEPA transfers to exchanges allowed.

Crypto Compatibility Score: 78/100 (Good)

Score Breakdown:

  • Payment methods: 30/35 pts — fast deposit rails available
  • Bank transfer reliability: 19/25 pts
  • Limits: 12/20 pts
  • Cost: 10/10 pts
  • Evidence: 7/10 pts

Supported payment methods: sepa, sepa-instant

Last verified:

Quick Verdict

Intesa Sanpaolo doesn't sell crypto. SEPA bonifico to an OAM-registered exchange works, adding a new beneficiary can slow your first payment while authentication clears.

  • [✗]

    Can you buy Bitcoin in the app?

    No, use an external exchange

  • [✓]

    Can you fund an exchange?

    Yes, using SEPA Credit Transfer

  • [›]

    Best funding method

    SEPA Credit Transfer

  • [!]

    Potential issue

    New beneficiary setup can slow first transfer

Top Exchanges for Intesa Sanpaolo

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with Intesa Sanpaolo

Intesa Sanpaolo customers usually buy Bitcoin by sending a SEPA bonifico to an OAM registered exchange with the right causale. Follow our guide below.

  1. Pick an OAM-registered exchange
    Use an exchange registered with OAM in Italy to reduce bonifico friction and compliance flags.
  2. Create your exchange account
    Register and enable two factor authentication.
  3. Complete identity verification
    Verify identity to enable EUR deposits.
  4. Copy IBAN, BIC, and causale reference
    In deposits, select Bonifico SEPA and copy the IBAN, BIC, and any causale or reference code.
  5. Send bonifico in Intesa Sanpaolo Mobile
    Open Intesa Sanpaolo Mobile, go to Bonifici then Nuovo beneficiario, add IBAN and BIC, approve with O-Key Smart, and include the reference in the causale exactly.
  6. Wait for funds to arrive
    Bonifico SEPA is often next business day; new beneficiari can be delayed by activation windows or extra checks.
  7. Purchase Bitcoin
    Buy BTC once your EUR is credited.
  8. Secure your Bitcoin
    Withdraw BTC to a wallet if you want self custody.

[!] Troubleshooting

  • If your first bonifico is delayed, adding a new beneficiary can require extra authentication and waiting time. Start with a small test.
  • If the transfer is rejected, recheck the beneficiary details and resend with the exact reference code in causale.
  • Avoid late-day submissions if timing matters, as they can process next business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Bitcoin with Intesa Sanpaolo?

Yes. Intesa does not sell spot Bitcoin inside the Intesa Sanpaolo Mobile app, but you can fund a crypto exchange using a SEPA bonifico (standard or instant) from Intesa Sanpaolo Mobile or Filiale Digitale. For fewer payment issues, check the provider on Italy's OAM register and send from your XME Conto with the deposit reference in the causale. On first transfers, you may see a beneficiary name check prompt and that is normal.

Where do I see the beneficiary name check warning when sending an Intesa bonifico to an exchange?

Intesa can show a warning if the IBAN and beneficiary name do not match what the recipient bank has on record. Exchanges often provide a legal entity name that differs from the brand name, so copy the beneficiary name exactly from the deposit instructions. If the warning looks wrong, stop and re check the IBAN, beneficiary, and reference before confirming with O-Key.

Does Intesa support SEPA Instant for crypto funding and what cap should I expect?

Yes. Intesa supports SEPA Instant where the destination bank accepts it. Your per transfer cap depends on your account profile and the limits configured in digital banking, so check the massimali shown during the bonifico flow. Intesa's transparency material commonly references a €15,000 cap per instant transfer, but your in app limit is what matters for a deposit that day.

Why did Intesa schedule my bonifico instead of sending it immediately?

Standard SEPA bonifici follow cut off times and business day processing, so a late day order can be handled on the next working day. Intesa's bonifico FAQ ties timing to when the order is placed on a working day. If you need the deposit to land fast and the exchange account accepts it, choose bonifico istantaneo in the transfer flow.

Can I raise Intesa limits for exchange deposits if I hit a ceiling?

Often, yes. Intesa lets customers manage operational limits tied to digital banking, within the bands allowed for the account and security method. If you are hitting a ceiling, review your bonifico and card massimali in app, adjust within the allowed range, then test with a small transfer before sending more.

Is it safer to fund an exchange from Intesa using card or SEPA bonifico?

SEPA bonifico is usually the safer rail because the beneficiary, IBAN, and causale reference are explicit, which helps reconciliation on both sides. Card payments can fail due to merchant category handling and issuer risk rules, especially on first attempts. Use card only as a backup and treat bonifico as the default.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 4 sources: Intesa Sanpaolo Bonifico FAQ, OAM Crypto Register, Intesa Sanpaolo Beneficiary Verification. 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.