Buy Bitcoin with National Bank of Canada

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

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

Supports Interac e-Transfer to exchanges.

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

National Bank doesn't sell crypto. Interac e-Transfer to a licensed exchange works, but limits can be tight, you may need to request a higher cap for larger deposits.

  • [✗]

    Can you buy Bitcoin in the app?

    No, use an external exchange

  • [✓]

    Can you fund an exchange?

    Yes, using Interac e-Transfer

  • [›]

    Best funding method

    Interac e-Transfer

  • [!]

    Potential issue

    e-Transfer limits may require a limit increase

Top Exchanges for National Bank of Canada

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with National Bank of Canada

Funding from National Bank usually means Interac e-Transfer into a FINTRAC registered exchange. Our walkthrough makes it simple.

  1. Pick a FINTRAC-registered exchange
    Choose a FINTRAC-registered MSB so Interac funding is smoother.
  2. Create your exchange account
    Register and enable two factor authentication.
  3. Complete identity verification
    Verify identity so deposits are enabled.
  4. Get Interac deposit details
    Select Interac e-Transfer deposit and note the recipient email plus any message or reference requirements.
  5. Send Interac e-Transfer in the National Bank app
    Open the app, tap Transfers then Interac e-Transfer, add the recipient email, and send; watch your daily Interac limits if you are scaling up.
  6. Wait for funds to arrive
    Autodeposit is often minutes, but higher amounts can trigger verification before release.
  7. Purchase Bitcoin
    Buy BTC once your deposit is credited.
  8. Secure your Bitcoin
    Withdraw to a personal wallet if you plan to hold.

[!] Troubleshooting

  • If Interac limits block your deposit, request higher caps before attempting larger funding plans.
  • If a transfer is delayed, confirm Autodeposit status and avoid security questions when possible.
  • If the first transfer triggers fraud checks, send a smaller test amount and scale after it clears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy Bitcoin with National Bank of Canada?

Yes. National Bank customers typically fund Bitcoin purchases through Interac e-Transfer, which is the fastest option for most Canadian platforms, or by linking an account with EFT when supported. National Bank does not offer spot Bitcoin trading inside its mobile app, but National Bank Investments can access listed ETFs. For fewer payment issues, use FINTRAC-registered platforms.

What are National Bank's published Interac e-Transfer limits for exchange deposits?

National Bank publishes caps around $4,000 per 25-hour period and $14,000 per 7-day period for personal accounts. The exact limits depend on your account type and settings. If you are funding a larger amount, check your limit in the app first and use EFT when the platform supports it.

National Bank Autodeposit vs security question: which is safer for exchange funding?

Autodeposit is usually safer because it removes the security-answer mismatch risk. If the platform does not support Autodeposit, keep the question and answer simple and use the same answer every time. Typos and punctuation differences are common causes of stuck transfers.

How fast do National Bank Interac deposits usually arrive for crypto buys?

Interac e-Transfers often land within minutes when Autodeposit is used. Delays usually happen on first-time payments or when your transfer is near the limit. If you need speed, send a test transfer earlier in the day and then scale up.

Can I link National Bank to a platform using EFT instead of e-Transfer?

Yes, if the platform supports Canadian EFT. EFT allows higher amounts than e-Transfer and is often more stable for recurring deposits, but it is slower. Expect the platform to verify your account ownership before higher limits are enabled.

Does National Bank block crypto exchange funding?

National Bank does not publish a blanket restriction, but transaction monitoring can still challenge transfers that match fraud or scam patterns. Using FINTRAC-registered Canadian platforms and keeping deposit sizes within your limits helps reduce interruptions.

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.