Buy Bitcoin with OCBC Bank
[✓] last verified 2026-02-04·Reviewed by BankToBTC Team
Data from bank docs & MAS registers · How we verify · Report an error
OCBC allows transfers to MAS-licensed exchanges without restrictions. No direct crypto trading platform for retail customers. Bank is exploring blockchain for institutional services.
Crypto Compatibility Score: 62/100 (Fair)
Score Breakdown:
- Payment methods: 10/35 pts
- Bank transfer reliability: 23/25 pts
- Limits: 16/20 pts
- Cost: 5/10 pts
- Evidence: 10/10 pts
- Penalties: -1 pts
Supported payment methods: PayNow, FAST, GIRO
Last verified:
Quick Verdict
OCBC doesn't offer in-app crypto trading. Use PayNow or FAST from OCBC Digital to fund a MAS-licensed exchange like Independent Reserve or Coinhako. Transfers are instant and free with no reported restrictions.
- [✗]
Can you buy Bitcoin in the app?
No, use an external exchange
- [✓]
Can you fund an exchange?
Yes, using PayNow or FAST
- [›]
Best funding method
PayNow
- [!]
Potential issue
None reported
Top Exchanges for OCBC Bank
Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with OCBC Bank
OCBC Bank customers usually buy Bitcoin by funding a MAS-licensed exchange using PayNow or FAST from OCBC Digital. See our guide below.
- Pick a MAS-licensed exchange
Choose a platform with a Major Payment Institution licence from MAS that supports PayNow or FAST deposits. - Create your exchange account
Sign up with your email, set a strong password, and enable two factor authentication. - Complete identity verification
Upload your NRIC or passport and complete the selfie check. Your name on the exchange must match your OCBC account name. - Get the exchange deposit details
In the exchange deposit screen, copy the PayNow UEN or virtual account number, and the reference code if one is provided. - Send funds using PayNow
Open OCBC Digital, go to Transfer then PayNow, enter the UEN or account number, paste the reference code exactly as shown, and confirm. - Alternatively use FAST
If PayNow is unavailable, use FAST transfer with the account details provided by the exchange. Include the reference code in the description. - Wait for the deposit to credit
PayNow and FAST deposits are usually instant. First-time transfers to a new recipient may be flagged for review. - Purchase Bitcoin
Once your SGD balance is available, go to Buy or Trade, select BTC, enter the amount, review fees and confirm.
[!] Troubleshooting
- If your transfer is flagged for review, OCBC may hold first-time transfers to new recipients. Approve any in-app prompts and try a smaller test amount.
- If the deposit does not arrive, recheck the reference code and UEN. Incorrect references are the most common cause of delayed credits.
- If you see a name mismatch error, ensure your OCBC account name matches your exchange account name exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Bitcoin with OCBC Singapore?
Yes, but not inside OCBC itself. OCBC does not run a native Bitcoin buy screen in OCBC Digital, so the usual path is funding a crypto platform using local SGD rails, then placing the BTC order there. In Singapore, the fastest funding rails to look for are PayNow (to a UEN) and FAST bank transfer, because they are designed for quick domestic crediting when the recipient supports them.
What is the fastest way to fund a crypto account from OCBC?
PayNow and FAST are usually the fastest. If the platform gives you a PayNow UEN, you can pay it like a local recipient instead of typing a full bank account. If the platform gives you a bank account, FAST is the standard instant style bank transfer rail in Singapore. If neither is available, you are typically left with slower bank transfer processing.
Does OCBC block transfers to crypto exchanges or platforms?
There is no single rule that applies to every platform and every OCBC customer profile. In practice, most issues are caused by bank risk controls on first time payees, large first transfers, or repeated failed attempts. If a transfer is stopped or delayed, treat it as a payments and security issue first: recheck beneficiary details, reduce the amount, and avoid rapid retries that can look like fraud.
Where do I adjust OCBC transfer limits before sending money to a crypto platform?
Limits are controlled inside your OCBC digital banking setup and can vary by account type and authentication method. Before you attempt a larger deposit, check that your daily payment cap is not below the amount you are trying to send. If your payment requires approval, make sure OCBC OneToken prompts are enabled on the device you are using so the transfer is not abandoned mid flow.
Why did my OCBC transfer show as successful but the crypto deposit did not credit?
The most common reason is missing or incorrect deposit identifiers. Some platforms require a reference code, and if it is omitted or edited, the deposit can land but not match your account automatically. Always copy the reference exactly as shown on the deposit instructions and keep screenshots of the deposit screen and your OCBC transfer receipt so support can trace it quickly.
Is it better to use a card or a bank transfer from OCBC for crypto buys?
Bank transfer is usually more reliable than card payments for crypto purchases. Cards depend on merchant category handling and issuer risk rules, which can decline without a helpful explanation. A PayNow or FAST transfer is a named bank payment you can track and reconcile, which also makes it easier to prove source of funds later if needed.
Evidence & Verification
This page references 4 sources: OCBC PayNow Corporate, FAST Payment Fact Sheet (ABS), OCBC GIRO Payments. 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.