Buy Bitcoin with Scotiabank

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

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

Generally allows Interac e-Transfer to exchanges.

Crypto Compatibility Score: 79/100 (Good)

Score Breakdown:

  • Payment methods: 33/35 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, wire

Last verified:

Quick Verdict

Scotiabank doesn't sell crypto. Interac e-Transfer to a licensed exchange is your best option, just double-check autodeposit name matching to avoid delays.

  • [✗]

    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

    Autodeposit name mismatch can delay first transfer

Top Exchanges for Scotiabank

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with Scotiabank

The easiest way to buy Bitcoin with Scotiabank is Interac e-Transfer into a FINTRAC registered exchange. See the steps below.

  1. Pick a FINTRAC-registered exchange
    Choose a FINTRAC-registered MSB so Interac funding is more predictable.
  2. Create your exchange account
    Register and enable two factor authentication.
  3. Complete identity verification
    Verify identity to enable deposits.
  4. Get Interac e-Transfer deposit details
    Select Interac e-Transfer deposit and note the recipient email and any message or reference text.
  5. Send Interac e-Transfer in the Scotiabank app
    Open the Scotiabank app, tap Transfers then Interac e-Transfer, add the exchange email as a recipient, and send; double check the recipient name if shown.
  6. Wait for funds to arrive
    Autodeposit usually credits within minutes, but first transfers can be delayed if the recipient is new.
  7. Purchase Bitcoin
    Buy BTC after funds are credited.
  8. Secure your Bitcoin
    Withdraw to a personal wallet if you want self custody.

[!] Troubleshooting

  • If your first transfer is delayed, check Autodeposit name matching. Mismatches can slow approval even when the email is correct.
  • If security question transfers fail, rewrite the answer without punctuation and resend, as formatting often causes errors.
  • If you hit limits, request an Interac cap increase before splitting into many transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Scotiabank let you buy Bitcoin?

Yes. Most Scotia customers fund Bitcoin buys through Interac e-Transfer to Canadian platforms such as Newton or Bitbuy, or to larger global platforms where CAD funding is supported. Scotiabank does not sell spot Bitcoin in the Scotia app, but Scotia iTRADE can be used for crypto ETFs if you want brokerage exposure. If you want fewer payment issues, prioritize platforms listed on FINTRAC's MSB registry.

Where do I find my Scotia e-Transfer limit in the app before sending to an exchange?

Scotiabank surfaces the limit inside the app under Profile and settings, then View transaction limits. Checking first matters because Scotia sets e-Transfer limits per customer profile, not a single public number. If your limit is tight, use EFT where the platform supports it.

Scotia to platform deposits: should I use Autodeposit or security questions?

Autodeposit is usually cleaner because it eliminates security-answer mismatch failures. If a security question is required, keep the wording consistent and avoid special characters that can be interpreted differently. Many failed deposits are entry errors, not bank blocks.

How long should a Scotiabank Interac deposit take for a Bitcoin purchase?

When Autodeposit is used, many Interac transfers post within minutes. If it does not, the usual causes are a bank-side verification pause or the recipient not being set up for Autodeposit. If you need speed, avoid late-night first transfers and start with a smaller test payment.

What limits matter most for Scotiabank crypto funding?

The daily e-Transfer limit is the main choke point, and Scotiabank sets it per customer profile. If you are trying to move more, an EFT link can carry larger amounts, just with slower settlement. For very large one-off deposits, a wire can work, but fees are often not worth it unless the amount is significant.

Has Scotiabank blocked crypto platforms in Canada?

Scotiabank does not publish a universal prohibition, but individual transfers can still be challenged if they match scam patterns. If a transfer is rejected, switching to a well-established FINTRAC-registered Canadian platform is often the simplest fix. Verify the platform on FINTRAC before sending larger sums.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 4 sources: Scotiabank e-Transfer Limits, FINTRAC MSB Registry, Scotiabank Transaction Limits. 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.