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Buy Bitcoin with Societe Generale

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

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

Allows most crypto transfers.

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

Société Générale doesn't sell crypto. SEPA transfers to a regulated French exchange work, Pass Sécurité verification is common on first-time payments.

  • [✗]

    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

    Pass Sécurité checks on new transfers

Top Exchanges for Societe Generale

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with Societe Generale

The easiest way to buy Bitcoin with Société Générale is a SEPA virement to an AMF registered exchange. Start with step one below.

  1. Pick a PSAN-registered exchange
    Choose an AMF PSAN-registered exchange to reduce beneficiary issues and payment returns.
  2. Create your exchange account
    Register and enable two factor authentication.
  3. Complete identity verification
    Verify identity so EUR deposits are enabled.
  4. Copy the exchange SEPA details
    Select Virement SEPA in the deposit page and copy IBAN, BIC, and the reference to include in the libellé.
  5. Send the virement in the SG app
    Open the SG app, go to Virements then Ajouter un bénéficiaire, add IBAN and BIC, validate with Pass Sécurité, then send the transfer with the correct reference.
  6. Wait for funds to arrive
    Standard SEPA is often 1 business day, but first payments can be slowed by beneficiary activation delays.
  7. Purchase Bitcoin
    Buy BTC once your EUR deposit is credited.
  8. Secure your Bitcoin
    Withdraw to a wallet if you plan to hold long term.

[!] Troubleshooting

  • If a new beneficiary payment is blocked, complete Pass Sécurité checks in-app and re-attempt after a short wait.
  • If a virement is pending, avoid cancelling and resending repeatedly, as it can trigger risk flags.
  • If crediting is delayed, verify the reference code is present and exact in the libellé.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Société Générale allow Bitcoin purchases?

Yes, indirectly. SG does not sell Bitcoin inside L'Appli SG, but you can fund an exchange with a SEPA transfer and buy BTC there. If you need faster funding, SG supports virement instantané that you validate with Pass Sécurité. Card payments can be hit or miss, so a virement is usually the cleanest route.

How does Pass Sécurité affect my first transfer to a crypto exchange from SG?

Pass Sécurité is SG's in app approval flow for sensitive operations. SG explicitly notes that virement instantané is validated using Pass Sécurité, and the same style of approval shows up when you add a new beneficiary. If you are getting stuck at the final step, it is often because Pass Sécurité is not active on your phone.

When should I use SG virement instantané instead of a normal SEPA transfer for crypto?

Use instant when the recipient bank supports SCT Inst and you want the funds credited fast, including evenings and weekends. SG highlights instant transfers run 24 7 and are irreversible once sent, so only use it when you have verified the IBAN on the exchange deposit screen. For routine deposits, standard SEPA is fine.

Can SG and Boursorama behave differently for crypto exchange funding?

Yes, they can, because they are separate banking products with different apps, limits, and beneficiary rules. SG uses Pass Sécurité and has its own transfer ceilings, while Boursorama uses Boursobank settings and can reduce instant limits when a beneficiary was just added. If you have two accounts, test both with a small SEPA deposit to the same PSAN registered exchange.

Why did SG mark my exchange transfer as sensitive even though the IBAN is correct?

New beneficiaries and large first time payments are classic fraud triggers, regardless of crypto. SG's own guidance stresses strong authentication for operations like instant transfers, so you should expect a Pass Sécurité approval step. To reduce extra checks over time, keep the beneficiary saved and use consistent amounts.

What limits should I watch inside L'Appli SG when funding an exchange?

Your main constraint is the plafond for external transfers to third party beneficiaries. If you hit that ceiling, you may see instant transfer disabled or the payment refused until you lower the amount or adjust limits with SG. For large purchases, send two transfers or use a bank wire if your exchange accepts it.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 4 sources: Société Générale Virement Instantané 10s, Société Générale Pass Sécurité Guide, Boursorama Comment Virement Instantané. 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.