Buy Bitcoin with TSB

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

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

BANNED all crypto transfers for all 5.4M customers since 2021.

Last verified: Jan 28, 2026

Top Exchanges for TSB

• Kraken
• Coinbase
• eToro

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with TSB

With TSB, funding a regulated exchange often starts with Faster Payments to an FCA registered platform. See the steps below.

1. Check if TSB allows your chosen exchange
   TSB blocks payments to many exchanges due to fraud concerns; test with a small amount first.
2. Consider a different bank account
   If TSB blocks your transfer, use a different UK bank that allows crypto payments.
3. Pick an FCA-registered exchange
   Choose an FCA-registered exchange for the best chance of success.
4. Create your exchange account
   Register and enable two factor authentication.
5. Complete identity verification
   Verify your identity so deposits are enabled.
6. Attempt payment or fund from another bank
   Try sending from TSB; if blocked, use a different bank account.
7. Purchase Bitcoin
   Buy BTC once the deposit is credited.
8. Secure your Bitcoin
   Withdraw to a personal wallet if you want self custody.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy Bitcoin with TSB?

It depends, but for many customers the answer is no for direct payments to crypto exchanges. Financial Ombudsman decisions show TSB has blocked payments to known crypto exchange platforms as a matter of policy, so the common workaround is sending funds to another bank account first, then funding the exchange from that second bank.

Why does TSB block payments to crypto exchanges but allow transfers to ClearBank or other banks?

In published Ombudsman decisions, TSB has argued it blocked payments to a known crypto exchange because that was against its policy, while payments to a bank like ClearBank were not flagged as suspicious. This usually means you may need a two-step route, TSB to another bank, then onward to the exchange.

What is the most reliable way to fund an exchange if TSB blocks the payee?

Treat direct-to-exchange payments from TSB as unreliable if your transfers are being declined. The practical approach is to use a secondary UK bank account that permits Faster Payments to exchanges, then keep your exchange funding activity on that account.

How long do TSB Faster Payments take when they are not blocked?

TSB supports Faster Payments as part of its UK payment options, and Faster Payments are designed for quick bank to bank transfers. If your payment is not being blocked for policy reasons, timing is usually driven by the receiving bank and any checks at the exchange rather than TSB’s processing speed.

What limits does TSB publish for Faster Payments on business accounts, and why does that matter for exchange funding?

TSB publishes business Faster Payment limits, including different caps for digital and telephony channels. Even if you are a personal customer, the key point is that TSB uses channel limits plus policy controls, so a decline can be either a limit issue or a crypto policy block.

Does TSB warn customers about scams when blocking crypto payments?

Ombudsman decisions describe TSB providing scam warnings when a crypto-related payment was declined. If you are prompted, treat it as a sign you should re-check the payee and confirm you are not being coached or pressured.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 4 sources: TSB Crypto FOS Decision, TSB Crypto FOS Decision 2, APP Fraud Rules. Information was compiled from official sources and user reports.

Sources:

• TSB Crypto FOS Decision
• TSB Crypto FOS Decision 2
• APP Fraud Rules
• FCA Cryptoasset Register

How we verify · Report an error

Information can change without notice. Always verify current policies directly with your bank and exchange before making transactions.