Buy Bitcoin with UOB

[✓] last verified 2026-02-04·Reviewed by BankToBTC Team

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

UOB allows transfers to MAS-licensed crypto exchanges. No direct crypto trading for retail customers. Bank participates in MAS Project Orchid for programmable money.

Supported payment methods: PayNow, FAST, GIRO

Last verified: Feb 4, 2026

Top Exchanges for UOB

• Indep. Reserve
• Coinhako
• Coinbase

Step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with UOB

UOB customers typically fund a MAS-licensed exchange using PayNow or FAST from UOB TMRW or UOB Mighty. Here is how to get started.

1. Pick a MAS-licensed exchange
   Choose a platform with a Major Payment Institution licence from MAS that supports PayNow deposits for SGD funding.
2. Create your exchange account
   Sign up with your email, set a strong password, and enable two factor authentication.
3. Complete identity verification
   Upload your NRIC or passport and complete the selfie check. Your exchange account name must match your UOB account name.
4. 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.
5. Send funds using PayNow
   Open UOB TMRW or UOB Mighty, go to Pay and Transfer then PayNow, enter the UEN or account number, paste the reference code exactly, and confirm.
6. Alternatively use FAST
   If PayNow is unavailable, use FAST transfer with the bank account details from the exchange. Include the reference code.
7. Wait for the deposit to credit
   PayNow and FAST transfers are usually instant. Large or first-time transfers may trigger additional security checks.
8. Purchase Bitcoin
   Once your SGD balance arrives, go to Buy or Trade, select BTC, enter the amount, review fees and confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Bitcoin with UOB in Singapore?

You generally buy Bitcoin by funding a crypto exchange from your UOB account, then placing the trade on the exchange. For most UOB customers, the best rails are PayNow (to a mobile/NRIC-UEN proxy when supported) or FAST (to a bank account number), because they are designed for near real-time SGD transfers. If the exchange requires a bank transfer reference, paste it exactly, because that is how deposits get matched to your account.

What is the best funding method from UOB for crypto deposits, PayNow or FAST?

PayNow and FAST are usually the fastest and most reliable for SGD deposits. PayNow is instant transfer using a proxy like a mobile number or NRIC/FIN (and for businesses, UEN), while FAST is an interbank transfer rail that can credit almost instantly. If the exchange gives you a bank account number and reference, FAST is the normal route. If the exchange supports PayNow proxies, PayNow can be even quicker for small top-ups.

Why did my UOB transfer to a crypto exchange show as pending or get held?

The most common causes are first-time payee risk checks, missing or incorrect deposit references, or sending a large first transfer that triggers extra screening. Before retrying, re-check: (1) beneficiary details, (2) reference text, and (3) whether you exceeded your own transfer limit. If you keep repeating failed attempts, that pattern alone can increase the chance of a longer hold.

Do UOB card payments work for crypto purchases, or is bank transfer better?

Bank transfer is usually more dependable than cards for crypto funding. Card payments can fail based on issuer risk rules and how the merchant is coded, while PayNow and FAST are explicit bank transfer rails with clearer beneficiary and reconciliation data. In practice, if you want fewer unexplained declines, treat PayNow or FAST as your main deposit method.

What transfer limits matter for UOB crypto deposits and how do I increase them?

Two limits matter: your per-transaction and your daily transfer limit (often configurable in digital banking). If you hit a limit, the deposit can fail or get blocked before it leaves your account. A practical approach is to raise the limit first (if your profile allows it), then do a small test transfer, then scale. For context, FAST as a scheme supports high per-transaction caps (often referenced at up to S$200,000 per transaction depending on bank settings), but your own account settings and profile tier control what you can actually send.

What name-matching rules should I follow when sending from UOB to an exchange?

Use a UOB account that matches the same legal name as your exchange verification profile. Name mismatches, joint accounts, or sending from a business account to a personal exchange profile are common reasons withdrawals get rejected later, or why a deposit gets routed to manual review. If the exchange provides a beneficiary name that looks different from the brand name, always follow the legal beneficiary shown in the deposit instructions.

Evidence & Verification

This page references 3 sources: FAST Payment Fact Sheet (ABS), UOB Digital Banking, Regulator. Information was compiled from official sources and user reports.

Sources:

• FAST Payment Fact Sheet (ABS)
• UOB Digital Banking
• Regulator

How we verify · Report an error

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