The best crypto-friendly banks in the UK in 2025 allow you to buy, sell, and transfer cryptocurrency without unnecessary blocks or delays.
In this guide, we compare UK banks based on crypto support, Faster Payments access, fees, and account restrictions.
You will also see which banks regularly block exchanges and what to consider before choosing one.
Key takeaway: What’s the best crypto friendly bank in the UK?
For most UK users, Revolut and Monzo are the best crypto-friendly banks: Revolut for easy in-app crypto access and flexible exchange funding, and Monzo for reliable, FSCS-protected funding of regulated exchanges. While NatWest and Starling are more restrictive and better only for occasional small transfers.
Crypto-friendly UK banks compared
| Bank | Crypto payments allowed | Typical limits | FSCS protection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | Yes. In-app crypto + exchanges | Varies by plan | No (e-money safeguards) | Beginners and all-in-one finance app users |
| Monzo | Yes. External exchanges only | Moderate | Yes. Up to £85,000 | Safe funding of exchanges with strong app tools |
| Starling | No. Frequently blocked | Very restrictive | Yes. Up to £85,000 | Non-crypto users prioritising security |
| NatWest | Yes. Heavily restricted | £1k daily, £5k monthly | Yes. Up to £85,000 | Small, infrequent crypto purchases only |
Top 5 crypto-friendly banks in the UK – best for
- Revolut – Best for beginners who want an all-in-one app with in-app crypto access and easy exchange funding.
- Monzo – Best for safe, FSCS-protected funding of crypto exchanges with excellent budgeting and money management tools.
- Barclays – Best for active crypto users who want a high street bank and support for FCA-registered exchanges.
- NatWest – Best for small, infrequent crypto purchases within strict daily and monthly limits.
- Starling Bank – Best for non-crypto users who prioritise security and fee-free overseas spending over crypto access.
Are challenger banks or high street banks more crypto-friendly?
Challenger banks are often more crypto-friendly than high-street banks, but policies vary widely by provider.
Some challengers allow Faster Payments to FCA-registered exchanges, while others restrict crypto entirely.
High street banks tend to apply stricter controls, with more frequent blocks, delays, or transaction reviews.
UK crypto friendly bank reviews
UK crypto friendly banks vary in fees, transfer limits, and crypto support, so the reviews below focus on ease of use, funding options, and suitability for UK users.
1. Revolut – Best for beginners who want an all-in-one app with in-app crypto access and easy exchange funding
Revolut is one of the most accessible crypto-friendly banks in the UK, but higher fees and limited crypto control mean it works best as a gateway, not a dedicated crypto trading platform.
Key info at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account type | Digital-only bank and fintech |
| UK regulation | FCA authorised with restrictions |
| FSCS protection | No FSCS protection currently |
| Crypto support | Buy, sell, hold and limited withdrawals |
| Cryptocurrencies | 200+ supported |
| GBP payments | Faster Payments supported |
| Fees (crypto trading) | From 1.49% on Standard plan |
| Minimum deposit | £0 |
Does this bank clearly allow crypto transactions?
Yes. Revolut clearly allows crypto transactions and actively supports crypto buying, selling, and holding within its app. UK users can fund major crypto exchanges using GBP via Faster Payments and debit card. Revolut also offers in-app crypto trading for over 200 coins, though it remains a custodial service.
How competitive are this bank’s fees and FX rates for crypto users?
Revolut’s fees are simple but not the cheapest for crypto users. Crypto trading fees start at 1.49% on the Standard plan and reduce on higher-tier accounts. FX conversions are fee-free Monday to Friday up to £1,000 per month, but weekend markups and higher-volume trades increase costs.
Is this bank safe, FCA-authorised, and FSCS protected?
Revolut is FCA authorised with restrictions and holds a UK banking licence, but it is still in its mobilisation phase. As a result, customer funds are not currently FSCS protected. Instead, money is safeguarded under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Crypto assets are not FSCS protected.
How easy is it to move money between this bank and crypto exchanges?
Moving money between Revolut and crypto exchanges is straightforward for UK users. GBP transfers via Faster Payments are typically instant. Revolut does not routinely block major exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken. Crypto withdrawals to external wallets are possible, but only for selected coins and supported networks.
How good is this bank’s customer support for crypto-related issues?
Customer support is app-based and tiered by account level. Free users rely mainly on in-app chat with slower response times. Paid plans offer faster support. Revolut can resolve basic crypto transaction issues, but complex wallet or blockchain-related problems may be limited due to its custodial setup.
Who is this crypto-friendly bank best for?
Revolut is best for beginners and casual crypto users who want an easy way to buy crypto and fund exchanges from one app. It suits travellers, low-volume investors, and users who value simplicity over advanced trading tools. It is not ideal for active traders seeking low fees or full crypto wallet control.
Pros and cons of Revolut for crypto users
| Pro | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fee-free account with £0 minimum deposit | High crypto fees compared to exchanges |
| Supports 200+ cryptocurrencies | No FSCS protection at present |
| Faster Payments work well with exchanges | Custodial crypto model with limited transfers |
| Easy-to-use app with budgeting tools | Weekend FX markups |
| Allows limited crypto withdrawals | No overdraft or full banking features |
2. Monzo – Best for safe, FSCS-protected funding of crypto exchanges with excellent budgeting and money management tools
Monzo is a reliable crypto-friendly UK bank for funding exchanges, but it does not offer built-in crypto trading, making it better suited as a banking partner rather than an all-in-one crypto app.
Key info at a glance
| Fetures | Details |
|---|---|
| Account type | App-based UK bank |
| UK regulation | FCA authorised bank |
| FSCS protection | Yes, up to £85,000 |
| Crypto support | External exchanges only |
| Cryptocurrencies | Not supported in-app |
| GBP payments | Faster Payments supported |
| Fees (crypto related) | No direct crypto fees |
| Minimum deposit | £0 |
Does this bank clearly allow crypto transactions?
Yes. Monzo allows customers to send money to FCA-regulated crypto exchanges using Faster Payments and debit card transactions. While it does not offer in-app crypto trading, Monzo is generally supportive of legitimate crypto activity and is commonly used to fund exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken.
How competitive are this bank’s fees and FX rates for crypto users?
Monzo does not charge specific fees for crypto-related bank transfers. Card spending abroad is fee-free and foreign exchange uses the Mastercard rate, which is competitive. Cash withdrawal limits apply, and some fees may apply once monthly limits are exceeded, but overall costs are low for funding exchanges.
Is this bank safe, FCA-authorised, and FSCS protected?
Monzo is fully FCA authorised and regulated as a UK bank. Customer deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £85,000. Crypto assets themselves are not FSCS protected, as Monzo does not custody or offer crypto investments directly.
How easy is it to move money between this bank and crypto exchanges?
GBP transfers from Monzo to crypto exchanges are typically fast and reliable using Faster Payments. Most transfers are instant or near-instant. Monzo may occasionally flag large or unusual transactions, but users can usually resolve these quickly via in-app verification.
How good is this bank’s customer support for crypto-related issues?
Customer support is app-based and generally well regarded. Users report fast and transparent responses, even when crypto-related payments are flagged. Free accounts use standard in-app chat, while paid plans receive priority support, which can speed up issue resolution.
Who is this crypto-friendly bank best for?
Monzo is best for UK users who want a simple, transparent bank account to fund crypto exchanges safely. It suits beginners, everyday users, and those who value budgeting tools and FSCS protection. It is not suitable for users seeking in-app crypto trading or advanced crypto features.
Pros and cons of Monzo for crypto users
| Pro | Cons |
|---|---|
| FCA authorised and FSCS protected up to £85,000 | No built-in crypto trading |
| Faster Payments work well with exchanges | Some transactions may be temporarily flagged |
| Fee-free overseas card spending | Cash withdrawal limits apply |
| Excellent budgeting and savings tools | Many advanced features require paid plans |
| Free account available | Higher savings rates available elsewhere |
3. Starling – Best for non-crypto users who prioritise security and fee-free overseas spending over crypto access
Starling is a secure, FCA-regulated UK bank, but its restrictive stance on crypto means it is one of the least crypto-friendly options, working best only as a secondary bank with indirect workarounds.
Key info at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account type | App-based UK bank |
| UK regulation | FCA authorised bank |
| FSCS protection | Yes, up to £85,000 |
| Crypto support | Restricted. No direct exchange funding |
| Cryptocurrencies | Not supported in-app |
| GBP payments | Faster Payments supported |
| Fees (crypto related) | No direct crypto fees |
| Minimum deposit | £0 |
Does this bank clearly allow crypto transactions?
No. Starling Bank does not clearly allow crypto transactions and has imposed broad restrictions on payments to and from crypto exchanges. Even FCA-registered exchanges may be blocked, meaning customers cannot reliably use Starling debit cards or bank transfers to fund crypto platforms.
How competitive are this bank’s fees and FX rates for crypto users?
Starling’s general fees and FX rates are competitive, using the Mastercard exchange rate with no markup and no overseas card fees. However, these advantages are largely irrelevant for crypto users, as payments linked to crypto exchanges are often declined regardless of cost.
Is this bank safe, FCA-authorised, and FSCS protected?
Starling is fully FCA authorised and regulated by both the FCA and PRA. Customer deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £85,000. Crypto assets are not FSCS protected, and Starling does not provide any crypto custody or trading services.
How easy is it to move money between this bank and crypto exchanges?
Moving money directly from Starling to crypto exchanges is difficult. Transfers and card payments are frequently blocked due to Starling’s risk controls. Users often need to rely on intermediary accounts, third-party payment providers, or a secondary bank to fund exchanges.
How good is this bank’s customer support for crypto-related issues?
Customer support is generally strong for standard banking issues, but limited for crypto-related problems. Starling’s policy is firm, and support teams are unlikely to override blocked crypto transactions, even when exchanges are FCA registered.
Who is this crypto-friendly bank best for?
Starling is best for users who prioritise security, budgeting tools, and fee-free overseas spending, but do not plan to actively use crypto. It is not suitable as a primary bank for crypto investors due to its restrictive approach to exchange payments.
Pros and cons of Starling for crypto users
| Pro | Cons |
|---|---|
| FCA authorised and FSCS protected up to £85,000 | Actively restricts crypto exchange payments |
| Excellent security and banking tools | No in-app crypto trading or custody |
| Fee-free overseas card spending | Direct funding of exchanges often blocked |
| Transparent FX rates using Mastercard rate | Workarounds required to buy crypto |
| Free account with no monthly fees | Unsuitable as a main bank for crypto users |
4. Barlcays – Best for active crypto users who want a high street bank that supports FCA-registered exchanges
Barclays is one of the most crypto-friendly high street banks in the UK, allowing payments to FCA-registered crypto exchanges via bank transfer and debit card.
While it does not offer in-house crypto services, it generally supports regulated exchanges and applies case-by-case monitoring rather than blanket bans.
Barclays previously partnered with Coinbase in 2018, showing early openness to crypto, and although that pilot ended, the bank continues to process crypto-related payments.
Customers can usually deposit funds to FCA-registered exchanges, though transactions may occasionally be reviewed or limited based on risk controls.
Key points on Barclays’ crypto stance:
- Crypto payments: Allowed to FCA-registered exchanges
- Debit card use: Supported for funding exchanges
- Policy approach: No published crypto policy. Decisions made case by case
- Limits: Standard payment limits apply. Up to £50,000 via online banking and £2,000 via the app, rising to £10,000 once a payee is verified
- Restrictions: Binance transfers are blocked
- FSCS protection: Cash deposits are FSCS protected up to £85,000. Crypto assets are not FSCS protected
Bottom line: Among the UK’s big banks, Barclays stands out as the most crypto-tolerant option. While not friction-free, it is more accommodating than most high street banks for users funding regulated crypto exchanges.
5. Natwest – Best for small, infrequent crypto purchases within strict daily and monthly limits
NatWest takes a cautious and restrictive approach to cryptocurrency, allowing only limited transfers to crypto exchanges and applying low transaction caps.
It supports small, infrequent crypto activity, but it is not suitable for regular or higher-value crypto investing.
NatWest allows payments to some major crypto exchanges, but strict limits apply and transactions may be blocked if flagged as high risk.
Customers are also warned about crypto risks, and card-based crypto purchases are not supported.
Key points on NatWest’s crypto stance:
- Crypto payments: Allowed, but tightly restricted
- Daily limit: £1,000 per day
- Monthly limit: £5,000 in any 30-day period
- Cards: Credit and charge cards cannot be used to buy Bitcoin or other cryptos
- Blocking risk: Payments may be declined or blocked if deemed high risk
- Group policy: Same rules apply to RBS and Ulster Bank
- FSCS protection: Cash deposits are FSCS protected up to £85,000. Crypto assets are not FSCS protected
Bottom line: NatWest is acceptable if you want to dabble with small crypto amounts, but its low limits and frequent blocks make it a poor choice for serious or regular crypto traders.
6. Santander (least crypto-friendly major UK bank)
Santander is one of the least crypto-friendly major UK banks, applying strict limits to crypto exchange payments and frequently declining transactions.
While it allows deposits to FCA-registered exchanges, the low caps make it unsuitable for regular or higher-value crypto activity.
Santander does not offer any crypto products or in-app trading and enforces tight controls due to fraud concerns.
Customers are limited to small transfers and may still experience declined payments, even after verification.
Key points on Santander’s crypto stance:
- Crypto payments: Allowed only to FCA-registered exchanges
- Per-transaction limit: £1,000
- Monthly limit: £3,000 in any rolling 30-day period
- Cards: Debit card crypto payments may be declined
- Policy clarity: No clear public crypto policy. Decisions are risk-based
- FSCS protection: Cash deposits are FSCS protected up to £85,000. Crypto assets are not FSCS protected
Bottom line: Santander may work for beginners making very small crypto purchases, but strict limits and frequent blocks make it a poor choice for active or serious crypto investors.
What does a crypto-friendly UK bank actually look like?
A crypto-friendly UK bank allows customers to move money to and from FCA-registered crypto exchanges without unnecessary blocks, long delays, or sudden account freezes, while still applying standard fraud and AML checks required by UK law. It supports everyday crypto use without treating all crypto activity as suspicious.
What transactions do crypto-friendly banks usually allow?
Crypto-friendly banks typically support core fiat-to-crypto movements needed by UK users.
This includes Faster Payments to regulated exchanges, GBP withdrawals back to personal accounts, and Open Banking connections for verification and funding.
These features allow users to buy and sell crypto efficiently while staying compliant.
- Faster Payments to FCA-registered crypto exchanges
- GBP withdrawals from exchanges to UK bank accounts
- Open Banking access for account linking and verification
What restrictions still apply even at crypto-friendly banks?
Even crypto-friendly banks apply limits and monitoring. Large or unusual transfers may trigger enhanced checks, and daily or monthly caps are common.
Banks may also block payments to offshore or high-risk exchanges that fall outside UK regulatory standards.
- Daily or monthly transfer limits
- Enhanced checks for large or irregular transactions
- Blocks on high-risk or non-UK exchanges
What crypto-friendly does not mean
Being crypto-friendly does not mean a bank is a crypto provider. UK banks do not hold or safeguard digital assets, and crypto holdings are not protected by the FSCS. Banks can still pause or review activity if they detect fraud, scams, or compliance risks.
- Banks do not custody or protect crypto assets
- Crypto is not FSCS protected
- Transactions can still be reviewed, delayed, or blocked if risks are detected
How do you choose a crypto-friendly bank in the UK?
You choose a crypto-friendly bank by comparing how clearly it supports crypto transactions, how often it blocks payments, and how well it handles compliance checks, limits, fees, and customer support. The best banks are transparent, consistent, and supportive of FCA-registered exchanges without unnecessary friction.
Check the bank’s published crypto policy
A genuinely crypto-friendly bank is clear about where it stands. Look for banks that explicitly allow payments to FCA-registered crypto exchanges and explain their controls. Avoid banks that rely on vague or case-by-case wording, as this often leads to inconsistent blocks and sudden payment failures.
- Look for explicit statements allowing crypto transactions
- Avoid unclear or discretionary policies
Compare transfer limits and payment rails
Payment infrastructure matters. Crypto-friendly banks usually support Faster Payments and provide realistic daily and monthly limits. Low caps or missing Faster Payments support can make even simple crypto purchases frustrating.
- Faster Payments support for exchange funding
- Clear daily and monthly limits for crypto transfers
Assess fees and FX costs
Fees can quietly erode your capital. Check whether GBP transfers to exchanges are free and how the bank handles FX if you use overseas platforms. Poor exchange rates or hidden FX markups can make a bank expensive for crypto use.
- No or low GBP transfer fees
- Competitive FX spreads for non-UK exchanges
Review customer support experience
When crypto payments are flagged, support quality matters. Crypto-friendly banks tend to resolve issues quickly and have staff familiar with crypto-related queries. Slow responses or uninformed support often signal future problems.
- Fast response times for flagged transactions
- Support teams familiar with crypto payments
What are the risks of using a UK bank for crypto?
The main risks of using a UK bank for crypto are delayed payments, temporary account freezes, and sudden policy changes. These issues are more likely during periods of market volatility or increased fraud activity, when banks tighten controls to meet FCA and AML requirements.
Account freezes and enhanced checks
Banks may pause accounts or payments when they detect large, unusual, or rapid crypto-related transfers. These checks are usually temporary, but they can disrupt access to funds and delay trades, particularly if you are moving larger sums.
- Triggered by large or unusual transfers
- Typically temporary, but disruptive
Transaction delays and rejected payments
Crypto-related payments are often delayed or declined, especially when using debit cards. High street banks are more prone to blocking transactions outright, while challenger banks may apply softer checks but still delay processing.
- Common with debit card purchases
- More frequent at high street banks
Are UK business bank accounts crypto-friendly too?
Most UK business bank accounts are less crypto-friendly than personal accounts, particularly for companies directly involved in crypto trading, mining, or blockchain services. Business accounts face stricter AML checks, deeper due diligence, and a higher risk of account rejection or closure.
Why business accounts face stricter rules
Banks apply tougher standards to businesses because of higher money laundering and fraud risks. Crypto-related revenue, large transaction volumes, and complex source-of-funds trails increase regulatory scrutiny under FCA and AML rules.
- Higher AML and source-of-funds requirements
- Greater regulatory and compliance scrutiny
Who is more likely to be accepted
Businesses with limited or indirect crypto exposure are more likely to be approved. This includes tech or fintech firms that do not transact in crypto regularly, or companies using crypto only for treasury management rather than core operations.
- Tech and fintech firms with minimal crypto activity
- Businesses using crypto for treasury or long-term investment
What business owners should prepare
Preparation improves approval odds. Banks expect clear explanations of how crypto is used, supported by strong compliance processes and records that show transaction history and risk controls.
- Clear explanations of crypto-related activity
- Compliance documents and transaction records
Conclusion
The best crypto-friendly banks in the UK are those that support payments to FCA-registered exchanges without excessive blocks or unclear limits.
Barclays stands out as the most tolerant high street bank, allowing crypto transfers on a case-by-case basis.
Revolut is a strong choice for beginners due to its ease of use and in-app crypto access, while Monzo works well as a reliable banking partner for funding exchanges with FSCS protection.
By contrast, Starling, NatWest, and Santander are more restrictive and better suited only for small or occasional crypto transactions.
Choosing the right bank depends on how often you trade, how much you move, and how much friction you are willing to accept when funding crypto exchanges.
FAQs
What should I do if my UK bank blocks a crypto transaction or freezes my account?
Contact your bank immediately, confirm the transaction is legitimate, and provide any requested information. Most blocks are temporary AML or fraud checks. If this happens often, switch to a more crypto-friendly bank.
Is Revolut safe for buying and holding crypto?
Yes, for beginners. Revolut is a custodial platform, meaning you do not control private keys. Crypto is not FSCS protected, but Revolut is FCA authorised.
Which UK banks allow crypto transactions?
Revolut, Monzo, and Barclays generally allow payments to FCA-registered crypto exchanges. NatWest and Santander allow crypto with strict limits.
Do all UK banks accept cryptocurrency?
No. UK banks do not accept crypto directly. They only process GBP payments to and from crypto exchanges, and many apply restrictions.
Can UK banks track crypto?
Banks cannot see blockchain transactions, but they can monitor fiat transfers to and from crypto exchanges for AML and fraud purposes.
Do UK banks support transfers to Binance?
Most UK banks do not reliably support Binance transfers. Payments are often blocked due to regulatory concerns.
References
- https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/cryptoassets-information
- https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/the-digital-pound
- https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/newcastle-business-school/nbs-research/research-interest-groups/bcf/
- https://research.reading.ac.uk/economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/87/2023/09/emdp201909.pdf
