How to Buy Bitcoin with Banco Santander

Although Banco Santander does not provide direct crypto investment services, the good news is that it’s a straightforward process through regulated exchanges. The bank supports transfers to licensed platforms in Spain that follow EU financial regulations, such as MiCA.

One of the top choices for this is Kraken, an exchange registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the Banco de España (BoS). This platform supports over 320 digital assets for trading.

Follow this to Buy Bitcoin with Banco Santander on Kraken:

1. Sign Up: Start by creating an account on Kraken. You’ll need to complete their identity verification process (KYC) with a valid government ID.
2. Fund Account: Use a SEPA transfer from your Banco Santander account to deposit euros. You can also try using a debit or credit card, depending on what’s supported.
3. Buy Bitcoin: Search for the BTC/EUR pair, decide how much Bitcoin you want to purchase, and choose between a market or limit order.
4. Secure Crypto: Double-check everything before completing the transaction. For extra security, think about moving your Bitcoin to a personal wallet that only you control.

Is Banco Santander Crypto-Friendly?

Yes, Banco Santander supports cryptocurrency transactions by allowing euro transfers to digital asset exchanges regulated by the Banco de España (BoS), ensuring compliance with KYC, AML, and MiCA regulations.

Although the bank does not offer direct crypto trading for retail customers in Spain, it facilitates funding for licensed platforms under the EU's unified regulatory framework, Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

In Switzerland, Santander Private Banking provides crypto trading and custody services, offering secure asset storage for high-net-worth clients. This reflects Santander’s commitment to exploring digital asset opportunities in regulated markets.

Alternative Crypto Exchanges for Banco Santander

For Banco Santander customers exploring options for buying or trading cryptocurrencies, here are three regulated and reliable exchanges that support euro transactions:

• Uphold: A multi-asset platform supporting euro transactions, Uphold offers access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, and precious metals. It can be used in both English and Spanish.
• Bitpanda: An Austrian exchange that provides access to over 3,000 digital currencies, stocks, ETFs, commodities, and indices and a multilingual interface that can be used in Spanish.
• Coinbase: A popular exchange licensed in Spain, Coinbase supports euro deposits through SEPA transfers and provides access to over 250 crypto assets.

What are the Fees?

Users should be aware of the fees associated with using a digital asset exchange. Here’s a detailed look at the costs when using Kraken with a Banco Santander account:

• Deposits: SEPA bank transfers from Banco Santander are free but credit or debit card deposits might include a small processing fee depending on the card provider.
• Withdrawals: The fees for withdrawing cryptocurrency depend on the specific asset and current network conditions. For euro withdrawals via SEPA, Kraken charges just €0.09.
• Trading Fees: Spot trading fees on Kraken start at 0.16% for makers and 0.26% for takers, with discounts available for higher trading volumes. Futures trading fees are lower, ranging between 0.02% and 0.05%.

Choosing the right funding method and understanding trading fees can significantly improve your crypto investment strategy.

About Banco Santander

Banco Santander, established in 1857, is a leading global financial institution headquartered in Spain, serving approximately 171 million customers worldwide. The bank offers a comprehensive range of products, including accounts, cards, loans, mortgages, pension plans, and investment funds. 

With a significant presence in Europe and the Americas, Santander employs over 208,000 individuals and manages assets totaling €1.8 trillion. 

Final Thoughts

Banco Santander does not provide direct Bitcoin or cryptocurrency trading services. However, customers can easily purchase crypto assets using regulated exchanges like Kraken. 

Review Banco Santander’s latest policies and your chosen exchange’s fee structures before initiating transfers to ensure you are getting the best possible rates.