Can I Buy Crypto with BoursoBank?

Yes, you can buy crypto with BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama), but not directly. The bank offers crypto exposure through Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) available on its brokerage platform, CoinShares, covering assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and Solana. 

With ETPs, however, you don't directly own the crypto assets, as they're stored with regulated custodians. For direct ownership, BoursoBank facilitates free SEPA transfers to AMF-registered French crypto exchanges, where you can buy and manage your cryptocurrencies.

How to Buy Bitcoin with BoursoBank

BoursoBank users can invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by using digital asset exchanges registered as Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). 

Kraken is registered as a Crypto Asset Service Provider with the AMF (Registration number E2022-058). The platform accepts euro deposits via SEPA, bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards and PayPal.

Follow these steps to purchase crypto with BoursoBank using Kraken:

1. Open an Account: Sign up on Kraken and complete identity verification (KYC).
2. Deposit Euros: Go to the Funding page, select your preferred deposit method and transfer euros from your BoursoBank account.
3. Select Cryptocurrency: After funds are credited, choose the cryptocurrency you want and set your trading currency to EUR.
4. Confirm Your Purchase: Enter the amount, check transaction details, and confirm to finalize the trade.

BoursoBank Cryptocurrency Policy

​BoursoBank is considered a crypto-friendly bank as it offers cryptocurrency exposure through Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) available via its brokerage platform. These ETPs, issued by CoinShares and BlackRock, track the performance of digital currencies.

For clients seeking direct ownership, BoursoBank allows users to engage with external cryptocurrency exchanges that are registered with France's Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) or hold a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license. 

Alternative Crypto Exchanges for BoursoBank

Aside from Kraken, BoursoBank customers can choose from several other trusted AMF-registered digital asset exchanges in France:

• Bitstamp: A secure European exchange supporting over 80 cryptocurrencies, offering EUR deposits via SEPA transfers or debit/credit cards. Fees start at 0.3% per trade.
• Coinhouse: Based in Paris, this platform is known for ease of use, allowing EUR deposits through bank transfers and debit cards. Trading fees range between 1.49% and 3.49%.
• Bitpanda: A multi-asset exchange supporting 250+ cryptocurrencies and thousands of other assets, including stocks, ETFs, commodities and indices. Trading fees typically range around 1.49%.

When selecting the best crypto exchange, customers should consider trading fees, available cryptocurrencies, security, and deposit convenience.

Cryptocurrency Exchange Fees

If you’re using a crypto exchange for the first time, there are some costs that you should be aware of. Most platforms will generally charge the following fees:

• Deposits: Many platforms provide free SEPA/IBAN transfers but charge high fees for card deposits. On Kraken, debit or credit card transactions incur a 3.75% fee.
• Withdrawals: Euro withdrawals back to your BoursoBank account via SEPA transfer are free. Crypto withdrawals have variable network ("gas") fees depending on the specific token and blockchain.
• Trading Fees: Every exchange has a unique trading fee structure. For example, Bitpanda charges a set fee of 1.49%, whereas Kraken has a variable maker/taker fee starting at 0.16% for makers and 0.26% for takers.

Always double-check the fee schedule of your selected exchange before trading to avoid any surprises.

About BoursoBank (Boursorama)

BoursoBank, previously Boursorama Banque, is France’s largest online bank, serving over 7 million customers. The bank is well-known for competitive pricing, regularly ranked as France’s least expensive bank.

Owned by Société Générale, it provides digital banking solutions, including free accounts, tiered Visa cards (Welcome, Ultim, Metal), diversified savings, insurance, brokerage services, and investment products like ETFs and crypto-linked ETPs. 

Final Thoughts

While BoursoBank provides easy access to crypto via CoinShares ETPs, the costs are notably high and don’t give you direct crypto ownership. Investors seeking lower fees and broader asset options should consider AMF-registered crypto exchanges like Kraken or Bitstamp.

Always compare trading fees, deposit methods, and security features carefully before choosing an exchange, ensuring your crypto investments are secure.