How to Buy Crypto with Hargreaves Lansdown
As outlined above, it is not possible to directly invest in crypto assets with the Hargreaves Lansdown platform. This means that investors will need to transfer funds from their account to an FCA-licensed & regulated trading platform in the UK to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. We recommend this method over buying crypto equities and ETFs, which typically underperform the crypto assets like BTC, ETH or SOL.
You can get started trading with a London-based & FCA licensed broker like Uphold in minutes as a UK resident. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Visit the Uphold platform and create your account & verify your identity.
- Connect your UK Bank account to Uphold by selecting the 'GBP' button on your dashboard.
- You can then select the 'connect bank' button to link your UK account to Uphold & deposit funds.
- Once the GBP lands in your account, find the crypto you want to buy and execute your trade.

Will Hargreaves Lansdown offer Crypto?
Hargreaves Lansdown has announced that they will only offer support for crypto equities and exchange traded notes or exchange traded funds on the platform. It is unlikely they will directly support crypto assets because they do not have the necessary technical infrastructure to custody digital assets safely.
What are the Risks of Crypto ETFs?
The main risks associated with investing in crypto ETFs are:
- Counterparty risk: The risk that the issuer of the ETF is unable to meet its obligations and you could lose your investment.
- Risk of the asset losing its peg to its underlying: The value of the ETF may not always track the performance of the underlying asset, such as Bitcoin, and there is a risk that the ETF could lose its peg to the underlying.
It is important to thoroughly research and understand the risks involved before investing in any crypto ETF or other investment product.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it is not possible to directly invest in cryptocurrency assets with Hargreaves Lansdown. The platform only offers support for crypto equities and ETFs. However, for investors looking to get exposure to underlying crypto assets, we recommend using a UK-based and licensed crypto broker like Uphold.
It's important to understand the risks involved before making any investment in the crypto space, whether it be through a crypto ETF or other investment product. We hope this guide has provided valuable information and helps you make an informed decision about your crypto investments.