Can I Buy Bitcoin with Intesa Sanpaolo?

Intesa Sanpaolo, also known as Banca Intesa, does not offer direct cryptocurrency trading through its online banking app. Customers can still gain exposure by transferring funds to regulated crypto asset service providers (CASPs) in Italy operating under MiCA and local financial supervision.

Funding options include SEPA transfers within the EU, SWIFT payments, and deposits using Intesa Sanpaolo debit or credit cards. Transfers are authenticated through the bank’s digital security systems, ensuring compliance with AML and KYC rules.

Once deposits clear, clients can purchase Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies on licensed exchanges while staying within Italian and EU regulations.

How to Buy Crypto with Intesa Sanpaolo

For Intesa Sanpaolo customers, the most compliant way to access digital assets is through Kraken, a global exchange licensed under the EU’s MiCA framework. Kraken operates across all 30 EEA countries and applies the same investor protections recognized in Italy.

Kraken lists over 460 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and stablecoins like USDC, and also provides staking services for yield-focused investors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Crypto with Intesa Sanpaolo and Kraken:

1. Create an Account: Sign up on Kraken’s website and complete KYC verification.
2. Deposit Funds: Transfer EUR from your Banca Intesa account using SEPA payments or an Intesa debit or credit card. Kraken supports EUR and other major currencies.
3. Select a Cryptocurrency: Choose from assets such as BTC, ETH, SOL, or XRP.
4. Confirm Your Purchase: Enter the amount, check the details, and place the order.

Fees and Deposit Limits for Intesa Sanpaolo Customers

Before funding a crypto exchange account, Intesa Sanpaolo clients should understand deposit, withdrawal, and trading costs. Below is a breakdown of Kraken’s current structure an example:

• Deposits: SEPA transfers in EUR are free, with a minimum of €1. Deposits by debit or credit card carry a 3.75% fee plus conversion costs if not funded in euros.
• Withdrawals: SEPA withdrawals are free or low cost. International SWIFT transfers range from €13 to €35, with extra charges for non-euro conversions.
• Limits: Verified Kraken accounts support daily fiat deposits from €100,000, with higher verification tiers enabling multi-million-euro monthly limits.
• Trading: Maker fees range from 0.25% to 0% and taker fees from 0.40% to 0.10%, adjusted by trading volume.

Kraken’s structure is generally more cost-efficient than platforms like Coinbase, where trading fees often exceed 2% and card deposits carry heavier surcharges.

Intesa Sanpaolo Cryptocurrency Policy

Intesa Sanpaolo has taken a cautious stance on digital assets. In 2023 the bank created a proprietary desk and ran a €1 million Bitcoin test trade, which CEO Carlo Messina framed as a trial to prepare for sophisticated client requests rather than a retail product.

Messina has outlined that while high-net-worth and institutional clients may seek exposure, households should avoid speculative use of cryptocurrencies. The bank has positioned its digital asset activity as part of wealth management rather than mass-market access.

For everyday customers, transfers to regulated exchanges are permitted. Under MiCA, only authorized CASPs can operate in Italy, with oversight from Consob and the Bank of Italy. This allows Intesa clients to fund compliant platforms within a legally secure framework.

Best Alternative Exchanges for Banca Intesa Customers

Intesa Sanpaolo customers seeking alternatives to Kraken can choose from several MiCA-regulated exchanges in Europe:

• Young Platform: A local exchange based in Turin, regulated under MiCA. Supports EUR deposits through SEPA and debit/credit cards. Offers 50+ cryptocurrencies, recurring purchase options, real-time tracking, and fees starting at 0.2%.
• Bitpanda: Fully regulated in Europe, accepts EUR via SEPA, debit/credit cards, Neteller, and Skrill. Lists 200+ cryptocurrencies plus 3,000+ stocks, ETFs, and commodities. Average trading fee 1.49%.
• OKX: MiCA-compliant, supports EUR through SEPA, debit/credit cards, and Apple Pay. Provides 350+ cryptocurrencies, advanced trading tools, perpetual contracts, and DeFi access. Fees start at 0.08% maker and 0.1% taker.

When choosing an exchange, consider deposit methods, fee structure, available assets, and platform security.

About Intesa Sanpaolo

Intesa Sanpaolo, or Banca Intesa, is Italy’s largest banking group with 13.9 million customers in Italy and 7.6 million abroad. The Banca dei Territori division handles retail banking, offering current accounts, savings, mortgages, and digital services through Isybank.

IMI Corporate & Investment Banking provides capital markets access, structured finance, and advisory, while Fideuram – Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking manages wealth. The group also operates Eurizon Capital for asset management and Intesa Sanpaolo Vita and RBM Salute for insurance.

Final Thoughts

Intesa Sanpaolo customers cannot buy crypto directly through the bank, but they can safely access digital assets by funding MiCA-regulated exchanges like Kraken or Young Platform. 

The key is to choose a licensed provider, understand deposit and trading costs, and use platforms that align with Italy’s regulatory standards. 

This ensures compliance, security, and a more reliable path to building exposure to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.