Can I Buy Bitcoin with Societe Generale?

Societe Generale customers can transfer euros to French crypto exchanges registered as Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). After linking your account, you can buy Bitcoin on these licensed platforms that follow strict regulatory requirements.

How to Buy Crypto with Societe Generale

Societe Generale customers can trade crypto on regulated exchanges like Kraken, which accepts EUR deposits through IBAN bank transfers, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and more. Once your account is funded, you can access over 290 digital assets and stake tokens like Ethereum or Solana to earn yields.

Follow these steps to start trading crypto with Societe Generale:

1. Create an Account: Visit Kraken’s website and sign up. Complete KYC verification by submitting valid identification to activate your account.
2. Deposit Funds: Go to the “Funding” section and select your preferred deposit method. Transfer Euros from your Societe Generale account.
3. Choose Your Cryptocurrency: Browse the available assets and pick the coin you want to buy.
4. Execute Trade: Enter the amount, review the details, and confirm your purchase.

Societe Generale Cryptocurrency Policy

Societe Generale does not currently offer direct cryptocurrency trading through its banking platform. However, the bank permits euro transfers to regulated crypto exchanges that comply with French law and are registered as Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). 

This policy aligns with France's regulatory framework for digital assets, introduced under the PACTE Act of 2019, which enforces stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer protection standards.

What are the Fees?

Societe Generale and French bank account holders trading cryptocurrencies will encounter fees for deposits, withdrawals, and trading. Here’s a clear breakdown of Kraken’s fees:

• Deposits: Euro deposits from Societe Generale via IBAN bank transfers are free, while debit or credit card deposits carry a 3.75% fee.
• Withdrawals: Euro withdrawals through IBAN are free. Crypto withdrawals incur network gas fees that vary by token and blockchain.
• Trading: Spot trading fees range from 0.25% to 0% for makers and 0.4% to 0.1% for takers. Futures trading fees are 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers.

Alternative Crypto Exchanges for French Banks

For users seeking alternatives, these DASP-licensed exchanges offer secure, regulated options with different features and fees:

• Coinbase: A NASDAQ-listed exchange with over 250 assets. It is the most trusted platform in the USA, offering institutional-grade security and full regulatory compliance.
• Bitpanda: Headquartered in Vienna and licensed across Europe, including France, Bitpanda supports SEPA bank transfers and provides access to cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and stocks.
• Binance: The largest and most liquid exchange globally, with over $50 billion in daily trading volume and 250 million users. Fully DASP-licensed in France and Europe.

We recommend users assess each exchange’s features, regulatory status, and security to make an informed decision.

About Societe Generale

Societe Generale, a leading French bank serving over 25 million clients across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, offers services like Boursorama for digital banking, private wealth management, and specialized financing. Embracing digital assets, it positions itself as crypto-compatible while maintaining strong compliance standards.

Final Thoughts

Societe Generale enables secure euro transfers to regulated crypto exchanges like Kraken, Coinbase and Binance, aligning with France’s strict regulatory standards.

While the bank does not offer direct crypto services, its support for AMF-registered platforms ensures account holders can confidently access digital assets within a compliant framework.