Not every bank in the world accepts crypto and believe it or not, some banks may even halt some of your transactions in crypto if they look suspicious.
This isn’t just a rumor. Take a look at recent threads in the OCT community, where users have shared stories about problems even with digital-first banks. For example, in Hungary, Revolut users suddenly found their crypto assets frozen, with no warning, after new local regulations kicked in.
Now, the thing is crypto was introduced as an alternative to banks. There’s no such thing as a centralized system and there are lower fees. While it looked like a completely different industry, more and more banks have started accepting crypto transactions.
Apart from classic banks, neobanks and online alternatives have also turned to crypto. But Revolut’s recent issues change the way crypto is seen.
As some of our users have already asked before, is it still worth implementing crypto into the traditional banking system?
Our article will introduce you to the concept of crypto-friendly banks and showcase some of the best rated crypto-friendly banks around the world, but also analyze potential issues and their causes, such as Revolut’s recent activities in Hungary.
What's a Crypto-Friendly Bank?
First, you probably ask yourself, what’s a crypto-friendly bank? In theory, it’s self-explanatory. This is a bank that accepts or deals with crypto. If you dig deeper, there are plenty of terms and concepts that can change everything.
The official definition is straightforward. A crypto-friendly bank is a traditional or modern banking institution that both supports and accommodates transactions in digital coins.
This means you’ll be able to use your cryptocurrencies for a wide variety of financial transactions. You could use crypto to buy different things. You can also save in crypto, let alone taking some loans for different needs. Investments are also quite common.
If you think about it, you gain access to most of the activities associated with traditional (fiat) money.
Storing, handling and using cryptocurrencies is more complicated than doing all these with real money, so crypto-friendly banks bring in tools and services to ease the process.
While not always a general rule, some banks allow managing and accessing more accounts or currencies through the same main account. For example, you could access both traditional money (like euro or dollars) and crypto money through the same account.
Not only is it easier, but you’ll also find it much more convenient.
Many Banks Against Crypto – Why Is That?
When they first came out, cryptocurrencies were advertised to overcome the traditional banking system. They cleared out long waiting times and high fees, threatening the existence of the classic system. Now that’s a pretty good reason why banks still hate crypto.
These days, the unregulated element is still strong and going. But apart from this, it’s also the appetite for risk, which is pretty low in traditional banks. Then, you need to consider the infrastructure as well.
The crypto market is still considered risky today. Sure, it’s innovative and dynamic, but that’s not everything. And then yes, banks do support innovation. But traditional banks have plenty of regulations and laws to pay attention to.
Just think about AML or KYC requirements, for example. The crypto world isn’t that well-regulated, so satisfying both sides (customers and legal system) could be nearly impossible.
Given the lack of rules, cryptocurrencies may also be exposed to fraud, which is another major concern for banks. They go bananas whenever it comes to phishing attacks or scams and unfortunately, the crypto world is heavily affected by such issues.
What most banks do in such situations is instill restrictions, which wouldn’t work very well with the rapid evolution of digital coins.
And on top of all these, think about the slow evolution of banks too. Their systems are a bit old-fashioned. They can’t deal with super-fast transactions at high frequencies. That’s why they’re so slow when it comes to transfers.
But with all these, there’s some good news as well.
You can still find some crypto-friendly banks out there. And while the market fluctuates in their acceptance, the truth is more and more institutions embrace this trend, mostly because it refuses to go away. Crypto does have a series of benefits and that’s what keeps people interested in it.
Benefits of Crypto-Friendly Banks
Crypto-friendly banks have a few general advantages:
- Make crypto simple. It’s one of the easiest way to discover crypto and get used to it, especially if you’re note tech savvy.
- Easy to withdraw. Got crypto? If you’re in need of cash, a crypto-friendly bank will allow instant conversions.
- Help companies. Many companies actually benefit from crypto. In other words, crypto-friendly banks support fintech business, but also the blockchain.
What Makes Crypto-Friendly Banks So Useful Today
Crypto-friendly banks and their influence in the financial segment can be compared to other similar trends.
For example, you can observe similar trends in esports, where an apparently poor industry became a front runner. It’s been successfully integrated into the sports industry as well.
Years ago, such things were considered niche industries. Today, they cover millions or even billions of dollars. Of course, there are more examples out there. Not all of them can match the same level of success, as it depends on implementing the optimal infrastructure too.
When it comes to crypto, this field was considered a niche. But what used to be the wild west of the segment is now a massive industry that’s slowly gaining more and more notoriety.
Now, crypto-friendly banks make daily activities in finances (such as making payments, shopping, transferring money and so on) smooth and seamless for those using digital coins.
Moreover, traditional banks that accept cryptocurrencies can also provide some form of protection to individuals who need conversions. You can swap between fiat and digital currencies with no issues whatsoever, so they’re also convenient.
While the lack of a regulation is seen as advantageous by some, the truth is the industry is facing more and more rules in different countries. For those who want the peace of mind associated with regulation, crypto-friendly banks are already there.
This means there are risk management operations in place, a quality assurance framework, some form of monitoring and others.
To some people, crypto-friendly banks may look like an upgrade. Basically, you have your classic bank account, but a bit of crypto is some sort of an upgrade. That’s only a misconception.
The truth is crypto-friendly banks are extremely useful because they build a bridge between classic and modern systems. They give everyone the opportunity to become part of the blockchain world, including people who were anxious about it because they weren’t familiar with it.
Benefits brought in by crypto-friendly banks also include access to more services, from offering digital assets to customers to token sales and even farming.
If years ago traditional banks and cryptocurrencies were two opposite parts of the same industry, today they seem to blend better than ever. And it’s not the customer doing all this, but the crypto-friendly banks who adopt a middle solution.
While this trend has only just started, these financial institutions reshape a modern financial system that supports customers in more effective ways.
Crypto-Friendly Banks in America
There are crypto-friendly banks all over the world today and the list just keep getting bigger and bigger. However, like for any other service in life, it’s imperative to do a bit of research upfront, rather than just dive in.
JP Morgan Chase
Let’s start with some recent news. At the end of July, 2025, the Financial Times reported that JP Morgan Chase is looking for ways to provide different types of loans backed by their customers’ digital coin holdings. The primary focus will be on Bitcoin and Ethereum.
JP Morgan Chase is one of the leading names on the American market. Once considered a financial institution that would always avoid crypto, the bank decided to change direction and embrace crypto like no other.
However, JP Morgan Chase has taken time to develop a unique settlement platform. It also offers its own coin, the JPM Coin. It shows a commitment to the industry, but it still tries to retain some control over processes. Nothing wrong with that.
Offering quite a few different services based on cryptocurrencies, JP Morgan Chase sends a clear message. When a leading institution decides to back such services based on crypto, it can literally reshape the whole financial segment.
Customers Bank
Customers Bank wasn’t really a major banking institution a decade ago. It used to be a reliable, yet regional name on the American market. Its popularity has gone up though, especially since it decided to take crypto into consideration too.
Today, Customers Bank is a leading solution for businesses operating on cryptocurrencies. It has its own token for extra quality control, CBIT. The token allows payments and other financial services while backed by the USD.
This kind of build makes payments almost instant. Besides, traders in particular love Customers Bank for large volume activities, especially since there’s no headache involved. From this point of view, Customers Bank offers speed and convenience that most other banks will find impossible to match.
Mercury
Mercury offers quite a few services based on cryptocurrencies, but it’s mainly aimed at startups. Those looking for quick growth will find this bank ideal, especially if they like the concept of NFT or DeFi. The bank offers a series of different accounts, as well as sub-accounts and digital IBANs.
You can’t go wrong with Mercury if you’re after a streamlined and smooth experience. It’s easy to use and has a friendly interface as well, leaving no room for misinterpretation or headache. From this point of view, it’s one of the most convenient options out there.
Now, if you’re after reputation and popularity, Mercury can’t compete against names like JP Morgan Chase, for example. However, it’s seen massive growth over the past few years, so many entrepreneurs see it as the perfect underdog.
Evolve Bank & Trust
Evolve Bank & Trust has a similar approach and feels like it’s mainly aimed at startups. Compared to other banks, it’s friendly and has an intuitive interface. No matter what you need, you’ll find plenty of API integrations to help out in the process.
While some people don’t know it, Evolve Bank & Trust is also the name behind quite a few different applications to smoothen transitions between cash and digital money. Its infrastructure is used to power such applications, hence its popularity.
If you’re still undecided, it’s worth noting that it comes with FDIC insurance coverage for your fiat money. As for your cryptocurrencies, the solutions offered ensure you keep compliant. What else can you ask for?
Ally Bank
Ally Bank keeps things simple and provides services for those who like crypto or want to get started. If you’re looking for a simple way to connect your bank account to an exchange, Ally Bank offers the perfect system.
Now, Ally Bank doesn’t have its own crypto system. However, it supports different transactions and allows connections to some of the world’s most popular exchanges, which is usually more than enough for most people.
Compared to some banks in our list, Ally Bank is popular for its online solutions, streamlined applications and flawless customer support.
Crypto-Friendly Banks in Europe
While there are quite a few banks offering crypto-related services in America, the European market isn’t to be overlooked either. While most banks operate locally or over a few countries, there are also some international solutions worth your attention.
SolarisBank
SolarisBank is a German financial institution that aims to change the local banking segment. It offers a modular type of infrastructure for crypto exchanges, but also for fintechs. It doesn’t target customers directly, but actual businesses that require anything, from wallets to KYC services.
Boosting an open API solution, integration is smooth and straightforward. It makes no difference if you run a small business taking crypto or you simply need a bank that understands digital financial services.
Clear Junction
Clear Junction is established in the UK, but available across more European countries. If supports all kinds of customers interested in digital services, so you can also gain access to crypto exchanges and different forms of payments.
Clear Junction is pretty good at integrating gateways in a clear manner, without much paperwork. It’s available in 180 countries and helps companies assess risk and monitor transactions in all kinds of environments.
Amina Group
If you want quality finances, you go to Switzerland. And when it comes to local crypto-friendly banks, Amina Group (SEBA Bank rebrands to AMINA) is probably the front runner. It offers a perfect mix of digital banking with a traditional financial approach. Its accounts integrate both fiat and digital coins, everything under Swiss regulation.
Amina Group isn’t all about popular cryptocurrencies. Customers also gain access to institutional, tokenization and even staking solutions. The best part about it? It’s always up to date with the latest laws and regulations, so it’s comfortable and offers peace of mind.
Bank Frick
Similarly, banks in Liechtenstein are also worth some attention, yet they may seem a bit traditional. Not Bank Frick though, which has an incredible reputation for adopting blockchain services before any other institution.
It offers access to numerous forms of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, but it also caters to all kinds of people, from institutions to sophisticated traders and investors.
Bank Frick sticks to regulatory compliance, which is well supervised, yet also established in a friendly jurisdiction.
Januar
Established in Denmark, Januar caters to crypto companies that struggle with the classic system. While advertised as being a bank, it can be described as a payment institution. However, it offers bank accounts that mix both fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies.
The bank respects the MiCA regulations in the EU, so it offers a safe and legal environment.
Since we’re talking about the European market, it’s worth considering other options as well, some of them exclusive to particular jurisdictions, others available all over the world:
- Revolut, available in multiple countries
- Monzo, specialized on the British market
- Lloyds Banking Group, specialized on the British market
Crypto-Friendly Banks in Asia
The Asian market is just as varied and diversified, with numerous options popping up every now and then in different countries. While there’s plenty to choose from, there are also a few crypto-friendly banks that stand out in the crowd.SBI Sumishin Net Bank
Established in Japan, SBI Sumishin Net Bank is somewhere in the middle, offering access to both classic finances and modern cryptocurrencies. Despite trying to satisfy both worlds, the bank also respects Japan’s strict regulatory environment with no issues whatsoever.
In terms of crypto, the bank allows multiple forms of engagement. For example, you might be after yield generating services or perhaps you’re interested in trading.
Either way, SBI Sumishin Net Bank is mainly known for innovation, as new services or updates are offered on a regular basis, all these while keeping compliance as a primary goal.
DBS Bank
DBS Bank dominates the market in Singapore when it comes to blockchain technologies. Already a popular option for banking in the entire region of Asia, it has also implemented a proprietary crypto exchange for anyone interested in digital coins.
Its approach is different when compared to European or American banks, yet it offers a comprehensive service that can be customized in the smallest detail.
International & Cross-Border Institutions
While the above-mentioned ideas do have some international extensions (some of them are available in more countries, while most of them allow using their cards or services abroad too), the truth is there are specific international options worth some consideration as well.
BCB Group
BCB Group is a reputable name in the industry. It mainly caters to institutions or large companies. You can find services like settlement solutions, liquidity and even specialized payment services. It’s regulated in the UK and offers a good middle option between classic banking networks and cryptocurrencies.
BCB Group is also the name behind the BLINC network, which allows superfast settlements and transactions between participants. It’s excellent for traders.
Based on all these, BCB Group is a top option for companies looking to diversity their portfolio and operate over more jurisdictions.
Fiat Republic
Similarly, Fiat Republic is a middle option between the classic banking system and crypto businesses, offering access to a series of institutions. As a company owner, you won’t have to negotiate agreements yourself.
If you’re interested in implementing crypto payments without too much headache, Fiat Republic operates flawlessly across Europe and even the USA.
Revolut
You probably wonder why Revolut isn’t the first choice. As you might have seen on the OffshoreCorpTalk forum, people complain about Revolut freezing crypto assets in Hungary not long ago. There was no prior warning, it happened overnight. More about this later in the article.
Other than that, if you don’t live in Hungary, this neobank allows selling, buying and exchanging different cryptocurrencies. It has a straightforward interface with no issues whatsoever, so everything is accessible and easy to find.
Its products are just as diversified. You can learn through a series of lessons, which also give you some sort of rewards in crypto. You can also pay with your crypto balance if you use the Revolut card, regardless of what you need.
A few good alternatives to Revolut include:
- JunoBank
- Quontic
- Wirex
- Cash App
Modern Issues & Problems with Crypto-Friendly Banks
Modern crypto-friendly banks aren’t perfect and obviously face a series of challenges. While there are more banks interested in making this move, one challenge in particular makes it difficult. The actual regulation.
Complying with regulatory requirements is usually a nightmare, especially since they’re incredibly strict. Moreover, it’s difficult to offer high security standards for transactions. Throw in the AML or CFT standards too and you’ll find a series of issues.
The problem with these regulations is that they vary from one place to another. For instance, even if the EU decides to adopt a new set of rules, countries can also set their own laws and regulations individually, which makes compliance look like mission impossible.
Different Solutions for Different Jurisdictions
The actual jurisdiction is the main issue for crypto-friendly banks. Even if they do adhere to general laws and regulations, local law changes and updates can ruin everything. And this is where we’ll talk about Revolut.
On the 17th of June, 2025, the Hungarian parliament passed a new law that criminalized the use of unlicensed exchanges, let alone trades that exceeded 50 million Hungarian forints, which would mean about $150,000.
The law kicked in on the 1st of July. What Revolut did was freeze all crypto assets in the country. Sure, there were ways to avoid such issues if someone actually bothered to learn more about the law and how it can be bypassed in a safe manner.
There were no warnings whatsoever.
However, some believe that once things settle down, Revolut will unfreeze the assets and actually take action based on this new law. Until then, everything is frozen.
This is just an example of how things could go wrong.
On a different note, if you do own crypto assets in a country, make sure you’re up to date with the latest news and developments. Even if it’s not the country you’re in and even if you can’t speak the language, keep an eye on the crypto news.
In Hungary, crypto owners had around two weeks to move their assets somewhere else. They didn’t.
And while Hungary is part of the EU, this shows that apart from EU laws and regulations, there are also local changes you need to keep an eye on as well.
Crypto-friendly banks in different jurisdictions will act differently, hence the necessity of backup plans for such urgent situations. And a backup plan could simply be a crypto account in a different country, nothing else.
A Further Analysis into the Evolution of Crypto-Friendly Banks
Ever since crypto became popular, people tried to stay away from classic banks and use an alternative. The problem is that even if you rely on decentralized exchanges and platforms and even if you store crypto offline, banks will still be a necessity.
There will be times when crypto and fiat will need to be used simultaneously. And that’s when you need crypto-friendly banks.
Banks are better established than modern crypto exchanges. They’re well regulated and there’s someone watching over them. They offer a wide variety of protections to their customers, let alone their established payment solutions.
All these things can help against the volatility associated with the blockchain and associated markets.
With more and more crypto-friendly banks popping up, chances are the gap between TradFi and DeFi will become smaller and smaller. More banks explore the crypto industry, assets and tokens, not to mention considering lending services in the industry.
At the moment, there are general laws and regulations, such as MiCA across Europe. They determine how banking institutions deal with crypto. They cover pretty much everything, from protocols to rules. But then, most trends and updates will be pushed forward by banks looking for innovation.
To have thorough experience with crypto-friendly banks, you clearly need to choose an institution that matches your needs.
What to Look for in a Crypto-Friendly Bank
Talking about choosing a crypto-friendly bank, here are some of the most important considerations in the process.
Before even looking at banks, make sure you pick the jurisdiction very carefully. You should have enough sources of news to check on a regular basis and make sure your digital assets are fine. Just keep thinking about Hungary when you feel like skipping this step. It could hit you out of nowhere.
So, you’ll have to check both the country and the bank. When it comes to the actual institution, here are a few things to remember:
- Both crypto and fiat. Find a bank that allows keeping more currencies. Ideally, you should be able to keep both fiat and crypto money. It makes management easier and more convenient.
- Cards. Whether physical or virtual, cards can be handy to spend your crypto anywhere, anytime. You can spend both fiat and crypto with them and you can use them for pretty much anything.
- Full integration. The more wallets and exchanges you gain access to, the better. Therefore, make sure the crypto-friendly banks you check work well with such platforms, as they’ll add to your convenience.
- Banking services. Some crypto-friendly banks only offer access to classic bank accounts. Some others also offer extras, such as rewards and even loans. More services will make your experience more comprehensive.
- Buying and selling. Using your current fiat card to buy or sell crypto is one of the easiest ways to do it. Not many banks offer this option though, so you may need to do some research.
- Fees and taxes. Like for any other type of account, make sure you keep an eye on the fees.
Going for a crypto-friendly bank is clearly a good idea, yet it requires one or more backup plans to play it safe and avoid what happened in Hungary.
If you do have suggestions, ideas or maybe some banks you’ve tried, feel free to comment on our post. We’re offering more guides lately based on our users’ concerns and news, so we’re eager to find out what you’re interested in.
