SUMMARY:
Wise doesn't directly support buying Bitcoin, but users can easily transfer fiat currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF) to regulated exchanges like Uphold to purchase crypto.
Uphold, available in over 180 countries and trusted by 10 million investors, offers lower and more transparent fees (around 1%) compared to exchanges like Coinbase (often above 2%), making it a cost-effective choice for crypto trading with Wise.
Can I Buy Bitcoin with Wise?
Yes, but indirectly. Wise doesn't offer direct cryptocurrency transactions or wallet services. Instead, it lets you transfer fiat currencies such as USD, EUR, AUD, CHF or GBP to regulated crypto exchanges. Once your transfer arrives, you can easily purchase Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies.
Be aware that Wise may sometimes review or delay transfers associated with crypto exchanges for compliance reasons.
How to Buy Cryptocurrencies with Wise
Wise doesn't directly offer crypto trading, but it's perfect for sending funds to trusted cryptocurrency platforms like Uphold.
Uphold is globally regulated, available in over 100 countries, and supports deposits in USD, EUR, GBP, and other currencies. Trusted by more than 30 million investors, Uphold offers access to 300 cryptocurrencies, plus over 6,000 stocks, ETFs, and other assets.
Follow these steps to get started:
- Create an Uphold account: Sign up on Uphold’s website and complete the identity verification.
- Transfer funds via Wise: Log in to Uphold, click “Deposit Funds,” and transfer your preferred fiat currency directly from Wise.
- Find your cryptocurrency: Type “Bitcoin” or your chosen crypto asset into the search bar and select “Trade.”
- Confirm your order: Input your investment amount, verify the details, and finalize the transaction.
Wise’s Global Policy on Crypto Transactions
Wise strictly enforces cryptocurrency transaction rules outlined in its Cryptocurrency Policy.
- Prohibited: Direct transfers to unregulated exchanges like Binance, personal crypto wallets, or peer-to-peer crypto trades.
- Permitted: Payments to cryptocurrency exchanges registered and approved by local regulators. For example, FCA in the UK, AUSTRAC in Australia, ESMA throughout Europe, and FinCEN in the United States.
Wise allows receiving salary payments or professional fees from verified crypto businesses, subject to compliance checks. Debit card payments to regulated platforms are generally accepted ifthey are compliant with local laws.
Failure to follow these rules can result in transaction blocks or account termination.
Crypto Fees on Exchanges for Wise Users
When funding crypto trades via Wise, fees can vary significantly depending on the chosen exchange. Consider these examples:
Uphold Fees
Uphold charges a clear, flat 1% fee on all crypto trades, included directly in the quoted price. No hidden spread fees apply, and withdrawals back to Wise in EUR or GBP typically incur no extra charges.
Coinbase Fees
Coinbase generally charges above 2% per trade, significantly higher than Uphold. Fees vary based on payment method and trade volume, which can make exact costs harder to predict.
Best Crypto Fees for Wise Customers
For Wise customers aiming for lower trading costs and straightforward pricing, Uphold’s transparent 1% fee structure provides a clear advantage over higher-cost alternatives like Coinbase.
Popular Ways to Deposit from Wise to Crypto Exchanges
Wise doesn't directly support crypto purchases from account balances, but users can still fund crypto exchange accounts like Uphold using several convenient methods:
Wise Debit Card
Wise debit cards allow instant deposits to exchanges. Funds appear immediately, subject to card-specific limits.
Bank Transfer via Wise Accounts
Wise customers can first transfer money to their personal bank accounts, then deposit these funds to exchanges using local banking systems such as Faster Payments (UK), ACH (US), SEPA (Europe), or Osko (Australia).
About Wise Bank
Wise Bank, previously called TransferWise, is a global fintech company used by over 12 million customers. It provides multi-currency accounts, international debit cards, and business accounts designed for efficient currency exchange and money transfers.
Regulated by financial authorities like the FCA, FinCEN, and AUSTRAC, Wise is known for clear pricing, low fees, and seamless international transactions.
It has maintained a crypto-friendly reputation by consistently allowing transactions without restrictions or blocking customer accounts.
Final Thoughts
Wise makes funding cryptocurrency investments straightforward through exchanges like Uphold and Coinbase, though Uphold stands out as the more cost-effective option due to its transparent and lower trading fees.
Always ensure the exchange you select is properly regulated in your region to avoid complications.
With clear policies, competitive pricing, and reliable crypto-friendly services, Wise remains a strong choice for efficient global crypto transactions.