Summary: National Bank of Canada allows clients to trade Bitcoin and other digital currencies through CSA-regulated exchanges. While the bank doesn’t offer direct crypto trading, it facilitates transfers to trusted, licensed platforms.
Kraken is a popular option for NBC customers, offering instant CAD deposits, low fees, and over 200 crypto assets. It complies with CSA regulations and supports deposits via Interac e-Transfer, bank transfers, and credit cards.
Kraken is a registered Money Services Business with FINTRAC (MSB Registration No. M19343731).
Can I Buy Bitcoin with National Bank of Canada?
Yes, National Bank of Canada customers can buy digital currencies through trusted Canadian exchanges. By transferring CAD from their NBC accounts or cards, investors can easily access regulated platforms.
These platforms are licensed by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC). Once funds are transferred, they can be used to trade various cryptocurrencies.
How to Buy Crypto with National Bank of Canada
If you're looking to invest in digital currencies through National Bank of Canada, Kraken is a reliable and secure platform to consider. Kraken is regulated by the CSA, ensuring a safe trading environment for all users.
The platform allows for fast, free CAD deposits from your NBC account. It supports various payment methods, including Interac e-Transfer, wire transfers, debit cards, and credit cards.
Here’s a simple guide to buying crypto on Kraken:
- Account Setup: Create a Kraken account and verify your identity.
- Currency Selection: Choose your preferred deposit currency (e.g., CAD).
- Fund Deposit: Select your payment method (Interac e-Transfer, wire transfer, or credit card) and deposit your funds.
- Cryptocurrency Purchase: Choose the cryptocurrency you wish to buy and finalize your transaction.
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National Bank of Canada Cryptocurrency Policy
National Bank of Canada helps customers safely explore digital assets by partnering with regulated crypto exchanges. These exchanges meet strict Canadian standards, ensuring secure trading.
Kraken is an example of a trusted platform that complies with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and is registered with FINTRAC. Kraken follows stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to protect your investments.
By working with regulated platforms like Kraken, NBC ensures that all transactions are secure and fully compliant with Canadian laws, making it easier for customers to invest in crypto.
Digital Asset Investing Fees
If you’re moving funds from your National Bank of Canada account into crypto, it’s worth knowing what fees you’ll run into. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical costs on Kraken:
- Transaction Fees: Kraken uses a tiered pricing model, starting at 0.16% for initiating a trade and 0.26% for completing it. These fees decrease as your trading volume increases.
- Deposit Charges: Depositing cryptocurrency into your Kraken account is free. Conventional currency deposits may incur small fees, depending on the payment method (e.g., credit cards or Interac e-Transfers).
- Withdrawal Costs: Kraken’s withdrawal fees vary depending on the digital asset being transferred. For example, withdrawing Bitcoin costs 0.0005 BTC.
For National Bank customers, Kraken strikes a strong balance. It features low costs, CAD-friendly funding, and transparent pricing that supports both occasional traders and regular investors.
What is National Bank of Canada?
National Bank of Canada, founded in 1859, is one of the largest financial institutions in the country, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. It offers a wide range of services, from personal banking to wealth management and capital markets, serving both individuals and businesses through an extensive branch and ATM network.
The bank is recognized for its commitment to innovation, with a strong focus on leveraging new technologies to improve customer experience. NBC has invested in fintech startups and collaborated with tech companies to develop modern financial solutions.
For those interested in cryptocurrency, National Bank of Canada is considered crypto-friendly. The bank has shown support for blockchain technology and crypto investments, positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution in the digital finance space.

Best Alternative Crypto Exchanges for National Bank of Canada Users
Looking for alternatives to Kraken? If you bank with National Bank of Canada, these exchanges offer reliable access to digital assets, all while supporting CAD and meeting regulatory standards.
- Binance: This is a global giant. It offers hundreds of coins, low fees, and CAD support, which makes it a go-to for users who want more variety and flexibility in how they trade.
- Coinbase: Keeps things super simple. It’s designed for first-time users, with clear steps, bank-friendly CAD deposits, and strong security, so you can learn as you go without feeling overwhelmed.
- Bitbuy: Proudly Canadian and built with local users in mind. It supports fast CAD funding, has fair pricing, and is great if you want something straightforward and homegrown.
No matter your experience level, these platforms give National Bank customers easy, compliant ways to explore the world of crypto, without getting lost in the noise.
Final Thoughts
National Bank of Canada doesn’t offer direct crypto services but makes it easy for customers to enter the crypto market by facilitating secure CAD transfers to regulated exchanges like Kraken. This ensures a safe and compliant experience for Canadians.
Kraken stands out with its user-friendly interface, low fees, and fast, fee-free CAD deposits. It provides access to over 200 cryptocurrencies, making it an ideal choice for those new to crypto or looking to expand their portfolios.
With NBC’s reputation for security and Kraken’s trusted platform, Canadian investors have a seamless, reliable, and secure way to dive into the world of digital assets.