Key Takeaways
Understand the banking challenge
Traditional banks often view crypto firms as high‑risk due to regulatory uncertainty, volatility, and KYC/AML complexities.Know what a crypto‑friendly bank offers
These institutions provide multi‑currency accounts, fiat‑crypto bridging, custody services, payment solutions, and debit cards linked to crypto holdings.Prepare diligently before applying
You’ll need a detailed business model, extensive documentation (incorporation, licences, KYC/AML policies), a compliance framework, designated compliance officer, and an opening deposit.Choose the right jurisdiction
Some countries (like Estonia, Luxembourg, Portugal) are more crypto‑friendly—offering supportive regulation, streamlined licensing, and favourable tax treatment.Use advisory services for guidance
Specialist providers like Capitalixe can help you navigate regulatory complexities, access a global network of crypto‑friendly banking partners, and streamline onboarding.
So, you’re a crypto company wanting to expand your business, but you need to secure the right banking partner. How do you go about finding the best bank account for crypto? And how can you tell which is the best for your needs?
The world of crypto is still facing a lot of challenges, not least because it has a tendency to be volatile and unregulated. Despite this, there is a huge interest from various companies in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology – especially considering the possible benefits that they could bring to businesses all over the world.
In recent years, there are now some banks that have been trying to establish themselves as leaders in crypto-related services and some of them have already entered the crypto sphere – but not all of them are suitable for every crypto business.
This means that crypto companies need to make sure they choose the right banking partner for their particular needs. However, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. But don’t fret. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will help you choose the right partner and explain what you need to look out for.
Challenges Facing Crypto Companies
Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at some of the challenges facing companies who choose the wrong bank account for crypto merchants:
Chargebacks and fraud
Chargebacks and fraud are a huge concern for any company accepting and operating with cryptocurrency. The right banks will be able to mitigate this risk and protect you from fraudulent activity and chargebacks.
Compliance and regulation
Banks that specialise in cryptocurrency tend to work closely with regulators, ensuring they’re aware of the business you’re doing and helping to maintain compliance. Banks that do not specialise in cryptocurrency will often struggle with regulation, leaving you exposed.
AML and KYC
There are some banks and financial institutions out there that don’t comply with Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC). If you choose one of these banks, it will put your business at risk of unlawful activities. Banks and financial institutions that specialise in cryptocurrency are fully compliant with AML and KYC.
Choosing the Right Banking Provider for your Crypto Company
When it comes to choosing a banking partner, there are a few different things that you need to consider. The right choice depends on your profile and what your business is looking for in a bank.
You’ll also want to determine which features are the most important for your particular business model. This will help you find an institution with the appropriate infrastructure and expertise while also ensuring that you get a positive banking experience.
Here are five steps you need to take when choosing a banking partner for your crypto company:
Step 1: Do your research and make a list of potential banks and financial institutions
The first step is to compile a list of potential banking partners – and this is very important. Make sure you include all the relevant institutions that might be able to help your crypto company grow.
You’ll also want to do some research around each prospective bank, such as reading reviews from other businesses using them and checking their latest news online (you can find more information in addition to what’s provided on their website).
You’ll want to pay special attention to:
- Regulation: You’ll need to ensure that your bank is compliant with relevant regulations so they are able to handle crypto transactions.
- Security of funds: You’re going to be trusting these bank providers with your money, so they must have high levels of security in place. Make sure the funds are held in segregated accounts away from their own company funds, protecting your funds in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy.
Once you’ve compiled your list of potential partners, it’s time to move on to step two in our guide.
Step 2: Figure out which bank is the best fit for your company
After you’ve drawn up your list of potential businesses, you’ll need to evaluate how each one can help your digital currency business move forward. You should look at the available features that they offer and compare them against your requirements. For instance, virtual IBANs for crypto in multiple currencies are essential when it comes to doing business internationally, so if your top priority is simplifying the virtual currency transaction process then this feature should be high on your list.
Step 3: Consider how easy it is to open a virtual account with the bank
In order to do business with a digital currency company, banks will need to set up a virtual account. This makes it possible for your business to transfer virtual currencies and deal with fiat currencies as well – something that might be important for your digital currency exchange.
Make sure to assess how easy it is for digital currency companies to open virtual accounts with your prospective bank and if they’re willing to do this in a timely manner.
Step 4: Check if your cryptocurrency company is being treated with good customer service
Even though banks are generally very responsive when it comes to meeting the requirements of their customers, some institutions have more experience dealing with virtual currency-related issues than others. These banks generally offer dedicated services for businesses that work with cryptocurrencies – so it’s important that you find an institution that is willing to help your digital currency business thrive.
Step 5: Determine how easily you can transfer funds and open IBANs (or other payment channels)
Once you’ve established which bank offers the services you need, it’s important to find out if there are any fees or restrictions involved with transferring currencies – such as setting up an IBAN for crypto. You should also check if there are certain rules that affect how you can pay your suppliers and customers.
There might be certain banking procedures and actions associated with your business type – so you’ll need to work out whether they’re appropriate or not. For example, if you deal with a lot of small-scale transactions, then it’s likely that different rules will apply compared to taking large sums across borders.
Final Thoughts
It’s important that you do your research and seek advice from other cryptocurrency companies and people in the industry when choosing a banking provider for your business.
As crypto is still a new industry and widely unregulated, there’s going to be a large portion of financial institutions that won’t work with any sort of crypto companies, but don’t get disheartened. This is where we can help!
At Capitalixe, we specialise in helping crypto companies obtain high-risk merchant accounts, bank accounts in multi-currency which includes both SWIFT & SEPA, and banking solutions for crypto.
Our consultants are more than happy to discuss your banking options and give you all the information you need before making any decision.
