How to Buy Bitcoin without a Bank Account

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Although it may seem hard to buy bitcoin without a bank account, services that allow the unbanked to buy bitcoin often deliver your coins faster. You also maintain more of your privacy when you use services that don't require a bank account

There are two good ways to buy bitcoin without a bank account: with credit card, or with cash.

We'll show you exchanges that work for both methods.

Credit Card: Option #1 to Buy Bitcoin without a Bank Account

Credit card is one way to buy bitcoins without a bank account. The main benefit is that the delivery of coins is fast.

The exchanges in the table below allow you to buy bitcoin with credit card.

Popular Exchanges
eToro
BUY NOW at eToro's Secure Site

Fees

1%

Account Minimum

Starts from $50

Promotion

None
- Well-known and trusted exchange
- Interface is clean and easy to use
- Your capital is at risk.
CoinSmart
BUY NOW at CoinSmart's Secure Site

Fees

0% - 6%

Account Minimum

None

Promotion

Earn $50
- Crypto exchange based in Canada
- Very high buy and sell limits
- Supports bank account, Interac, credit/debit
eToro
BUY NOW at eToro's Secure Site

Fees

1%

Account Minimum

$50

Promotion

None
- Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum & 15 other coins
- Well-known and trusted exchange
- Your capital is at risk.
Crypto assets are unregulated & highly speculative. No consumer protection. Capital at risk.
Coinmama
BUY NOW at Coinmama's Secure Site

Fees

2.93% - 3.90%

Account Minimum

$30

Promotion

30% Referral Commission
- Works in almost all countries
- Highest limits for buying bitcoins with a credit card
- Reliable and trusted broker

Cash: Option #2 to Buy Bitcoin without a Bank Account

Cash is the second option. Below you can find exchanges that allow you to buy with cash.

LocalBitcoins

Local Bitcoins provides escrow and offers a number of payment methods for buying bitcoin with no bank account. Cash deposit, Western Union, face-to-face cash trade, Amazon gift card are all offered on top of many other payment methods. Local Bitcoins provides escrow, but be sure to buy from sellers with previous trade history and positive feedback.

Pros

Can be private, fast and easy
In-person trades require no personal information
Purchases of bitcoin can be made quickly via cash deposit

Cons

Beware of scams; always follow the rules!
Harder to buy large amounts of bitcoins compared to large exchanges
Slightly to significantly higher prices than regular exchanges; premium for higher privacy

Ease of Use

Hard

Privacy

High

Speed

Fast

Fees

Low

Reputation

Trusted

Limits

Average

LibertyX

LibertyX lets you buy bitcoin with cash at a number of retail stores across the United States. You'll have to verify your identity before buying, making LibertyX less private than some of the other options. You can buy up to $1000 worth of bitcoin. You'll be charged a 1% fee on all purchases, but if you sign up with Facebook you can buy your first $1000 fee free. Your bitcoin should arrive a few minutes after your payment is made.

Pros

Easy and fast way to buy bitcoins with cash
Low 1.5% (plus store fee) rate for cash purchase method
Daily $1000 limit is fairly high for a convenience service

Cons

Participating stores add their own variable fee
Some verification is required which lowers the expected privacy level of cash purchase
Attaching your Facebook account further degrades privacy

Ease of Use

Average

Privacy

Average

Speed

Average

Fees

Average

Reputation

Trusted

Limits

Average

Bitcoin ATMs

Coin ATM Radar helps you find Bitcoin ATMs in your area, where you can buy bitcoins with cash and no bank account.

Pros

Our map makes it super easy to find a Bitcoin ATM near you

Cons

Bitcoin ATMs often have 5-10% fees per purchase

On top of the options listed above, it's always possible to buy bitcoin at your local meetup or from a local Bitcoin ATM. Use Coin ATM Radar to find a Bitcoin ATM in your area.

The availability of the services listed above may vary by location.