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 logo
    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 exchange logo
    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.

LibertyXLibertyX

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
  • The daily $1,000 limit is fairly high for a convenience service
Cons
  • Participating stores add their own fee
  • Some verification is required which lowers the expected privacy level of cash purchase
  • Attaching your Facebook account further degrades privacy
ease icon
Ease of Use
Average
privacy icon
Privacy
Average
speed icon
Speed
Average
fees icon
Fees
Average
reputation icon
Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
Average

Bitcoin ATMsBitcoin ATMs

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

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(1) or from a local Bitcoin ATM.(2) Use our Bitcoin ATM finder to find a Bitcoin ATM in your area.

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

Article Sources

BuyBitcoinWorldWide writers are subject-matter experts and base their articles on firsthand information, like interviews with experts, white papers or original studies and experience. We also use trusted research and studies from other well-known sources. You can learn more about our editorial guidelines.

  1. Meetup.com - Bitcoin Meetups, http://bitcoin.meetup.com/
  2. Wikipedia - Bitcoin ATM, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin_ATM

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