How to Buy Bitcoin & Crypto with AJ Bell

Key Takeaway: AJ Bell does not offer direct cryptocurrency trading to its clients. Users wanting to buy crypto can instead transfer funds to crypto exchanges registered with the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). 

eToro is an FCA-registered exchange that provides access to over 70 cryptocurrencies alongside traditional investment products like stocks and ETFs. GBP deposits can be quickly made using bank transfers, Faster Payments, or debit cards.

Best FCA-Registered Exchange in the UK

UK's Most Trusted Exchange, Used by Over 35 Million Traders Worldwide

Trade 70+ Crypto Assets, 7,000 Stocks, ETFs and More with Industry-Leading Fees

Fast GBP Deposits and Withdrawals with Easy Crypto Purchases Directly from All UK Banks

Sign Up

Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest.

How to Buy Bitcoin with AJ Bell

AJ Bell does not support direct cryptocurrency trading or investment through its platform. Customers who wish to buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin must first deposit funds into a crypto exchange registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

For investors seeking a comprehensive crypto trading experience, eToro is recommended. As an FCA-registered platform, eToro provides investors with more than 70 cryptocurrencies, competitive fees, and straightforward GBP deposit methods.

AJ Bell customers can follow these steps to buy Bitcoin with eToro:

1. Sign Up: Go to eToro’s official website and select the "Join Now" button. You’ll need to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to verify your account.
2. Deposit Funds: After verification, log in to your eToro account, click on "Deposit Funds," choose your preferred currency, and fund your account via bank transfer, Faster Payments, or debit card.
3. Search for Bitcoin: Once your deposit clears, navigate to the search bar on eToro and type "Bitcoin" or use the ticker symbol "BTC."
4. Buy Bitcoin: Enter the amount you want to invest, confirm the details carefully, then click to finalise your secure Bitcoin purchase.

Crypto Trading Fees

AJ Bell customers interested in cryptocurrency trading must transfer their funds to external exchanges like eToro. Here’s a quick summary of eToro’s fees:

• Trading Fees: eToro charges a 1% fee for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. This fee is already factored into the displayed transaction price before executing a trade.
• Market Spread: eToro's pricing structure includes the trading fee upfront, eliminating the uncertainty of variable spreads. Market volatility affects crypto asset values naturally, but investors avoid hidden fees or inflated spreads with eToro.
• Withdrawal Fees: GBP withdrawals to your UK bank account from eToro incur no additional fees, keeping costs transparent and predictable.

With upfront, clear fees and no hidden withdrawal charges, eToro provides AJ Bell investors with an effective and reliable option.

Best GBP Deposit Methods for AJ Bell

For AJ Bell customers looking to buy crypto, eToro offers reliable GBP deposit options, ensuring a convenient investment experience:

• Debit Card Deposits: Investors can instantly and securely deposit GBP via their debit cards. This straightforward method facilitates rapid transfers up to approximately £30,000 per transaction.
• Faster Payments Transfers: GBP deposits using the Faster Payments system reach your eToro account swiftly, typically within minutes. This method incurs no extra fees.
• eToro Money Service: For larger deposit amounts, investors can use the eToro Money service, tailored specifically for substantial GBP deposits, accommodating transactions of up to £400,000.

When it's time to sell your crypto and withdraw funds back to your UK bank account, eToro streamlines the process with no hidden fees, ensuring quick and transparent access to your money.

What is AJ Bell?

AJ Bell is one of the UK’s leading self-directed investment platforms. It was founded in Manchester in 1995 by Andrew James Bell and Nicholas Littlefair, and it is now an FTSE 250-listed public company. The platform reported over £95 billion in assets under administration and a client base exceeding 560,000, up around 16% from the previous year.

It serves both retail investors and financial advisers with a wide range of account types, including SIPPs, ISAs, SSAS, and general investment accounts, across its brands: AJ Bell (D2C), AJ Bell Investcentre (adviser-led), AJ Bell Platinum, AJ Bell Securities, and AJ Bell Dodl.

Conclusion

While AJ Bell doesn’t directly support cryptocurrency investments, investors still have straightforward paths to crypto markets through FCA-regulated platforms like eToro. 

By using clear and transparent exchanges, AJ Bell clients can easily manage their crypto portfolios alongside traditional investments. Always select a trusted, FCA-registered exchange to ensure security, transparency, and efficient GBP transactions, making your crypto investment journey smoother and more secure.