Buying Bitcoin with ACH transfers for the first time? You’re in good company. ACH is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways for US residents to purchase cryptocurrency directly from a bank account. In 2025, more crypto exchanges and platforms than ever support ACH payments, which means you can buy BTC with ACH without using credit cards or wire transfers. Regardless of whether you’re a complete beginner or simply looking for the best way to buy Bitcoin, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right exchange to fees and security advice.
Buying Bitcoin with ACH: Summary
Why buy Bitcoin with ACH? ACH enables quicker and cheaper transfers compared to traditional wire transfers. There are three well-known options for buying Bitcoin instantly—eToro, Coinbase, and Gemini. The fastest and most affordable option is the former—eToro. Please note that you cannot withdraw your coins directly. You can only sell them back for USD.
If you want a detailed review of how to buy crypto with ACH, including the benefits of ACH and the top exchanges that accept it, keep on reading. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why buy Bitcoin with ACH?
- ACH Fees and Processing Times
- Pros and Cons of Buying Bitcoin with ACH
- Where can you buy Bitcoin with ACH
- Conclusion
1. Why buy Bitcoin with ACH?
ACH (Automated Clearing House) is a US-based electronic bank-to-bank payment network. It’s the same network used for direct deposits, bill payments, etc. When it comes to buying Bitcoin, ACH allows you to directly transfer funds from your savings or checking account to a cryptocurrency exchange—typically at low or zero fees.
Does this mean that you can buy crypto with ACH instantly? While ACH payments are not real-time like card payments, they are reliable and typically settle within 1–5 business days. While most crypto websites require initial verification of your bank account, once set up, further transactions are typically seamless. ACH is especially popular among US users for its blend of affordability and ease of use.
2. ACH Fees and Processing Times
One of the biggest advantages of buying Bitcoin with ACH is that it usually has low costs—or no costs at all. Most US-based exchanges offer free or low-cost ACH transfers, making it a cheap alternative compared to credit cards or PayPal.
With that in mind, the trade-off is processing time. ACH payments aren’t instant. Deposits can take anywhere from 3 to 5 business days to settle fully, though some sites offer instant credit to buy crypto while the funds settle in the background. This enables you to receive your Bitcoin right away, but you might not be able to withdraw it until the ACH deposit is settled.
Do check your exchange’s preferred ACH policies beforehand—some prioritize speed, others security, so there may be slight delays. Please note that weekends and holidays will slow things down, as ACH operates on regular banking hours.
3. Pros and Cons of Buying Bitcoin with ACH
Pros
✅ Low Fees
ACH transfers typically come with very low or even zero fees compared to credit cards or PayPal. This makes it a cost-effective option, especially if you’re planning to buy Bitcoin regularly or in larger amounts.
✅ Bank-Level Security
Since ACH transfers are handled through your bank, you benefit from established banking protections. Most reputable crypto platforms also use encryption and fraud detection systems to keep your transactions secure.
✅ Higher Purchase Limits
ACH-linked accounts often allow for higher daily or weekly limits than credit card purchases, giving you more flexibility if you’re investing a larger sum.
✅ Availability on Major Platforms
Most of the major US-based crypto exchanges support ACH transfers, making it easy to find a platform that suits your preferences and needs.
Cons
❌ Slow Transfer Speeds
ACH transfers can take several business days to fully process—sometimes up to 5 days. This means you might not get instant access to your funds, especially on platforms that don’t allow immediate trading before clearance.
❌ Risk of Reversals
Unlike crypto transactions, ACH transfers can be reversed if there’s a dispute or insufficient funds. This can lead to delays, locked accounts, or even canceled crypto purchases on some platforms.
❌ Limited to US Banks
ACH is a US-specific payment method, which means it’s not available to international users. If you’re outside the US, you’ll need to use alternative payment options to buy cryptocurrency, like wire transfers or credit cards.
❌ Privacy Concerns
Buying Bitcoin with ACH requires linking your bank account and completing KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. This might not appeal to users who prioritize anonymity or privacy.
4. Options for Buying Bitcoin with ACH
Here’s a more detailed look at how to buy BTC with ACH transfer.
eToro
eToro is a trading platform that makes it easy for users to buy and sell Bitcoin (as well as buy other crypto with ACH). It is one of the best ways to buy Bitcoin in the USA, available in almost every US state, and supporting ACH transfers in all regions where it operates. Some states with restrictions include Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Tennessee, and a few others. It’s worth mentioning that US users can only invest in Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum, while customers from other countries can choose from a wider range of cryptocurrencies.
To withdraw your Bitcoin from eToro, you need to first move it to eToro’s wallet, which can take up to 3 days for approval. Because of this, eToro is better for those who want to invest in Bitcoin for profit and plan to convert it to fiat later (e.g., USD). Equally important, there are no deposit fees for ACH transfers with eToro.
How to buy Bitcoin on eToro? Go ahead and explore our eToro review for a complete overview of what eToro offers.
Coinbase
Established in 2012, Coinbase is one of the oldest exchanges around. It has a brokerage service that is more suitable for beginners, but it also has an advanced trading platform called Advanced Trade for more experienced traders.
With Coinbase, ACH transfers are completely free of deposit fees (unlike wire transfers). The transfer typically takes 3–5 business days (which may be as many as 7–10 calendar days, depending on the timing of weekends and other bank holidays) to complete after initiating a purchase.
You may see the funds immediately debited from your bank account when you initiate the transfer, but the funds will not be transferred into your wallet until your payment has finished moving between the banks and has cleared in Coinbase’s bank account.
The main bottleneck is how long it takes your bank account to approve the transaction, as can be seen below:
If you want a detailed review about each service you can read my Coinbase review which includes information about both the brokerage service and trading platform.
Gemini
Gemini, founded in 2014 by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, is one of the leading exchanges for buying Bitcoins in the US.
ACH transfers are completely free of deposit fees on Gemini. Although your bank balance may show your funds have left sooner, it typically takes at least 4-5 business days for a bank to communicate this to Gemini.
If you want a detailed review of Gemini’s trading platform, you can read our Gemini review.
5. Conclusion
While at the moment the range of options for buying bitcoins with ACH transfer is a bit limited, we’re sure that as more exchanges expand into the US, they will also support ACH transfers. For now, the exchanges listed above should give you a good enough solution as all of them are reputable and well-established exchanges.
Pro tip: Looking to buy Bitcoin without verification? We recommend buying crypto using Best Wallet and checking out our guide to the Top No KYC Exchanges.
FAQs
How safe is buying Bitcoin with ACH?
Buying Bitcoin with ACH transfers is generally safe—in particular when using regulated and reputable platforms. Since ACH payments go through your bank, there’s an added layer of security and traceability. Just make sure to enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) and take control of your BTC by transferring it to a personal wallet after purchase.
How long does it take to buy Bitcoin with ACH?
ACH transfers are not instant. It usually takes 3–5 business days for funds to clear into your exchange account, depending on the platform and your bank. Some services may let you lock in the price immediately and release your crypto once the payment’s been cleared.
Do fees apply when buying BTC with ACH?
Fees vary depending on the platform. Some exchanges offer free ACH deposits, while others charge a small percentage. Always review the fee structure of the exchange before making a deposit to avoid surprises.
Can I sell Bitcoin and withdraw to my bank using ACH?
Yes. Most exchanges that accept ACH for deposits also support ACH for withdrawals. You can sell your Bitcoin on the platform and send the USD (or any other fiat currency) directly back to your linked bank account.
What’s the best exchange for buying Bitcoin with ACH?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying crypto with ACH—it depends on your needs and requirements. Our top picks are eToro, Coinbase, and Gemini.
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