European Digital Bank Bunq Launches Crypto Services Powered by Kraken

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The landscape of digital banking in Europe is undergoing a transformative shift as Bunq, a leading European neobank, officially launches its long-anticipated cryptocurrency investment service — Bunq Crypto. Announced on April 29, 2025, this new offering enables users to invest in over 300 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL), directly through their everyday banking app. Backed by the robust infrastructure of Kraken, one of the world’s most trusted crypto exchange platforms, Bunq aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital asset investing.

This move positions Bunq at the forefront of financial innovation, responding to growing consumer demand for integrated, user-friendly access to crypto markets — all within a secure and regulated environment.

Bridging Traditional Banking and Digital Assets

For years, consumers have faced a fragmented experience when managing their finances: traditional bank accounts for daily transactions, separate investment platforms for stocks and savings, and entirely different ecosystems — often with complex onboarding — for cryptocurrency trading. Bunq’s latest initiative directly addresses this pain point.

According to internal research conducted by Bunq, approximately 65% of European consumers want a single platform where they can manage their bank accounts, savings, and crypto investments seamlessly. Furthermore, more than 50% of respondents expressed interest in entering the crypto market but cited usability, trust, and platform complexity as significant barriers.

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By integrating crypto functionality directly into its mobile banking interface, Bunq eliminates the need for users to navigate multiple apps or expose themselves to unregulated third-party exchanges. The service leverages Kraken’s secure custody solutions and trading engine, ensuring that users benefit from enterprise-grade security without sacrificing ease of use.

Launch Regions and Supported Cryptocurrencies

Bunq Crypto will initially roll out to customers in six key European markets:

These countries represent a diverse yet financially mature segment of the European population — ideal testing grounds for a pan-European digital finance product. Over time, Bunq plans to expand the service across its entire user base, which spans over 150 nationalities.

The platform supports more than 300 digital assets, giving users broad exposure to the crypto ecosystem. From established giants like Bitcoin and Ethereum to high-potential altcoins such as Solana, Chainlink, and Polygon, investors can diversify their portfolios with just a few taps. Real-time pricing, historical performance charts, and educational tooltips help both novice and experienced investors make informed decisions.

All transactions occur within Bunq’s existing app ecosystem, meaning no additional KYC verification is required beyond what users have already completed during account setup — a major advantage in terms of onboarding speed and user experience.

Security and Compliance: Built on Kraken’s Infrastructure

One of the biggest concerns surrounding retail crypto adoption is security. Many individual investors fall victim to scams, phishing attacks, or poorly secured wallets. By partnering with Kraken, Bunq ensures that user funds are protected using industry-leading protocols.

Kraken provides:

This backend support allows Bunq to focus on delivering a seamless front-end experience while relying on proven infrastructure for asset management and trade execution.

Additionally, all crypto purchases made through Bunq are subject to the same regulatory oversight as other financial products offered by the bank, reinforcing trust among risk-averse consumers who may have previously viewed crypto as too volatile or unregulated.

Why This Matters for the Future of Fintech

Bunq’s integration of cryptocurrency services reflects a broader trend: the convergence of traditional banking and decentralized finance (DeFi). As younger generations increasingly expect financial tools that reflect modern digital lifestyles, banks that fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete.

This launch also signals growing institutional confidence in cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset class. When a regulated European bank like Bunq offers direct access to hundreds of cryptos — powered by a reputable exchange like Kraken — it legitimizes digital assets in the eyes of mainstream investors.

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Moreover, the move could pressure other neobanks and legacy institutions across Europe to follow suit. Competitors like Revolut and N26 have offered limited crypto trading for years, but Bunq’s deep integration with Kraken’s full suite of services may set a new benchmark for functionality, security, and scalability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Bunq Crypto available outside Europe?

A: As of now, Bunq Crypto is only available to users in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Belgium. However, Bunq has indicated plans for broader rollout across its international customer base later in 2025.

Q: Do I need a separate account to use Bunq Crypto?

A: No. The service is fully integrated into the existing Bunq mobile app. If you already have a Bunq account, you can access crypto features without creating a new account or undergoing additional verification.

Q: Are there fees for buying or holding crypto on Bunq?

A: Yes, standard transaction fees apply when purchasing cryptocurrencies. These are competitive with other integrated fintech platforms and displayed transparently before each trade. There are no ongoing custody or storage fees.

Q: Can I withdraw my crypto to an external wallet?

A: Currently, withdrawals to external wallets are not supported at launch. Users can buy, sell, and hold crypto within the Bunq app. Future updates may introduce wallet export functionality depending on regulatory developments.

Q: How does Kraken’s involvement enhance security?

A: Kraken handles all backend operations including custody, trading matching, and settlement. With over a decade of operational history and zero successful hacks on its core systems, Kraken brings proven security infrastructure that protects user assets at scale.

Q: What happens if the price of my crypto drops?

A: Like all investments, cryptocurrency values fluctuate. Bunq does not offer insurance against market losses. However, it provides educational resources and risk warnings to help users understand volatility before investing.

The Road Ahead for Integrated Finance

Bunq’s launch of crypto services marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital banking. It demonstrates that secure, compliant, and user-centric crypto access is not only possible — it’s expected by modern consumers.

As adoption grows, we may see further innovations such as staking rewards, yield-generating savings accounts denominated in stablecoins, or even tokenized deposits — all within regulated banking environments.

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For users eager to explore cryptocurrency without leaving their trusted banking app, Bunq Crypto represents a major step forward. Backed by Kraken’s reliability and Bunq’s customer-first design philosophy, this collaboration sets a strong precedent for how traditional finance can embrace the digital asset revolution responsibly.

With over 65% of Europeans demanding unified financial platforms, the message is clear: the future of money is seamless, secure, and inclusive — and it’s arriving faster than ever.

Core Keywords: digital bank, cryptocurrency service, Bunq Crypto, Kraken, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, European fintech