A decade ago, when cryptocurrencies were slowly gaining momentum, it seemed unlikely that they would ever be recognized by major financial institutions. Yet today, with the market capitalization of crypto surpassing $1 trillion, banks around the world are beginning to embrace this innovative form of payment. In the United States, more organizations each year accept Bitcoin, while institutions like Bank of America and J.P. Morgan already offer crypto-related products to clients. Businesses don’t even need a traditional bank account to accept crypto, as they can use services such as NOWPayments to handle transactions directly.
Still, not every bank is ready to join the trend and accept Bitcoin transactions. Much of the hesitation comes from unclear regulations since the U.S. lacks a unified framework governing cryptocurrencies. This regulatory uncertainty has left some financial institutions wary of diving into cryptocurrency payments. Encouragingly, some states are stepping forward to provide clarity. For example, Wyoming became the first state to establish a state-chartered depository institution serving blockchain businesses. As more regions adopt similar frameworks, it’s likely that banks will become more comfortable with Bitcoin and accept crypto services more widely in the near future.
That said, several forward-looking institutions have already taken the lead. Below is a list of the best crypto-friendly American banks in 2024 that are actively developing products or infrastructure to support digital assets:
- Bank of America
- J.P. Morgan
- Goldman Sachs
- Silicon Valley Bank
- Commercium
- Anchorage
- Avanti
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the largesttraditional bank institutions in the U.S., serving millions of retail and institutional clients across the country and worldwide. While it does not yet offer direct crypto trading like a typical crypto exchange, the bank has made strides in blockchain research, patents, and partnerships with fintechs. Its reputation as one of the best banks in America has made its every step into digital assets closely watched by both Wall Street and crypto startup communities. By 2024, Bank of America is often cited as one of the best crypto-friendly banks exploring crypto services without fully leaving its traditional bank roots.
Supported assets. Bank of America does not allow clients to buy or sell crypto assets online directly through retail accounts, but it provides research and market analysis covering Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins. These insights show the bank’s willingness to support crypto in its operation even if it does not yet accept crypto payments. The bank’s analysts follow the market closely, treating digital currencies as an important new asset class alongside usd and equities. This makes it a crypto-friendly financial institution for investors who want trusted information about crypto purchases and crypto transactions.
Range of crypto services. Bank of America has developed blockchain software and filed patents for systems that could improve integration with crypto exchanges and other financial infrastructure. Although it does not yet offer direct crypto trading, it provides custody solutions and market access for institutional clients, making it one of the crypto-friendly banks in the us. By focusing on research and back-end crypto services, the bank has become a friendly partner for enterprises exploring crypto payment systems. In 2024, it remains one of the best options for institutions that want exposure to crypto assets without relying solely on a crypto bank or smaller provider.
Regulatory positioning. Like other banks that make it easy to experiment with blockchain, Bank of America is cautious in how it approaches law and compliance. As a national bank in the USA, it follows federal rules while also paying attention to state frameworks such as those in Wyoming, where banks like Avanti and Protego received a charter to offer crypto services. Bank of America has not rushed to adopt direct trading but instead aligns itself with regulators, ensuring it can scale its operation without risk. This careful approach has made it one of the best crypto-friendly yet cautious banks in the US, balancing innovation with regulatory stability.
J.P. Morgan
J.P. Morgan is one of the biggest traditional bank institutions in the U.S., known worldwide for its leadership in finance and innovation. Over the past few years, it has become one of the best crypto-friendly banks in the US, developing its own blockchain platforms and digital currency initiatives. The bank is especially famous for JPM Coin, which shows its commitment to experimenting with crypto assets while serving large corporate and institutional clients.
Supported assets. J.P. Morgan does not yet allow retail clients to buy or sell crypto directly, but it offers exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins through investment products and funds. The bank’s analysts also publish in-depth reports on the market, treating digital assets as an important class alongside equities and usd. Its support for crypto is most visible in institutional products, making it one of the banks that make it easy for big clients to understand and allocate to digital currency. With continued growth, it is positioned as a cryptocurrency-friendly bank in the US for investors who want indirect access.
Range of crypto services. J.P. Morgan provides custody, settlement, and blockchain-powered payment rails, setting it apart from many other traditional banks. Its development of JPM Coin and the Onyx blockchain platform shows its willingness to accept innovation and lead in back-end crypto services. While it does not yet offer direct crypto trading for retail customers, its infrastructure helps institutional clients manage crypto transactions efficiently. This mix of conservative retail policy with advanced enterprise solutions makes it one of the best crypto-friendly options among major companies in finance.
Regulatory positioning. As one of the largest banks in the US, J.P. Morgan operates within a strict regulatory framework at both the national and state level. It works closely with regulators to ensure that any crypto services comply fully with law, avoiding risks that smaller crypto banks may face. Unlike providers in Wyoming such as Avanti or Protego, J.P. Morgan has not sought a special charter, preferring to keep its operation under existing banking rules. This strategy allows it to remain a crypto-friendly financial institution without overexposing itself, showing why it is considered one of the best banks balancing tradition and innovation.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs is a leading American investment bank and one of the most influential traditional banks in the global financial market. Known for its focus on high-value institutional clients, the firm has gradually become recognized as one of the top crypto-friendly financial institutions in the USA. After initially expressing skepticism, Goldman Sachs has made steady progress, relaunching its crypto trading desk and offering new crypto services to clients. By 2024, it is widely considered one of the best crypto-friendly banks in the US, bridging the gap between Wall Street and the fast-growing world of crypto assets.
Supported assets. Goldman Sachs supports exposure to major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum through derivatives and structured investment products. While it does not yet let retail clients buy or sell crypto directly, its support for crypto has expanded into futures, options, and other market vehicles. The bank treats these digital coins as part of an emerging asset class, giving its clients an edge in diversifying portfolios. This makes Goldman Sachs a cryptocurrency-friendly bank in the US for those who want crypto transactions alongside traditional equities and USD.
Range of crypto services. The bank has relaunched its crypto trading desk, focusing on Bitcoin derivatives, and continues to explore integration with crypto exchanges. Its services are designed for institutional investors seeking secure and regulated access to crypto markets, rather than retail. Beyond trading, Goldman Sachs also offers custody partnerships and market research, showing its willingness to accept digital assets as part of modern finance. These moves underline why Goldman Sachs is considered one of the best options for large clients interested in crypto services from a trusted traditional bank.
Regulatory positioning. Goldman Sachs takes a cautious approach, ensuring its operation remains compliant with US law and international regulations. It does not hold a charter like specialized banks in Wyoming such as Avanti or Protego, but instead works within existing national frameworks. This strategy allows the firm to accept crypto in a controlled manner while minimizing risks to its broader business. Its careful stance positions Goldman Sachs as a crypto-friendly bank that balances innovation with stability, offering reassurance to both regulators and clients.
Silicon Valley Bank
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) built its reputation as a traditional bank serving tech startups, venture capital firms, and crypto startups in the USA. Before its collapse in 2023 and subsequent restructuring, it was recognized as one of the crypto-friendly financial institutions in the country, providing banking services to blockchain businesses that many larger banks avoided. SVB supported innovation in the market by offering accounts, credit, and treasury management to firms dealing with crypto assets. Its role made it a key player in the early development of cryptocurrency-friendly banks in the US, even if its later troubles reshaped how the sector views risk.
Supported assets. SVB did not offer direct crypto trading or let clients buy or sell coins like a crypto exchange, but it provided indirect exposure to crypto assets. The bank worked with institutional clients and crypto startups, supporting companies building around Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. This indirect support for crypto helped businesses that wanted to operate in a traditional bank setting while handling digital currency. As one of the banks that make it easy for startups, SVB was often listed among crypto-friendly banks in the US.
Range of crypto services. SVB offered deposit accounts, lending, and treasury management for crypto companies, filling a gap that many traditional banks left open. It did not offer direct crypto trading, but it provided financial services critical for companies managing crypto transactions and income. By being willing to accept these businesses as clients, SVB acted as a friendly bridge between startups and the regulated banking system.
Regulatory positioning. As a bank in the US, SVB operated under federal regulation but often worked closely with state authorities to remain compliant while banking high-risk sectors. Unlike Wyoming banks such as Avanti or Protego, SVB did not hold a special charter for blockchain, but it was among the first traditional banks willing to work with crypto startups. Its operation showed that even without a dedicated crypto bank license, a large institution could still support crypto businesses responsibly. Today, its legacy remains an example of both the potential and risks of being one of the best crypto-friendly banks near the tech sector.
Commercium
Commercium is a U.S. bank based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, that has obtained a Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) charter to provide services related to digital assets. It is part of the effort to bridge traditional banking with blockchain and tokenization, aiming to offer services that handle both fiat and crypto under a regulated framework. The institution is being built by the fintech firm 10XTS, combining banking know-how with blockchain technology. As of now, it is in the process of becoming fully operational, pending regulatory and operational milestones.
Supported assets. Commercium is authorized by its SPDI charter to custody public network-based cryptocurrencies alongside fiat, which means that digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum may be supported for storage and management. However, it is not yet confirmed whether they will allow retail clients to trade or buy/sell crypto assets directly. The bank also intends to support tokenized assets and securities, expanding beyond simple coin custody.
Range of crypto services. Commercium aims to offer not only storage or custody of digital currencies, but also services involving tokenization of assets and digital securities, which are more advanced crypto-services than many banks currently provide. The plan includes integrating traditional banking functions such as checking and savings accounts alongside digital asset products. Since SPDI banks cannot lend under current Wyoming rules, Commercium’s offerings will not include lending on crypto deposits, but will focus on custody, asset tokenization, regulatory compliance, and fiduciary services. It is designed to serve both individuals and businesses seeking regulated access to digital asset banking.
Regulatory positioning. Commercium operates under Wyoming’s SPDI framework, which is one of the most forward-looking regulatory regimes in the U.S. for digital asset banking. The special purpose depository institution charter gives it authority to custody crypto assets and tokenized securities, provided it follows strict compliance and reserve requirements. These reserve rules require that deposits are held 100% backed rather than being lent out, which reduces certain financial risks.
Anchorage
Anchorage Digital is a U.S.-based digital asset platform, founded in 2017, that serves institutional clients with custody, trading, settlement, staking, and other infrastructure for cryptocurrencies. It includes Anchorage Digital Bank N.A., which in 2021 became the first federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S., regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The company supports a wide range of crypto tokens, offers services globally, and has become known for strong security, regulatory compliance, and innovation in crypto banking.
Supported assets. Anchorage Digital supports over 400 digital assets that have passed its rigorous standards for safety, quality, and institutional viability. These include blockchains and tokens such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Aptos, Solana, and many others that institutions frequently request. The platform adds new assets regularly based on client demand and legal/regulatory suitability. Because of its role as custodian, Anchorage ensures assets are stored under high security and audited frameworks.
Range of crypto services. Anchorage offers a complete suite of services for institutions: custody, on-chain settlement (via its Atlas settlement network), trading, staking rewards, and stablecoin issuance. Its “Prime” service is designed for institutional trading with deep liquidity, margin, OTC derivatives and algorithmic execution tools. For clients needing control, Anchorage also provides “Porto” self-custody for certain supported tokens and chains, giving more flexibility in how assets are held. It also offers stablecoin earning or rewards programs and operates governance and DeFi access through its secure infrastructure
Regulatory positioning. Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. is federally chartered in the U.S. under the OCC, making it the only crypto bank with that status, giving it qualified custodian credentials. It is also GENIUS-compliant for stablecoin issuance via its partnership with Ethena Labs, aligning its stablecoin operations with newly clarified U.S. regulatory standards. Anchorage holds BitLicense in New York through a subsidiary, and operates in multiple jurisdictions with appropriate licenses to serve global institutional clients. Past regulatory challenges have been addressed, with oversight and remediation in place.
Avanti
Avanti Financial Group (also known as Custodia Bank) is a Wyoming-based bank chartered in 2020 under the state’s Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) laws. Its mission is to provide regulated banking infrastructure for institutional customers working with crypto assets, including custody, digital payments, and tokenized dollar-products. Although Avanti has not yet fully launched all its services (it is still working through regulatory and operational approvals), it is widely recognized as one of the forward-looking crypto-friendly banks in the US. Because of its charter and oversight, it aims to bridge the gap between fiat banking and digital asset finance.
Supported assets. Avanti is authorized to act as a qualified custodian for digital assets, meaning it can custody cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other public-network tokens that meet its institutional standards. It also intends to support tokenized assets, plus dollar-denominated products such as its planned tokenized USD (Avit). However, as of 2024-2025, it has not broadly enabled retail crypto trading or direct purchases of coins by ordinary consumers. The bank places emphasis on high security and compliance when adding assets, ensuring only those with clear legal and technical robustness are supported.
Range of crypto services. Avanti plans to offer a suite of crypto services focused on institutional clients: this includes digital-asset custody, API-based banking, and real-time settlement solutions. One of its signature products under development is Avit, a tokenized US dollar payment instrument intended to provide programmable payments and instant settlement without the delays or chargeback issues of traditional systems. It also intends to provide business deposit accounts that are fiat, but fully reserved, with rigorous compliance (KYC/AML) processes. Avanti has indicated that its services will support “digital-asset banks” or crypto transactions for firms who need stable, compliant infrastructure.
Regulatory positioning. Avanti operates under Wyoming’s SPDI law, which is among the most progressive crypto-banking regimes in the U.S., allowing the institution to custody digital assets under strict regulatory oversight. It is required to hold 100% reserves on fiat deposits and comply with state and federal rules such as the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Avanti has also applied for master account access with the Federal Reserve, though as of yet, its application has not been completed.
How to open Bitcoin bank account
In order to open a bank account with one of the aforementioned institutions that are considered crypto-friendly banks in the USA by 2025, you need to fill out a form available on their respective official websites. It is important to note that all of these banks are subject to the regulations and laws of the United States, which means they all require you to undergo a Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure to verify your identity and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Additionally, to start using their services, you will often need to deposit a substantial sum of money, which can vary depending on the specific bank and the type of account you wish to open. This initial deposit is typically a prerequisite for accessing the full range of banking services that cater to cryptocurrency transactions and investments.
How to accept Bitcoin without a bank account
Nevertheless, there are solutions on the market that let businesses negate any kind of financial barriers to entry and begin accepting cryptocurrencies without paying any money upfront. One prominent option is NOWPayments, a service that provides effective solutions for deploying crypto payment gateways for any company interested in accepting cryptocurrency. This platform offers versatile tools, allowing users to create crypto invoices or special plugins compatible with various e-commerce platforms, including WooCommerce. Additionally, businesses can accept donations through user-friendly widgets, buttons, or links. What sets NOWPayments apart from traditional banks is that it does not store your funds in its accounts; instead, it processes payments instantly, providing a seamless experience for both merchants and customers. As the landscape of finance continues to evolve, services like NOWPayments are crucial for businesses looking to thrive in the crypto-friendly banking environment projected for the USA in 2025.
Conclusion
The list of banks that accept Bitcoin is constantly growing, reflecting a significant shift in the financial landscape as both innovative fintech banks and traditional legacy institutions are entering the race for crypto clients. This trend is particularly notable as we look ahead to 2025, when the demand for crypto-friendly banking options is expected to rise dramatically. However, despite this increasing acceptance, it is important to note that thanks to blockchain technology, there is no longer a necessity for businesses and individuals to set up an account with banks in order to accept cryptocurrencies. Instead, they can easily manage transactions by utilizing services such as NOWPayments, which enable them to accept crypto payments and donations seamlessly, allowing for a more flexible and accessible approach to dealing with digital currencies.