How to Buy Bitcoin in the Netherlands

To date, the crypto market in the Netherlands is estimated at US$67.6 in 2025, and the reference income - US$381.2. The number of crypto users in the Netherlands is around 5.64 million. Buying bitcoin in the Netherlands will be seamless in 2025. This guide will explain the easiest way to buy Bitcoin, highlight some popular apps you can use and show how to buy Bitcoin via the banking system.

What is the easiest way to buy Bitcoin in the Netherlands?

The easiest way to buy bitcoin in the Netherlands is to use trusted cryptocurrency exchanges or broker that supports Dutch payment methods. In practice, most people simply use an account on a regulated platform, deposit euros from their bank and buy bitcoin from there.

A key factor is the use of iDEAL - the popular Dutch instant online banking system - which makes funding your crypto account quick and fee-free. To sum up, any payment method can be used if everything's done correctly.

Register on a cryptocurrency platform

Choose a trusted payment method/site that operates in the Netherlands (for example, Bitvavo or Coinbase) and create an account. You'll need to go through a standard KYC process, as cryptocurrency exchanges registered in the Netherlands must follow anti-money laundering rules.

Use iDEAL or a SEPA bank transfer to fund your account with euros

iDEAL is the easiest option for Dutch banks: you choose your bank on the exchange site, log in with your credentials and confirm the transfer. (With a regular SEPA transfer, you may have to wait a few hours or a day for the funds to arrive).

Buy bitcoin

Once your Euro balance is available on the platform, select bitcoin and choose the amount you wish to buy. The platform will display the price. If you're happy with the price, confirm the purchase. Bitcoin will appear in your account balance instantly.

For completeness, you could also buy Bitcoin in person using a Bitcoin ATM payment method in the Netherlands. These are machines that accept cash and transfer first digital currency to your wallet. However, ATMs tend to charge high fees (often 5–10% per transaction)​, so most beginners find online exchanges to be cheaper and more convenient. Now, which app or platform should you use? Let’s compare a few popular bitcoin buying apps available in the Netherlands.

What app can I use to buy Bitcoin in the Netherlands?

Bitvavo

A Dutch crypto exchange based in Amsterdam, known for its low fees and ease of use. This payment method supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies. You can deposit funds/euros with iDEAL at no extra charge, and trading fees are very low (around 0.25% or less). Bitvavo is registered with the Dutch Central Bank (DNB), which adds to its trustworthiness.

Pros: Low trading fees, instant euro deposits, beginner-friendly interface, wide selection of coins. Cons: Focuses on basic buying/selling - lacks advanced trading features (not an issue for most beginners).

Coinbase

A globally popular crypto exchange that is also available to Dutch users. Coinbase offers one of the most user-friendly applications for buying bitcoin. You can fund your account via SEPA transfer or iDEAL payment method (Coinbase received DNB registration in 2022, allowing it to serve Dutch customers). Its security and reputation are excellent.

Pros: Extremely easy to use; highly trusted international platform; supports many major cryptocurrencies. Cons: Higher fees on the standard Coinbase platform - you may pay ~1.5% per purchase, which is higher than Bitvavo or Kraken.

Kraken

One of the largest crypto exchanges in Europe, known for strong security and low trading costs. Kraken is fully operational in the Netherlands (it is also registered with DNB) and allows deposit eur via bank transfer. The interface is a little more advanced, but they also offer a straightforward purchase option.

Pros: Very low competitive fees (around 0.1-0.26% per trade), excellent security record and a good range of digital assets. Cons: The platform can feel technical for first-time users, and unlike Bitvavo or Coinbase, it doesn't support iDEAL payment method directly (you'd use a standard SEPA transfer instead).

Binance was also a popular exchange, but it stopped serving Dutch customers in 2023 after failing to obtain a DNB licence. As of 2025, Binance will no longer be an option in the Netherlands. Next, let's see how you can use your Dutch bank account to facilitate a bitcoin purchase.

How can I buy Bitcoin through bank transfer in the Netherlands?

While Dutch banks themselves (e.g. ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) do not sell cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, directly to customers, they do allow you to send money to crypto exchanges that are registered and compliant. In other words, you buying or selling bitcoin within the banking app or similar payment method is not allowed in the Netherlands. However, you can use the bank account and your debit card as a payment method to make a bank transfer and get bitcoin.

To do this, you simply transfer money to the exchange and use that money to buy bitcoin. Start by initiating a payment to your exchange (via iDEAL or a SEPA transfer) through the platform's app or website. Then authorise the transaction using your online banking.

Most people choose iDEAL payment method for almost instant funding, while a standard SEPA bank transfer may take a little longer. Once the euros appear in the exchange account, you can buy bitcoin with them as described above. All major Dutch banks (e.g. ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) support transfers to licensed crypto exchanges, as long as the exchange is registered with the authorities.

For example, you cannot buy bitcoin directly through ING, but you can bank transfer funds from your ING bank account to your Bitvavo or Coinbase account and then buy bitcoin. The process will look to your bank like you're sending money to any other recipient. (If you are sending a very large amount, the bank may ask you to confirm the purpose for routine security reasons, but crypto transactions are allowed.)

Is it legal to buy Bitcoin in the Netherlands?

Yes, it is legal to buy and own bitcoin in the Netherlands. There is no law prohibiting cryptocurrencies - they are treated as assets under Dutch and EU law. However, there are regulations in the Netherlands to protect consumers and enforce financial security rules. Here are the key points about the regulatory environment in 2025:

Regulation and KYC/AML

Crypto exchanges in the Netherlands must register with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Act (Wwft).

This means that if you use a Dutch crypto platform, you will have to verify your identity and the platform will monitor transactions for unusual activity. KYC checks and anti-money laundering measures are normal - any regulated exchange will ask for your ID. This is to prevent criminal abuse of crypto services and to keep the market transparent.

Consumer protection

Remember that crypto is not legal tender and is not covered by bank deposit insurance in the Netherlands. If an exchange goes bankrupt or you lose access to your crypto, there's no government guarantee to reimburse you.

That's why it's important to use secure, registered exchanges, and to consider moving your coins into a personal wallet if you're holding them for the long term. Dutch regulators monitor the industry and can take action against exchanges that don't play by the rules. Using a registered platform and following security best practices (such as 2FA) are the best ways to protect yourself.

2025 laws and updates

The Netherlands follows European Union regulations. In 2024, the EU will introduce MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), which will bring clearer guidelines and stronger consumer protection.

The Netherlands, as a member of the EU, will apply these rules. In principle, bitcoin will be treated as a legitimate asset, but you will need to use regulated services and be aware of the risks.

Also remember that bitcoin is taxable in the Netherlands - it's treated as part of your assets, so you may need to declare your crypto holdings (in Box 3 for wealth tax purposes) if they exceed certain thresholds.

Conclusion

In summary, buying bitcoin in the Netherlands is perfectly legal, as long as you choose the proper payment method. For newcomers, the advice is to stick to well-known regulated exchanges, follow their verification procedures and be aware of the risks (crypto prices can be volatile).

Using exchanges that follow Dutch/EU laws - you'll recognize them because they ask for ID and provide risk warnings - is the safest way to proceed.